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  • Mixed tenor sections: the weirdness of men and women singing the same note

    Added March 4, 2021 by Chris Rowbury - 1891 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]Many community choirs have mixed tenor sections with men and women singing the same part. photo by Stefan Karpiniec That’s when things can get weird! Let’s look at what’s going on.There is often a shortage of men in mixed community ... read more

  • Do everything you can to support your choir leader – they’re the only one you’ve got!

    Added February 24, 2021 by Chris Rowbury - 535 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]Most singers join a choir because they share the passion and vision of the choir leader. Your choir leader is the creative heart of your choir and is what gives it its unique flavour. If anybody else took over your choir it would change its nature.I&r... read more

  • 5 ways to keep things fresh when you’re being taught a song you already know

    Added February 17, 2021 by Chris Rowbury - 414 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]At any singing workshop I run there will probably be someone who already knows one of the songs I’m teaching. photo by Sludge G If that is you, what are your options for staying interested?I try very hard to make sure that I teach different son... read more

  • Some people take pride in saying they can’t sing – but is that just fear talking?

    Added February 10, 2021 by Chris Rowbury - 548 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]You’ll know by now that I believe that everyone can sing. Apparently this irritates some people who really think that they can’t sing. Why is that? everyone can sing … I was reminded the other day of a quote by the lovely, gentle,... read more

  • Is there an alternative to being patient when leading a choir?

    Added February 3, 2021 by Chris Rowbury - 567 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]I’ve been praised many times by the singers I work with for being so patient. Which makes me wonder: what’s the alternative?I must admit that I find it quite easy (most of the time!) to be patient when leading a choir or singing workshop. ... read more

  • Do you need to practice outside choir rehearsals?

    Added January 27, 2021 by Chris Rowbury - 611 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]Many singers come to choir – especially “singing for fun” groups – to get away from the stresses of regular life. They love to sing and find it a relaxing escape from the daily grind. photo by Aka Hige But if your choir perfor... read more

  • How to develop perfect warm up exercises for your choir

    Added January 20, 2021 by Chris Rowbury - 867 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]The choir leader’s (and singer’s) lament: “I’m bored with the warm ups and want new ideas.” It’s very easy to create your own exciting new warm up exercises. I’ll show you how.  same old, same old There... read more

  • Should you pander to your choir or just run things your way?

    Added January 13, 2021 by Chris Rowbury - 475 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]Many choir leaders have a strong style and particular choice of repertoire. They lead large, thriving choirs which have a strong vision. Other choir leaders involve their members more and ask their opinion on repertoire, warm ups, performances, etc. I... read more

  • Before you use songs from other cultures check your sources!

    Added January 7, 2021 by Chris Rowbury - 784 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]Just because a song is in a foreign language, you still need to respect its origins. Sami family by Morten Oddvik There is a huge amount of misinformation out there when it comes to songs from other cultures. Before you pass a song along, make sure y... read more

  • Singers and choir leaders: what bad habits have you got into?

    Added December 30, 2020 by Chris Rowbury - 577 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]We are all creatures of habit. Which is no bad thing until it starts to affect what we do adversely. photo by CTRLF5 How many bad habits have you got into this past year and how might you change that?There are many things that singers and choir leade... read more