Men Wanted!

What can be done to encourage more men to sing with our community choir? We have a few men who sing with enthusiasm, but they are up against it when they are so outnumbered by women. You’d think that spending an evening with so many lovely ladies would have men queing up to join! Are boys put off singing at school, where it is seen as uncool? There must be more to it though, because just look how many pop bands are entirely male. Any thoughts on this issue would be much appreciated.

Hidden Talents

It occurs to me that when people come together for a common purpose – in our case to sing together, they get to know one another in a somewhat artificial setting and do not fully appreciate all that each individual may have to offer which might be of benefit to the group. In reply to the last thread Joan posted that she is a teacher of German – very useful to help us with pronunciation. How many other hidden skills are lurking within our ranks? I’d love to know if anyone has a burning ambition to be a relief Musical Director in the event of me being struck down by ‘flu, for instance; perhaps in your other life you are a publicity specialist, or gifted with IT… the list is endless. Maybe we should start a register of people’s interests and talents. What do you think?

Choice of material

What is it that attracts you to a piece of music and makes you want to sing it? Is it the catchy rhythm, luscious harmonies, annoyingly hummable chorus, beautiful melody or some other factor? Is it possible to define what makes a song popular – after all, some people in the choir will love a particular song, but I’m sure to see others quietly grumbling when the same song comes up for rehearsal.

Generally when prospective members ask me what sort of music we do, I say rather flippantly that we sing music from anywhere in the world, and that I choose the music myself – basically, if I like it we sing it! If this makes me sound dictatorial then I make no apologies, although I am always open to suggestions from choir members who have heard a particularly good number and would like us to try it.

One other thing I always say is that we are not the type of choir which sings classical music, and this is true, but only up to a point. What makes a piece of music a classical piece? Is it the style of music, the age of the music, the composer, the arrangement, the sentiments expressed or something else entirely?

I’ve just found an absolutely gorgeous piece of music in beautiful four-part harmony with an arrangement like syrup which I’m sure the choir would love. Where is the drawback? Well, it’s by Schubert, so I suppose technically it ranks as classical music… but I just love it and know that most of the choir would also, so the question is: Do I just introduce it as a piece of music in German and let them experience singing it without telling them, or do I risk putting them off right from the start by telling them its provenance and hope that the music itself will overcome any initial reservations they might have? What would you do?

Debut Performance

Today was our first ever performance, and judging by the audience’s reactions it was a tremendous success! So many people commented that they couldn’t believe that we have only been singing together for 6 weeks! First-night nerves disappeared as soon as we stepped on stage and the performance was all I could have hoped for – well done to all who took part!

Choir launch

All my secret doubts about launching the new choir have faded into the mists. At last night’s taster session 35 people turned up, and I have been contacted by several who couldn’t make last night but still want to come in future weeks. It seems that Kings Lynn really does want to sing!

Free Taster Session

I’m officially excited! Simply Sing is having a free taster session tomorrow to mark its relaunch and after a summer of no singing I really can’t wait! I have loads of new repertoire to share, but I’m curbing my enthusiasm and keeping tomorrow to simple rounds and easy harmonies – don’t want to put people off! I’ve done quite a bit of advertising, so hope it pays off and attracts new members. Let the fun begin!

Anticipation

OK, choir has ended for the summer and we won’t be meeting until September. You’d think, wouldn’t you, that I would relax and put it on the back burner? Not a bit of it – I’ve spent the past few days planning what new songs we’ll add to our repertoire, and now that I’ve decided which they will be I’m so excited about sharing them with everyone else that I can’t wait! Do you think there is treatment available for this addiction?