Warwick staff members have been flexing their vocal chords as part of a new workplace choir.

The Voice Squad, a twelve week pilot in partnership with the Armonico Consort and the Coventry City of Culture 2021 Trust, takes place on a Monday lunchtime on campus, and involves learning a variety of songs such as ‘Happy’ and ‘Africa’.

Why take part?

Workplace choirs are seen as a superb way to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, promote happiness and well-being and boost productivity. They also bring staff from across a variety of business areas together in a social and fun activity, helping to create a happier workforce.

Thoughts from our Voice Squad members

I feel really good and uplifted after each session and Patrick makes it such fun, plus I have got to know a couple of new people.”

I enjoy singing, but found it difficult to fit in alongside work and family commitments. Singing for 45 minutes once a week seemed a great way to make it happen.”

I would love the choir to continue for as long as possible. I have been looking for a choir like this for a very long time. I would encourage the University to support this endeavour for as long as it can as I am sure that it improves the wellbeing of all of its participants as well as fostering a true cross-campus cohesion.”

The choir started as I was returning to work following a career break which I had needed to take for health and carer responsibility reasons. It really helped me transition back into work. Every week I walk away from the session having experienced a real lift from the endorphins and oxytocin the singing and the fun we have produced. I really look forward to Mondays!"

Hannah Friend, Director of Wellbeing at Warwick

The Voice Squad is a brilliant wellbeing initiative, providing staff with opportunities to create new friendships, and increase the sense of belonging which are vital in maintaining health, reducing stress and anxiety as well as easing depression. Evidence shows singing results in the release of our ‘happy hormones’; endorphin, oxytocin and serotonin resulting in us feeling happier and more positive. The Voice Squad also speaks to Warwick’s sense of inclusivity, fun and community spirit.”

Jacqui Ibbotson, of Coventry City of Culture Trust, said:

The Voice Squad is a great way of bringing people together in a workplace to create healthier, happy environments. It’s one of our key aims to make culture as accessible as possible and bringing this pilot project to people’s work is a great way of getting them involved as they are singing popular hits that are well known to a wider audience.”

Warwick choir members recently joined forces with three other newly-formed choirs for The Voice Squad Big Sing, a celebratory event at the city’s Albany Theatre, where we impressed the audience with performances of hit songs including a medley of songs by Coventry band The Specials, arranged by Armonico Musical Director, Patrick Stockbridge.

Photo credit: Peter Marsh Ashmore Visuals

Interested? Find out more and sign up

To join, please email Sarah Riddell at sriddell at armonico dot org dot uk who will send you details of the venue for that week.

For details of the Voice Squad, Armonico Consort’s workplace choir scheme, please visit www.armonico.org.uk/voice-squad

A change in choir Management 2019

From January 2019 the Music Centre at the University of Warwick will be running the staff choir. Rehearsals will take place on Tuesday lunchtimes at the Warwick Arts Centre. Contact music dot centre at warwick dot ac dot uk for more information.