New ‘Top of the Crop’ choir launching in Cullybackey invites you to sing, socialise and connect!

The Top of the Crop choir will be guided by local music teacher and experienced musician Philip Kerr, with practice sessions planned for Thursday 26 March and Thursday 30 April from 8pm-9.30pm in Cullybackey Business Centre, Main Street, Cullybackey.

A brand-new community choir is set to bring voices together in Cullybackey, offering rural residents a welcoming space to sing, socialise and build friendships.

The new ‘Top of the Crop’ choir is the latest initiative from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, designed to strengthen community connections while promoting wellbeing through music.

Inspired by the success of the Rural Melody choir in Moneymore and the long-established Farmers Choir Northern Ireland, the project aims to create a relaxed and inclusive environment where people of all ages from rural communities can come together in song.

Building community through music

Leading the new choir will be local music teacher and experienced musician Philip Kerr, who says the focus will be on community, confidence and enjoyment.

“The choir will be first and foremost a place based on community and friendship,” Philip said.

“I’m really excited about leading this new venture and where the journey will take us. I love music and I want everyone to share in the joy of singing.

“My wish is that members will not only enjoy the experience of singing together, but grow in confidence while developing their musical ability. Importantly, and possibly in contrast to other choirs, I want to encourage members to feel ownership of the choir and have their say in the pieces we sing.”

Tackling rural isolation

The initiative is also part of wider efforts to support social wellbeing in rural areas, where opportunities to meet and connect can sometimes be limited.

Yvonne Carson, Rural Health and Wellbeing Manager with the Northern Trust, said choirs have proven to be a powerful way of bringing people together.

“We’re delighted that Philip is leading this new initiative. He is a talented musician and brings an infectious enthusiasm to all his sessions.

“Within the Northern Trust, we are committed to our rural communities and social initiatives like this are a great example of this commitment in action.

“From experience, choirs are a great way of bringing like-minded people together in rural areas, where opportunities to socialise can be limited. No matter what kind of day you have had, singing lifts your spirits and calms the mind.”

First rehearsals planned

The choir will hold its first practice sessions at Cullybackey Business Centre on Thursday 26 March and Thursday 30 April, running from 8pm to 9.30pm.

Organisers say the group is open to rural dwellers of all ages and abilities, with refreshments provided during the sessions to help create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Anyone interested in taking part or learning more about the choir can contact Philip Kerr or the Northern Trust’s Rural Health and Wellbeing team for further details.

At a glance

• A new rural choir called ‘Top of the Crop’ is launching in Cullybackey.

• The initiative is led by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

• It aims to bring rural residents together through music, friendship and community connection.

• Local music teacher Philip Kerr will lead the choir sessions.

• The project follows the success of the Rural Melody choir in Moneymore and Farmers Choir Northern Ireland.

• The choir welcomes rural dwellers of all ages and abilities.

• First practice sessions take place 26 March and 30 April at Cullybackey Business Centre.

• Sessions run 8pm–9.30pm, with refreshments provided.

• The initiative aims to improve wellbeing and social opportunities in rural communities.