PHUKET: At last! Phuket comes alive with the sound of music.

A singing, swinging beginning last Tuesday evening heralded the start of PHUKET ALOUD, Phuket's community choir initiated by Vicki Gregory, Jackie Feliciano and Siobhan McGovern.

Jackie, music teacher at Headstart International School, shares her passion for music and singing with Phuket's Thai and expat ''talent'' every Tuesday at Siobhan's Music Studio at the Boat Lagoon from 7pm-9 pm.

''We sing for ourselves and perhaps eventually also for other people,'' Jackie smiles. ''We'll sing everything from Renaissance music to pop songs.''

After a series of throat warming, voice loosening drills, Jackie expertly coached the aspiring singers into 'Donna Nobis Pacem' (Grant Us Peace) and 'Stand by Me' accompanied by Bachelor of Music Siobhan on keyboard.

''Jackie is an amazing teacher,'' one of the attending singers remarked. ''Her enthusiasm is infectious and besides, she managed to elicit sounds from all of us that were quite good.''

There is something about singing that crosses all boundaries. Anyone can join anytime, no experience is necessary.

Phuket residents, tuk-tuk drivers, jet-ski operators, Russian and other nationality tourists and expats: all who love to sing are invited to come.

There are no fees to join other than a donation of 100 baht per session.

For more go to:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/343655505745323/

or email Lies Sol liesphuket@gmail.com