Local Band Supports Sing Viva Carers’ Choir

Derwent Valley Wind Band have presented a cheque for £305 to regional orchestra Sinfonia Viva to support its innovative Sing Viva Carers’ Choirs in Derby and Chesterfield.

The community wind band, which has members of all ages and abilities, raised money from a raffle at their Christmas concert at Ecclesbourne School in Duffield. The concert also featured pieces performed by Sing Viva.

Derwent Valley Wind Band chairperson Charlotte Moore said: “Having sung with the choir for two years, I have seen first hand the difference it makes to carers’ lives and their families.

“The choir is a great place to make friends, sing and get away from the stresses of the day. Knowing the joy the choir brings to people, I suggested that it would be lovely to have them join us at our Christmas concert.

“The Choir’s performance of a range of different music was very well received at the concert but it was the piece written by the members of Sing Viva themselves which truly wowed the 200 people attending our Christmas concert.”

Sinfonia Viva Education Manager Marianne Barraclough added: “Since its inception the Sing Viva Carers’ Choir project has given carers the chance to develop new relationships, foster confidence and take some time for themselves with like-minded people to try something new and join communal singing.

“Sing Viva is free to join.  We meet monthly for group sessions and have performed across the county including at the Darley Park Concert.

“Joining the Derwent Valley Wind Band for their Christmas concert was a particularly enjoyable experience for everyone involved and we are so grateful for the audience’s generosity in supporting the choir.”

For more information about Sing Viva and how to support the Carers’ Choir – please visit www.sinfoniaviva.co.uk