RISCA MALE CHOIR - THE PROJECT 2024 # 2

RISCA MALE CHOIR - THE PROJECT # 2

So what did the men who joined the MND Choir make of it all? Some of them sent us reflections on their 12 weeks with the MND Choir, on the concert itself, and the RMC team that mentored them. We even got a poem, as long as it remained anonymous!  We’re thrilled and extremely pleased to tell you that at least 17 men from that fledgling choir have returned to be a part of Risca Male Choir. The total raised so far from this project is an amazing £20,000.

We hope you will enjoy these reflective moments shared with us by these inspiring individuals.

Martin Hodson MBE. Music Director Emeritus

TOM HUGHES – Bass

I had such a great time learning to sing in a choir. I know we all enjoyed the concert and I think the audience did too. The money raised for this amazing cause is mind-blowing. Thank you so much for all the hard work you and the team put in.

P.S. Hope to join you guys if you'll have me.

DARYL HARRIES – Baritone

The MenDoSing24 project for me was an awesome experience. It was an opportunity to fulfil a longstanding ambition that I had not had the self-confidence to take on before, namely join a choir and sing. The management, guidance and support of the entire Côr Meibion Risca team immediately overcame all my fears and encouraged me to continue and join the main choir at the project end. 

Da Iawn Côr Meibion Risca MenDoSing24.

MIKE ROGERS – Tenor 2

I should have had an experience like this on my bucket list. In addition to that, money raised for a very worthy cause. An excellent experience. The concert was well attended and I could feel the warmth of the audience on stage especially after singing 'Fix You'.

I would be interested in joining if there is any thought of reforming the choir for charitable purposes next year. Perhaps Risca 'charities' could be considered. Not just charities but groups that provide children's activities e.g. sports teams, the scouting groups etc.

STEVE DAVIES – Bass.

It was a great experience to be part of from start to finish. The Welsh song was challenging but Matt made it fun.

I commend everyone on the Risca choir side for their help, all, without exception gave everything of themselves.

The sad thing is it's a one off as we can't be new singers again.

Chapeau gents!

DYLAN EVANS – Tenor 1

I very much enjoyed the concert at Rougemont School with Men do Sing and Risca Male Choir. It was an amazing experience and already being part of Risca Male Choir, I was shocked when I heard the amazing sound of the MND choir in such little time, and even being the youngest member of the choirs at 17 I was very happy to see some younger members in the MND choir and hope that they enjoyed it enough to come along to Risca Male Choir.
Many thanks.

MARTIN MATHIESON – Tenor 2

I loved playing in musical groups in my youth, and this was a great chance to rehearse with a group and perform again - it took me back!  The MND cause is also dear to my family, so it was easy to say yes.  My plan is to sing with the main choir - I was made to feel very welcome to my first rehearsal on Sunday.

JOHN WEEKS – Tenor 1

A wonderful opportunity to sing with Risca Male Choir. The concert was great fun and a chance of a re-union with many friends from Pontymister, Risca and Rogerstone in rehearsals. To raise funds for MNDa, which a group of us have done for the past two years, having raised £27,000 in completing many different challenges. MND— there is no Cure, but Care.

 IAN JENKINS – Tenor 2

At the age of 74 I found a voice.

Thank you so much, RMC.

SIMON WEBB – Baritone

What a fantastic experience and something I will always remember. Totally out of my comfort zone to sing, especially in public. But with the guidance and experience of Matt and all the choristers of RMC, we got there and performed in front of a sell-out audience. Absolutely loved it, and raising money for MND in the process was the real winner!

(Simon’s father, Bill Webb, was a member of RMC from 1977 to 1985. Also, his father-in-law, Terry Richards was a founder member, serving the choir for a remarkable 52 years from 1970 to 2022. Furthermore, Dan Webb, Simon’s son, also joined the MND Choir and is now a full member of RMC. A lovely family story. Also see Gareth Hodson with choir connections)

JOHN MORGAN – Bass

Fantastic 12 weeks with the MeN Do sing Choir, didn’t think we would achieve such a great sound! Matt was fantastic with his wicked sense of humour, and made it a joy to be part of, also the mentors were amazing, having them with you or near in practise helped massively to get back in tune LOL!

