TV show helps music group's numbers soar

	A group of music makers are positively "Glee-full" after their choir saw a huge soar in numbers. Vocal Dimension, a new women-only choir, has quadrupled their numbers since January – and the release of the highly successful American TV musical 'Glee'.

The barbershop-style group, that uses a similar singing style to the characters in the hit series, started in January but have already seen members rise from four to 17. One of its founding members, Emma Riley, 37, said: "There are a lot of similarities between us and Glee."

"The most notable being how singing together can bring you joy and personal growth. I think it's the best thing on TV – it's just so happy. Television shows like 'Glee' and 'Last Choir Standing' have really contributed to making this kind of music popular again which is brilliant news for us."

The choir was set up five weeks ago by Emma Riley, Valerie Taylor, 41, Deb Chamberlayne, 49, and Emma Duguid, 27 – who wanted to create a group of singers who performed without accompaniment.

The members of Vocal Dimension range from their twenties to their sixties, and they rehearse weekly at Warwick School in Redhill.

Although some members haven't heard of 'Glee' – most of them identify with the idea of music helping them through tough times. Liz Jackett, 25, has just moved down south from Manchester and said joining Vocal Dimensions has helped her make friends. She said: "Moving so far away from Manchester was scary, but this has been a great place to make friends."

Vocal Dimension is still looking for new members and hopes to start competing in national competitions.

Mrs Taylor said: "All we're looking for is someone who can hold a tune and wants to have some fun."

This article originally appeared on the 'this is Surrey Today' website.