(This post was orginally written for the Embro Thistle Singers blog.)   I think sometimes we get so focused on maKing the music as directors and singers, we forget that the people around us have "baggage" Good and bad that we need to unpack before ...

Message from Philip Lawson - From 2012 I will be moving on from The King's Singers to give myself more time for composing and arranging. If you would like to discuss commissioning a piece from me or organising a choral workshop or arranging seminar pl...

Music by Edward Elgar from "Scenes from the Saga of King Olaf" words by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Although a relatively new player in the world of music, it has not taken long for Six Vocal Ensemble to leave their mark. Building upon the inspiration from such groups as Rajaton, The King’s Singers, and The Real Group, Six has charted a unique path, com...  moreAlthough a relatively new player in the world of music, it has not taken long for Six Vocal Ensemble to leave their mark. Building upon the inspiration from such groups as Rajaton, The King’s Singers, and The Real Group, Six has charted a unique path, combining choral, pop, world, and folk influences, surprising audiences everywhere with the versatility and blend of their voices. To categorize their genre is difficult; to experience their music is indescribable. The members of Six come from entirely different musical backgrounds. In its inception, Six came together as a group of opera and rock singers, jazz artists and choral traditionalists. From amidst this diversity a common goal has seamlessly forged a unified and surprisingly unique a cappella sound. New and returning audiences alike are left constantly amazed at the musical possibilities of the human voice. As the group continue to develop, each member brings different strengths, adding to the complexity that makes Six Vocal Ensemble. This diversity all...    less

Winning performance at the German National Choir Competition 2010 in Dortmund

This has been quite a week!  Last Mondy, we celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and yesterday, our country swore in a new president.  Regardless of who one voted for, the election results surprised nearly everyone.  As someone ...

Is singing Good for stress? Yes, it can actually stress you out a bit... By rushing to rehearsals, trying to park the car and not finding a space, or getting stuck in public transport at peak times (I really wish there were more morning choirs) By ...

[this is an updated version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   First I need to fess up: I have a low boredom threshold and always try to squeeze in as many songs as possible. Not always a Good idea!  ...

If you’re a singer on your way to a voice lesson, rehearsal, or audition, it’s always Good to do a bit of warming up in the car, because there are few things more annoying to music directors than singers wasting time complaining that they&rsqu...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] If you’re like me, you’re always tempted to add harmonies to the simplest of melodies, whether it’s singing along with others or arranging a...