[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   It always amazes me how surprised people are that a group of strangers can sing harmony together in just a few minutes. It’s not necessary to k...

Resonance of Birralee is a choral ensemble of young people aged 17-30 years who collectively bring a wealth of experience, enthusiasm and musical leadership to the Voices of Birralee programme. Following on from the formation of a Birralee Tenth Annive...  moreResonance of Birralee is a choral ensemble of young people aged 17-30 years who collectively bring a wealth of experience, enthusiasm and musical leadership to the Voices of Birralee programme. Following on from the formation of a Birralee Tenth Anniversary Alumni Choir in 2005, Resonance of Birralee was formed under the leadership of Paul Holley. The young people involved represent a variety of professions and a significant number are tertiary students. They share a common love of singing and in many cases are accomplished musicians. One of their strengths as an ensemble is their expertise and appreciation of a broad range of music styles and their ability to adapt their programme to suit any event. In 2008 Resonance competed at the World Choir Games in Graz, Austria, where they won Gold and Silver medals in popular vocal and gospel categories. Resonance continues to be in demand at concerts and community and civic events. In addition to their own programs, they have recorded with the Queensland Pops Orch...    less

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Some years ago I did some voice-only arrangements of Queen songs for a weekend workshop. I ended up listening to a lot of Queen recordings!   ...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   It’s usually the case that professional singers have had some sort of training in a particular singing technique.   photo by Kevin Cea...

[A version of this article first appeared as a post on my blog From the Front of the Choir] Some teachers find themselves having to lead singing sessions at their school. But often they don’t have that much experience of teaching songs ...

The Magnets perform a jazzed up version of Emeli Sande's No.1 hit, "Next to me"

TCS is currently composed of 120 singers. Our new musical Director, Julian Collings joined the choir beginning of 2019. Over the last few years the choir has enjoyed a growing reputation for its repertoire of outstanding contemporary music alongside t...  moreTCS is currently composed of 120 singers. Our new musical Director, Julian Collings joined the choir beginning of 2019. Over the last few years the choir has enjoyed a growing reputation for its repertoire of outstanding contemporary music alongside the established classics. TCS latest performances included The Creation of Haydn, Mendelssohn's Elijah, Mass in Blue of Todd, Rossini's Petite Messe solennelle. The Choir also perform a Christmas Concert every year. Overall we perform three main concerts a year. During its performances TCS enjoys the participation of professional soloists and orchestras and ensembles. Phil Culling is our accompanist. With past successes and imaginative programming, TCS is thriving. We are always glad to welcome new singers, regardless of age; especiallly those who enjoy their music making. We like to rehearse and perform with our sense of humour switched on.  less

[this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Obvious really, but a choir is a large organism made up of lots of individuals who are working together.     The Tenor by Amyn Kassam &...

[this is an updated version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   For those of us who work to school terms, it is now the summer holidays. Unlike us poor folk here in the UK, the summer break is months long i...

[this is a version of a post which first appeared on my blog From the Front of the Choir]   Last week I looked at how you get beyond the written word if you've been learning lyrics from sheets of paper.     This week I want to look a...