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Chris Rowbury's Blog Entries

  • Joining an established choir: a guide for new singers

    Added February 7, 2018 by Chris Rowbury - 2284 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Joining a new choir is a bit like going to big school: it’s exciting, but a bit scary and it will take a while to learn the ropes.   photo by VisitCopenhagen   Here is a guide to help you take your first few steps as a new... read more

  • Why some singers find it hard to learn by ear (and what you can do to make it easier)

    Added January 31, 2018 by Chris Rowbury - 1355 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Some people really struggle when it comes to learning a song by ear. Often it’s singers who are used to using sheet music, but not always.   photo by bokeh burger   I’ll explain why I believe some people find it hard... read more

  • You can’t franchise charisma – why your choir leader is special

    Added January 24, 2018 by Chris Rowbury - 1508 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   The fact is that pretty much anyone can lead a choir. Some do it better than others and some do it worse, but it’s not rocket science. However, your particular choir leader is special and brings something unique to your choir.   ... read more

  • Don’t peak too soon – effective rehearsal planning for your next concert

    Added January 17, 2018 by Chris Rowbury - 1092 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   The OK Chorale have just started back after a long Christmas break. This term we’re working towards our annual spring concert. I need to plan an effective rehearsal schedule.     Our singers are all amateurs with busy lives... read more

  • 7 ways to share your choir’s singing without making a big performance of it

    Added January 10, 2018 by Chris Rowbury - 1236 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Some choirs don’t perform at all (see Choirs that don’t perform). But most choirs, at some point, will want to share their hard work with others.   photo by pyramis   It is possible to share your choir songs without ... read more

  • Looking after yourself in a busy concert season

    Added December 20, 2017 by Chris Rowbury - 1082 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   For many of us, this time of year is just one concert after another. It’s great to be doing so much singing, but it can have its downsides.   photo by Jonathan Lundkvist   If we overdo it, we can get ill or lose our voice.... read more

  • One unkind word can put you off singing for ever – how to protect yourself

    Added December 13, 2017 by Chris Rowbury - 1378 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   There have been plenty of UK television programmes over the years which have involved solo singing auditions such as The Voice and X Factor. Comments about the standard of singing have sometimes been off-hand, sarcastic, and even cruel.  ... read more

  • Should you have auditions for a workplace or community choir?

    Added December 6, 2017 by Chris Rowbury - 1331 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Gareth Malone returned to UK television back in 2013 with a second series of The Choir: Sing While You Work. The choirmaster went into five different organisations to form workplace choirs which then competed against each other.   phot... read more

  • What motivates you to turn up to choir week after week?

    Added November 29, 2017 by Chris Rowbury - 1690 views - 0 comments
    [A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   You can tell winter is on its way because it’s dark and cold when I set off for choir each week.   photo by Todd Shaffer   It would be much easier to stay at home in front of the fire, so what motivates you to wrap up warm... read more

  • How to deal with choir members who are always late

    Added November 22, 2017 by Chris Rowbury - 2768 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 final rehearsal before your big concert. The warm up is over and everyone is ready to go. But a handful of singers (the usual suspects) are not there. Late again!   photo by lunarnature   What can you do about tho... read more