THE Mid-Devon Advertiser is calling on readers to give their full backing to singers from Teignmouth and Newton Abbot who have contributed to Rock Choir’s Christmas single.

Rock Choir, the largest contemporary choir in the world, will be releasing a Christmas single to support the Mental Health Foundation and help raise awareness of mental health.

Local singers are among thousands of Rock Choir members from across England, Wales and Scotland who have come together, virtually, as one choir to record their vocals on a national Christmas single of a very special Rock Choir version of ‘Keeping The Dream Alive’.

They will all take part in the single which will be released on Friday, December 11.

Richard Toomer, the leader for the local rock choirs for Newton Abbot and Teignmouth, said: ‘We have taken part in a large scale charity Christmas “lockdown” recording to raise money for the mental health foundation.

‘As you know Rock Choir is a national “choir” which is very popular around here and although Covid- 19 has stopped us from meeting in person we have continued to sing online through weekly video tutorials and weekly zoom rehearsals.

‘We asked all the choir members to record their parts from home and in isolation and send them in to us to be mixed together to produce the final Christmas single.

‘There will be more than 5,000 voices on this track which is a potential world record in itself. We are hoping to raise a lot of money for the Mental Health Foundation.’

The single will be available to download on all the usual platforms like Spotify and iTunes etc.

This unprecedented health emergency, has meant the mental health of millions has been impacted. Rock Choir is best known for its unique, powerful and uplifting formula which allows its nembers to experience a natural high when they take part in a rehearsal or event.

During lockdown, the invitation to take part in their feel-good uplifting singing sessions was opened up to the wider public when Rock Choir pledged to run a free daily live singing session via their FB Page throughout the entire period. The whole of the UK was encouraged to join in. Over 106 consecutive days their daily sessions reached more than five million views.

The Rock Choir team and members are delighted that the Christmas single will help to raise crucial awareness for the Mental Health Foundation.

It’s a well-known fact that singing improves people’s well-being by building their self-confidence, self-esteem and in turn improving their mental and general health. Supporting Mental Health Awareness is a priority for Rock Choir. The Sunday Times once quoted: ‘Rock Choir has become the biggest national cultural movement of the decade’ and they were not wrong!

Since then it has inspired hundreds of amateur and contemporary choirs to start singing and has changed the musical landscape of the country in turn becoming the largest contemporary choir in the world!

When Covid-19 hit the UK, Rock Choir became even more of a vital lifeline as fear, panic and confusion swept the country and choirs were silenced. With a record speed turn around, the Rock Choir Team quickly adapted and moved their membership to a virtual online experience.

They provided an essential routine in lockdown, ensuring communities stayed connected and could continue to sing. The team also focused on and created a new platform to support and nurture the invaluable and special friendships in Rock Choir allowing them to continue and remain connected.

It was vital that the Rock Choir members, or ‘Rockies’ as they are fondly referred to, could feel supported and cared for reflecting the original ethos and family culture of Rock Choir.

In May this year and as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, the Rock Choir Team hosted a 24-hour back to back music and well-being online event called ‘Rock Choir 24’, which raised more than £45,000 for the Mental Health Foundation.