What makes a good Choir Leader?
When I bought my current house in 2008, it came with the option of being carpeted throughout for a modest cost. At the time this seemed a good idea. I was aware the supplied carpet was Read More …
Tag: choral singing
Join a Choir – There will be Singing & Cake!
A few days ago I went to a meeting. Technically it could have been described as a choir committee meeting. However, fear not – I haven’t been abducted by aliens. As you would expect the meeting involved me Read More …
We’re all going on a Summer Holiday
Last week all of my choirs performed together along with 10 other choirs at the Swindon Festival of Choirs in aid of the Open Door Charity. The event was being held at the Old Town Read More …
Do you have time to join a choir?
January was, surprisingly, a very busy month. In addition to my weekly choir rehearsals and teaching commitments, I’ve been out and about recording choirs each weekend and I’m also working on a joint venture to Read More …
Join the choir? No chance, Choirs are for Girls
When I was at school, far too many years ago now, there was a big divide between Sport and Music. For my sins I fall into the Music camp and indeed one of the reasons Read More …
Preparing for a Concert
Possibly my favourite quote of all time is: “The amateur practices until it’s right. The professional practices until it can’t go wrong” Now before we start, I should say from the outset that whilst I Read More …
How do you decide on Soloists within your choir?
One of the key elements of community choirs, particularly those which are un auditioned, is for them to be as inclusive as possible. This always works very well until you get to the question of Read More …
Why can’t the choir sing in tune?
How many of us have been in a choir rehearsal singing something A Capella (without accompaniment) only to find the choir master half way through playing a chord on the piano which doesnt match the Read More …
Singing in a Choir should be fun
As a choirmaster of mostly amateur and Un-auditioned choirs, I have long held the belief that singing in a choir should first and foremost be fun! I have always tried to ensure that any rehearsal Read More …
What exactly is a choir?
I was pondering this question earlier this morning during the notices given by the chaplain after the morning service at Mary Magdalen Chapel in Bath where I am the organist. I have to admit that Read More …