For most, the thought of auditioning for a choir is enough to put them off, but one choir in west Auckland has scrapped trials, welcoming anyone who wants to join.
The west Auckland choir is a lively group of people of all ages and backgrounds, with a shared love of carrying a tune.
Musical director Kate Bell said it was a diverse group, which made the choir unique.
West Auckland choir Everybody Sings. Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro
"I think that's one of the exciting things about it - these days we socialise with people we think we're the same as, but we've got people from all walks of life."
Covid-19 was the push many needed - the choir's numbers have swelled since the national lockdown.
Pat Kohika has been part of the choir for three years, and admitted it was not his idea to begin with.
"It was really my wife's idea she came home one day and had seen this ad for a community choir and I'm pretty sure she thought I wouldn't be interested but I thought what a great idea."
The mental health benefits kept bringing him back each week.
"Singing is your happy place really it's the thing you do when you're stressed out, we always look forward to Thursday nights and coming to choir. When everybody sings together and it sounds great there's no better feeling than that."
West Auckland choir Everybody Sings. Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro
He encouraged more men to get involved for the same mental health benefits he gets from being part of it.
But it is not all about the singing - choir members have turned into choir friends for lots of people.
Jamie Connor had always been keen on singing and finally plucked up the courage to join the group.
"Well actually my sister was a singer when she was younger and always used to sing around the house and I was a bit jealous so I thought I'd join in a little bit later."
He said the choir felt like the right place for him.
"I went to singing lessons a couple of times and it was a bit full on one on one but when you join a choir you're altogether, yeah it's nice. Just a time to clear the mind and it's really relaxing, it's a time of the week where you can just switch off - it's peaceful."
