Location
Derby
Derby
Community Choir, everyone welcome, 4 part accessible songs taught by ear.
I have been leading natural voice singing for 26 years (on and off) and now lead Rise and Sing which meets once a fortnight on Saturday mornings. Please see my choir page for more details.
I am a member of the Natural Voice Network which has the principles that everyone can sing, all should be included, and that we teach songs by ear.
In 1997-99 I was the first music director of Kaleidoscope Choir in Derby. Kaleidoscope Choir is now led by Frances Watt, also a Natural Voice Network member.
During the years 2005 – 2009 I ran Sing Out Loud at the VoiceBox in Derby, and in 2014 – 2016 I ran a WEA class called Lift Your Spirit in Song. In 2016 my current choir Rise and Sing began, initially in collaboration with Richard Talaska.
My desire to share good songs and create the opportunity for singing together is what has motivated me to gather people together to sing. When I see and hear joy from the choir I am happy!
Rise and Sing meets approximately once a fortnight on a Saturday morning in Chester Green, Derby. All are welcome, the choir is accessible and friendly.
As a member of the Natural Voice Network I believe that singing with our natural voices is something that everyone can do. The choir sessions are about enjoying singing together, learning new songs and returning to known songs. Most songs are in four parts. Everything is taught by ear so you do not need to be able to read music, and there are no auditions.
Most of the songs I choose come from three sources: Natural Voice Network composers who are writing new songs for community choirs; Unicorn Voice Camp composers particularly Nickomo and Nick Prater; and Northern Harmony from whom I get traditional and contemporary shape note songs, traditional gospel song arrangements and songs from worldwide cultures. I love rounds and am always searching for ones that work well for us.
You are welcome to come and see what Rise and Sing is like, your first session will be free. The usual fee is £5 or less according to what you can afford, pay with card or cash at the door. Please contact me with any questions you may have with regard to attending.
Dates to the end of summer term 2024:
Saturdays 11am - 1pm - approximately every fortnight
