Chris Rowbury - Blog Entries

Chris Rowbury's Blog Entries

Choir and workshop leaders: make sure you’re on the receiving end from time to time

Added August 15, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 633 views - 0 comments

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] I like being in charge, as do most choir and singing workshop leaders. Our job mainly consists of telling people what to do and helping them to sing the best that they can. Trouble is it’s easy to forget what it’s... read more
Coming back to singing after a long absence or a bad experience

Added August 7, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 1131 views - 0 comments

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] Whether it’s bringing up a family or long-term illness or a bad singing experience, many people find it hard to get back into singing when they’ve been away for a long time. photo by by Nationaal Archief, Den Haag, Rijksf... read more
Singing with a group of strangers – mixing and mingling ideas for learning names

Added July 24, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 769 views - 0 comments

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] It always amazes me how surprised people are that a group of strangers can sing harmony together in just a few minutes. It’s not necessary to know the other singers to be able to sing well with them, but some people feel that they need to... read more
Four powerful ideas guaranteed to help you learn to sing better

Added July 17, 2019 by Chris Rowbury - 1006 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 - 1080 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 - 822 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 - 1332 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 - 815 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 - 3544 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 - 3291 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

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Chris Rowbury's Blog Entries

Choir and workshop leaders: make sure you’re on the receiving end from time to time

Coming back to singing after a long absence or a bad experience

Singing with a group of strangers – mixing and mingling ideas for learning names

Four powerful ideas guaranteed to help you learn to sing better

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

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

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

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

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

How to encourage regular choir attendance – balancing fun with commitment