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  • Around the world in song - singing weekend in the Cotswolds 25-27 July

    Added July 17, 2014 by Chris Rowbury - 901 views - 0 comments
    My singing weekend in the Cotswolds is shaping up to be a small (but perfectly formed) group of women coming together to sing amazing harmony songs from around the world. A great chance to do some small group work and really get to grips with those harmonies. Still some places left. No experience necessary. The food (and surroundings) are fabulous!... read more

  • How to enjoy singing and not worry what others think

    Added July 17, 2014 by Chris Rowbury - 1406 views - 0 comments
    [this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   This post is part of a series of occasional Questions and Answers. Just contact Chris 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... read more

  • The value of concert reviews (and how to get them)

    Added July 9, 2014 by Chris Rowbury - 1245 views - 0 comments
    [this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   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.   Newspapers by Ian Britton from www.free... read more

  • Singing Safari arrives after 6 weeks on the road

    Added July 7, 2014 by Chris Rowbury - 749 views - 0 comments
    The Singing Safari has been on the road for five weeks now collecting exotic songs from all over the world. Just 6 days to go before we arrive at Holywells Park in Ipswich to perform the songs we've gathered. Tired, dusty and a few less people in our party since we set off on 3rd June: RIP Carruthers, Mansell and Dickinson. Thank god it was ... read more

  • How to make a song your own

    Added June 25, 2014 by Chris Rowbury - 1356 views - 0 comments
    [this is a version of a post which first appeared 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.       Blue Cat asks:   “How do you develop your own singing style or use your own voice w... read more

  • Why are there always too many altos in my choir?

    Added June 18, 2014 by Chris Rowbury - 2579 views - 0 comments
    [this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   At the start of term we have an equal number of singers in each part, but by the end of term, there are always too many altos (or sopranos or tenors – never basses)!   Smarties by gadl   Does anybody else have this problem with ... read more

  • How to recruit singers to truly reflect your local community?

    Added June 11, 2014 by Chris Rowbury - 1697 views - 0 comments
    [this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Three years ago, for the first time in over 13 years, I started a choir from scratch. I put a call out to my readers for advice on how to recruit singers that would truly reflect the community they come from.   The Illuminated Crowd by Raymo... read more

  • Are ALL songs suitable for purely vocal arrangements?

    Added June 5, 2014 by Chris Rowbury - 3410 views - 0 comments
    [this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   I’m always on the lookout for new songs to use with my singing workshops and choirs.   Sara Bareilles in concert by Anirudh Koul   There might be a stunning song that I’ve known and loved for years, but when I come to arra... read more

  • Have voice, will travel

    Added May 29, 2014 by Chris Rowbury - 1103 views - 0 comments
    [this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   I love my job, I really do. I just need some space and a bunch of people and we will make beautiful music together.   Photo by Heather Jennings   No equipment, no special work-wear, no musical instruments, no particular room or buildi... read more

  • Where is a culture’s music tradition to be found?

    Added May 21, 2014 by Chris Rowbury - 987 views - 0 comments
    [this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   A few years ago I spent two weeks travelling through the Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. I was really looking forward to hearing plenty of traditional singing since I had been told that all three countries have a rich and well-preserved... read more