Astrid Jorgensen, the founder of Pub Choir, has a remarkable ability to turn ordinary people into extraordinary performers. From its humble beginnings in Brisbane to sold-out shows across multiple continents, Pub Choir has become a global phenomenon, touching the lives of over 300,000 people. For entrepreneurs and business owners, Jorgensen’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and creativity.

The birth of Pub Choir

In March 2017, Jorgensen, a former high school music teacher, decided to put her belief that “anyone can sing” to the test. She gathered 80 people in a Brisbane venue and, as a choral conductor, arranged their harmonies to a popular song. This initial experiment was shared online and quickly went viral, marking the birth of Pub Choir. “I just want people to feel less ashamed,” Jorgensen says. “If you’ve been born with a voice, then you have all the materials you need to sing.”

The legend of pub choir soon grew and it wasn’t long before Jorgensen found herself taking the show on the road. Pub Choir’s appeal lies in its unique format: a blend of comedy, music, and community spirit.

At each event, Jorgensen teaches the audience a bespoke arrangement of a song, transforming them from spectators into performers.

“You walk in as the audience and you leave as a performer,” she explains.

This approach has resonated widely, leading to sold-out events in Australia, the UK, Ireland, the US, and New Zealand. One of their largest live audiences was 7,000 people at a Christmas fundraiser in Brisbane, illustrating the massive scale of Pub Choir’s impact.

Managing the Chaos

Handling such large crowds might seem daunting, but Jorgensen thrives in the chaos.

“I almost dissociate. It’s a total flow state,” she says of her on-stage experience. “I keep the show really fast-paced. I improvise the show around how the audience responds.”

This adaptability and quick thinking are key to Pub Choir’s success, allowing each performance to be unique and engaging.

A core principle of Pub Choir is the belief that everyone is capable of singing, regardless of their skill level. Jorgensen emphasises the difference between being able to sing and being able to sing well.

“It’s a lazy excuse not to do something just because you’re not the best at it,” she says. Her goal is to remove the shame associated with singing, encouraging people to embrace their voices as they are. “Even if you’ve walked into the show with a really average voice, you will walk out with the exact same one,” she jokes. “I’m just showing people that you had all the tools that you needed to begin.”

Connection and community

Jorgensen’s passion for music started early. Growing up in a musically inclined family, she began music lessons at a very young age. Despite initial setbacks, such as being rejected from a university vocal course, she persisted. “I didn’t know that you could be a really good musician even if you’re not a star performer,” she reflects. This realisation opened up new avenues for her, allowing her to channel her musical talents into teaching and conducting.

Beyond the music, Pub Choir fosters a sense of community and connection among its participants. Jorgensen believes that singing together helps people let go of deep-seated shame and build a sense of belonging.

“Most of us carry some degree of shame about our singing voices,” she acknowledges.

By creating a safe and supportive environment, Pub Choir allows people to express themselves freely and connect with others through the shared experience of singing.

Lessons for entrepreneurs

Jorgensen’s journey offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business owners. Her success with Pub Choir highlights the importance of staying true to your passion and being open to unconventional ideas. She has shown that with creativity, resilience, and a willingness to take risks, you can turn a simple concept into a global movement. Her story also underscores the power of community and the impact of creating experiences that bring people together.

according to Astrid, Pub Choir is not just about singing; it’s about breaking down barriers, fostering community, and inspiring people to embrace their unique voices.

For anyone looking to start or grow a business, her journey serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when you combine passion with innovation.

As Jorgensen says, “You had all the tools that you needed to begin.”

So what’s stopping you from staring?

You can hear more of Astrid Jorgensen’s Pub Choir journey on First Act.  And join us every second Tuesday for a brand new episode of First Act, because every story has a beginning.

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