Yarmouth choir gets them dancing on the pews 

A Great Yarmouth gospel choir, initially formed for one concert, is still going after 12 years and literally getting audiences up onto the pews and danc­ing with joy

In 2011, when Lolo Wynans and Andy Hudson were asked by a friend to form a Gospel choir, the intention was to do just one concert. Church friends and acquain­tances from across Great Yarmouth were quickly recruited and the Joyous Praise Rockin’ Gospel Choir was born.

Lolo and Andy had never coordinated a choir until this point and many of the choir members had never sung gospel music before. In the process of preparing for the concert Andy and Lolo learned not only to lead a choir, but also to arrange and compose music.

The concert was a success, and the choir enjoyed it so much that they persuaded Lolo and Andy to continue. The original name for the choir, Joyous Praise Rockin’ Gospel Choir, was based on Psalm 100, which expresses the ethos of the choir. Andy explains: “Musically, Lolo and I are inspired by West Indian / black American gospel music of the sixties and seventies and the spirit of enthusiastic, joyful praise it embodies. Our aim is to bring that joy into the world.”

Andy and Lolo believe that this is what draws people to the choir. There is a fun and friendly atmosphere at rehearsals, and for many of the 18 members it feels like a family.

Lolo recalls how one member told them that being part of the choir had made a huge difference to him after his wife had died. Another member has shared how joyful she feels by the end of each rehearsal.

The choir is now known as the Happy Day Gospel Choir (the previous name having proved too difficult to remember!) Members include those from a range of Christian churches and denominations (including Baptist, Anglican and Methodist), as well as those who aren’t believers. There are no auditions and everyone is welcomed and valued regardless of age and ability. They are drawn together by their love of the music and the joy it brings.

The Happy Day Gospel Choir has put on many concerts, mostly in churches around Norfolk, contributing to raising around £10,000 for various charities. Concerts are very special for the choir, as they can really feel a sense of the joy being shared with those who come along. Audience participa­tion is welcomed and encouraged.

Andy explains: “The more the audiences get involved (clapping, singing along, even dancing), the more they reflect back the joy, and the more it grows. That's a precious experience.”

One particularly fond memory for Andy and Lolo is of a concert at a church where the vicar got into it so much that she was standing on a pew dancing.

Lolo adds: “For me as the pianist/conduc­tor, I also love the experience of seeing the choir really enjoying singing, whether at rehearsal or in concerts, seeing their smiles, their enthusiasm, watching them having a fabulous time.”

The choir has a wide repertoire of songs and styles. Some are gospel classics like Oh Happy Day, or Lean on Me, others are older traditional songs like Down by the Riverside and This little Light of Mine.

They have also created their own versions of songs, for example an adaptation of Mary Mary's gospel song 'Shackles' which they have given a Latin feel and a rendition of Kumbaya which sets the original words to a newly composed tune, inspired by African music.

Most recently the Happy Day Gospel Choir performed at Great Yarmouth Minster as part of the Great Yarmouth Arts Festival.

The choir meets on Friday evenings at Caister Methodist Church and welcomes new members.

They are also glad to receive invitations to sing. Contact Lolo to find out more at Lolobongolady@gmail.com or on 07982 232735.


Pictured: The Happy Day Gospel Choir from Great Yarmouth. Picture by Joshua Chapman.