S.T.M, what a thoughtful and articulate post!

What wonderful advice you are getting from everyone here! The best advice you are hearing, over and over again is: keep singing!

Yes! Join a chorus or choir- but choose carefully, and find a friendly group with a director who is committed to helping the singers, not just to get the "perfect sound". A good director knows that excellent sound can be achieved best with happy and secure singers who trust him/her and are willing to try their best and support each other.

Where do you live? We here are from all over and would be happy to advise you on local support.

Add my name to those with a level of experience who would be happy to advise privately and help in any way we can (Bobert, we should run singing workshops!).