A PAIR of married music teachers are determined to show that Dorchester is full of glee.

The in-tune couple are starting up a Harmonious Funk Choir that will perform contemporary songs spanning the spectrum of chart pop history from Lady Gaga to The Beatles.

Directors Ben and Hanna Trevorrow are looking for people of all ages who wish to fulfil their passion for singing in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Ben, 33, said: “Singing has never been so popular thanks to the X Factor, Glee and the Gareth Malone choir television series.

“We work with the idea that if singing appeals to someone, no matter what their ability, we are willing to work with them.

“As a music teacher it was always the extra-curricular stuff I enjoyed the most, seeing the kids take on more responsibility and really blossom and grow as people “Singing really brings people together as a group.”

Thomas Hardye School teacher Hanna, 29, grew up in Dorchester and recently moved back to the county town with husband Ben and their one-year-old son.

She said: “From talking to some of the sixth formers at Hardye’s, they seem to be interested in being a part of something like this.

“It will give people a sense of being on the stage and we’re hoping to do some dance routines with the younger age groups.”

Choir rehearsals will take place in three groups; junior aged eight to 13 years old, youth aged 14 to 18 years old and adult, aged 18 plus.

All three groups will perform independently and together, beginning with some of Dorchester’s community events.

Ben and Hanna have high hopes for the choir and aim to eventually get members competing in regional competitions.

The golden-tonsilled couple both enjoy singing themselves, with Ben’s personal favourite the Guns N’Roses classic Sweet Child o’ Mine and Hanna a fan of Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.

Ben said: “We’re hoping that this choir will attract older adults who will want to work with us and younger people who will hopefully think that we’re still hip and with it.

“We want it to become a large and vibrant choir where everyone has lots of fun.”

The first rehearsals for the junior choir will kick off on Monday, September 13 at the United Church in Dorchester from 5.30 to 6.30pm.

The youth and adult choirs will begin rehearsals on Tuesday, September 14 at the Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester with the youth choir rehearsing from 5.45 to 7.15pm and the adult choir from 7.30 to 9pm.

Anyone interested in joining should apply via the choir’s website at www.harmoniousfunkchoir.co.uk or can call Ben and Hanna on 0776 6087527.