About Us
About: Everybody Lets Sing
Everybody Lets Sing (ELS) aims to develop and maintain public awareness and enjoyment of live music, through singing activity and performance. We also aim to benefit the health and well-being of participants and contribute to the vibrancy of the local community.
ELS became a charity in 2012. Our main activity is Alvechurch Community Choir, which was founded in 2009 by Mike Genders and Lillian Boutte. The Community Choir works in the local community, performing at local events and collaborating with other choirs and musicians. Smaller groups from the choir also work in community settings, such as care homes.
We are an inclusive organisation, as our name suggests, set up in the belief that everybody can sing and can benefit themselves and their community by singing. Anyone can join and take part, regardless of ability.
We run regular rehearsals, singalong sessions and occasional workshops, and prepare for performances to local communities.
The choir is led by Mike Genders and Laurence Sharman and managed by a committee. ELS has a small board of trustees.
Founder: Lillian Boutte'
Although Lillian is now retired from performance work, she was a primary driving force in founding ELS, working with children and creating a unique ethos! Known as The Musical Ambassador of New Orleans, Lillian captured the hearts and ears of listeners from the Mississippi Delta to Bondi Beach performing her special brand of R&B, Jazz and Gospel. She started that work right here with us! YOU can help her move it on.
Mike Genders
Mike Genders, a founder of ACC along with Lillian Boutte, was the original Musical Director.
Dave Perryman
Dave Perryman is our second accompanist and second leader. He has been with the choir from the start and also helps us to stay up to date with technology
Fiona, Vicky and Sally
Members of the Choir, Fiona Bowen, Sally Oldaker and Vicky Hall have recently begun to lead the singing and creating some great harmonies. Together they choose the songs with the help of members and prepare arrangements, developing our repertoire.
Members of the Choir, Fiona Bowen, Sally Oldaker and Vicky Hall have recently begun to lead the singing. Together they choose the songs with the help of members and prepare arrangements, developing our repertoire.
Linda Helmore : Trustee Treasurer and Committee Member
"I've been Treasurer of ELS and Alvechurch Community Choir since 2017 having joined the choir because I enjoy singing. It's always a positive and therapeutic experience. It's great to support such a vibrant and supportive community activity and seeing the difference it makes in people's lives".
Mary Green : Trustee Secretary and Committee Member
"I am retired, and was a founder-member of the Alvechurch Community Choir. I helped to secure charitable status for ELS and am now a trustee and act as its secretary. I love singing, and am delighted to be with such a varied and enthusiastic group of people. I support the inclusive emphasis of ELS, and believe participation in music is of great benefit to everyone."
Holly Timmermans: Trustee and Committee Member
"I've been a member of ACC since it began. Singing with ACC is a well rounded activity that can be fun and moving, build good community links and foster enduring friendships. My day job is balancing energy as an Acupuncturist and Zero Balancer. Being a trustee is a way of giving back to a great little charity and helping it move forward to offer the possibility of singing to more people and open up to new audiences."
Jacky Kearsey : Committee Member
"Being Welsh, singing is very much part of my "soul" and I know it makes people happy. I joined Alvechurch Community Choir after hearing about their wonderful first workshop with Lillian. Now that I have moved from Barnt Green to Alvechurch, I thought I should be more involved, join the committee and take part in the community. I have made so many friends through the choir and various other activities in the village."
Terry Miller : Committee Member
"I joined the Alvechurch Community Choir when I retired in 2010. It is great to be a member of an enthusiastic and friendly group of folk who meet regularly to share and enjoy the pleasure of singing. I am keen to promote the Choir within the local Community and to encourage its fundamental message that "Everybody can sing"!"
Hillary Boyce : Committee Member
"I’ve been a member of ACC for several years and really enjoy being part of the choir community. Everyone is friendly and welcoming, and our choir leaders are keen to ensure that everyone enjoys the sessions, whatever their singing ability; it’s all about having fun. Singing is wonderful for health and wellbeing, and I always leave a session feeling uplifted".
Jackie Burch : Committee Member
"I've been a member of the choir for quite a few years now and have recently become a committee member. When I joined the choir the members were so friendly and welcoming and although I was a nervous singer and hadn't sung in a choir before, I soon became more confident and now really look forward to my Monday evening singing. I would encourage everyone to 'have a go'".
