Ruth Smart, Choir Manager (Brighton)

"Prior to joining the Choir with No Name, I was involved both in setting up a DJ collective in Brighton for women + gender non-conforming folk, and worked + volunteered in community gardens + kitchens. I was, therefore, over-the-moon to find a job that allowed me to bring these loves together: music, food, and community.

Music has played such an important role in my life. It's brought me into friendships and communities, and has been the backdrop to some of my most formative moments - be it dancing at jungle nights until the early hours of the morning or singing folk songs together in someone's living room. Doiing something together in unity - however imperfect - really lifts me out of the heaviness of the everyday, and into a space where I feel connnected to the emotions, memories, stories, histories, and communities held in music.

I see this happen in action regularly at the choir. I'm both humbled and proud of the work that the choir does - it's a joy watching people bring themselves in all their complexity, and connect both with the music and one another. I know singing together can't solve all of life's problems, but I really see how by singing and eating together ever Monday evening we carve out a space each week where people can feel held, feel creative, and feel connected. This to me is community in action - and it continues to inspire me every week!

When not at choir you can find me rock climbing, DJing, or enjoying a walk and some oatcakes on top of a hill.