“When I first heard the choir sing I felt incredibly emotional. I saw a group of very different children - different ages, schools, styles - suddenly become one, holding themselves with such poise and singing so beautifully together. I could see the ones who usually rounded their shoulders standing straight, I could see the ones who were probably unlikely to speak-up in class projecting their voice - I saw really clearly how the choir invited each child to become something special. When they sang a certain magic seemed to lift them, and they became one. I’ve never seen that in a children’s choir before.

Alison’s direction was perfectly pitched at children who needed to feel at ease, yet also needed clear boundaries in order to attain a high standard of singing. She seemed to naturally understand how to realise musical potential and achieve something great; her belief in each child was evident.”

“Wow the New Forest Children’s Choir were just fabulous. You must be so proud. Bright, smiling in all the right places. Using their bodies as well as their voices!! Everything is there. Thank you so much for being part of what people are calling the best ever BBC Radio Solent Carol Concert!!

Of course the children are no more than a reflection of their conductor and I really do congratulate you on such a wonderful choir.

It has been just a joy for me to work together and I hope it will happen again in some context.”

“the New Forest Children’s Choir are performing and you cannot believe how wonderful they are - beautiful, absolutely amazing!”