“I have enjoyed singing from an early age and have been involved with choirs and musical groups throughout my schooldays (both as a pupil and a teacher). Away from work I spent several years with Nottingham Operatic Society and more lately, Nottingham Festival Opera and Saturday Singers. For me, the pleasure that singing in a choir brings is enhanced by the number of singers performing. Consequently, I was looking for a large choir and Carlton was my ideal choice. It is hard to beat the sheer excitement and exhilaration you experience when you are standing amongst 80+ voices hitting the final chords of songs such as ‘Nessun Dorma’ or ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’! Joining the choir in May 2010 was easy as everyone I came into contact with was so friendly and welcoming. I was introduced to a ‘mentor’ who helped me (and still does) to get to know about life in the choir, where to get music from, what to wear at concerts and many others useful pieces of information. All this helps a newcomer to feel ‘at home’ very quickly. Rehearsals are challenging, enjoyable and fun but performing takes you to ‘another level’. Whether you have sung before or not, Carlton Male Voice Choir could be just the place for you to open up a whole new chapter in your life. So give it a try. I thoroughly recommend it!”
Geoff Stobbs, Baritone
“I had never sung with a male voice choir before joining Carlton but have been involved with church choirs, amateur operatics and secular choirs. It was a little strange at first but I was and still am struck by the warmth of welcome and caring that I have found. I was immediately accepted into the choir and have felt really at home and a part of things.”
Norman Skelley, Second Tenor
“For ‘Third Agers’ many of the suitable hobbies on offer are experienced in solitude but singing, I have found, is an exception. The joy of singing is realised literally in concert with the thrilling combination of male voices in harmony and the discipline of a public performance. Add to that the glow of friendship that pervades a male voice choir such as Carlton and what more fulfilling hobby could one hope to find?!”
John Starkey, Bass
“Music has always played a big part in my life. I had voice training from the age of twelve and was Head Chorister at my local church. Later, I sang for many years on the club circuit, only giving it up because of work commitments. Last year, John, a fellow chorister in the church choir, persuaded me to come along and try Carlton. I had never really heard a male voice choir and had no idea what to expect. I was assigned to a mentor, which was a great help, in spite of all my experience as a solo singer. John had promised that I’d be made welcome, which was a bit of an understatement to say the least! Everybody was fantastic; in addition to the singing Rose and I have been along to a number of very enjoyable social events and we’ve found it so easy to make new friends. Most of all though I enjoy rehearsals and particularly each concert when that big united sound all comes together. I’m really pleased I was invited to Carlton and would urge others to simply come along and find out for themselves. There’s an old saying, ‘Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it.’ I did and it’s great!”
Terry Gray, 1st Tenor