Thanks

DAI BROWN – Bass

Once I knew there was going to be an MND choir I had 2 very personal reasons for joining. I was determined to complete this experience and raise as much money as possible for the cause. So we can hopefully help find a solution to this dreadful illness. Sometimes I found it challenging, not being a natural singer, also finding it emotional.

Singing at Rougemont was fantastic! I feel so proud of what we all achieved. From zero to what felt like heroes in 12 weeks. The standing ovation proved we succeeded. A big thanks to Matt, Tim, Andy and our mentors for steering us through this journey.

ANONYMOUS!

I'm a bit sad, and I like a poem so here you go. Hope it's not too cheesy!

Made the leap to join the team.
Expert tuition from Matt and the RMC.
Na, na na, nana na an!
Daily practice in the car!
Our confidence slowly grew
Singing “Rule the World”, “Gwinllan”, and “Fix You”.
Incredible experience and a standing ovation.
Nineteen Grand raised so far (an estimation).

GARETH HODSON – Tenor 2

Joining the Men Do Sing project supported by Risca Male Choir has been a deeply fulfilling experience for me, as it holds a special place in my heart. My father Roger, sang in this choir between 1980-1987 as a second tenor, and my uncle Martin, served as its Music Director from 1979-2015 which made my involvement feel like a continuation of a cherished family tradition, although I couldn’t help feel a sense of trepidation of what had been achieved before…

The camaraderie, support, and guidance I received from all the mentors at the choir have been invaluable, making my journey both enjoyable and educational. Matt Harrison, the Music Director at RMC, must have a special mention with his enthusiasm, wit and ability to throw 40+ non-singers together and make us sound ‘not half bad’…. Is truly testament to his commitment and talent.

Additionally, being part of the "Men Do Sing" project has been particularly rewarding, as it not only enriched my musical abilities but also contributed significantly to our essential fundraising efforts for Motor Neurone Disease.

Motor Neuron Disease (MND) has indeed had a significant impact on the rugby community, for which I have been playing for over 40 years and still actively involved at Risca RFC, in particular the over 35 Vets team.

It was attending a dinner at Risca RFC where a former coach of mine, Keith Jefferson announced the Men Do Sing project and ‘encouraged’ many of us that night to sign up, and I’m glad I did.

For myself, personally, it has been, from start to finish a fantastic experience and one that I will hold dear to my heart, particularly with so many connections to Risca Male choir and friends who have lost loved ones to MND.

When many of your close friends and family tell you how proud they are of you for what we’ve achieved, it really does give you a sense of pride and will be up there with one of my fondest personal achievements.

MATTHEW PLEWS – Baritone

Being a (fairly) committed member of Risca RFC Vets team, a few of us had joked in the past about joining the choir being the next natural step, once our playing days were done. So, when the call came out to join the MNDA choir, I was keen to give it a go to see what it was all about. 

Despite the odd drunken karaoke and post rugby sing along, I never thought I would have the opportunity to perform in front of an audience, nor did I feel the general public deserved such an ordeal. However, with the expert guidance and patience of Matt (this fella really knows his onions) and the RMC mentors, we were collectively able to give an unbelievable performance that I will be forever extremely proud of. Not to mention how rewarding and fun the whole journey was.

Now throw in the main reason, I imagine, that we all signed up to this project for…to raise money for the MNDA. It has been a humbling experience to be able to raise money for this charity that is so close to our hearts. I would implore anyone who had thoughts (and doubts) about getting involved with a similar event…go for it! You won’t regret it! And let’s keep the fundraising going for this wonderful charity

JASON WILLIAMS – Baritone

Joining a choir for the first time with no prior singing experience over a 12-week training period was a transformative journey of growth and discovery. Initially, there was a mix of excitement and nervousness, trying to find your place and match the harmonies. However, as you participate in warm-ups, learn basic techniques, and practise regularly, I gradually gained confidence and improved my vocal skills. The supportive atmosphere and camaraderie with fellow choir members helped ease any anxieties, and the constructive feedback and expert direction from Matthew, the music director, certainly helped guide our progress. By the middle weeks, I noticed significant improvements in my breath control, pitch, and ability to blend with the group. The final weeks were intense, but exhilarating as we prepared for the MND concert that would showcase our collective effort and newfound abilities. For me, the whole experience culminated in a powerful, emotional and rewarding performance, leaving me with a profound sense of achievement, a deeper appreciation for music, and lasting connections with the choir community.