Hi, I'm Nat. Although, I have a lot less hair now than in that picture, more eyebrow, and a far more laughter lines than I could ever have imagined. But, its a decent representation, so I'm sticking with it. (Regardless of whether it was taken whilst perched on the loo at the kids bath time or not. Not ON the loo, just sitting on it like a throne).
I am a 40 something mum of four, living in Farnborough, with three of those children, a husband, a dog, a cat and a million blooming fish. I work as a personal banker for a very well known (purple) high street bank.
I suppose I should tell you what I'm doing in this bit really, but the truth is, I don't really know! I'm not quite sure how I got this far; yet to rehearse, but steadily building a local choral network. Unbelievable, Jeff!
So - Farnborough Voices was born of long, dreamy conversations with my long suffering husband complemented by accompanying inspiration afforded to me by my brother, an MD 'oop North with the likes of Keighley Musical Theatre Company, Leeds Gilbert and Sullivan Society and Yeadon Theatre Company (to mention but a few).
After watching him and his fiancé do their thing for the first time EVER a mere 20 years into his career in productions of Oliver and West Side Story, I was just in awe at what they had achieved together; the sound and productions that they had created, the theatres they filled and they way they just shone in the lights (but mostly because my brother has more hair of his face than his head, so the spot dances merrily off his proud bonce quite playfully).
He flippantly suggested that I ought to do Am Dram and while it's not really my thing anymore (I was a Theatre and Performance major years ago, daaaaaahling), I have always found comfort and release in singing. And so the conversation turned to choirs.
Another passion of mine is mental health and well-being in others following a very brief stint in HR. (To all you People and HR managers - I salute you. But I will never do that again! Such an emotional and thankless job.) Having had my own troubles with The Black Dog, it is a subject very dear to my heart, and so the idea of combining the two was born. I have always used music as a medium to complement my mood, and I know that would also speak to a wider audience.
Several texts back and forth, and a few lazy (possibly hazy) Sunday mornings at my brothers kitchen table later and here we are. Farnborough Voices.
My only goal for Farnborough Voices is just to create beautiful sound with people who are in it for the same reason - to sing, be safe, and be yourself. In the room, in their headspace, and maybe even on the stage. To have a place to be free. Without judgement, without commitment.
I want it to be fun, but I want to recognise different paths that all meet at this point, simply to belt out a few bangers as a group. We don't currently have a choir in Farnborough, so this could be the start of something beautiful.
Whether I'll be any good as the head, who knows? Will we be the next BGT finalists? Who knows? But I promise you we'll give it a good go together!
Nat x
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