Hit the high note and break into new choir

Feb 11 2008 By Tony Collins

WANT to follow in the footsteps of Aled Jones? Then try out for a new boys' choir formed in Birmingham.

The choir is the newest addition to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra's family.

It was formed to encourage boys in years seven to 11 to continue singing as their voices change.

No auditions will be held as only dedication and a love of singing are needed.

The first rehearsal takes place on February 20, at 4.30pm at the CBSO Centre in Berkley Street, off Broad Street, and then every Wednesday during term time.

Chorus manager Elen Elis said: "As the whole country has seen recently on BBC 2's BAFTA winning series The Choir, there is a need for a singing outlet for secondary school boys, and so our plan is to provide the opportunity and to encourage boys to continue singing as their voices change.

"During rehearsals with our choir leader Julian Wilkins, choir members don't even realise they are working so hard."

* For details or to register interest in joining, call the CBSO on 0121 616 6500 and ask for the chorus department, or email chorus@cbso.co.uk.