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Chris Rowbury's Blog Entries

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

    Added February 18, 2015 by Chris Rowbury - 2052 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 - 2316 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 - 2025 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 - 5106 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 - 2023 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

  • Help someone to start singing in 2015 — maybe even you!

    Added January 7, 2015 by Chris Rowbury - 1366 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   I’m probably preaching to the converted here as I guess most of you reading this already sing regularly.   photo by T Sundup   So how about getting someone else to start singing in 2015? If we all introduce one new person to th... read more

  • Setting your goals for the new year (guaranteed to work!)

    Added December 31, 2014 by Chris Rowbury - 1025 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   It’s the time of year when many people make resolutions, set goals and devise plans for the coming year.   photo by --Tico--   But is this a useful thing to do, and if you do it, how likely are you to achieve what you set out t... read more

  • Get your family singing this Christmas – turn off the TV!

    Added December 24, 2014 by Chris Rowbury - 896 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Fed up with the family slumped in front of the TV every Christmas and not communicating?     Then turn off the TV and start singing! Christmas is a fantastic time to sing with others. There are so many Christmas songs and carols out ... read more

  • Singing is for life, not just for Christmas

    Added December 17, 2014 by Chris Rowbury - 1432 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   “Hark the herald angels sing”. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s College, Cambridge. Slade’s “Merry Christmas everybody”. “White Christmas” on TV. Midnight mass at the local church. &n... read more

  • The sheet music is not the song!

    Added December 10, 2014 by Chris Rowbury - 1060 views - 0 comments
    [this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   A while ago I wrote about an artist who thought that music resides in the musical notation and a musician's job is to realise that notation perfectly.     I disagree completely – the sheet music is not the song!   songs ar... read more