At ChoirBLAST, we’ve always believed in the transformative power of music.
From uniting communities to lifting spirits, group singing has the unique ability to bring people together.
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Our mission has grown since our first event in 2023, but our purpose remains the same:
to share the joy of singing with as many people as possible, no matter their background or ability.
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We are ready to expand our work even further and make group singing accessible to *everyone* in the community - that's why we're now a registered charity!
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Registered Charity Number: 1210483
Our mission
As a charity, our focus is:
To bring the joy of music to everyone
We believe that music is for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned singer or someone who has never sung a note before. By creating choirs in schools, workplaces, care homes, and community spaces, we aim to give everyone the chance to experience the power of singing together.​
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To foster inclusivity and connection
Our goal is to bring people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds together. Whether you’re young or old, able-bodied or differently-abled, music has the power to bridge gaps and build a supportive, inclusive community.
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To provide opportunities for performance and education
We’re here to advance public appreciation of the art of music, giving choirs the opportunity to perform in front of large audiences on big stages. Through training and developing future choir leaders, we’ll ensure that our mission continues to grow and flourish.
Our impact
Our reach is incredibly diverse, a cross-community group whose common interest brings them together despite any differences in age, gender, background or language.
7000+
Festival visitors in 2024
100+
Choirs connected to the festival
60+
Community choir singers per week
Our objectives
We are committed to:
Advancing music education
We aim to improve public education in, and appreciation of, the art and science of music, especially group singing. Whether it's through public events or community choir programs, we want to spark a lifelong love of music.​
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Providing accessible music facilities
We're dedicated to creating opportunities for people to enjoy music for recreation or leisure. This is especially important for those who need it most - whether it's due to youth, age, disability, or social and economic circumstances.
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Why this matters
By becoming a charity, we’re opening new doors to bring even more people into the ChoirBLAST family. Here’s how we’re making a difference:
Creating new choirs in schools, workplaces, care homes, and beyond
We’re committed to giving back to the community by creating choirs that bring people together, offering a joyful, supportive space to sing and connect.​​
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Giving everyone a voice
We believe in creating performance spaces where those less able can sing alongside those who are able, celebrating the beauty of diversity and inclusivity through music.​​​
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Training more choir leaders
We’ll be offering training opportunities to develop talented musicians into choir leaders, helping to spread the joy of group singing even further.
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How You Can Support ChoirBLAST
Now more than ever, we’re looking for supporters who believe in our mission and want to help us make a difference.
Together, we can create something truly special - a community where music brings joy, connection, and opportunity for all.
If you’d like to support us or find out more, get in touch today. We’d love to hear from you!
Donate
Send us your donation directly - this is our preferred way to receive funds as there are no fees to access the money.
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Account name: ChoirBLAST
Sort code: 08-92-99
Account number: 67380624-00
Reference: please use your last name
Fundraise
Can you run a marathon? do a sponsored silence? Host an event, or something different to help us raise funds?
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Let's talk about it!
Sponsor
You have the chance to support newly created choirs!
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With funds used to provide venues, equipment and choir leaders, we welcome sponsorship from individuals, and any size of business.
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Get in touch today!
Volunteer
There are lots of ways to get involved as a volunteer - at our events, and for the choirs we create (weekly, term-time).
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Please fill our the form below!
ChoirBLAST donations are dedicated to bringing singing to people of all backgrounds, through creating choirs and events within the community.
ChoirBLAST choirs
With our new charity status, ChoirBLAST is even more committed to making a difference through the power of contemporary choral music. Our charitable objectives are focused on two key areas:
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We aim to foster public appreciation and participation in the art of music—particularly group singing—by creating choirs and offering opportunities to perform at public events. This is about more than just singing; it’s about building confidence, joy, and community through music.
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We’re dedicated to creating opportunities where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can come together to enjoy the art of music. Whether it’s through choirs in schools, charities, or care homes, we want to ensure that everyone has the chance to experience the life-changing power of group singing.
ChoirBLAST Trustees
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Phoebe Gaydon
Chair
Phoebe’s love for music started at a young age, sparked when a music teacher in Singapore recognised her singing talent. She went on to perform across the country, and though musical theatre was a major influence, jazz became her true passion. Phoebe graduated with a First Class Honours Degree from Goldsmiths University, where she met her husband, Matt, in a band, and their shared love of music and teaching grew from there. Teaching is Phoebe’s true passion—she loves helping her students progress and seeing them thrive. Outside of music, you’ll find her running through the streets of Godalming and fundraising for local charities. Phoebe is the founder and director of A Touch of Musicality, where she teaches vocals, piano, songwriting, and music theory, and arranges all the music for multiple choirs.
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Annabelle Lawrence
Trustee
With over 20 years of experience in marketing and events, Belle brings a strategic approach to event promotion, sponsor attraction, and audience engagement. Belle has been part of choir life with Phoebe for many years and now performs with Farncombe Jazz Choir. Singing has always been in her blood, with many family members sharing the same love for music. She’s graced the stage in Fame at The Wimbledon Theatre, performed as part of a 50’s band at Ce Roc’s national event in Weston-Super-Mare, and even sung in a selected children’s choir at The Royal Albert Hall—plus, she’s a karaoke enthusiast! Volunteering in the arts is a big part of Belle’s life. She spent several years leading marketing at The Nomad Theatre, where she produced pantomimes and the popular Surrey Showcase event alongside James Pearce & Brooklands Radio.
Jo Fox
Treasurer
Jo has built a dynamic career as a Chartered Accountant, working across multiple industries and bringing financial expertise to a range of organisations. Alongside her corporate work, she is a dedicated yoga teacher and therapist, passionate about promoting well-being. Currently, Jo serves as Chair of the Board for a financial services company and holds two additional Non-Executive Director roles. She is also a Trustee of Godalming Town FC, where she previously served as Treasurer. Music, dance, and singing have been lifelong passions for Jo, and she continues to embrace the joy of music through the Farncombe Jazz Choir and Rock Choir. Since 2018, she has been honing her vocal skills through singing lessons, celebrating the power of song to uplift and connect.
Philip Beck
Secretary
Phil is a passionate and committed singer who began his musical journey in 2012 and joined the ATOM choir in 2017. His love for music expanded further in 2021 when he started learning to play the piano. With a rich and varied career, Phil has travelled to over 70 countries, gaining a deep understanding of different cultures and backgrounds. This global perspective has been shaped by his extensive professional experiences, including his time as a senior consultant in the oil industry, where he held several senior management roles and directorships. Phil’s expertise also spans negotiations, commercial agreements, financing, and international relations, skills he developed during his earlier career as a petroleum engineer working in both onshore and offshore field operations.
Caroline Swaisland-Dyke
Trustee
Caroline is currently Head of Sixth Form English at a secondary school in Guildford, where she teaches linguistics, literature, and media. Her passion for education extends across all subjects, and she brings a wealth of experience as a small business owner in the arts. Caroline has owned and been principal of two local dance schools, where she has taught children and adults alike, as well as training teachers for professional examinations. Caroline’s love for music and singing has been a constant in her life, and for the past four years, she has been a proud member of the ATOM choirs. She is now training as a singing teacher with Phoebe, excited to deepen her knowledge and share the joy of singing with others.