Discord the wellbeing choir was founded on 12th January 2011 at Diss Methodist Church, by Michael. Since the pandemic it had been running three face to face sessions each week providing singing for well being. The choir also provided 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 was 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!! Singing from a wide selection of songs from standards through to modern pop, musicals to light classics.
Members were 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 songs have been sing 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 featured 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 commented about the choir “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 brought a new community spirit and friendship to many since it’s inception and raised over £55,000 for various charities (both locally & nationally) – giving something back was very important to the ethos of Discord and each year the choir was proud to continue it’s charity fund raising.
As already mentioned Discord also staged its own amazing concerts, these were always to raise money for charities and often sold out weeks in advance. Whilst Discord is not a ‘performance’ choir, it was always good to allow members, who wish to do so, let an audience hear what has been learnt. The choir also enjoyed 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..
After over 15 years of fun, laughter, friendship and song, Discord the wellbeing choir closed completely on 20 August 2026 as Michael took early retirement and closes this chapter of his personal music book. There has been some speculation in the media that the choir has been ‘sold on’. Please note that Discord has not been sold to any other choir franchise and further more has no affiliation with any other choirs. Discord was still a hugely successful community wellbeing choir and had a waiting list for new members and its closing is simply a case of Michael taking early retirement.
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 🥰
Why not sit back and relive some Discord and Michael memories by watching this video of photos etc that were posted on the choir’s social media during the last few week’s of choir sessions held in August 2026… enjoy ☺️