Singing in a Pop Choir is good for your soul

One of my earliest musical memories goes back to primary school: singing together with the entire school in the weeks leading up to Christmas. It was a special experience. Every week a story was told and a candle was lit. At the beginning and end of the Advent celebrations, we sang together. What I remember most is the warmth, the sense of comfort, and the sound of 200 children’s voices shaking the assembly hall.

Later on, when I studied music at the Rockacademie in Tilburg, my favourite activity was still singing with others. Whenever a backing vocalist was needed, I volunteered. I felt much more comfortable in that position on stage than standing in the middle as a lead singer — tucked away to the side, placing tight harmonies. My inspirations at the time? The Beatles’ vocal harmonies, Bob Marley’s backing singers, and later the incredible background vocalists of Amy Winehouse.

In a choir, you don’t have to carry it alone. You become part of something bigger — a sound you create together, and that you could never create on your own.

Then, in Kenya, I started a pop choir shortly after the birth of my daughter, and everything came together. People from different backgrounds, ages, and skill levels. Some convinced that they “couldn’t sing.” Others with stage experience. But as soon as we started singing together, the same thing happened every time: shoulders dropped, breathing deepened, tension melted away. And we became a close-knit community: people who supported one another, even outside of rehearsals.

When people sing together, something happens. In the body. In the nervous system. In how free someone feels to take up space.

In all my work, the voice is central, because the voice is so much more than sound. It is a direct expression of who you are, how safe you feel, and how much space you allow yourself to take. That’s exactly why I believe so strongly in singing in a group. You don’t have to be a “good singer” to join in. You learn to listen. You learn to support, and to be supported.

With that same intention, I am now starting a pop choir in Oegstgeest. A place where you sing together, learn together, and create sound together. With pop music, vocal harmonies, and attention to expression, in a safe and relaxed setting.

If you’ve never quite dared to try, but secretly feel the urge. Or if you’re looking for a choir but can’t commit to something weekly. Then I invite you to come and sing.

Your voice is welcome. Exactly as it is.

Ik doe mee!