A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. In the second episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast talks to Katie Geelan, Choir Director, Bolton Cancer Voices, Bury Fire Choir and Encore Youth Fire Choir. Katie expands on her passion for supporting community choirs in Bolton. Katie discusses the challenges and triumphs faced, including the recruitment of male singers and the impact of choir participation on community well-being. Katie also offers practical advice for anyone wishing to start their own community choir, emphasising the accessibility and mental health benefits of music. Tune in for an uplifting conversation that underscores the importance of community, music, and the power to inspire. At the end of the podcast, I play a segment of the Bury Fire Choir performance. In Katie’s own words: “I think, with a choir and this is what I say to my members. Obviously, we've got singers of all abilities. We don't audition.  People don't have to read music. We are genuinely there for anybody who wants to come and sing, but every member makes up that choir. And yes, it's me that stands at the front and fronts it, but it wouldn't be what it is without all the volunteers and the singers we have. Every single person makes up that choir and is there for the success of it.”   #CommunityChoirs #Music #GM #manchester #community #SocialImpact #NonProfit Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).   Did you know:   ·      Choral singing can have a positive impact on mental well-being by releasing feel-good neurotransmitters and reducing stress hormones ·      Joining a community choir creates a sense of camaraderie and belonging, diminishing feelings of loneliness and isolation ·      Singing in a choir can boost confidence and personal growth through a supportive and encouraging environment ·      Choral singing provides a healing and cathartic experience, allowing individuals to process and release emotions ·      Choral singing is also a form of cognitive exercise, sharpening focus and enhancing mental agility Key resources: Bury Fire Choir Encore Youth Fire Choir Bolton Cancer Voices   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript:   (01:43) Introduction to Katie Geelan and Her Choirs (01:53) The Genesis of a Community Choir (02:17) Adapting to the Pandemic: The Birth of Bury Fire Choir (03:05) The Role and Impact of a Choir Director (03:40) Challenges and Triumphs in Choir Management (05:52) The Power of Community and Music (08:19) Advice for Starting a Community Choir (09:23) Busting Myths and Sharing Successes   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk