Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Feb 5, 2012, 5:00 am
Planning a singing workshop is a lot like planning a regular choir session. Photo by Pink Singers The main differences are that a workshop is usually a one-off and the participants will usually be strangers. Continue reading >>
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Jan 29, 2012, 5:00 am
“Great, a new song to learn.” Photo by Michael Wu “Oh, no, it’s in ‘foreign’. Help!” Continue reading >>
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Jan 22, 2012, 5:00 am
Singing together or being in a choir is one of the most egalitarian experiences we can have. Photo by wynlok It doesn’t matter how much you earn, what your job is, where you went to school or who you know. Just add your voice to the overall sound. Continue reading >>
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Oct 30, 2011, 5:00 am
My main skill is as a teacher of songs to those who don’t read music. Photo by elfsternberg Other choir leaders have different skills – like polishing songs for performance. Continue reading >>
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Oct 23, 2011, 5:00 am
People come to my singing workshops because they love to sing. Photo by Rex Pe But first they have to spend time learning songs. Continue reading >>
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Oct 16, 2011, 5:00 am
I run singing workshops all over the place (why not book me and try one?!). Photo by C. Moses At some places the workshops are full and there is a waiting list. At others it’s a struggle to muster a dozen singers. Why is this? Continue reading >>
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Oct 9, 2011, 5:00 am
As they say: size doesn’t matter, it’s what you do with it that counts. Measuring lung capacity with a spirometer The University of Iowa ca. 1920 The size of your lungs isn’t important in singing, it’s how you use the breath in them. Continue reading >>
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Oct 2, 2011, 5:00 am
I’ve always known that I’m more interested in traditional songs, but I’ve only just realised that it’s the vocal quality that I’m most drawn to. Bulgarian National Women's Choir by Bruce MacRae There’s something thrilling and primal about the sound of traditional singers’ voic...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Sep 25, 2011, 5:00 am
This post is part of a series of occasional Questions and Answers. Just use the contact form if you want to submit a question. A budding choir director writes: “I had prepared and arranged four songs, but the other person who leads the choir kept on asking the choir what they would li...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Sep 18, 2011, 5:00 am
After the long summer break, I used to arrive really early at the first choir session, sit by the door, and worry that nobody would come back. Photo by kabun I worry less now, but there are still many things to consider after your choir has had a long break. Continue reading >>
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Sep 11, 2011, 5:00 am
I’ve been asked to create a choir specially for an inter-faith event. Photo by Catholic Church There will be contributors from Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and more. Plenty of songs to choose from. But what about atheists? Will they be represented, and what songs do th...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Sep 4, 2011, 5:00 am
Sometimes I only have to hear two notes of a song and I know what it is. Photo by bishib70 Often I join in with someone singing a song only to realise that I’m singing a completely different one. What’s going on here? Continue reading >>
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Aug 28, 2011, 5:00 am
I had a girlfriend who believed that we are all capable of anything if we just put enough effort in. Photo by _foam She believed that if you fail at something or are not very good at it, then you just don’t want it that much. Continue reading >>
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Aug 21, 2011, 5:00 am
Apparently it’s the summer break. The weather is sunny, choir doesn’t start back until September, kids are off school and ice cream vans are cruising the streets. Photo by Yiannis Logiotatides So how come I’m stuck in the office and seem to be working as hard as usual? Continue read...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Aug 14, 2011, 5:00 am
You know those people who sing all the time — when they’re cooking, hoovering, gardening, whatever? Well, I’m not one of them. Photo by k e e l y I love singing. I earn my living by teaching songs, I enjoy singing with others, I adore listening to singing on CDs and the radio, but I d...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Aug 7, 2011, 5:00 am
The other weekend 50 singers performed in public to a large, appreciative audience. We performed eight songs in four part harmony, most in foreign languages and some with dance moves. Photo by Alberto Ferrante The standard was high, the performance was tight and the singers clearly had fun....
