Debbie's GJC - From the Members

I joined GJC last October and can’t believe that nearly a year has whizzed by - and what a great year!

I had previously sung with In Accord, a Ladies A Capella choir, for 11 years and learnt a great deal about close harmony singing. However, things had become a bit too serious for my liking, so it was time to move on and find something more fun and vibrant.

Well, I certainly found that at Godalming Jazz Choir! And so much more besides. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. I must confess that I was a little reluctant to commit to coming out on a Sunday evening, but I soon came to realise, that this is the most brilliant end to the weekend and it sets me up to start the working week in a calm and chilled way. I can honestly say that this is such a fun and uplifting choir to be part of and I just love Phoebe’s energy – its infectious.

My musical journey started way back when I was about 7 years old when I was given the opportunity to learn the violin.

As nobody in my family was the least bit musical, it was quite a struggle to learn, as my parents couldn’t help tune my violin – it must have sounded really dire! I was also part of the school choir, although that was short lived as it clashed with Orchestra practice.

I progressed through the Grades until I was 16 and then my burgeoning love for – wait for it - Donny Osmond – won over and the pressure of O Levels ( yes -I’m that old! ) meant that my violin started to play second fiddle ( sorry!).

Still – all was not lost! About 15 years ago, I found myself entranced one evening by a male Barbershop quartet who were performing at a function I was at. Chatting afterwards with one of the members, he persuaded me to sing a solo at a Burns Night Supper at my husband’s golf club ( no pressure !) and I even dusted down my violin and played some jigs and reels along with his little group.

And that opened the door and made me realise just how much I love to sing, so I attended a one day workshop in London run by the amazing Susie Digby (judge of Choir of the Year) and that was it. Flash bam Alicizam - I was hooked.

I love listening to most genres of music, in particular jazz, soul/funk and I’m big David Bowie fan. I regularly go to gig and concerts and the highlight of the year so far was Jamie Cullum at the late Prom at the Albert Hall a couple of weeks ago. Amazing!

In ‘real life’, I have been married to Chris for 31 years ( child bride, ha-ha!) and I have 2 gorgeous daughters, Amy & Beth. Amy lives & works in London and Beth has just departed on a 6 month trip around South America and is currently learning to Paraglide in Chile!

My other passion is Interior design, and I ran my own business for about 6/7 years, until I decided I wanted to be part of a team again.

I am now a Sales Representative for a specialist wallcoverings company, and I visit Interior Designers, Architects and other specifiers in London, which I absolutely love.

My job gives me the opportunity to listen to music all the time whilst driving to my meetings and of course, sing along! It’s a bit like Car Pool karaoke in my car – and I’m sure other road users must think I’m a bit mad.

So that’s me in a not-so-small nutshell!

I’m looking forward to what the year ahead with GJC holds, so bring it on!