Join The Rock Choir – It’s Better Than Therapy!

Imagine stepping into a room where the energy is infectious, the music is uplifting, and all your worries melt away for 90 minutes. That’s exactly what Rock Choir in Coleraine and Portstewart delivers—a feel-good experience that leaves members on a high.

Just ask Jacki Elliott, who sums it up perfectly; "It’s brilliant. It’s better than therapy. We come out of it every week buzzing. We really do!"

Despite sharing the same surname, Jacki and Karen Elliott are not related. Rock Choir was more than just a chance to belt out their favourite tunes—it was an unexpected reunion. The two had attended Coleraine High School together but had lost touch over the years. Then, thanks to Facebook and a shared love of singing, their paths crossed once again at a Monday morning session in the West Bann Development Centre.

From Facebook to Flash Mobs – The Joy of Singing Together

Both Jacki and Karen discovered Rock Choir through Facebook, where they spotted the chance to attend a free taster session.

"From day one, as soon as I saw it, I thought, yes, finally! A choir I can relate to," says Jacki. Karen felt the same: "It was just to see if you like it, if it's your vibe, your kind of thing."

For Karen, Rock Choir was a new adventure. Although she had always loved singing, she had had never been part of a choir before. Jacki, on the other hand, had plenty of experience, from choirs to pantomime performances. But Rock Choir, they both agree, is something truly special.

"You don’t even need to read music," Jacki explains. "Jonathan Bailie plays the piano, and we have backing tracks as well, so it sounds really good. The joy is that everyone is doing exactly the same thing. We can join any other Rock Choir across Northern Ireland or the UK, and we’ll all be in sync with each other."

That sense of unity was never clearer than at Christmas when Rock Choirs across Northern Ireland came together for a flash mob performance at Victoria Square.

"It was amazing and so much fun," Karen recalls. "We all met, and everybody had the same routine – there’s the music, but there are little moves to do as well."

A Place to Reconnect, Have Fun and Feel Amazing

For Karen, Rock Choir has been about more than just music – it’s about the people.

"I've met people I would never have crossed paths with otherwise, and I reconnected with Jacki. Another school friend, Shauna Faith-Crothers, is also in the choir. It’s just something for me. You don’t have to read music. It’s that feeling you get when you walk out the door – the buzz!"

And if you think choirs are just for women, think again!

"It’s not a female choir at all," Jacki insists. "We have one man at present, but we’d love more men to join us!"

The choir covers rock classics rather than traditional choral pieces.

"It’s not high-brow at all," Karen laughs. "We’re doing Two Hearts by Phil Collins and Mountain by Sam Ryder."

Jacki adds: "We’ve done Flashdance and I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith."

Even passersby are taking notice.

"We were in Portstewart recently, and the two girls on reception at Flowerfield asked us, ‘What was that song you were singing? It was really beautiful,’" Karen recalls.

Bigger Plans and Big Voices

Rock Choir members aren’t just singing in rehearsal rooms – they’ve got some exciting performances lined up. Locally, you'll be able to hear them when they participate in the Ballymoney Spring Fair, while bigger events include a massive Rock Choir gathering at the NEC in Birmingham this November.

"All the choirs will be there, and all the leaders will be on stage. We’ll be singing along with them, plus Martin Kemp, Emeli Sandé, and Sam Ryder will be there. It’s going to be amazing," Jacki shares.

Northern Ireland’s Rock Choirs are also joining forces for a big event in New Mossley this May.

Karen sums it up best: "It’s much more than a choir. It’s a real community you’re part of."

So, if you’ve ever thought about singing but worried you weren’t good enough, Rock Choir is waiting for you.

"Come along for a taster session!" Jacki urges. "It doesn’t matter if you don’t know the songs. I saw it on Facebook, thought I’d give it a go – and I absolutely love it!"

Karen jokes: "Doctors should prescribe joining Rock Choir – it would save the NHS a fortune!"

One thing’s for sure – Rock Choir is hitting all the right notes for fun, friendship, and feel-good vibes.

Where and When?

Coleraine Rock Choir: Mondays, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM at West Bann Development Centre

Portstewart Rock Choir: Tuesdays, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM at Flowerfield Arts Centre

Want to find out more? Join a free taster session! Message the Facebook page: Rock Choir with Jonathan Bailie or Visit: www.rockchoir.com