I stand in the stifling heat in the vast school hall in front of my A Cappella choir rehearsals. I’m waving my arms in a space that feels like Dante’s Inferno. I feel exhausted with the heat, yet I do what I can. It’s horrid and humid. I read the room and the collective heaviness in the air.
No performance, rehearsal or singing competition can be perfect. Regardless of the applause or even if you are super lucky enough to get a standing ovation – there’s always room for growth. And that’s where feedback comes in.
Standard headphones just don’t cut the mustard for singing practice because you can’t hear yourself, anyone or anything else. Then, as a hobby runner (as well as a singer), I stumbled upon the world of bone-conduction headphones, which have changed my approach.
Let’s chat about summer choir rehearsals. Each year, they follow the same predictable pattern. It’s a season of fun in the sun, getaways, and, well, sneaky summer colds that come out of nowhere. In my choir world, it can feel like everyone’s hopped onto the holiday express – leaving the rest of us singers behind at the rehearsal hall.
I know. And I totally get it. Finding time to fit in a choir singing practice session in a hectic life feels hard –almost impossible. It feels like we don’t have any time to spare. You are exhausted and demotivated and wonder why you do this choir singing “hobby”.
Recently, we introduced a piece of music to my gorgeous A Cappella Choir. Our particular arrangement of a well-known composition from the mid-1960s shares the melody equally between the four vocal harmonies of the singers.The usual harmony singers have embraced it quickly and are loving their moment in the spotlight. However, the same can’t be said for those typically used to singing the melody as they do in the majority of our repertoire.
With adrenaline coursing and pulsating through my veins, I stepped out from behind the backstage curtain into a room filled with people cheering and clapping at the barbershop quartet prelims. Their eyes locked on us. My friend confidently led the way before me, and my two other friends were trailing behind. I could feel them around me, and we were as one.
It’s no secret that music has the power to move us in ways that few other things can. Whether listening to a favourite song on our morning commute or singing along to a catchy tune in the shower, music can tap into our emotions and connect us to something bigger than ourselves. But did you know that singing in a choir can also have incredible therapeutic benefits?
The second May bank holiday weekend in 2023 beckoned me to a seaside retreat. Yet, my destination was far from a traditional beach holiday. My journey was set to the charming town of Bournemouth for the British Association of Barbershop Singers BABS convention.
Transform your stage fright into show-stopping confidence! Unlock the secret of fearless singing in your choir, band or whilst singing solo!
This Early Spring May Bank Holiday weekend took me to the Ladies Association of Barbershop Singers LABBS Harmony College in Nottingham. This event is held every few years, and it’s a joyous celebration of barbershop singing with hours of education to grow your mind and musical skill set – aimed at anyone interested in Barbershop Harmony, whatever their level of experience.
Want to learn and sing music faster, be more accurate and embrace technology on your Smart Phone to make it easier? Gone are the days of learning at your rehearsals, and hoping you remember it! So to help fellow choir singers and vocalists, I’ve written this blog about my best, favourite, must-have apps I use myself on my phone, iPad and computer.
Are you dreaming of perfecting your voice and confidently owning the stage but struggling to find the time due to work, life, and family commitments? You’re not alone! As a vocal coach, choir leader, singer and contributor to singing blogs, I’ve had the pleasure of helping many singers unlock their true potential…
Do you want to rock your choir workshop? We know choir workshops and classes are a fabulous way to up your vocal game, mingle with fellow singers and make memories that’ll last a lifetime. But attending one where you’re a solo act among a sea of harmonizing strangers? Yikes!
Do you love singing in a choir and want to get better, right? Yes, me too. It’s my passion to be the best I can be and support my team of fellow singers. It made me ponder what I would put in an Ultimate Guide for becoming a better choir singer – so I thought I’d answer the questions that people often ask me.
