[this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir] And I mean English … not Irish or Welsh or Scottish. How is it possible to have an unplanned, spontaneous and genuine gathering of People who sing t...
with a clear start to my groggy day, i reminisce on the wedding the day before thinking how lovely it was to see my friend happily married and content. People had been gracious with the kind words regarding my music for the ceremony and I was grateful for...
[this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir] “Being able to make 40 People who do not know each other sing so well together was amazing” “An excellent day proving that 50...
[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] If you're anything like me, you leave everything to the last minute. If you're not one of those People who start their Christmas repertoire back in June, you ...
Choirs are powerful. They bring People together, create community, and offer a space for shared expression. But beneath the harmonies, there are often hidden dynamics - unspoken anxieties, unaddressed needs, and cultural assumptions that can limit who tru...
[The views expressed in this blog are from my personal experiences from almost 30 years of leading non-auditioned community choirs in the UK, as well as adult singing workshops. My focus is on teaching by ear using a repertoire of songs from traditions ac...
Hi. I am carrying out research into the vocal health habits and experiences of amateur singers as part of a Post Graduate certificate with the Voice Workshop, in conjunction with the University of Wales. Please could all of you lovely People who sing re...
[this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir] We all know that singing workshops are just an excuse to string together a series of tea breaks and lunch breaks. And concerts are an excuse to have a drin...
(This post was orginally written for the Embro Thistle Singers blog.) I think sometimes we get so focused on making the music as directors and singers, we forget that the People around us have "baggage" good and bad that we need to unpack before ...
Online rehearsals have had varying degrees of success but have been successful in bringing People together and maintaining a connection when it is currently very much needed ... however, other things we are finding that musicians and singing groups are re...