IN PUBS, village halls, open spaces and churches of Stokesley and the surrounding villages the sound of music is heard by large and appreciative audiences, writes Jan Hunter.

Among the many performers, including musicians, singers and choirs of local and international renown, one person is bringing out the best in amateur voices.

Opera singer, teacher and vocal coach Jeanette Wainwright set up her choirs in Saltburn, then in Great Broughton and Stokesley, and now runs five – three for women, one mixed and a men’s choir.

“The choirs have expanded beyond my greatest expectations and I look forward to seeing where it goes, ”she said.

Though she trains each one separately, the choirs come together for two concerts a year, totalling 160 voices, which make a powerful sound.

The next of these, under the title 100 Voices Summer Concert, will take place in Yarm, with the community choir singing everything from Birdy’s Wings to Verdi’s Hebrew Slaves Chorus. Proceeds will go to School-Aid India.

The eclectic mix of songs and chants which Jeanette teaches ranges from opera to African chants and modern songs by songwriters such as John Legend and Olly Murs.

Choir members enjoy the challenges and overcoming musical difficulties gives them a great sense of achievement. They may sometimes find it hard, but Jeanette is known for her sense of humour and can-do approach.

Aspiring voices come from all backgrounds and experience of singing. People learn without music sheets so everyone, including those unable to read music, can join in.

School-Aid India is a small charity based in Great Ayton which in 2006 provided funds to build a school for disadvantaged children at the foot of the Himalayas. Four years later there were so many pupils a new school was needed. Jeanette is a passionate supporter and all donations go to help sustain the school.

“It is fantastic that through education street children have a chance of getting out of the class system,” she said.

As a professional singer she tours opera/jazz shows with Jane Robinson, head of training at ENO. She also hosts the Hermitage Ensemble, opera singers from Russia, who sometimes sing in her concerts.

Since 2008 she has been involved with the voluntary organisation, Free Your Voice, which brings singing to vulnerable people. She has worked with Mind, Eva Women’s Aid, Kirkleatham Special School and Earthbeat, the local theatre company for adults with learning difficulties, where she has been voice coach for five years. She loves their humour, passion and enthusiasm.

The 100 Voices concert is at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium in Yarm on July 11, at 7pm. Tickets are available at Brown's newsagents, Stokesley, or from www.thepaaonline.org.

Jan Hunter