She has sung with 90s pop sensations Jason Donovan, M People and the legendary Tom Jones.
Erica Maggs and the Western Wards Commmunity Choir
Now Erica Maggs is leading the Western Wards Community Choir as they prepare for their first concert this Sunday (December 2) alongside the Gosport and Fareham Youth Orchestra.
The 40-strong group rehearse every Monday at Park Gate Primary School and was formed by Hampshire Music Services (HMS) in October. Erica, who works for HMS, was chosen to lead because of her background in singing.
The 42-year-old is looking forward to the upcoming concert and is passionate about the choir and said the group has had a strong start with the backing from Park Gate head teacher Rebecca Kingsland.
“Music is my life,” she said. “I enjoy leading this choir because for me I enjoy music and I like the idea of bringing together the enjoyment of music and helping people to find their voice.
“They’re a great bunch and enjoy singing.”
Having led the choir at Brookfield Community School, the singer said she has always had a passion for teaching and is combining that with her love of music by studying at the University of Chichester to be a music teacher.
She added: “My singing teacher said that maybe I should be doing this as a profession, but I wanted to teach. My true passion is gospel.”
The passionate vocal coach has an experienced musical history, having worked with other big names such as Swing Out Sister and Errol Brown from Hot Chocolate and was signed to Pete Waterman’s record label PWL.
The Western Wards Community Choir, led by Erica Maggs, rehearse for an up-coming concert
In January 2010, an album entitled Real, which included her work recorded during 1993 to 1994 with the record company, as well as eight previously unreleased songs, was released through iTunes.
Expect a range of styles from the new choir including pop, jazz, blues, musicals and gospel.
At this Sunday’s concert at St Peter and St Paul Church in Fareham the group will sing Dona Nobis’ Pacem, Maria Carey’s version of Joy to the World and Oh Holy Night.
It starts at 7pm and tickets can be bought on the door for £5.
New members are welcome to the singing group.
For more information on Hampshire Music Services and how to join the Western Wards Community Choir visit www3.hants.gov.uk/education/hms.