DISCORD the wellbeing choir was founded on 12th January 2011 at Diss Methodist Church, by Michael and has grown in that time to currently 3 face to face sessions running each week providing singing for well being. The choir also provides an online session each week – building on the amazing work achieved during the COVID pandemic when nearly 200 online choir sessions were held keeping the choir members connected during the dark days and weeks of the many lockdowns. The choir is aimed at all adults over 18 who have a love for singing and a good sense of fun. No experience required (but those that have are equally welcome), no auditions, so no pressure!! We sing from a wide selection of songs from standards through to modern pop, musicals to light classics.
Members are also encouraged to put song suggestions forward. 2014 saw DISCORD performing ‘Songs From The Shows’ and in 2015 the theme was ‘Movie Songs’ In 2016 songs were based on the theme of ‘decades’ with songs from the 1920’s to present day. 2017’s theme was Songs From Stage & Screen. 2019’s season was a mixture of modern and classic songs. Since returning to the ‘room’ after the pandemic we’ve sung songs from many genre and in 2021/2022 added our first choir ‘forever songs’ after looking back over our first 10 years by singing some of our top songs, as voted by the membership, along with adding in some new exciting pieces. 2023 saw a few more ‘forever songs’ added and in 2024 we’ll be adding a new season of exciting new songs alongside our ‘forever songs’ with yet more fun, laughter, friendship and song at DISCORD.
Michael says “There is a voice in everyone regardless of how good or bad!’’ and added “Often choral groups or choirs can seem off-putting with auditions, musical knowledge and the need for a good voice are expected whereas DISCORD will be more focused on the benefits of singing together and the recognised health benefits both physically and mentally with no auditions and no expectations”. Since starting DISCORD Michael is proud of the fact that DISCORD performs to a standard which many formal choirs would aspire to! This was recognised when the group were asked to perform with Broadway & West End leading lady Kerry Ellis in 2014 – Craig Adams (Miss Ellis’ Musical Director) commented that DISCORD were “One of the best groups they had worked with” not bad for a group that sing for wellbeing!!
DISCORD has brought a new community spirit and since it’s inception has raised over £40,000 for various charities (both locally & nationally) – giving something back is very important to the ethos of DISCORD and each year the choir is proud to continue it’s charity fund raising.
DISCORD has also staged its own amazing concerts, these are always to raise money for charities. While not a ‘performance’ choir, it is good to allow members who wish to let an audience hear what has been learnt, get the chance to do so. The choir also enjoys heading into local care homes to spread some joy to the residents. You’ll find photos of these events in the gallery on this site.
DISCORD will once again be performing this November at Diss Corn Hall on Monday 25 & Tuesday 26 November 2024 at 7:30pm. Featuring a massed choir of around 90 voices raising money for Cancer Research UK & The Motor Neurone Disease Association. Singing songs from many genres in concerts titled ‘When You Believe.’ For a link to any returned tickets for these sold out performances please click on the poster below.
Why not try DISCORD, the wellbeing choir for free?* – your first session will cost you nothing to find YOUR VOICE – please first contact choir via details the below and don’t just turn up at a session as we like to welcome you online first – thanks 🙂
*free session applies to new members only who have registered and have not belonged to any Discord choir before.
Details of all sessions are below along with details on how to join DISCORD, the wellbeing choir. Sessions run for 90 minutes, with a fee of £8.50 paid on a weekly basis (unlike many other choirs) with no upfront monthly/termly payments.
DISS DISCORD AFTERNOON CHOIR
started 12/01/11 Wednesdays at 1:15pm
Diss Methodist Church, Victoria Road, Diss (click for map)
DISS DISCORD EVENING CHOIR
started 9/02/11 Wednesdays at 7:15pm
Diss Methodist Church, Victoria Road, Diss (click for map)
STOWMARKET DISCORD CHOIR
started 11/04/13 Thursdays at 7:15pm
The United Reformed Church, Ipswich Road, Stowmarket IP14 1AD (click for map)
Would you like to join our choir?
If so, would you please kindly email:
discordchoir@michaeldann.co.uk
Stating your name, email address, telephone number and which choir session you’d like to attend and we’ll get back to you with details on when free taster sessions will be running for you to attend. Thanks
Facebook users can ‘like’ our Discord, the wellbeing choir facebook page by clicking here
Twitter/X users should follow @TeamDISCORD
Instagram users should follow @discordthewellbeingchoir