The Just Kidding Chorus is a feel-good choir for parents, grandparents and carers with little ones in tow. Our director Mich specialises in working with adult beginners and makes sure everyone has a great time!
Is this another baby music class?
Nope! This is singing for you, in an environment where little ones are welcome and you are free to look after them however you need to (breast-feeding, colouring in, negotiations about ice-cream after the session) while singing!
Our music includes heart-warming folk music, cheesy pop and musical theatre hits, and a bit of life-affirming chant!
Do I need to be any good?
Nope! Beginners are welcome. You don’t need to be able to read music. You just need to love singing!
Is my child too old / too young to come with?
I doubt it! You can bring a baby in a sling, a toddler, a school-going child, or a teen – the only requirement is that they be mostly happy with the fact that it is an activity for you, not for them! So (with the exception of babies) they need to be able to amuse themselves – with your support – in a reasonably quiet and chilled-out way. Jigsaws and colouring books are good activities for small people beyond baby age. If you need to take your little one out for a bit, there’s a quiet foyer with tables and chairs. And of course a playground just down the road for after the session!
So is this actually a really uplifting way to spend a Wednesday lunchtime??
Yes! You should come and join us for singing, tea and biscuits.
All together now… “I am a tower of strength within and without, I am a tower of strength within… Dancing Queen, feel the beat of the tambourine, oh yeah!…. Oh Shenandoah, I long to hear you…”
You get the picture.
02 October 2015 - More announcements
First session is free (and no obligation!). If you join you’ll be asked to buy four ‘tickets’ at a time (£5 per ticket, so that’s £20 in total). This means you’ve paid for four sessions in advance, which you can then attend at any time. So if you miss a week, no problem, no charge! Payment is per adult, not per child.
I really like that Just Kidding Chorus is informal, anybody and everybody can come along and join in without feeling the need for any previous experience. Everyone is made to feel welcome and everyone plays a part in the session. Different teaching methods are used for different people and the teacher is very experienced. Everybody sits in a circle on the floor with a soft play mat and toys in the middle for the children. It's lovely to have the opportunity to sing and meet other Mums to share knowledge and experience over a cup of tea at the end.
Just Kidding Chorus is a very welcoming group which is suitable for all ages. I have been going along since my son, Alastair was only 6 weeks old and it's nice to do something socially as a parent which is good for children too. Alastair enjoys sitting and playing with the other children and loves the music! Mich, who runs the class is very welcoming and passionate about music, choosing lovely music for us to sing. Also, she is a mum herself and understands what it's like to have small children. The venue, Redbridge Drama Centre, is lovely and very baby friendly.
What a superb group!
It's lovely to be able to partake in a hobby that children can attend and enjoy too. The music is varied and there's time at the end of the class to socialise over a cup of tea and biscuits - mummy bliss! Highly recommended!
I love the Just Kidding Chorus. I go with my twins who are now 14 months old. I find the singing very uplifting - even if i'm tired when i go in i come out feeling refreshed. Mich is great. The babies love the music too. Highly recommended. Note: You don't have to be a good singer, it is just good fun :)
Simply add a password and you are good to go!
02 October 2015
Mich is a experienced and humorous choir leader who currently directs four choirs: * The Just Kidding Chorus * Brentwood Choral Society * Finchley Reform Synagogue Choir * Tav Rishon (an adult beginners choir singing Jewish music) Mich started Just Kidding when her baby was 6 months old and she discovered that there were limited opportunities for people toting babies to sing 'adult' music. Every choir session is gently tailored to the attendees. Mich is especially used to working with adult beginners, so you won't find yourself in trouble! http://www.mich-sampson.com
It's great to have a music group that's parent focused but child-friendly, and where you get to sing grown up songs rather than nursery rhymes for a change! It's a really friendly place and it's lovely to spend time singing uplifting songs with other people. The children are happy as there are toys for them and plenty of space to play. At the end you get to enjoy a cup of tea and chat with the other parents.
Jess 16 Mar 2015