[The views expressed in this blog are from my personal experiences from 25 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 across th...

Stunning song from : Maeran, written by Dominic Ward Source: http://www.last.fm/music/Maeran Maeran are Dominic Ward and Steve Wilson. They met at Liverpool University and have been writing, recording and performing ever since. They originally perfo...  moreStunning song from : Maeran, written by Dominic Ward Source: http://www.last.fm/music/Maeran Maeran are Dominic Ward and Steve Wilson. They met at Liverpool University and have been writing, recording and performing ever since. They originally performed covers of Simon-Garfunkel songs, but soon began producing their own original blend of folk/folk rock music combining unique melodies, captivating vocal and instrumental arrangements and powerful poignant lyrics that challenge people to listen to what they have to say. I'm glad, I am very grateful for you, Marean!  less

Coro UDEP, conducted by Maestro Arturo Hernandez, playing Scherzo Italiano. UDEP CPA Auditorium. Tribute Concert for the 40th anniversary of University of Piura, November 11, 2009

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] Feel like you’re on a treadmill? Constantly learning and practising and planning but never arriving? Not enough time to catch your breath between concer...

The time has come again to unite Singers from all over the world, regardless of country, age, gender or genre, in the universal tradition of choral music. Our partner choir association Associação Cultural da Beira Interior is once again, for...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] I started my first community choir over 20 years ago. I used to worry that, after the long summer break, the Singers would have forgotten me and wouldn’...

Abendlied (Rheinberger) is sung by The Central Washington University Chamber Choir (Gary Weidenaar, director) in Ordizia, Spain in the Church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion. TEXT (and Translation): Bleib bei uns, denn es will Abend werden, und der Ta...  moreAbendlied (Rheinberger) is sung by The Central Washington University Chamber Choir (Gary Weidenaar, director) in Ordizia, Spain in the Church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion. TEXT (and Translation): Bleib bei uns, denn es will Abend werden, und der Tag hat sich geneiget, -Lukas 24:29 Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent Luke 24: 29 ABOUT THE WORK: Abendlied Composer Josef Rheinberger has crafted a beautiful setting of the text, with the six voice parts alternating roles between homophonic and contrapuntal writing. ABOUT THE CHOIR: Since 2009, the CWU Chamber choir has held annual recording sessions to create videos specifically designed for YouTube. All are under the baton of Dr. Gary A. Weidenaar, who has been the director of the choir since 2006. As of Fall, 2016; there are 26 videos. Ten of those feature the music of Ola Gjeilo and are the result of working with Mr. Gjeilo in 3 recording sessions over a 5 year period. On most of them, he is at the Piano. His...    less

Choosing exactly the right repertoire for an ensemble is one of the most essential responsibilities of a conductor.  We want music that stimulates growth within the ensemble, and also enriches the musical palette of the Singers and of the audience me...

Emmanuel College, Cambridge has a choir of around 24 choral scholars, which sings at the choral services in the Wren Chapel during term. The choir is conducted by the Director of Chapel Music, assisted by two organ scholars. The choir makes occasional vis...  moreEmmanuel College, Cambridge has a choir of around 24 choral scholars, which sings at the choral services in the Wren Chapel during term. The choir is conducted by the Director of Chapel Music, assisted by two organ scholars. The choir makes occasional visits to other British churches and cathedrals, as well as an annual foreign tour, recent destinations have included USA, Mexico, Sweden, Thailand, Rome and Prague. Emmanuel College Choir has released a number of recordings, most recently a CD of works by the Edwardian composer E W Naylor, a former Organist and Honorary Fellow of the College. Twitter: EmmanuelChoir Facebook: The Chapel Choir of Emmanuel College, Cambridge  less

[this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Men and women’s voices are different.     Obvious really, but it’s something many Singers find it difficult to come to terms wit...