Tewkesbury Rock Choir has launched its new term under the guidance of a new leader - Jacob Ashworth.

The choir meets at Tewkesbury Baptist Church, Station Road, Tewkesbury, on Tuesday mornings at 10.30am.

The largest contemporary choir in the world, Rock Choir, has officially kicked off its Autumn term in Tewkesbury, Droitwich Spa, Great Malvern, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwick and Worcester under Jacob's guidance.

Rock Choir members have reunited for live singing rehearsals and are experiencing the huge benefits of social singing for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

Jacob became a Rock Choir leader at the beginning of lockdown and continued to run his choir rehearsals on Zoom and YouTube. He is delighted to finally be holding in-person rehearsals and teach his members the exciting Autumn term songs.

During the Summer, Jacob arranged picnics and sing-alongs with a few of his members in the run up to his physical rehearsals but is now excited to be singing together at his weekly rehearsal venue at Tewkesbury.

The community spirit of Rock Choir really flourished during lockdown and local 'Rockies' maintained vital connections with their fellow singers by organising online charity events, quizzes and a host of social activities - providing a lifeline to those isolated by the Covid pandemic.

As most restrictions have now been lifted, Rock Choir is able to gather for indoor rehearsals and harmonise together for the first time in 18 months.

The Autumn term will give Rock Choir members the chance to learn four new, specially-arranged songs including the uplifting 'Make your own kind of music' by Paloma Faith.

In addition to the live rehearsals, Rock Choir is giving those who prefer or need to remain isolated the opportunity to take part in the Autumn term with the launch of the National Online Rock Choir. To ensure they don't miss a single note, members can learn all of the songs from the comfort of their own homes and can rejoin the live choirs whenever they are ready to do so.

Since his time at university, Jacob has developed a love of singing and leading music ensembles, including a cappella choirs, show choirs, school and community choirs, with added experience as an orchestral and band conductor. He is currently the Musical Director of Ledbury Community Brass Band and Ledbury Training Band, and is always looking for more ways to include anyone and everyone in the musical world. Jacob also has a particular passion for musicals and film music.

Jacob said: "It has been such a joyful experience to meet the Rockies, having only ever met them online, and hear them sing together in harmony after such a difficult time apart. Our members have been so committed to Rock Choir and their determination to keep singing and to keep those social connections alive during lockdown was inspiring.

"Rock Choir is like a family and to see that family back together and to witness the healing power of singing and socialising in person is very special. We would love to welcome anyone who would like to join Rock Choir this term and invite people of all ages and abilities to come and be a part of this fantastic group of singers."

Caroline Redman Lusher, creator and creative director of Rock Choir, has been highlighting the importance of group singing and the powerful positive impact it has on mental health and well-being.

Caroline said: "I am overjoyed that our 'Rockies' have been allowed to regroup and sing together inside once again. It's been a long and emotional 18 months waiting for this moment to happen.

"I am so proud of all the Rock Choir members and my dedicated Rock Choir team who passionately led our choirs with the love, energy and positivity that Rock Choir is famous for.

"The nation's mental health is at its worst and the services and support to combat loneliness, depression and anxiety are in huge demand and oversubscribed. Allowing choirs to reunite across the whole of the UK will now have a tremendous and positive impact and allow a healing process to begin for those who take part. Choirs of all types provide a lifeline and this lifeline can now be reinstated."

Rock Choir is the pioneering contemporary choir of the UK and remains unique with over 33,000 members participating in approximately 400 local communities. It offers all ages an alternative experience to the traditional classical or community choir introducing members to feel-good pop, rock and contemporary chart songs. There are no auditions and no requirement to read music when joining Rock Choir.

If you would like to come along and see what Rock Choir is all about, sign up for a free taster session at your local Rock Choir today at www.rockchoir.com  or call 01252 714276 for further information.