Singer or choir leader, you are not as indispensable as you think

Whether singer or choir leader, your choir can’t do without you. You are what makes it.

photo by Kathryn

Yet, at the same time, you can be replaced. You are not indispensable.

The secret world of … the fifth SATB harmony section

This is a series of five posts looking in a light-hearted way at the different types of singers in a typical community choir. 

You might have thought that SATB choirs (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) have just four different voice sections, but you’d be wrong. There is a fifth section known as the Floaters (or Flexitarians).

The secret world of … Basses

This is a series of five posts looking in a light-hearted way at the different types of singers in a typical community choir. 

I've covered Sopranos, Altos and Tenors. For the last SATB section, here are the Basses. Enjoy! In my final post I deal with Floaters.

The secret world of … Tenors

This is a series of five posts looking in a light-hearted way at the different types of singers in a typical community choir.

I've covered Sopranos and Altos so far, now here are the Tenors. Enjoy! In other posts I deal with Basses, and Floaters.

The secret world of … Altos

This is a series of five posts looking in a light-hearted way at the different types of singers in a typical community choir. 

Last week it was the Sopranos, now here are the Altos. Enjoy! In other posts I deal with Tenors, Basses, and Floaters.

The secret world of … Sopranos

This is a series of five posts looking in a light-hearted way at the different types of singers in a typical community choir.

First up are the Sopranos. Enjoy! In other posts I deal with Altos, Tenors, Basses, and Floaters.

Don’t be put off by the word ‘choir’ – there are plenty of different kinds out there

Many people are put off by the word ‘choir’. It can mean that people feel excluded from singing with others because of their preconceptions.

The choir of St. Peter's Bournemouth

‘Choir’ can take many forms though, so maybe you’re looking in the wrong place.

The 7 types of choir leader – which one are you?

We all lead our choirs in different ways. There is a whole range of leadership styles out there.

Photo by COD Newsroom

What type of choir leader are you?

What to write about when there are no choirs or singing together?

I’m finding it hard to come up with an idea to write about today.

Writing about choirs, harmony singing, vocal technique, etc. seems a little like adding salt to a wound when choirs aren’t able to meet. What shall I write about for the next few months?

How to work with a mixed group of music readers and non-readers

I always teach songs by ear. As a member of the Natural Voice Network, our ethos is to make singing accessible to as many people as possible. This means we never assume any prior musical experience or knowledge.



But, sometimes there are music-readers in my singing groups who ask for the sheet music. How can you accommodate these demands whilst keeping the work accessible to everyone?

Choir leaders, are you doing too much for your singers?

I’m not looking for sympathy, but leading a choir can be hard work!

photo by Jean-Marc Volta

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Maybe you’re working too hard. It’s possible to do less and get the same results.

When a new musical director takes over your choir: a guide for choir members

Last week I wrote about strategies for musical directors who were taking over an established choir.

original sculpture by susie mendelsson

This week it’s the singers’ turn. How can you easily adapt when a new choir leader takes over your choir? Here are a few hints which might help.

What singers can do when choir’s on a break

I know not all choirs take a break at this time of year, but many do.



What can singers usefully do whilst there is no choir?

Do you need to practice outside choir rehearsals?

Many singers come to choir – especially “singing for fun” groups – to get away from the stresses of regular life. They love to sing and find it a relaxing escape from the daily grind.

photo by Aka Hige

But if your choir performs, there comes a time when you need to be “off the book”, know all the lyrics and be totally familiar with your part. Can that all be done within the rehearsal sessions?

Don’t let your choir leader do all the work – realise how capable you are as a singer

There are some great choral conductors and singing workshop leaders out there. They get the very best out of their singers.

photo by U.S. Army

The downside is that singers can end up believing that they can’t do it without them. It’s time to acknowledge how capable you are as a singer in your own right.

Has your voice gone rusty over the summer?

Choir members all over the country are gearing up for a new choir season. Many of you might not have sung at all over the long break.



How can you best prepare for getting back into singing without damaging your voice?

Perfect presents for choral singers

It’s that time of year again (actually, it’s not: Christmas is 10 days away yet) and you still have time to shop for presents.



What on earth can you get for the choral singers in your life? Here are some super ideas for ideal presents.