MEMBERS of Stourbridge Rock Choir kicked off their new year in style when they took part in a special workshop with the winners of Gareth Malone’s BBC2 series The Naked Choir.

Choir leader Christa Hugo organised the one-off event for her Rock Choir members to join forces with popular acapella group The Sons of Pitches.

The Naked Choir winners staged a three-hour vocal workshop which unearthed the secrets of acapella singing and saw Rock Choir members practising a myriad of vocal techniques, even daring to try a spot of beat-boxing.

They were also treated to an array of exclusive performances by the multi-award winning group who showcased their “phenomenal” talents.

Christa said: “We were incredibly lucky to get to work with The Sons of Pitches. I contacted them on the off-chance after seeing them perform live in Birmingham last year, and they managed to squeeze us in, in between touring the UK and recording their latest album.

“They are incredibly talented and the workshop was highly entertaining and really inspirational. Everybody was on a high afterwards.

“They were really kind with the members, spending time with them, posing for photos and signing CDs. They even gave everyone a tour programme as a parting gift.”

The workshop is just one of the exciting events that Stourbridge Rock Choir members have got to experience, with past opportunities including singing at Birmingham's Symphony Hall, and performing alongside the likes of Toyah Wilcox, and Kiki Dee.

No previous musical experience is required to join Stourbridge rock choir, which rehearses at Wordsley Community Centre on Thursdays from 8pm, and to book a free taster session visit www.rockchoir.com or call 01252 714276.