She+ Choir Reading

She+Choir Reading are performing at the Rising Sun Arts Centre on Thursday 5 November. They're a cooperative choir for women, non-binary and genderqueer people in Reading, and the night is built around that community.

What sets them apart from a typical choir is how they work. They sing their own arrangements, so the music comes from within the group rather than from a conductor's score. The whole thing is run collaboratively, too: members make the decisions together, and anyone who fits the description is welcome to sing along. It's a safe space for women, non-binary and genderqueer people to get together and make music on their own terms.

That cooperative spirit carries over into how the choir is organised. Every member can take as much or as little part as they like, from leading the warm-ups and conducting to arranging the songs or organising the gigs. It's not a top-down setup; it's a group where everyone has a say in how things run. They're open to and encourage active participation from everyone, regardless of experience, so you don't need a background in singing to get involved.

If you've been looking for a choir that's run from the bottom up, this is it. You'll find them at the Rising Sun Arts Centre on Thursday 5 November.