24/09/2026
This week, we’re shining the spotlight on one of our original members… Marion
What voice part do you sing? And how long have you been in the Choir?
Baritone! I’ve been with the choir since the very beginning, when Ula started with a workshop to gauge interest. This choir is a fantastic group of people. I’ve made so many friends who I love dearly.
I originally joined the Baritones to sing with and support the only man in the section at the time. We became friends, and there I stayed! There are some great voices in the Baritones, so I have surround sound! It’s always great fun.
What made you join?
I knew Ula — and who wouldn’t join the choir once you’ve been conducted by her?! She told us about the choir, and I’d also done Sing From Your Sofa during the Covid lockdown.
What’s your favourite piece we’ve ever performed?
I honestly can’t choose! I love the ones we all sing with gusto and can dance around to, but I enjoy the ballads too.
There are certainly some where I initially think, “Not this one again!” — but that soon resolves itself because the harmonies are so enjoyable to sing!
If you could choose one song for the choir to sing, what would it be?
Follow The Heron by Karine Polwart, from Baz’s Caledonian Collection. It’s so beautiful. I loved it from the very first time I heard the intro and Ula sang the first line.
We might have to find a tenuous link to it being a show song… or perhaps a smaller group could sing it!
What song will you never get tired of?
Follow The Heron again! But from our choir repertoire, it has to be We Are the Champions.
When it filled Symphony Hall, I hoped all the staff were joining in too! Our choir is only successful and so enjoyable because everyone gives it their all — they are the champions.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
Is there one called Hanging On by a Thread?! 😂 Otherwise, Crazy by Patsy Cline.
If you could duet with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Meg, my daughter. Although equally, I’d love a family group with Harry playing and Rachel singing too.
Our extended family already has a family band — including the toddlers with egg shakers!
What’s your favourite thing about our Choir?
It has to be Krzys and the “true stories” 😂 but most of all, the people. There truly is something special about Halesowen Choir.
Best memory from rehearsals or performances?
From rehearsals, it has to be the hilarity and laughter. Although I really like fudge, yet Krzys seems to get all of it!
From concerts, Love Shine a Light with all the lights appearing in the audience. It was completely unexpected and such a goosebumps moment. I think it made us sing with even more feeling and emotion. I couldn’t stop grinning!
What were your tour highlights?
There are so many! Always the choir people and the singing.
I loved both Kraków and Gdańsk. I’d probably never have gone to Poland if Krzys hadn’t organised the tours — it wasn’t somewhere that had been on my wishlist — but it was so beautiful and I’m so happy I went. There were so many unforgettable moments — and, again, so much laughter and fun with people we love and care about.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining?
Make the step into this choir. You’ll get a royal welcome and very quickly feel at home. You’ll have fun with an MD like you’ve never seen or witnessed before — and I can guarantee you’ll be back again and again!
Everyone becomes an important part of this choir, and everyone cares about each other. Singing together is nothing but joy. Looking forward to meeting you!
