Discord the wellbeing choir was founded on 12th January 2011 at Diss Methodist Church, by Michael. Since the pandemic it has been running three face to face sessions each week providing singing for well being. The choir also provides an online session each week to enable members who may have missed their weekly session to keep up. During the COVID pandemic an amazing near 200 online choir sessions were held keeping the choir members connected during the dark days and weeks of the many lockdowns. These along with online coffee mornings, quizzes and evening chats. 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 added a new season of exciting new songs alongside our ‘forever songs’ performing many of them at two charity concerts in November 2024. Our 2026 season features our usual mix of songs along with yet more fun, laughter, friendship and of course, song at Discord. July 2026 saw two further charity concerts performed to great success and applaud raising yet more money for deserving charities.
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 friendship to many since it’s inception and has raised over £50,000 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.
As already mentioned Discord also stages its own amazing concerts, these are always to raise money for charities and often sell out weeks in advance. While Discord is not a ‘performance’ choir, it is good to allow members, who wish to do so, let an audience hear what has been learnt. 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.
TIME TO SAY GOODBYE..
Sadly the choir will be closing its doors in August 2026 after over 15 hugely successful years as Michael retires. Whilst it’s never easy saying goodbye, we must all be grateful and cherish the times shared together, the friends made and the songs sung…
Thanks to all those that have supported the choir in any way over the past 15 years 🥰
discordchoir@michaeldann.co.uk
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