IN my head I have the voice of a husky diva, in reality I have been told by many friends, that I sound more like a cross between a clogged hoover and a distressed rodent. So it was with trepidation that I made my way to Haringey Shed’s Very Vocals rehearsals at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre one blustery evening.

Thankfully, as with all aspects of arts-based theatre company Haringey Shed, the emphasis of Very Vocals is on being inclusive, so even if you can’t sing a note, you are more than welcome. And with no auditions or fees to pay there really is nothing stopping you from dropping in.

With such an open-for-all attitude, the collection of people I found in full voice during rehearsals was as diverse as they were enthusiastic. Coming from all walks of life, abilities and races, old and young stood side by side, as the group ran through some vocal exercises before getting down to the work at hand, preparing for the Shed Jam next weekend.

From pop to gospel, reggae to folk, the repertoire for the performance was as inclusive as the choir’s ethos, and sticking mainly to accessible call and response methods, the group easily grasped the concept of being split into alto, tenor and soprano sections with impressive harmonious results.

Speaking about his involvement, choir member Ivan, who works for Haringey Council, tells me: “I have been coming for about a year and I come because it’s inclusive. They don’t mind that I’m not very good at singing, and it’s liberating.”

Working mother of two Nicola adds: “I got to a point in my life when I wanted to do something for me. I felt diabolical when I left work earlier and now after rehearsal I feel really good.”

Led by Haringey Shed’s artistic director Laura Forbes, with the help of vocal practitioners Kamini Tavanandi and Ty Lowe and volunteer Trevor Bignall, who began as a member of the choir, Very Vocals was launched as an extension of the youth choir Big Noise but has now developed into a bone-fide community choir.

With 65 people on her books, and more coming every week thanks to the drop-in nature of the choir, I wonder what Laura thinks is the group’s appeal.

“We did ask them,” Laura tells me, “and some are trying to give up smoking, many people are just trying to meet other people, and others use it to de-stress. We also have a lot of people of retirement age.

“Most said it’s just being part of something. And they don’t feel pressured to learn words or anything like that. Most of them say ‘I can’t sing, I have never sung a note’, and we tell them we can help with that. A lot of them haven’t sung since school and this is an easy way back into the hobby.”

Of course, as far as hobbies go there is a big difference between singing into your hairbrush and singing with a group of strangers. But even after just one evening with the Very Vocals as I sang along to my car radio on the journey home, I couldn’t help but think something was missing!

Shed Jam, which will also include the Big Noise Choir, the Shed Band and special guests, takes place at the St James Centre, St James Lane, Muswell Hill, on Saturday, February 13, 2-5pm. Very Vocals rehearsals take place every Wednesday at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Tottenham, 7pm. Visit www.haringeyshed.org or call 020 8365 5453 for more details.