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Chris Rowbury's Blog Entries

  • Some people take pride in saying they can’t sing – but is that just fear talking?

    Added February 10, 2021 by Chris Rowbury - 480 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]You’ll know by now that I believe that everyone can sing. Apparently this irritates some people who really think that they can’t sing. Why is that? everyone can sing … I was reminded the other day of a quote by the lovely, gentle,... read more

  • Is there an alternative to being patient when leading a choir?

    Added February 3, 2021 by Chris Rowbury - 530 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]I’ve been praised many times by the singers I work with for being so patient. Which makes me wonder: what’s the alternative?I must admit that I find it quite easy (most of the time!) to be patient when leading a choir or singing workshop. ... read more

  • Do you need to practice outside choir rehearsals?

    Added January 27, 2021 by Chris Rowbury - 568 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]Many singers come to choir – especially “singing for fun” groups – to get away from the stresses of regular life. They love to sing and find it a relaxing escape from the daily grind. photo by Aka Hige But if your choir perfor... read more

  • How to develop perfect warm up exercises for your choir

    Added January 20, 2021 by Chris Rowbury - 788 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]The choir leader’s (and singer’s) lament: “I’m bored with the warm ups and want new ideas.” It’s very easy to create your own exciting new warm up exercises. I’ll show you how.  same old, same old There... read more

  • Should you pander to your choir or just run things your way?

    Added January 13, 2021 by Chris Rowbury - 441 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]Many choir leaders have a strong style and particular choice of repertoire. They lead large, thriving choirs which have a strong vision. Other choir leaders involve their members more and ask their opinion on repertoire, warm ups, performances, etc. I... read more

  • Before you use songs from other cultures check your sources!

    Added January 7, 2021 by Chris Rowbury - 694 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]Just because a song is in a foreign language, you still need to respect its origins. Sami family by Morten Oddvik There is a huge amount of misinformation out there when it comes to songs from other cultures. Before you pass a song along, make sure y... read more

  • Singers and choir leaders: what bad habits have you got into?

    Added December 30, 2020 by Chris Rowbury - 532 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]We are all creatures of habit. Which is no bad thing until it starts to affect what we do adversely. photo by CTRLF5 How many bad habits have you got into this past year and how might you change that?There are many things that singers and choir leade... read more

  • Perfect presents for choral singers

    Added December 23, 2020 by Chris Rowbury - 476 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]It’s that time of year again when you still have time to to pop to the local garage for last-minute presents. What on earth can you get for the choral singers in your life? Here are some super ideas for ideal presents.Pretty much every magazine ... read more

  • If a song’s not working, when do you stop flogging the dead horse?

    Added December 16, 2020 by Chris Rowbury - 440 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]Sometimes I bring a great song to choir and for some reason the singers really struggle with it. photo by Clear Path International How do you decide whether to persist with a song until it comes right, or just abandon it and move on? Let’s look... read more

  • Why singing together is a great healer

    Added December 9, 2020 by Chris Rowbury - 488 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]The world can be a scary and upsetting place. When I wrote this back in 2016, here in the UK we were witnessing political infighting, uncertain futures, austerity measures and a rise in racism (so, what else is new?). And now we have a pandemic. photo... read more