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Jul 31, 2011, 5:00 am
Last week I looked at the pros and cons of traditional choir formation vs. mixing parts up (Flying in choir formation – placing singers effectively). Photo by sludgegulper Whichever approach you choose, there are still several choices to be made. Continue reading >>
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Jul 24, 2011, 5:00 am
Last week I looked at how singers choose where to stand in their section (Don’t stand too close to me! – finding the right place to stand in your choir). But that assumes that your choir is divided up with all singers in any given part standing together. Photo by laihiu But it is also p...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Jul 17, 2011, 5:00 am
In some formal choirs you’re told exactly where to stand when performing. There is often a fixed set-up which varies little from concert to concert. Photo by nicksarebi However, in most community choirs, even though the separate parts might have fixed positions, where you stand within you...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Jul 10, 2011, 5:00 am
The OK Chorale are not a performing choir (yet!), but after two terms of hard (but fun!) work, we’ve invited some friends and family along next week to hear some of the songs we’ve learnt. Photo by Melissa Segal I’m trying to keep it very low key as it’s the first time many people w...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Jul 3, 2011, 5:00 am
Singing together creates a real sense of community. Sometimes a choir arises from an existing community, but other times the creation of a choir builds a brand new one. Photo by niallkennedy In most cases people come together simply because they love to sing, but in others there is a real n...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Jun 26, 2011, 5:00 am
I’m beginning to worry that zombies are taking over my choir! Have you noticed how the living dead always have husky breathing? Photo by theogeo Well, the singers I come across seem to be doing the same thing. What’s that all about? Continue reading >>
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Jun 19, 2011, 5:00 am
Places strictly limited. Book now to avoid disappointment. To be sure of a place, please send a cheque. Last year we sold out, so reserve a place early! Photo by London Permaculture How many times have you heard these kind of pleas for a concert or singing workshop? But the tactic can serio...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Jun 12, 2011, 5:00 am
I’ve been under the weather lately with no energy at all. But last night was choir night so I had to pull something out of the bag. So tired by KcPhotography LA I decided to use the fact that I had no energy to structure the rehearsal and we ended up doing some really good work! Continu...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Jun 5, 2011, 5:00 am
There is a proverb from Zimbabwe (apparently) that says: “If you can walk, then you can dance. If you can talk, then you can sing.” Zulu nation by nualabugeye Exactly! The whole of my work is based on my belief that everyone can sing. But what does that mean in practice? Continue read...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - May 29, 2011, 5:00 am
When I was much younger I used to think that once you knew everything and were vastly experienced, only then would you become confident. Rock star baby by fmgbain But one day I was in a singing workshop when I realised that this is not true. You just have to decide to be confident! Behave a...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - May 22, 2011, 5:00 am
I’ve been creating some new singing workshops for next year. Janice Joplin by Patrick Pearse Last week I wrote about how to create snappy, attractive titles. But what about the content – does the theme of the workshop actually make much difference? I’ve come to believe that it’s ...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - May 15, 2011, 5:00 am
Like a newspaper headline, or title for a blog post, a good name for a singing workshop can make all the difference. Queue for the Banksy Exhibition (Nigel Mykura) / CC BY-SA 2.0 I’m constantly wrestling with titles for new workshops. I’m always on the lookout for that killer title that...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - May 8, 2011, 5:00 am
I’m having a tough time writing this blog post. Colleen is bored by scragz I didn’t sleep well last night, I’ve been over-doing it, I have too much on my plate, and I have no idea what to write about. Actually, I have plenty of ideas what to write about. I have a file with hund...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - May 1, 2011, 5:00 am
This post is part of a series of occasional Questions and Answers. Just use the contact form if you want to submit a question. A budding choir director writes: “Last year I got involved with helping to lead a community choir. I have a musical background in that part of my degree was...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Apr 24, 2011, 5:00 am
Some people just love anything that’s finely honed, all shined up, squeaky clean, highly skilled and perfectly rendered. Not me. Give me imperfection and humanity any time! I like my art to be dirty and messy. I’m not a fan of art that just copies real life – illustrative or repr...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Apr 17, 2011, 5:00 am
At the end of each of my one-day workshops I’ve recently started to record all the songs I’ve taught during the day. It’s nice for people to be able to take something away to remind them of the songs. But one comment recently gave me pause for thought: “In all the years I have been a...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Apr 10, 2011, 5:00 am
Size is in the eye of the beholder. How ‘big’ a choir is depends on the context of course, but working with a large group of singers in any circumstances can prove to be difficult. Photo by -bartimaeus- I recently started a choir in my new home town of Woodbridge: the ok chorale. I was ...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Apr 3, 2011, 5:00 am
