Reflecting her three years of experience with the Police Choir, SGT Chan told OffBeat that she joined it because she loved singing in a chorus. "Since I joined this 'big family', I have made a lot of good friends and am much happier and more relaxed than before."

And Ms Au revealed that participation in the Police Choir offered her many opportunities to have direct and close contacts with members of the public.

She said: "We took part in a lot of outdoor performances organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. On many occasions, our audience, mainly local residents felt a little bit surprised when we introduced ourselves as the Police Choir. Or may be they were not used to knowing that a disciplinary force would sing for them.

SGT Chan added: "Music is a magical tool which can bring people of different background together. Once we started singing, the residents would be attracted by our performances and some of them even stayed behind after the show to talk to us."

Sometimes the enthusiasm of the residents amazed the Choir members as Ms Au recalled: "About two years ago, we participated in an outdoor performance in Sheung Shui. It rained shortly after we started singing and many of the audience had left. We assumed that they would not come back but to our surprise, many did return after fetching their umbrellas from home."

Members of the Choir also do a lot of charity work and their spectacular performance in the 'Civil Service for the Chest' fund raising event last year was one of the examples.

"We frequently visit patients who are chronically ill. Apart from talking to them, we give them gifts and sing for them. Throughout the years, we have built up a strong relationship with them," SGT Chan said.

Ms Au said all Choir members felt very encouraged that their performances could bring happiness to other people. "Every one of us is willing to spend extra time and effort in practising singing because we believe that the more happiness we bring to others, the more happiness and satisfaction we'll get in return," she concluded.

Interested in joining the Police Choir? Come and visit the Choir's weekly practice session. It is held from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm every Thursday at the Police Sports and Recreation Club.