[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] The rehearsal begins and the Altos looks around in panic: “Where’s Carol?” Carol is a strong, confident singer, but she’s not here thi...

Initially formed as part of a school-outreach program with the Quintessential Vocal Ensemble (QVE) in Newfoundland in 2009, Afterglow developed a love of 6-part a cappella music and began searching for new and challenging musical experiences. All members ...  moreInitially formed as part of a school-outreach program with the Quintessential Vocal Ensemble (QVE) in Newfoundland in 2009, Afterglow developed a love of 6-part a cappella music and began searching for new and challenging musical experiences. All members of QVE, the singers range in disciplines from Music to Engineering to the Arts. Afterglow performs frequently throughout St. John’s, including being featured guests on CBC Radio, local television, Festival 500, as well as community concerts and fundraisers. The group writes their own arrangements and began presenting full concerts last spring. Afterglow was one of 11 groups selected world-wide to partake in the Small Vocal Ensembles component of international biennial Festival 500 in July 2011. This will include masterclasses and individual coaching sessions with Bob Chilcott and Finnish group, Rajaton. As a result of their acceptance, the group was awarded a substantial Professional Project Grant from the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council. Afterglow ...    less

A Handful of Harmonies is a hobby with a difference! The group gives women from 16 to 70+ the opportunity to share the joy and proven health benefits of singing with like-minded people in a fun and creative environment. Weekly sessions, under the instr...  moreA Handful of Harmonies is a hobby with a difference! The group gives women from 16 to 70+ the opportunity to share the joy and proven health benefits of singing with like-minded people in a fun and creative environment. Weekly sessions, under the instruction of a highly enthusiastic and experienced Natural Voice Practitioner and registered British Voice Association teacher, will provide opportunities for you to sing in harmony, discover new techniques and to improve your musicality, understanding and appreciation of music. With your newly found confidence you will tackle more complicated and challenging musical arrangements and enjoy hearing the finished result – just for pleasure! Whilst we “work” hard these sessions are enjoyable social events. There is discipline and structure but also fun, laughter and a strong sense of teamwork as we rehearse songs from a variety of genres, performing new musical arrangements to suit a variety of tastes. No previous experience is required but enthusiasm is a must. ...    less

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   One place I work at, they call my workshops ‘singers weekends’.     Somebody once told me they couldn’t come on one ...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   This post is part of a series of occasional Questions and Answers. Just use the contact form if you want to submit a question.     Sue ...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   There is something different and special about a residential learning experience.   photo by Martyn Gorman   A whole day of singing i...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Many of us are wary of attending singing workshops or choirs when we feel that people will be a lot more experienced than us. This is particularly t...

If you’ve already heard the HSS Choir belt out their a capella version of I Wanna Be Sedated by the Ramones or the Blue Ribbon Glee Club putting a whole new spin on Wreckless Eric’s (I’d Go the) Whole Wide World, then the idea ...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   People are always asking me how they can learn to sing. Everyone is already a singer of course, but it’s always possible to learn how to sing b...

Connections with home 1)      Boosters 2)      Call home when things go right 3)      Programming accessible materials           &...