Emily-May has been volunteering for the Choir with No Name Birmingham right from the early days of the choir. She helps out in the kitchen and with singing.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START VOLUNTEERING FOR THE CHOIR WITH NO NAME?

I was wanting to participate in some volunteering music projects to widen my skills and experience. I came across the choir through an email and thought it was a great opportunity and cause.

PLEASE TELL US YOUR THREE FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT VOLUNTEERING.

It's hard to choose just 3 but my first would be that i really love chatting and getting to know new people who are all from very different walks of life may that be volunteers or members.

I also love the atmosphere at choir and the fact that it leads members to say that choir makes them feel like one big family.

Music is the best medicine :-)

HAS THERE BEEN AN UNFORGETTABLE MOMENT? WHAT WAS IT?

My unforgettable moment at choir has got to be the first Christmas gig that the Birmingham choir joined with the London choir at Union Chapel. The crowd were fantastic, that was the first time I had seen or heard that many people in the audience on their feet cheering ..... AMAZING. 

When a particular member who was not having a very great time outside of choir and was not in a very good place came out of his shell and really enjoyed himself during a gig. It was just so nice to see pure happiness on his face and escapism through choir.

HAVE YOU FACED ANY CHALLENGES ALONG THE WAY?

Not everyone in the choir has the same social boundaries, so it was a challenge getting used to it at first!

AND WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT VOLUNTEERING FOR US?

I am an instrumental teacher and work for Birmingham Music Service travelling to different schools to teach woodwind and piano. I am also involved in many community music projects and I am hoping to expand in this area of work.

NICE THINGS PEOPLE SAY ABOUT EMILY-MAY:

“Emily-May is a bubbly girl, a great all-rounder, who loves to sing and dance. She is a good cook and likes to help people out when there are problems.” Rob, choir member

“Emily-May has a bright, sunny personality and a wicked sense of humour. She always makes me laugh.” Dea, choir member

“She’s just a really lovely, warming person. She makes you feel welcome at any point, even if she’d really busy.” Victoria, choir member

“She’s fantastic and good. Very bubbly and chatty. She talks to people and is very caring.” Ian, choir member

“A Northern bird with huge talent and an equally huge smile. She’s always very positive.” a choir member

“She is lovely, sweet, kind, supportive, friendly and cheerful. She gives you the feeling like you are in a big family.” Sarah, choir member

“She’s a very bubbly character and is very encouraging to everyone within the choir. She has a very nice personality and is very easy to talk to. She’s an asset and keeps everyone going, members and volunteers.” Chris, choir member

“Emily-May is a real asset to the choir. Not only is she really helpful in many different ways but she’s always ready with a joke and infectious cheeky smile.” Pete, choir director

“Emily-May has one of the biggest smiles and the best accent in choir. She is always happy, up for a giggle and fun to be around. She is down to earth and says what she thinks! She also makes a mean chorizo pasta. Emily-May rocks.” Lizzie, volunteer

“Emily-May is one of those totally amazing people that you only meet very occasionally in life (unless you come to a CWNN, of course!) – nothing is ever too much trouble and every challenge is faced with a smile. She brings so much both to the volunteer role and to the alto section in choir. She’s a fantastic musician and singer and her enthusiasm for life, singing and a little boogie is contagious. Thanks for being a totally fab volunteer, Emily-May!!” Liz, choir manager