York and Selby Rock Choir filmed for ITV documentary

The programme, called The Choir That Rocks, follows the fortunes of choir leaders Stef Conner and Nick Slack as they bring Rock Choirs to York and Selby for the first time.

Established in Surrey in 2005, Rock Choir is now the biggest contemporary choir in the UK with more than 8,000 members in 146 choirs across the country.

Specialising in pop, gospel, and Motown, Rock Choir’s success shows how popular singing and performing has become as a pastime rather than a career.

Mr Slack relocated to Selby with a young family to set up a Rock Choir in Leeds, Selby and Wakefield, and is determined to make a success of the venture.

He said: “We believe anyone who can speak can sing. We get together and forget the nerves.”

Stef Conner a member of the Mercury Award-nominated band The Unthanks is a classically trained musician and said she knows what it’s like to be told you are not good enough to be in the school choir, as she was the only one out of 30 who auditioned not to be chosen. She has now started a Rock Choir in Harrogate, Knaresborough and York.

She said: “There’s been a very strong reaction in York, it’s been very successful and I’m very excited for my choir that we are on a TV programme, everyone will see what a great time we have.”

The York choir currently has 55 members, but Ms Connor said the ideal number would be about 150.

Ms Connor is also starting a teen choir in September which will sing more modern songs and chart hits.

After the programme is broadcast she is expected a surge of interest in the choir. Anyone can join a Rock Choir, no previous experience is required and there are no auditions.

Each choir has its own professional musician and performer as a choir leader helping each member to develop their singing voice.

The first episode of The Choir That Rocks goes out on ITV1 at 9pm on Thursday.

If you are interested in joining your local Rock Choir you can book a free taster session at rockchoir.com or phone 01252 714276.