Windsor mums join Military Wives Choir at BBC Proms

Busy mums Dominique Ireland and Amelia d'Apice swapped Windsor's Broom Farm Community Centre for the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday.

They were part of the 100-strong Military Wives Choir that performed at the BBC Proms.

Both enjoy their weekly singing sessions at the Windsor Military Wives Choir at Broom Farm. But when open auditions by video were announced for ladies who wanted to be part of the Proms concert they decided to try.

Amelia, 38, of Gratton Drive, Windsor  - known to friends and family as Mimi - had studied singing when she was younger. She is a mother of three, married to  Coldstream Guards company commander Major Crispin d'Apice.

Dominique, 35, of Broom Farm Estate, Windsor said: "Before I joined the choir I had only sung in the bath and at school. This was a once in a lifetime chance."

She is married to Regimental Corporal Major Peter Ireland and also has three children.

On Wednesday both ladies began an intense five day rehearsal schedule under the wing of famous TV choirmaster Gareth Malone.

Mimi said: "We worked from 8am to 6pm - midnight on the day we appeared on Newsnight.

"Gareth taught us so much. He gave us technique and he gave us confidence."

The programme was an intense one - including Holst's Ava Maria with its eight part harmonies.

Mimi said: "We all felt overwhelmed at what we were achieving, singing music that reflected the fears we all have as army wives.

"We started out singing from the gods before walking barefoot onto the stage.

"We saw the Albert Hall from every angle."

Dominique said: "Stepping out onto that stage in front of an audience of 6,000 was so different from being there when it was empty.

"Being so close to the orchestra. Seeing how each instrument was played - it is something I'll always remember."

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