OVER 100 singers joined in Compton and Shawford Festival Choir’s Sound of Music Workshop at Colden Common Community Centre.

Led by conductor, John Sutton, the singers rehearsed and then performed a selection from The Sound of Music to relatives and friends.

On Sunday (February 23) it emerged that Maria von Trapp, the last of the Trapp Family Singers who inspired the hit musical, died at her home in Vermont aged 99.

Mr Sutton inspired everyone with his amusing and light-hearted approach while ensuring the music was correctly and well-performed.

This departure from the more usual classical choral works was fully enjoyed by all, from long standing members of choirs, to people who have never sung with a choir before but love the musical.

The call to come in themed dress was whole heartedly taken up and resulted in ‘brown paper packages tied up with string’, abbesses, captains and Marias.

All proceeds will be used by the choir to fund the hire of soloists and instrumentalists for their forthcoming concert on December 13 2014 at Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church, when they will perform Haydn’s Nelson Mass and a selection of Carols by John Rutter.

New choir members are always welcome, especially tenor, bass and alto voices. Further info from secretary, Kara Hawks 02380 812314, or come along to a rehearsal - Mondays 7.30pm-9.30pm - at Shawford Village Hall.

Full details are available on the choir website http://www.csfc.hampshire.org.uk.