PEOPLE in the Vale are being encouraged by the Spectrum Singers to become part of something special.

The Spectrum Singers are having an open rehearsal at 8pm on Wednesday, January 14 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, Plassey Street, Penarth, CF64 1EN.

Numerous scientific studies have shown that choral singing has a particularly powerful effect on both physical and mental health and well being. Benefits include increased muscle tone, concentration, alertness, heart health, lung capacity and a better sense of belonging, confidence and self esteem.

Choral singing has also enjoyed a surge in popularity thanks to the success of choirs such as Gareth Malone’s ‘The Military Wives’ and Tim Rhys-Evans ‘Only Boys Aloud’, offshoots from TV hits ‘The Choir’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’.

Larger choral societies have long been part of Penarth’s thriving arts scene.

The Spectrum Singers is a smaller ensemble founded in 2001, where every voice is valuable. The choir usually sings a cappella (unaccompanied) which provides unique opportunities to sing in more intimate venues and some unusual performance spaces.

Under the baton of musical director David Hutchings since May 2014, the group has performed in support of the Welsh Proms, at local summer and autumn events and had a busy Christmas including Penarth’s Christmas Tree Festival and singing in the National Trust’s Dyffryn House.

The choir’s plans for the New Year include the Mayor’s charity concert at the Paget Rooms and choral evensong in Bath Abbey.

“Resolutions to keep fit and get more involved make this a perfect time of year to join a choir”, said Suzanne Jones who has sung soprano with The Spectrum Singers for the past 10 years. “We welcome singers of all voice parts who are looking for a musical outlet. Maybe those who used to belong to a choir but have let it lapse, perhaps through family commitments, or those who have recently moved here. Being part of the choir has led to some fantastic opportunities for me that I might otherwise have missed.”

You can find out more about the choir at www.spectrumsingers.org.uk, on Facebook or text or voicemail on 07855 718109.