People don’t often talk about the downsides of singing. Yes, we bang on about the health benefits, social aspects, etc. but seldom mention the bad bits. Here are 7 terrible things that might happen to you if you start singing. singing can become addictive — once you start singing, i...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Mar 27, 2011, 6:00 am
This post is part of a series of occasional Questions and Answers. Just use the contact form if you want to submit a question. Philippa writes: “How do you respond when you get asked directly for sheet music? I’ve had this a few times now, usually by men interestingly! I’ve not had ...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Mar 20, 2011, 6:00 am
Many community choir members enjoy practising at home. And so they should! Ernest Williams, tenor, Croydon Male Voice Choir by Philip Talmage They sing out loud whilst washing up or mowing the grass, re-living last week’s choir session and hearing the full glory of all the other harmonies...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Mar 13, 2011, 6:00 am
Having written about starting your own community choir, I recently put my money where my mouth is and started a brand new singing group – my first in 15 years. I learnt a lot from this process and thought I’d share with you. pastures new Last autumn I moved to a completely diffe...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Mar 6, 2011, 5:00 am
Very, very few people are tone deaf. Tone deafness is an abnormality of the brain which can also affect the understanding of language and certain spatial abilities. So unless you are one of those rare individuals who are born with amusia or have suffered a brain injury or have hearing problems, you ...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Feb 27, 2011, 5:00 am
Last week I looked at what music notation is for and if you need it to sing. Sight reading by discopalace This week I’d like to lay out what I think are the benefits and shortfalls of using sheet music to teach and learn songs. advantages of teaching by ear no looking at pieces of...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Feb 20, 2011, 5:00 am
Do you have to be able to read music to sing? Lots of people believe so and are put off joining choirs as a result. I don’t use written music when I teach, but does that mean I am limited in what I can teach? And am I making life difficult for those who can read music? I want to make mu...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Feb 13, 2011, 5:00 am
To sit or not to sit, that is the question. Whether ‘tis better to be standing whilst singing, or to rest one’s weary bottom on the nearest chair. Photo by Malingering I’ve tried both standing and sitting, and there are pros and cons either way. why I prefer standing When I s...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Feb 6, 2011, 5:00 am
It can be tough joining a new choir, especially if you’re an under-confident singer. Painting ("Little little girl 29") by susie mendelsson Here are ten tips to help you make the most of being in a choir. everyone is in the same boat – looking around, you might assume that everyone...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Jan 30, 2011, 5:00 am
It’s been just over four years since I started writing this blog. My aim was to share thoughts and ideas that arise from my work as a community choir leader and to try to generate discussion on those topics. It’s not for me to say how successful I’ve been! Over the years I have written...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Jan 23, 2011, 5:00 am
Instead of writing this, I should be planning a one-off two-hour singing workshop for this Saturday. I’m also starting to think of what I’ll do with my new singing group when it starts next week.   Of course, these are very different beasts. The kind of work I’ll do in my one-off two h...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Jan 16, 2011, 5:00 am
This post is part of a series of occasional Questions and Answers. Just use the contact form if you want to submit a question. Here is a very familiar story. Fred writes: “I started singing at a very young age, maybe four or five and sang mostly rock stuff like Elvis my mother was list...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Jan 9, 2011, 5:00 am
Time to look forward to the coming year. With thanks to my lovely assistant susie mendelsson Look back first to realise all the big mistakes you made, make a note of all those missed opportunities and unrealised dreams, then forward ho! you can ask yourself ... What am I expecting ...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Jan 2, 2011, 5:00 am
It’s that time of year when I take the opportunity to look back over the past year, and to look forward to things I might want to achieve in the coming year. I believe it’s a good to do, whether it’s at the start of a new year, on your birthday, or in the summer break: a time to reflec...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Dec 29, 2010, 5:00 am
On 6 January this year I began to revisit the archives. Every Wednesday throughout 2010 I dusted off an old post from 2007, updated it and gave it new life. File cabinets by jono dot com But now the time has come (*sound of heavy creaking door being closed*) to shut the archives once more (...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Dec 26, 2010, 5:00 am
Since most of you will be too busy with Christmas to read this Boxing Day post I thought I’d revive an old tradition that goes way, way back to December 2009. The turkey carcass by Clevergrrl Rather than a normal post, here is a list of the most popular posts from 2010 (and a few others t...
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Chris R. posted an article on From the Front of the Choir - Dec 22, 2010, 5:00 am
This is an updated version of a post which first appeared as Read all about it! in December 2007 I don’t know what it’s like in other parts of the world, but here in the UK it’s notoriously difficult to get any kind of review of a concert in the press — local or national. Newspaper...
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