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Chris Rowbury's Blog Entries

  • The challenges of commissioning a new piece for your choir

    Added April 1, 2015 by Chris Rowbury - 2174 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   I find it hard to believe, but I started my choir WorldSong way back in October 1997. In 2007, we planned several events to celebrate our 10th anniversary.   photo by Foxtongue   One of these involved commissioning a song especially ... read more

  • Asking for sheet music in a ‘learn by ear’ choir

    Added March 25, 2015 by Chris Rowbury - 1077 views - 0 comments
    [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. Philippa writes:   “How do you respond when you get asked directly for sheet music? I’ve had this a ... read more

  • Why tenors shouldn’t sing on their own

    Added March 11, 2015 by Chris Rowbury - 2291 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   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 c... read more

  • Starting a new choir: my story and what I have learned

    Added March 4, 2015 by Chris Rowbury - 1418 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Having written about starting your own community choir, in 2011 I 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... read more

  • Are you tone deaf? Very unlikely!

    Added February 25, 2015 by Chris Rowbury - 1885 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   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 suf... read more

  • Using sheet music to teach and learn songs: pros and cons

    Added February 18, 2015 by Chris Rowbury - 2027 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Last time 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 so... read more

  • Music notation: what is it good for and do we need it to sing?

    Added February 4, 2015 by Chris Rowbury - 2276 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Do you have to be able to read music to sing? Lots of people believe so and are put off joining choirs, or even singing at all, as a result.     I don’t use written music when I teach, but does that mean I am limited in what I c... read more

  • Standing up for your choir (or do you use chairs and sit down?)

    Added January 29, 2015 by Chris Rowbury - 2000 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   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 t... read more

  • Handy hints for hesitant singers – 10 tips for singers new to choirs

    Added January 21, 2015 by Chris Rowbury - 5083 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   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.   everyon... read more

  • 10 things to consider before choosing or running a singing workshop

    Added January 14, 2015 by Chris Rowbury - 2009 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   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 v... read more