Dan Nicholls is the leader of Honiton's Sweet Honi Choir and they are looking for new members to join their choir!

The Sweet Honi Choir is a mix of approximately 30 men and women who perform rock and pop songs, with a bit of soul and folk in there too.

Dan, who has been running the group since October 2021, arranges the songs in harmony and teaches everything by ear, so there is no need to be able to read music, you just need to love singing!

There are no auditions, and everyone of all ages and abilities is welcome to come along!

The choir have recently put together a band formed from the members of the choir, to accompany some of their repertoires.

Dan (aged 47) is from Middlesex, but he now lives in Sidmouth with his wife and two teenage children. He moved to the South West seven years ago because he loved the area and he wanted more space and adventure for the family.

Before he started working in music, Dan worked for Universal Pictures.

As well as running the choir, Dan also teaches music at Honiton Primary School and leads the singing at Stagecoach Theatre Company in Exeter. He is also part of a band, named Evolver.

Dan told Nub News: "The Sweet Honi Choir is working towards performances and there will be opportunities to record original material and collaborate with other musicians.

"My aim is to have everyone bounce home after the session every Tuesday!

"The sessions strike a good balance between working hard on new material and letting loose on familiar songs so we all get the chance to unleash and get the most out of the well documented benefits of singing in a group."

The benefits of group singing are well known. They range from reducing stress levels and lowering blood pressure to improving memory, increasing your confidence, and of course offering a chance to make new friends.

John Edwards is a member of the choir. He said: "Sweet Honi gives me the opportunity to sing with like-minded people. There is a great feeling of friendship and camaraderie within the group.

I personally enjoy the performances that we have put on at the Beehive and the Community college."

Jackie, another member of the choir, added: "Singing with this group and Dan as musical director is a fabulous weekly event in my diary.

"It is so nice to have a patient and responsive choir leader. After each session I am on a great high as are my friends. It an uplifting positive experience every week!"

The choir meets on Tuesdays at the Honiton Family Church from 7.30pm – 9.30pm.

You can simply turn up for your free taster session or you can register by contacting Dan on [email protected]

You can find out more about Dan Nicholls here