TUNEFUL people with a passion for singing are being given the chance to train their voices professionally with the help of a popular choir.

The Tyndale Choral Society, in Dursley, is eager to recruit some enthusiastic singers to add to its highly regarded group. To do this they are offering anyone with an interest in singing the chance to have professional voice coaching and sheet music reading.

The Absolute Beginners Class (ABC) is for anyone who thinks they might like to sing in a choir but hasn't got any experience.

Julia O’Connor-Beach, a member of the choir for over five years, was worried that she would not be good enough to join the society, which is renowned for its professional sound, but said she has found the experience “completely exhilarating”.

“I can’t begin to tell you what it feels like to sing such music in a chorus; for me, it is a dream come true. I thought before I joined that I lacked the skills to read music adequately and that I would never get an audition for any choral society. I also worried that I wouldn’t fit in and that the atmosphere might be elitist or straight-laced. But the Tyndalers are anything but straight-laced, there were no terrifying auditions and I have so much fun. When I finish a concert I am as high as a kite. You are just so full of adrenaline, sometimes I can hardly sleep after a performance because it is so exhilarating.”

The ABC still has places available on the ten-week course and the society is urging men to join as well.

“This is an exciting venture for us, we know of no other society offering this opportunity to would-be singers” said Julia. “Singing is great for people of any age, it is physically good for you and it lifts your mood.”

For more information on ABC call Julia O’Connor-Beach, secretary of the society, on 01454 260877.