Happy in Harmony is a music coaching business that aims to create musical magic for everyone. Founder, Rosie Bradford, is the musical director of three choirs: Shildon Institute Singles, Manfield Warblers and Catterick Military WAGS.
She said: “Music has always been a big part of my life. As a kid I was out every night rehearsing or performing and I absolutely loved how relaxed it made me feel. When I moved from Manchester to Barnard Castle about ten years ago, I joined a choir to meet people, and I loved it so much I started singing lessons, and I just wanted to sing all the time! I started coaching a youth band at our local youth centre and I really enjoyed it.
“When you can say something in a new way, and it has an immediate positive effect on people, not only on how they sing, but also on their mood, their confidence, and how they feel about themselves, it’s a brilliant feeling. After a lightbulb moment during a car crash, I decided to start my music business for real. I went part time in my job in arts events management and built up my coaching studio.
“Over lockdown I was able to do some really interesting projects online, including starring in a film of the Community Opera Song of our Heartland, which was filmed at Locomotion, and using singing to help people with their physical and mental health following COVID-19.
“In April last year I got a voicemail from Dave Reynolds of the Save our Stute committee. He had seen my website and my involvement in the opera and asked me if I would be interested in helping him start a choir based at Shildon Railway Institute. I did a little dance around the living room, called him back the next day and the rest is history! Dave was one of the wonderful people who showed a lot of faith in me and helped give me the confidence to hand in my notice at my job and go all in with my business.
“Today I conduct four choirs, including the Catterick Military WAGS choir, and I coach around 40 students in singing, piano, and brass. I was also very proud to conduct our community opera chorus for Opera North at Locomotion earlier this year.”
Shildon Railway Institute Singers meet on Fridays during term time at 6pm. The group have been going nearly a year and have enjoyed several performances in Shildon and at Butterwick Hospice.
Rosie added: “I’m really proud of how far the choir have come together. We welcome new members, and we need you to help us keep the choir thriving into our second year. It is run on a pay as you can basis. Donations are collected discreetly in a big green bucket, so if you aren’t able to make a financial contribution at the moment, that’s fine, just bring yourself and a sense of humour.
“Choirs are a great way to meet new friends, improve your health and wellbeing and have a lot of fun. You don’t need to be able to read music, so if you’re curious, come and give it a go.”
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
