Over 200 people packed into St. John's Church in Old Coulsdon last Monday, 17th September to attend the first of a free, six-week 'Learn to Sing' course run by Making Music and the Harmony Foundation.

Professional singing coaches Paul Davies and Stuart Lines helped everyone to relax with some entertaining banter and gentle exercises before reorganising the singers into different sections according to their voice pitch. After ten minutes of everyone sorting themselves into the correct group i.e. sopranos, altos, tenors and basses, Paul and Stuart soon had everyone exercising their vocal chords in preparation for their first song together.

By the end of the one and a half hour class Paul and Stuart had everyone singing a 'round' in close to perfect harmony, without the support of any accompaniment.

The six week class is being held in association with the Downland Chorale to encourage more people to take up singing as a leisure activity. It is part of a programme of classes being rolled out all over the country.

After the class, singing coach Paul Davies said: "We are delighted that so many came to the class this evening and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves. We teach people that they have an amazing musical instrument in their own voice with an impressive range of notes. Their voice can produce a beautiful sound with some professional training and a bit of practice."

Singers of all levels including beginners are welcome to join the class and it is not essential to be able to read music. The second class takes place this Monday evening, 24th September from 8-9.30pm at St. John's Church, Canon's Hill, Old Coulsdon. For more information call 07729 618226 or visit www.learntosingsurrey.co.uk