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  • Four powerful ideas guaranteed to help you learn to sing better

    Added July 17, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 1031 views - 0 comments
    [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 better.     Here are four simple but powerful ideas that will help you be a bette... read more

  • How much should you charge singers to be in your choir?

    Added July 10, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 1126 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Most choirs charge their singers to be a member (‘subs’). The amount can vary a lot from choir to choir.     What’s the best way to decide how much to charge your singers? Let’s look at some of the issues ... read more

  • Stepping up – how to find the courage to volunteer for solo or small group singing

    Added July 3, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 851 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   There are times in most choirs when a soloist or a small ensemble is required. These roles can be allocated by the MD but in many cases singers are asked to volunteer to try out.     photo by Paterm   What if you think you... read more

  • The challenges of running a drop-in singing group (and why you shouldn’t start one)

    Added June 26, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 1344 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] Some people run ‘drop-in’ singing sessions. People can drop in on any session they want, there is no commitment and no signing up for a ‘season’.   It’s a nice idea: no commitment, no pressure, all very fun, s... read more

  • What should individual singers focus on when performing as part of a choir or small group?

    Added June 19, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 835 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] Whether you sing harmony in a small group or a large choir there are many things demanding your attention: other singers, conductor, audience, your own part, remembering lyrics, sheet music, and so on.   But what is the most important thin... read more

  • 10 great reasons why all men should join a choir – now!

    Added June 12, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 3580 views - 0 comments
    A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] Being in a choir is great (see The pleasures of being a choir member), but most mixed choirs never seem to have enough men.     photo by Roberta F.   Here are 10 very good reasons why every single man out there should join a choir ... read more

  • How to encourage regular choir attendance – balancing fun with commitment

    Added June 5, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 3431 views - 0 comments
      [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] Lately I’ve been wrestling with the problem of inconsistent attendance at choir. If not everyone comes each week it’s hard to do any development work and it means I have to keep teaching the same songs again and again. Sing F... read more

  • 5 good reasons why joining a choir might not be right for you

    Added May 29, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 3463 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] We all know that joining a choir is a good thing to do. But it might not suit everyone. photo by Dave Pearce   Here are five reasons why it might not be such a good idea for you.If you are a singer who agrees with any of the following, th... read more

  • Should your choir perform live? – arguments for and against

    Added May 15, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 831 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] When I started my most recent community choir The OK Chorale back in 2011 I decided it wasn’t going to be a performing choir.     Brighton Vox, photo from atticglimpse.blogspot.co.uk   But inevitably, over time, we ended u... read more

  • How ill do you need to be before you cancel a performance?

    Added May 1, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 700 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] Back in 2015 I was in bed for 10 days with a nasty bout of ’flu. For the first time in my 18-year career I had to cancel a choir concert.     In this case it was an obvious decision, but how ill do you need to be before you cance... read more