"The Long Day Closes" by Arthur Sullivan at the Schlosskirche in Bonn (June 30, 2009)

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   “In our Choir we’re not allowed to use words in concerts.”   Photo by Kaptain Kobold   Great idea. In principle. But how...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   The Natural Voice Network (NVN) has done a great deal to dispel the myth that you have to be able to read music to be in a Choir.   photo by...

GOTHAM ROCK Choir is New York City’s first non-auditioned community Choir devoted to Rock, Pop, Motown & Broadway. Founded in 2009, Gotham Rock Choir was formed to provide an outlet for singers of all levels and backgrounds to explore contemporary mus...  moreGOTHAM ROCK Choir is New York City’s first non-auditioned community Choir devoted to Rock, Pop, Motown & Broadway. Founded in 2009, Gotham Rock Choir was formed to provide an outlet for singers of all levels and backgrounds to explore contemporary music in a supportive, fun, uplifting environment, to provide an alternative to the city’s many traditional Choirs and to provide much-needed sense of “cool” to choral singing. Each week, a diverse group of New Yorkers from all walks of life–ranging from show business professionals to avid shower singers–gather at a professional rehearsal studio in Midtown Manhattan to belt out an eclectic mix of music in stunning 4-part harmony in preparation for a final concert held at an off-Broadway theatre. Many of our singers also choose to perform in our “Gotham Rock Choir: Unplugged” cabaret evenings, which give our members the opportunity to work on their own favorite tunes for performance at one of the city’s most famous cabaret venues. Over the years, Gotham Rock Choi...    less

The Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir is a mixed voice adult Choir (SATB) comprising about 30 singers and working to a high standard of musical excellence. As a part of the historic community of Worcester Cathedral, the Choir has gained a reputation for m...  moreThe Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir is a mixed voice adult Choir (SATB) comprising about 30 singers and working to a high standard of musical excellence. As a part of the historic community of Worcester Cathedral, the Choir has gained a reputation for musical sensitivity and ground breaking performance. The Choir was founded in 1998 by its musical director, Stephen Shellard, in order to draw together a group of high quality singers from the local area to develop a concert repertoire and further enrich the choral tradition of Worcester Cathedral. The establishment of the Choir made history as, for the first time since its foundation nearly 1000 years ago, Worcester Cathedral included women's voices as a part of its musical life.  less

[The views expressed in this blog are from my personal experiences from 25 years of leading non-auditioned community Choirs in the UK, as well as adult singing workshops. My focus is on teaching by ear using a repertoire of songs from traditions across th...

[The views expressed in this blog are from my personal experiences from 25 years of leading non-auditioned community Choirs in the UK, as well as adult singing workshops. My focus is on teaching by ear using a repertoire of songs from traditions across th...