AN Okehampton-based music charity’s switch to online sessions because of the Covid-19 outbreak has brought in new singers and musicians from across Devon and as far afield as Spain and Italy.

Wren Music has had to stop all its face-to-face choir, orchestra and youth groups, attended by around 400 singers and musicians across the county, because of the crisis. 

But rather than pack away the microphones and musical instruments, the organisation has now launched online. And since the service went live on April 20, more than 200 people have signed up, including an ex-pat from Sheepwash now living in Spain and a vocalist in Italy.

‘We are reaching out to new people, which is great,’ said Wren’s creative director Marilyn Tucker. ‘It means people are taking part in singing and playing music and that is very important at a time when people might be feeling isolated. We know that the “warm up” breathing exercises we do for all our groups can help lungs to stay strong.

‘We’ve got some members who have had Covid-19 who have told us that taking part is helping their recovery.’

Each tutorial is taken by one of Wren’s professional vocal or music leaders and is available online for everyone to learn their parts in their own home.

‘There is no substitute for being together in the same room but it’s the next best thing,’ said Marilyn.

Ellen Stuart from Tavistock has joined the West Devon Folk Choir led by Wren’s Sarah Owen.

‘I am in another local ladies choir as well but we’ve obviously not been able to meet, so when I saw what Wren were doing, I thought I would join up,’ said Ellen. ‘I was struggling a bit because my husband and son were both having to isolate in their rooms.

‘Joining lifted my spirits enormously – I didn’t realise how much I was missing singing.’

Long-term choir member Barbara Childs, from Okehampton, said: ‘It’s like having private tuition but at the same time we know that the rest are doing it as well. It’s enabling us to keep on singing — and Sarah is absolutely brilliant, she takes you through everything, note by note.’

The next series of five sessions is now available and new joiners are welcome. Visit www.wrenmusic.co.uk