Name: David Colin Roberts
How long have you been a member of Johns’ Boys?
Since January 2023
What inspired you to join the choir?
Have been In choirs for many years, after taking a break to raise a family I wanted to start singing again, but something a bit more exciting than the traditional Choral works. Johns boys deliver that in bucket loads so that was the choir for me.
Do you have any musical background or experience before joining?
No formal training, but have been in 2 other choirs starting from the age of 16
What’s your favourite song to perform with the choir and why?
Nella Fantasia. Just love words, tune and arrangement. Great to Sing.
What has been the most memorable performance or event for you?
So far, the William Aston hall in September 2023. We were cheered onto the stage before we sang a note and it carried on all night. Great performance and great to see an appreciative home crowd.
How would you describe the camaraderie within the choir?
Second to none. Its great having so much youth and younger lads around us older, more seasoned members. We’ve all got each others backs, they make us laugh, we make them laugh on and off stage. Teamwork makes the dreamwork as they say. Some even bring the boy racer out in me….
What’s the biggest challenge of being in a choir like Johns’ Boys?
The discipline needed to learn your work in your own time. Much preferable to regular weekly rehearsals, which actually permits busy people to join a choir like Johns Boys. If it was twice or even once weekly I wouldn’t be able to do it. This way works for me, but you have to have the discipline to put the hours in on your own ir it doesn’t work.
Do you have a pre-performance ritual or superstition?
No more than six pints before a show, and wear my musical braces. ( joking about 6 pints. Its 7)
If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Anywhere as long as we can deliver the best show and entertain the Audience.
What are you most excited about for the choir’s future?
New repertoire in addition to what we already run, and being able to properly entertain an audience, hopefully leading the way and inspiring other choirs to adapt and survive.
Looking forward to more trips and travels with the boys
How has being part of Johns’ Boys impacted you personally?
Its made me more comfortable on stage, which has made me more confident to speak out in public. Its given me more positivity about mixing with younger people and a much more “can do” approach to life which has proved invaluable recently.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining a choir?
Make sure that choir challenges you and excites you. Go and watch a performance first, go to the afterglow see how they play. It is a big commitment however often you rehearse or perform make sure you can do what is asked no point doing half a job. The bigger the challenge the bigger the rewards are.