[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...

"Aurum, aurum!" is dedicated to Asira Shukuru. It is a musical search for the meaning of Gold, a choral exploration of our human relationship to this precious metal. In Latin and English. As always, comments are most welcomed. Sincere thanks to Matt...  more"Aurum, aurum!" is dedicated to Asira Shukuru. It is a musical search for the meaning of Gold, a choral exploration of our human relationship to this precious metal. In Latin and English. As always, comments are most welcomed. Sincere thanks to Matthew Curtis (choraltracks.com) for recording "Aurum, aurum!" Email me at rain@magma.ca, if you'd like more info, or to obtain a copy of the score. I would like to acknowledge the a cappella choir that I sing in, The Stairwell Carollers, and our director Pierre Massie, for their musical inspiration these past 26 years. I would also like to thank my friends in our "Ad hoc Chorale" for testing out this piece in one of our informal workshops and offering valuable comments. And with deepest appreciation to my brother Adam Rain and my friend Geneviève Lajoie for their invaluable support throughout my composing journey.  less

"Jean's" performing at the Riva Del Garda choir Competition, 2009. Irving Berlin's "Cheek to Cheek" and a Hebrew translation (Kobi Lurie) of "Java Jive" Called "Kafe BeKef".

[this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   From my experience with choirs and singing groups it appears that we are a rhythmically challenged nation.   photo by by The Failed Photographer ...

Spinnaker Chorus is a modern, vibrant and friendly group of women with music in our hearts. We sing a-cappella style music in four-part harmony, Called Barbershop. The songs we sing are varied, some old classics, some modern with a twist! In an effort ...  moreSpinnaker Chorus is a modern, vibrant and friendly group of women with music in our hearts. We sing a-cappella style music in four-part harmony, Called Barbershop. The songs we sing are varied, some old classics, some modern with a twist! In an effort to stay committed to singing and performing at the highest possible level, we compete each year in a national contest and we also perform our own annual SHow to raise our profile in the community. Check us out on Facebook and Youtube! We Can be seen and heard throughout the year, performing for major corporations, civic and charitable organizations, private groups, churches, community events, and fundraisers. To find out more information about How we Can perform at your next event, please contact us at "info@spinnakerchorus.co.uk". If you would like to hear us or you are interested in joining our chorus, please get in touch - you will be made most welcome. The chorus is based near Portsmouth, Hampshire. We practise every Wednesday at 7.30pm - 10pm....    less

This video was shot at our gig at the local mall on 31.08.12. The song is "Another Night" by a famous Israeli funk band Called "Hadorbanim". Quinta & a Half members: Inbal Ceder and Yarden Cohen - Soprano Ayala Fossfeld - Alto Matan Kaufman & Doron B...  moreThis video was shot at our gig at the local mall on 31.08.12. The song is "Another Night" by a famous Israeli funk band Called "Hadorbanim". Quinta & a Half members: Inbal Ceder and Yarden Cohen - Soprano Ayala Fossfeld - Alto Matan Kaufman & Doron Ben Ami - Tenor (and Solo) Oz Weiss - Bass & Beatbox Arrangement by Doron Ben-Ami  

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Last week I wrote about the kinds of singing that I like (I may not know much about music, but I know what I like!).     Now I want to give...

Media Vita by Kerensa Briggs is included on Voices of Concinnity's debut album on Navona Records label Called "Awaiting Golden Light"

Sing From the Heart Tranquil countryside singing retreat holiday in the heart of rural Normandie, France 6-13 April 2024   "...an amazing & glorious week of singing & friendship."   Fun, friendly and nurturing small group singing retr...

The Mansfield University Concert Choir at the 2012 World Choir Games in their Gold Medal winning performance in the Folklore Competition.