Two vocal coaches are hoping to address a “distinct lack” of musical opportunities with a new choir.

Jan Antrobus, 45, of Bower Hill in Epping, has run the Our Voices children’s choir with Joel Goodman, 30, since last year and the pair are now preparing to start a choir for adults.

The two coaches will provide a live accompaniment to their singers, as well as training, in an informal environment.

They decided to start the choir to provide more opportunities for people in Epping to be musically creative.

Ms Antrobus said: “We feel that there are very few opportunities for younger people and adults to experience music in Epping, and we are actively trying to encourage the increase by running our choirs.”

She hopes younger people will be encouraged to take part by the modern selection of songs.

She said: “We do not expect anyone to get up and start rapping but it will be modern pop.

“We would be more inclined to go along that route than things like Hot Chocolate or Queen, which have been done.

“Songs that people might be vaguely familiar with, whether they follow the charts or not - they will be easy to learn.”

The new choir will fill an important gap in Epping, claims Ms Antrobus.

She said: “There is a brass band but no orchestra.

“There is nothing available like that outside the schools.

“The same applies for adults, there is a distinct lack of things to involve people collectively.

“Children and adults from different walks of life can get together and socialise as well as learn a new skill at our choir.”

The pair hope that their choir will introduce people to a new experience, and they plan on holding public performances as soon as possible.

Ms Antrobus said: “Working with live music is quite different - it is quite a nice experience, being a part of it.”

The first meeting of the new adults’ choir will be at 5.30pm on April 17 at the United Reformed Church Hall.

For more information, phone Joel Goodman on 07531 700 045 or Jan Antrobus on 07931 985 379.