In tune with all kinds of members

Rock Choir leader Vikki Hewitt gets a chorus of approval from SUE CADE

- Vikki Hewitt

I sang from an early age; school choirs, singing competitions, musical theatre, but my vocal prowess diminished as other things took over, until my warbling was only undertaken in the car - much to the mortification of my offspring.

Then I joined Rock Choir and rediscovered my love of harmonies and hitting that top note.

Rock Choir is a national phenomenon and the East Devon group of choirs I sing with is led by the talented Vikki Hewitt. Vikki studied vocals at ACM Guildford and went on to sing with the ACM Gospel Choir, as a backing vocalist for Michael Ball and Beverly Knight, and as part of a Queen tribute act.

She was approached by Rock Choir in 2012 after a family friend recommended her. After four years of leading choirs in West Sussex, Vikki returned to her hometown of Exmouth. “I was missing the more relaxed pace of life in Devon, it’s much more chilled and there’s such a sense of community.” But although she was ready to leave Surrey, she wasn’t ready to leave Rock Choir. “I took on the existing Exeter choir and set up new choirs in Exmouth, Honiton and Sidmouth.”

So, what does it take to lead a choir? “A leader has to have a certain personality; obviously you must be musical, play piano, have an ear for harmony, be able to conduct, and organise events – but you must also be able to smile. Lots.”