WHAT DO CHOIR MEMBERS SAY?

If you’re not sure why you should join Break Out Voices, please have a read of some choir testimonials…

“I’ve been part of BOV for several years now and I can honestly say it’s one of the high points of my week! Singing with Kate and the choir is joyful, uplifting and so much fun. Everyone is so friendly and I have made new friendships as well as enjoying the performances we do at different community events.” BOV Choir Member

“When I joined BoV it was the first thing I’d committed to regularly since the birth of my daughter. I had lost any sense of myself outside of work and the home. I had always played an instrument and lost contact with making music, with the pressures of adulthood. The choir lit a pilot light inside me, reminding me of the joy and unity of creating sound with others. The physical and mental benefits of singing in a choir are well documented. I can attest to them too. I have been through real highs and lows with the choir, I have made friends for life, I have felt the warmth and spirit of being part of a collective, and have enjoyed leaving the house at 7.15pm on Tuesdays for the past 5 years. Kate is an amazing, vibrant leader and being in her choir has been a privilege.” BOV Choir Member

“In Break Out Voices (BOV) I have found a joyful and welcoming outlet for my natural exuberance. I’ve been a choir member for three and a half years and love the uplifting and healing qualities that singing brings. I’m constantly amazed by the diversity of talent, achievement and life experience that we have within choir and feel a real sense of belonging and family. The catalyst for our high quality of performance is Kate - an inspirational leader, force of nature and source of boundless energy and fun. Our links to our local community are clear - we perform locally and regularly and accessibility to membership is for all. I cannot imagine how much poorer my life would be without the vital ingredient of choir.” BOV Choir Member

“Being in Break Out Voices has brought so much joy to my life in the few short months I’ve been in it. As someone who struggles with anxiety and finds it hard to relax, the choir gives me something else to focus on. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of nailing a piece of music and hearing all our parts come together in beautiful unison. I find myself practicing the songs in woods, parks and at home and my confidence to perform and sing up is growing by the week. The people in the choir are so welcoming and friendly and I feel very lucky and proud to be part of such a brilliant group of people, especially when you see the look of enjoyment on our audiences’ faces. There is something particularly special about Kate and this choir.” BOV Choir Member

“Kate's choir is simply a joyful place to be and a highlight of my week. Break Out Voices isn't your average choir; it's so welcoming, unpretentious, energising, and never boring. I'm not sure how she does it but Kate works so hard to make it brilliant fun while keeping us focused, always with a twinkle in her eye, working her magic to have us singing wonderful, original arrangements that are just the right level of challenging. I love the sense of connection, contentment and achievement I get from singing with the choir, it feels like something humans were meant to do - it's good for the soul.  Kate has created a safe space for anyone looking for community, togetherness and the joy of music.” BOV Choir Member

“I have been attending Break Out Voices choir for more than 6 years now. There have been times that I’ve literally dragged myself out of the house because of exhaustion or low mood. But I know that it’s the one thing in my week that is guaranteed to make me feel better. It’s a joyous occasion: the laughter, the sense of togetherness and support, the achievement and, oh my, the feeling of communal singing that can raise even the lowest if spirits.” BOV Choir Member

“Kate is an inspiring teacher. Her passion and commitment shines through and her patience knows no bounds. I’ve learnt such a lot - as someone who never played an instrument, read music or thought of herself as musical - there is a lot to learn. But natural ability or aptitude has never been a barrier to anyone joining the choir. We are never made to feel inadequate or criticised - just encouraged and part of something that had become the highlight of my week.” BOV Choir Member

“Kate’s love of music and singing is infectious and she brings so much positive energy to her teaching. It’s always fun and enjoyable despite the fact that she does teach us some very ambitious and challenging arrangements!  We always nail it eventually.” BOV Choir Member

“Singing with BOV after a busy day at work has a big impact on my well being and mental health. I always leave the sessions feeling uplifted, relaxed and happy. Thank you Kate for bringing singing into my life!” BOV Choir Member

“There is something wonderful about collectively making music in a choir and Kate is a master at facilitating this act. Her boundless energy, positivity and enthusiasm is contagious and has made her first choir a seedbed of friendships and community. It’s also fantastic fun to perform Kate’s original arrangements and mash ups of modern music!” BOV Choir Member

“Moving in to Bristol ten years ago, Kate’s choir was/is a fantastic platform for me to meet and befriend local people. With her support and encouragement, I have graduated from a shy and retiring singer to a lover of performance! I enjoy watching new choir members migrating from the back to the front rows, as their confidence grows over the sessions.” BOV Choir Member

“Having left my last job because of stress, joining choir has been a huge part of my recovery and is helping me reach “Phoenix mode” quicker than anticipated. It provides me with a huge amount of joy and a sense of community.” BOV Choir Member

“I joined choir Autumn 2019 when my children were still so little, and I needed something outside of work and motherhood. Since then being in Break Out Voices has given me all I needed and more - new friendships, a renewed love for learning music, a fantastic community, the confidence to sing and perform, and some fantastic trips away with a bunch of warm and friendly folks. Thank goodness for BOV!!!” BOV Choir Member

“Kate and Break Out Voices has been everything I've wanted from a choir. Joining the choir was a little nerve wracking after not singing for many years, but Kate's process and set up is so easy and incredibly welcoming. Kate's song choices are always contemporary and a lot of fun to sing. Her arrangements are fantastic and give every part a chance to shine. The choir's culture is truly amazing. Everyone is so lovely, it's very inclusive and there's a real team mentality. You feel part of a community and get such a warm welcome every week. A hugely social and friendly culture, and that all stems from Kate.” BOV Choir Member

“Being in Break Out Voices with Kate is joyous! There is no audition, and it never feels scary - the choir are so welcoming, and we have fun rehearsing every week. Kate is creative, funny and full of energy so makes every session great. It's been really helpful for my own well-being, and I've met some lovely people. Definitely recommend!” BOV Choir Member

“I have been in Kate's Break Out voices choir for over 2 years. Kate is very professional in what she does, but also makes sure it is about having fun. We love the themed song 'mash ups', which she creates, which are very clever. Communication about events and practice materials are always spot on. Kate makes everyone feel welcome and important in the choir. You come away from practice and performances feeling uplifted and happy. Love this choir.” BOV Choir Member