Our Story
❊ About Us
Our Story: Building Community Through Song.
Wall of Sound Community Choirs began in May 2021 with a simple belief: singing is for everyone. Founded by Grace Allwood at Gateacre School, what started as one small group has grown into a family of three thriving choirs across Liverpool and Prescot.
Today, we welcome singers of all ages and abilities at Joseph Lappin Centre (Prescot), The Guide House (Liverpool), and St Mark's Church (Gateacre). In 2024, both The Joseph Lappin Centre Community Choir and Imaginarium Community Choir joined the Wall of Sound family, strengthening our mission to make singing accessible to everyone.
In 2025, we were honoured to win Community Music Initiative of the Year at the Prestige Awards for the North West of England - recognition of the transformative impact our choirs have on individuals and communities across the region.
Our Ethos
At Wall of Sound Community Choirs, we believe that singing is for everyone. Our choirs exist to create welcoming, inclusive spaces where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can experience the joy and connection that comes from making music together.
What We Stand For
Inclusivity & Accessibility
No auditions. No pressure to perform. No need to read music. We provide lyrics and rehearsal tracks so everyone can participate fully, regardless of experience. Your first rehearsal is always free, and we're committed to working with members who face financial barriers.
Community & Connection
We're more than a choir—we're a community. Whether it's tea and chat after rehearsals, supporting each other through life's ups and downs, or celebrating achievements together, we prioritize the relationships we build alongside the music we make.
Respect & Support
Everyone is welcome here, no matter their experience level. We create a safe, supportive environment where members feel valued and heard. We respect each other's boundaries, celebrate our differences, and approach challenges with empathy and open communication. Kindness comes first—we're here to uplift and support one another.
Growth & Confidence
We use evidence-based vocal techniques (Vocal Process) to help everyone develop their voice at their own pace. There's no pressure to be perfect—we focus on progress, not perfection, using the "One Thing" approach to build confidence gradually.
Joy & Purpose
Music has the power to uplift, heal, and bring people together. Through our 15-20 annual performances at community events, care homes, hospices, and local venues, we share that joy with others while creating meaningful experiences for ourselves.
Flexibility & Understanding
Life happens. We understand that attendance can vary due to health, family, weather, or other commitments. If you're not feeling well, it's okay to sit one out—we'll help you catch up later. Members can pause payments during breaks, and we adapt our rehearsal plans based on who's able to attend.
How We Work Together
At Rehearsals
Come ready to sing: If you have time, take a quick look at the music beforehand—it helps us all sound our best
Be on time: Arriving promptly means we can make the most of our time together
Stay engaged: Listen actively, follow the conductor, and ask questions at the right moments to keep things flowing
Limit distractions: Phones on silent, please! If you need to step out for a call, just slip out quietly
Take care of yourself and others: Your wellbeing matters—if you're unwell, rest up and we'll catch you up later
In Our Communication
Stay on topic: Keep the main chat focused on choir-related matters so it's easy for everyone to follow
Respect everyone's time: Not everyone can reply right away—that's okay! Try to avoid late-night or very early messages unless urgent
Keep it friendly: Texts can be misread—assume good intentions and be mindful of tone
Less is more: If a conversation gets long, consider a private chat or bringing it up in person at rehearsal
Important info: Key announcements will be pinned or emailed so no one misses out
Community posts: Feel free to share recommendations, local events, and ways to support each other
Sales & swaps: We have a separate space for buying, selling, or swapping items and promoting personal projects—this keeps our main chat clear and focused
Raising Concerns
We communicate openly and raise concerns directly with Grace
If you have a suggestion or concern, feel free to reach out to the leadership team
We make decisions collaboratively, especially around repertoire and performances
Supporting Each Other
We celebrate small wins and recognize achievements
We support each other's learning journey
We recognize and develop leadership potential within our community
We balance structure with flexibility to meet everyone's needs
Our Promise
When you join Wall of Sound, you're joining a choir family that values you as a person, not just a voice. We're here to support your musical journey, whatever that looks like for you. Our rehearsals are all about music, connection, and fun—and together, we create something truly special.
Thanks for being part of our choir—we're so glad you're here!
Meet Grace Allwood - Award-Winning Musical Director
Grace Allwood is the heart and soul behind Wall of Sound Community Choirs. With a BA in Music Performance from the University of Liverpool and over a decade of teaching experience, Grace brings both expertise and warmth to everything she does.
Her impressive credentials include:
Vocal Process Accredited Teacher
Singing for Lung Health Practitioner
Vocal Health First Aider Certification
Member of the Musicians' Union & AOTOS
Grace's client-led approach means rehearsals are built around you, your goals, and your pace. Using the "One Thing" method from Vocal Process, she focuses on gradual, sustainable progress—never overwhelming, always encouraging.
What our members say:
"Grace really helped me re-gain confidence in my voice after I experienced some health issues. She is really empathetic, skilled and knowledgeable." - Maria
"Grace has the ability to tune into and get the best from her students... It's her understanding and compassion around music, that is her driving force." - Debra
What We Offer
✓ Three choir locations across Liverpool and Prescot
✓ No auditions required - everyone is welcome
✓ First rehearsal is FREE - just turn up, no booking needed
✓ Custom rehearsal tracks and lyrics - no need to read music
✓ 15-20 annual performances at beloved Liverpool venues
✓ Affordable membership from £18-24/month or £5-7 per rehearsal
✓ Professional vocal coaching from a qualified music graduate
✓ Flexible, life-friendly policies - pause when you need to
Three Choirs, One Family
Today, Wall of Sound Community Choirs operates three vibrant groups across Liverpool and Prescot:
Joseph Lappin Centre Choir – A welcoming space for connection and song
Imaginarium Community Choir – Creativity and community combined
Wall of Sound Flagship Choir – Where it all began
Each choir has its own personality, but all share the same values: inclusivity, support, and the transformative power of singing together.
Join Our Award-Winning Community
Our story is still being written, and we'd love for you to be part of the next chapter. Whether you've sung all your life or haven't sung since school, there's a place for you at Wall of Sound Community Choirs.
Ready to find your voice? Your first rehearsal is free—no strings attached.
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Each 90-minute rehearsal includes:
10 minutes admin and welcome
Body awareness and breathing exercises
Vocal warm-ups tailored to our songs
Learning and practicing repertoire
Supportive, fun atmosphere with no pressure
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Not at all! We provide lyrics and professionally recorded rehearsal tracks (with guide vocals) for every song via Dropbox. You can learn by listening and practicing at home.
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We sing a diverse mix across all genres – pop, rock, folk, classical, musical theatre, and more. Song choices are member-driven, with new songs introduced each term based on what the choir wants to learn.
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We typically introduce 2-3 new songs per term, alongside maintaining our existing repertoire. This prevents overwhelm and allows everyone to learn properly.
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No problem! We understand life gets busy. Catch up using the rehearsal tracks and lyrics on Dropbox. With Wall of Sound Flagship's pay-as-you-go option, you only pay when you attend.
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Never! Performance is always optional. Many members sing purely for personal enjoyment and wellbeing. Others love performing. You choose your own level of involvement – no pressure ever.
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No! We're a community choir – we sing together. There's never any expectation or pressure to sing solo.
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Our choirs perform across Liverpool and Prescot at venues including:
Palm House, Sefton Park
St Luke's Bombed Out Church
Heys Court (NHS)
The Reader, Calderstones
Woodlands Hospice
Strawberry Fields
Local community events and festivals
Got Questions? We Have The Answers