When a song goes from hated to favourite

I always chose the repertoire for my community choirs. Most people knew what my taste was, which is why they’d joined the choir in the first place.

But every now and then I would introduce a new song and it just wouldn’t take.

Why I rarely teach the same songs twice

I know you can’t please everyone, but when I plan a singing workshop I try to make sure I won’t be teaching anything that any of the singers already know.

An impossible task, but I have a low boredom threshold and feel I need to keep singers interested.

Choosing change: planning a new choir season

A new year and a new choir season don’t just bring change — they also bring choice.

This is often a moment to pause and reflect: what’s working, what’s not, and what might benefit from being done differently. For choir leaders in particular, it’s a chance to plan rather than simply react.

How to choose a song to sing solo

Occasionally singers want to sing a song on their own. It might be for a local folk club, a choir solo, or to surprise someone on their birthday.

But how do you go about choosing a suitable song? Here are some pointers.

How to get off the concert treadmill — 8 questions to help give you perspective

Some choirs (believe it or not) are already researching new songs for their Christmas concert repertoire in August. Some even begin rehearsing their Christmas concert in the summer!

If you feel like you’re on an endless concert roller coaster and want to get off, here are some thoughts that may help.

When is a song ‘inappropriate’ to sing?

Not all songs are appropriate to sing in all circumstances.

But how do we know when a song is ‘inappropriate’? Here are some guidelines.

What is ‘community singing’? — an attempted definition by Liz Rog: part 2

A couple of months ago I wrote a post entitled What is a ‘community choir’?

Now it’s the turn of Liz Rog to attempt a definition. Last week was part 1, now this is part 2.

What is ‘community singing’? — an attempted definition by Liz Rog: part 1

A couple of months ago I wrote a post entitled What is a ‘community choir’?

Now it’s the turn of Liz Rog to attempt a definition.

5 reasons why every choir concert should include at least one a cappella song

Many choirs use instruments or backing tracks to accompany their singing.

photo by Andrea Pineda

But I believe that you should always programme at least one a cappella song in every concert. Here’s why.

What is the right balance between new and old songs in your annual concert?

Many choirs are gearing up for their annual Christmas concert.

photo by Dick Thompson

Do you repeat the same songs each year or add new ones to your repertoire? Let’s look at the pros and cons.

What is a ‘popular’ song?

When does a song have ‘popular’ appeal? When is it entertainment?

Does ‘popular’ simply mean ‘well known’?

Find new songs for the winter and festive season

It’s the time of year when many choirs roll out their familiar winter repertoire. Whether it be Christmas carols or Hanukkah songs, they tend to be the same old favourites.

But what if you want to try something different? Here are some resources for discovering new songs for the winter festivals.

How to make plans for your choir when the future is uncertain

The socially-distanced reopening of indoor performances in England was due to take place last Saturday, but the government has now postponed it for at least another two weeks.

With circumstances changing so frequently, how do you prepare for future concerts and rehearsals?

10 things singers can do at home when there’s no choir to go to

There are many reasons why you might not be able to get to choir and have to stay home.



How can you keep your choral and musical interests alive? Here are 10 ideas.

Is being in a choir that doesn’t suit you better than no singing at all?

I love singing certain kinds of songs, but not others. Some people don’t mind what they sing, as long as they’re singing.

photo by Nick Allen

What if you end up in a choir that just doesn’t do it for you? Is that better than not singing at all?

Opening your choir to new members – who? when? how?

Even if you don’t recruit regularly, there will come a time when you’ll invite new members join your choir.



But who, when and how?

Is it time to widen your musical horizons?

Many of us are in choirs which sing a particular kind of repertoire.



But it’s good to get out of our comfort zone now and again and see what else is out there.

Why choirs may choose not to sing Christmas songs

‘Tis the season to be jolly (apparently) and to sing Christmas carols.


But some choirs choose not to include Christmas songs in their repertoire. Why might this be?

Strategies for coping with too many singers in your choir

Last week I asked Can you have too many singers in your choir? and gave several reasons why this might be the case.



This week I want to look at strategies for overcoming these.

How to put on a successful concert 2: songs and concert structure

Last week we looked at planning and asked a series of questions like why? what for? when? who’s coming?



This week we’ll look at the how: how you actually put a concert of songs together.