Gareth tapped into our hidden talents! (From Worcester News)

Gareth tapped into our hidden talents!

3:10pm Thursday 18th October 2012 in News By Elizabeth Sweetman, @lizsweetmanWN #worcsnews

A Severn Trent worker who television viewers saw chosen as a member of a company choir has spoken of upholding the “company pride” as they compete against other companies.

Jean Harrison, a commercial waste specialist from Kidderminster, was one of the 30 lucky singers viewers saw selected by choirmaster Gareth Malone in the BBC series Sing While You Work last Thursday.

Mrs Harrison, who has worked for Severn Trent for more than 32 years, said she had never been musical before the show, but decided to give it a go.

She said: “We were just told that Gareth wanted to find a company choir and would we like to audition.

“I don’t do much singing out of work but a friend of mine joined a choir and she said it’s brilliant.

“I’ve never been musical so that’s always put me off; I always thought you had to sight read.

“But I thought I would give it a go. I really did not expect to be on of the lucky 30.”

Mrs Harrison, aged 53, said although the auditions were done in groups, no one was made to feel awkward.

She said: “I wasn’t intimidated at all. The Gareth Malone you see on TV is absolutely the Gareth Malone you see in real life.

“He’s so positive, so encouraging. An absolute sweetheart.

“He made us feel at ease.”

Last week, viewers saw more than 200 workers from across Severn Trent audition for a place in the choir.

The final 30 then joined together in preparation for a contest with choirs from Manchester Airport, Lewisham Hospital and the Royal Mail, which will be screened tonight.

Mrs Harrison said for most of the choir it was the first time they had ever met each other.

She said: “Severn Trent’s a huge company. I had emailed one person in the past so it was nice to put a face to the name, but we were all in the same boat.

“It’s just been fantastic.

“We’re all feeling quite competitive underneath. There’s company pride at stake, we’re wanting to do our level best.”