If you’ve been anywhere near Hatherleigh when Stand Sure Orchestra & Choirs (SSOCs) are in full swing, you’ll know we don’t really “do” quiet. We do big feelings, big tunes, big community, and (occasionally) big last-minute problem-solving with a smile and a staple gun.

As 2025 comes to a close, I wanted to share a round-up of what we’ve built together this year — and give you a peek at what’s already simmering for 2026.

The heart of SSOCs: people first, music always

The most important thing we did this year wasn’t a particular concert (though… we did do some crackers). It was showing up for each other week after week: beginners alongside old hands, singers beside saxes, and everyone learning that “community ensemble” doesn’t mean “second best” — it means the best kind of music-making.

SSOCs has never been about perfection. It’s about belonging, progress, and that magic moment when a room full of humans breathes together and something clicks. That’s the bit I never get bored of.

Remembering Karen Drake

This year also brought a very sad loss for our SSOCs family. In March, we said goodbye to Karen Drake, one of our clarinet players.

Karen was part of the fabric of the group — the kind of person whose presence matters both musically and personally. She brought her time, her commitment, and her love of making music with others, and she is greatly missed by everyone who shared a rehearsal room, a concert, or a laugh with her.

We keep Karen’s family and friends in our thoughts, and we’ll carry her with us in the way we continue to play: together, with care, and with heart.

2025 highlights (aka: the bits we’ll still be talking about in 2035)

Summer: “Loud and Proud” (19 July) - A proper shot of sunshine — joyful, loud in the best way, and full of the kind of energy that reminds you why live music is unbeatable.

Autumn: “Halloween Spooktacular 2” (25 October) - The glorious annual excuse to lean into drama, atmosphere, and theatrical flair. Spooky season suits us — there’s something about a hall full of haunted harmonies that just works.

Winter: Christmas, community, and controlled chaos - Our festive concert is always a special one: familiar tunes, new surprises, and that lovely feeling that the whole room is in on it together. If you came along, thank you for being part of it — and if you missed it, consider this your friendly reminder: there’s always next year.

A quiet word about change

Every year brings a few decisions behind the scenes — the kind you make to protect the long-term health of the group and the experience for everyone involved. One of those this year was saying goodbye to our youth choir after a good run. It wasn’t an easy call, but it was the right one for now — and it’s made space and energy for SSOCs to keep growing in a way that’s sustainable and joyful.

Looking ahead to 2026 (don’t stop believing…)

Here’s the exciting bit.

Spring 2026: “Undercover Melodies” Our next concert is already shaping up to be a corker: spies, detectives, iconic themes, and a second half that’s basically a musical victory lap. Expect slick tunes, big rhythm, and plenty of “oh I LOVE this one!” moments.

Summer 2026: “Electric Summer”If Spring is style, Summer is sparkle. Think high energy, feel-good club bangers, and the kind of atmosphere where you leave the hall walking two inches above the ground...if you're not too tired from dancing all night!

And beyond…We’re always planning ahead — because SSOCs doesn’t just do concerts, we build experiences. There’s plenty more on the horizon, including a future festive season that’s already being dreamt up (yes, I’m that person).

Want to be part of it?

If you’ve been watching from the audience thinking “I wish I’d joined,” let this be your sign.

SSOCs is open, welcoming, and refreshingly non-judgemental. You don’t need to be a professional. You just need to be up for learning, laughing, and being part of a team.

Keep an eye on the website and our socials for start dates,

and what to bring — and if you’re unsure where you’d fit, just get in touch. We’ll help you find your place.

Thank you

To every player, singer, helper, audience member, and behind-the-scenes hero: thank you. SSOCs is what it is because you choose to give it your time, your energy, and your heart.

Here’s to 2026 — new music, new memories, and the same SSOCs spirit.

Don’t stop believing!