If you love the idea of singing in a choir but find Gareth Malone-style material too twee for your tastes, this could be the tra-la-la you’ve been looking for. Cambridge has a new choral kid on the block, exciting and definitely quirky and with the name ‘Vocal Remix’- this ain’t no traditional choir.

If you can squeeze out a few Do-Re-Mi’s and are up for something new, then a good warble could be just the ticket. The brains behind the idea is Marika Newman who, having trained in voice and piano, has over 15 years teaching experience as well as being Musical Director for local theatre productions.

Unable to find a contemporary choir that sang modern music, Marika decided to start one up herself! With a rock ensemble already under her belt and a talent for remixing pop music Vocal Remix is going to be a little bit cool compared to the usual choir crews found these ere parts. Whether it’s Ol’ Blue Eyes, Duran Duran or a taste of One Direction – nothing is off limits.

Marika is keen to break old-fashioned stereotypes, so there’s no need to be able to read music and, better still, no ‘’X Factor’ audition (big *sigh* of relief). Experience is great but by no means essential.

There are grand ambitions for the choir to sing in a series of charity concerts, but you can start your good deeds at home – no need to bust everyone’s eardrums by singing in the shower any more.

Vocal Remix sings its way into life on 16 Jan, and every Mon thereafter, term time only, at St Phillips Church Auditorium, Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 3AN from 7.30pm – 9pm, £65 per 10-week term. Tel: 07446 946666. www.vocalremix.co.uk