Holding Our Breath Survey
Singing groups are a vital part of Lancashire’s cultural scene. They are a popular leisure activity and they have a real impact on community wellbeing. Across the county there is a rich tradition of grassroots vocal music making and well supported work with young people through initiatives like the Music Education Hubs.
But like everything, the pandemic has had a profound effect on choirs, not least on their ability to meet and rehearse, but also how they work and on their membership numbers. Some groups have struggled to maintain membership and momentum through the challenges of COVID. It has been a strange change from singing being something many take part in to benefit their health, to it being seen as a potential risk.
We’d like to get a clearer picture of where we are now. We want to assess the impact to look to how we can support and advocate for a safe, inclusive and thriving future for vocal music in Lancashire.
WHAT WE ARE DOING
We are asking Lancashire community / non-professional / education choirs, choruses and singing groups to complete a short survey on how COVID has impacted them. It should take no more than a couple of minutes to complete, but there is space for you to write more if you want to tell us more about your experience.
We are interested in hearing from groups enjoying different genres. You don’t need to be a ‘formal’ choir. You could also include other vocal styles like rap and beatboxing.
We are looking for responses from districts across the Lancashire County Council area, as well as those within the unitary authorities of Blackburn with Darwen, and Blackpool.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & EXPERIENCES
You can fill the survey in online here.
Alternatively, you can download a copy of the Holding Our Breath Survey and once completed return it to Loz Kaye:
C/O Lancashire Encounter
Preston City Council
Town Hall
Lancaster Road
Preston
PR1 2RL
The survey is open until 31st August 2022.
OUR PARTNERS
This work is supported by Arts Lancashire and the Lancashire Encounter Festival, and is being delivered in association with Lancaster Arts “Growing Voices” programme.
