THE formation of a new choir has got something to sing about.

The songsters are coming together under the banner of the local University of the Third Age group.

The first choir practice takes place next month at Bridport Rugby Club.

Show tunes, pop and jazz are among the kinds of music that will be tackled by the new choir, says Carol Dixon, who is helping to launch the project.

“We hope it will become a successful and dynamic addition to the groups organised in Bridport by U3A.”

“Don’t worry if you have no previous singing experience or if you can’t read music.

“It doesn’t matter. And you won’t have to go through the ordeal of having an audition. The idea is to come along and have fun.”

The choir’s musical director is Matt Kingston who, since moving to Dorset in 2007, has been active in the local music scene, playing the organ in several churches and singing with choirs. In 2011 he became the musical director of Bridport’s New Elizabethan Singers.

Matt is a prolific music arranger, particularly for brass groups and school ensembles, with more than 200 published arrangements to his name. He has co-written a series of beginners tutor books for brass and wind musicians, and his music has been performed in over 50 countries.

Both his grandfather and great-grandfather were choirmasters and, after leaving school, Matt spent a year working with the composer-in-residence of the Prague Symphony Orchestra before embarking on a career as a freelance musician.

“As well as attracting people already sold on the idea of joining a singing group, we are very much hoping to interest those for whom it will be an entirely new experience,” says Bridport and District U3A’s Pauline Ramsden.

The first session is on September 5, from 10.30am to noon.

To find out more about the new U3A choir contact carol.dixon@ btinternet.com or just turn up at the practice.