I used to create a choir from scratch over six rehearsals – all strangers, no auditions. We would then present a concert of the songs we’d learnt. I was always amazed at how good we sounded.
One day one of the participants explained: “There’s no way we’re going to be perfect with so few rehearsals, so we let go of that possibility.”
It seems obvious to me, but I’ve known choirs, singing workshops and singing groups who don’t always work in a safe space.
But how else will you get the best out of singers? Here’s why a safe, supported space is important.
Recently I led a local singing day open to everyone and, as always, we ended up making a great sound.
But talking to people in the breaks, many of those who came claimed that they couldn’t really sing. What’s going on here?
I used a new space for a singing workshop recently and realised (too late) that I’d forgotten a few practical things.
I thought I’d list some of them here to you can avoid the same mistake.
No matter how engaged your singers are, there will come a time in any rehearsal or workshop when the energy is low.
Time to energise your singers! But how can you do that?