London's Sing Anything! Clubs

"This is such a brilliant idea; I felt I'd really achieved something. I'm coming every week", says Emma Minns, member of the Sing Anything! Club.

What happens at the Sing Anything! Club?

1. Upon arrival everyone signs in and pays admission. A singing buddy will welcome you!

2. We then enjoy singing some warm-up exercises followed by fun songs 'in the round'. Occasionally Helen teaches some simple and lovely harmonies to the group.

3. We then sing two or three group songs, chosen the week before. All lyrics are provided.

4. About half way through the evening, we have a solo section where you may sing on your own. This is purely optional and is an opportunity to try out your voice in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. A list of all the solos and group songs will soon be available for you to see what people have sung.

5. We usually end the evening singing one final group song altogether.

6. Some members enjoy socialising afterwards and go to the local wine bar for a quick drink.

As the name suggests, you can sing anything. It's an opportunity for you to sing with other people in a group who love singing and are keen to improve their voices by listening to others and have great fun at the same time. It's fine to turn up on your own as you'll be greeted by a singing buddy as soon as you arrive!

Emma below, will also be there to greet you! Please see our Club website here.

When do we meet?

Every Wednesday evening 8.30-10.00pm.

Frequently Asked Questions:

I can't sing, can I still come along? Of course. The Sing Anything! Club is about enjoying singing. We'll make you feel very welcome. A singing buddy will be at the door to greet you as you arrive so you won't be left on your own.

Do I have to be able to read music? No, all you need is a love of singing not any technical knowhow.

I don't know many songs. How will I know the lyrics? We provide lyrics for each song and usually we run through it a couple of times. You can keep the lyrics if you wish as you may want to learn the song yourself at home or singalong to the radio.

Will I have to sing on my own? Only if you want to but there's no pressure to sing a solo.

Can I just come along and try one session or do I have to sign up for a whole term? You don't have to commit to a term but most people enjoy it so they come back each week.

Do I have to be a member as I cant make every Wednesday? We do offer a memebership which is £60.00 per year which gives you a cheaper entry to each session at £10.00. However, if you think your attendance is going to be sporadic then anyone can come along and pay £12.50 a session.

What does the Sing Anything! Club offer?

The opportunity to sing group songs in a relaxed atmosphere.

Learn new skills in a supportive group.

Build your confidence with like-minded people.

The chance to try a solo if you want.

The freedom to join at any time.

Have fun and make new friends.

Everyone welcome (over 18yrs).

We gave a performance recently at The Headliner's Club in Chiswick.

Nefra Canning (left), guitarist Alex Jeffrey (centre) and sax player Joseph Marshall performed.

What else has the Sing Anything! Club done?

Last summer, we collaborated with the BBC during the Sing London Festival. Our contribution included performances at Bush Hall, All Saint's Church and The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square. We were also invited on the Jo Good, Breakfast Show, BBC Radio London and joined forces with London's prestigious Vortex Jazz Club.

Clockwise: Bush Hall, BBC Breakfast presenter Max Rushden with a punter, Helen welcoming a new member to the Sing Anything! Club, John Landau on guitar, Sing Anything! Club members with band Stranded.

The Sing Anything! Club is run by singer-songwriter Helen Astrid who says, "It's an opportunity to sing with other people in a group who also love singing and let your hair down. Each week we have a new theme and you select your favourite songs within that genre. It's terrific for everyone. We even recorded a song I've written for the Olympics called "2012" which people said was an amazing experience".

Special guest singer each month:

Once a month, a surprise guest singer-songwriter is invited to come and perform for the Club. Artists so far have included Sara Conrad, Brigette Bennett, Richard Hingley, Akua Tua, Sandra Porter, Jennifer Bolton, Francine Luce and recently blues singer/guitarist Robert Hokum.

Cost: £10 members / £12.50 non-members.
Membership: £60 p.a. from date of joining.
Chiswick: Chiswick Town Hall, Hogarth Hall, Heathfield Terrace, Chiswick W4 4JN. Map Here. Every Wednesday evening 8.30-10.00pm.

Dates 2008

April 9th until June 25th - Please note, there is no session on 14th May.

*Membership benefits: When you bring a friend along, you receive 50% discount on the door. When your friend becomes a member, you get a free session at the Sing Anything! Club! You will also be given a free copy of Helen's Ebook, 7 Steps to Singing.

Members prizedraw: On the last session of each term we have a free prize draw for members of the Club with great prize giveaways including books, cds, tickets etc.

For more information email helen@thehelenastridsingingacademy.com or call 07710 245 904.