WIBU to say that choirs full of people who can't sing (Rock Choir) are awful?

[PleasantPheasant]

Honestly? I love singing, I think everyone should sing, and sing in groups - it's great. But why all the performances, crap choreography, shitty leaders who also can't sing and are presumably failed musicians. Why can't the ladies (and men) - very few of which can actually sing or understand rhythm, harmony, pitch... - just do it for fun and leave it at that? Why do they think they're amazing singers and their performances are great. From what I've seen they are largely outside, with shit backing music, crap acoustics making the whole thing even worse. AIBU?

MNHQ it is not choirs that are a divisive topic, it is ageism with a hint of sexism.

As mum of two and gran of four, I feel saddened by the level of hate and nastiness towards something as harmless as Rock Choir (in which I have no vested interest!). This coming from some women who have the privilege of having major impact on the wonderful minds of the next generation is really worrying. 😔😢

This is a zombie thread - long dead, hope attitudes are changing.

Why do they have to do performances? I'm an atrocious singer but would be quite happy just singing with a group for the fun of it. I wouldn't inflict it on anyone else though. As for flash mob singing, I run from it unless they are Really Good. I hate all these public performances unless it's something you GO TO and specifically pay to hear. Otherwise it's just annoying busking as much louder so difficult to escape from.

I agree about the cost - it's quite shocking. A community choir is one thing but loads of people paying a tenner each to a commercial enterprise?! I can go to hear a really good speaker at the local history society and pay only £2 at the most (£1 members, membership £5 pa); that covers hall hire, speakers, and tea and biscuits. WTF are they providing for £10 per week?

I had a taster session at rock choir about a month ago, I found it very enjoyable, but everything changed as soon as I joined (payed my first terms money). I found that everyone was in friendship groups and seemed reluctant to include me in conversations. I decided I needed to give it a few weeks of trying and kept going, but after the 3rd time of sitting on my own again not having a conversation with anyone I decided to leave. I e mailed the choir leader and explained why I wasn't coming back, she didnt even have the decency to reply. I think they are very keen to get you signed up and it is a business after all, but it is very expensive, and they do need to welcome new members and help them to settle in more. My advice would be to try and go with existing members rather than going on your own as it can be an isolating experience.

OP I get what you mean. YANBU.

I started vocal training at age 12 and, over the years, have done stage work in the West End, studio and backing work, fronted quite a few live bands…basically a ‘jobbing’ singer and vocal teacher. I’m also now 56 years old and a Rock Choir member.

before you write everyone off, I’ve toured with Rose Royce, Womack and Womack, Paula Abdul in the 80s and 90s and I love Rock Choir.

it’s not elitist, it’s not ‘up itself’ and we all have a great time.

oh, and the choir directors you’re taking a shot at? All have degrees in music, are highly experienced and before they’re allowed near a choir have to undergo another year of intensive training.

we aren’t rock stars, we don’t pretend to be, but what we are is part of a huge, warm, loving group of 20,000+ members who have each others’ backs and genuinely love music, with a 4 album recording deal under our belts.

singing is for everyone, not just trained professionals and the massive amount of joy we both give and get? Couldn’t buy it.

you don’t like? Don’t listen. But don’t slag off those who do, please.

…and no, I’m purely and simply a choir member, no affiliations otherwise.

I was a leader in Rock Choir for a few years, and every outside performance is sung to stereo tracks. It used to really annoy me that they never trusted us as musicians to lead our choirs with just backing tracks.
Sometimes the stereo tracks were so loud you could clearly hear Rock Choir leaders and Caroline's voices, and yet it was a false impression on the people of your choirs you had on the day of the event.

Can't stand the BIG company and they took so much money from our earnings. 50% to the company and a further 15% went to the admin HQ team, who some were out as quick as they came in. I am pleased it's been years since I have been out and good luck to them, but not for me. It's a cult of brain washing!