FAQsFind answers to commonly asked questions here. |
FAQs
Do I have to audition? No! And you will never be made to sing on your own (unless you want to!)
Do I have to be able to read music? No! Learning by ear is a skill in itself, and can sometimes allow for a more expressive & ‘free’ performance, as there is no barrier. However, there will be times when I will encourage everyone to have a go at following notation, but it will never be a pressure or necessity.
I read music. Will I be able to have a score? That’s great! There will be times when a score is available to those who would like one; however, learning by ear can be a positive challenge, which will develop musical skills even further :) I’m a visual learner & love having the notes in front of me, so I totally understand the frustration when that’s removed, but I also accept that it’s good to break free from our comfort zone… As a community choir, I want there to be a feeling of level pegging and the easiest way for this is to start from a place of lyrics only, whilst also helping to prepare for performances from memory.
What sort of songs do you sing? A complete range of styles & genres, but I will always choose songs that I feel have meaningful qualities & can lift the soul, as well as showcasing combined voices in the most effective & beautiful way. I will do my own arrangements of some songs, but also source arrangements by others - some will require a backing track, whereas other will work best with piano, and I would like to include some a cappella songs. Members are welcome to make suggestions, too.
Do you have to commit every week? Showing up to a rehearsal each week will ensure the best & most beneficial experience for you. In contrast to my Weekend Choir (where I teach songs in full on the night), our Cornwall Choir Collective songs will be learnt over a few sessions, with the intention of being performed, so we will delve deeply during the learning process. This is not a choir to dip in and out of, which is why I ask for a monthly or termly commitment. This way you should feel more invested in yourself, which is really important and positive! There will be practice resources available to members, and if you do miss the odd session here & there you can at least refer to these at home; however, they are not a replacement for being taught from scratch. Sometimes we can feel like just hiding under the duvet & it would be tempting to avoid any group situation on these days - however, if you can fight that urge & just get to your choir session you will feel better for it, and will have the support of a lovely group - and the group will benefit from having you there too!
Can I bring my children along to rehearsals? I don’t want to say a simple ‘no’ or ‘yes’ to this! Attending a choir can be a welcome break from daily responsibilities & valued ‘me time’, and we obviously want to avoid small children running around the place, so I’m not going to encourage members to have children in tow. However, I wouldn’t want to turn a member away on the odd occasion when it might be helpful, but just talk to me first :)
In the case of ‘can I bring my toddler every week’ then it would have to be a ‘no’. But perhaps further down the line we could set up a creche alongside (venue/ insurance/childcare provision etc. allowing) - if the demand is there. I would consider running a Mother & Baby group too, but this would involve different repertoire! Food for thought….let’s see what happens! It’s my vision for this choir to develop over time according to members’ needs & for nothing to be set in stone - for it to have the feeling of a true ‘collective’ community.
Is there a uniform? Short answer yes! I do think it’s important to have some sense of uniformity when we perform, as well as making us feel that we’re a part of something. I have a vision of how I’d like that uniformity to be; however, I don’t want to create something super strict, with no flexibility.
The main look will be:
Casual - dark blue or black jeans (or leggings/trousers) & black footwear, with a plain top in either dark blue or olive green/khaki - something in which you feel good & comfortable.
We might go for something a bit more glam should the occasion arise, but I anticipate discussion with members about this topic when we’re up & running anyway!
Alternatives (such as wellies or flip flops) for our Cornish climate will be welcome, and jewellery/ sunglasses are of course allowed.
Why is this a choir just for women? From my experience leading choirs, there won’t be enough men in order to fill the traditional Tenor & Bass harmonies, so I want to focus my arrangements on SSA (Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Alto) formation. I will sometimes add in more harmonies, but I can create these specifically for female voices. I would like to lead a choir for men alongside this group, where we’d do the same songs but catered towards their specific ranges, and then we could join forces for performances & workshops (which would be great!) - but it just depends on whether there are enough men out there to make it viable!
How do I know what harmony to sing? Your speaking voice gives a good indication of whether you are particularly low or high; however, I will be working on specific exercises at the beginning to help with anyone who isn’t sure, whilst also trying to ensure that every harmony is covered in a balanced way.
Do I have to perform? Sometimes it can take a while to feel confident enough to perform (especially if it’s a totally new experience) and I will always be encouraging. Most people never look back once they try it; but it’s a very personal decision & there is no pressure to do so.
Do I have to be able to read music? No! Learning by ear is a skill in itself, and can sometimes allow for a more expressive & ‘free’ performance, as there is no barrier. However, there will be times when I will encourage everyone to have a go at following notation, but it will never be a pressure or necessity.
I read music. Will I be able to have a score? That’s great! There will be times when a score is available to those who would like one; however, learning by ear can be a positive challenge, which will develop musical skills even further :) I’m a visual learner & love having the notes in front of me, so I totally understand the frustration when that’s removed, but I also accept that it’s good to break free from our comfort zone… As a community choir, I want there to be a feeling of level pegging and the easiest way for this is to start from a place of lyrics only, whilst also helping to prepare for performances from memory.
What sort of songs do you sing? A complete range of styles & genres, but I will always choose songs that I feel have meaningful qualities & can lift the soul, as well as showcasing combined voices in the most effective & beautiful way. I will do my own arrangements of some songs, but also source arrangements by others - some will require a backing track, whereas other will work best with piano, and I would like to include some a cappella songs. Members are welcome to make suggestions, too.
Do you have to commit every week? Showing up to a rehearsal each week will ensure the best & most beneficial experience for you. In contrast to my Weekend Choir (where I teach songs in full on the night), our Cornwall Choir Collective songs will be learnt over a few sessions, with the intention of being performed, so we will delve deeply during the learning process. This is not a choir to dip in and out of, which is why I ask for a monthly or termly commitment. This way you should feel more invested in yourself, which is really important and positive! There will be practice resources available to members, and if you do miss the odd session here & there you can at least refer to these at home; however, they are not a replacement for being taught from scratch. Sometimes we can feel like just hiding under the duvet & it would be tempting to avoid any group situation on these days - however, if you can fight that urge & just get to your choir session you will feel better for it, and will have the support of a lovely group - and the group will benefit from having you there too!
Can I bring my children along to rehearsals? I don’t want to say a simple ‘no’ or ‘yes’ to this! Attending a choir can be a welcome break from daily responsibilities & valued ‘me time’, and we obviously want to avoid small children running around the place, so I’m not going to encourage members to have children in tow. However, I wouldn’t want to turn a member away on the odd occasion when it might be helpful, but just talk to me first :)
In the case of ‘can I bring my toddler every week’ then it would have to be a ‘no’. But perhaps further down the line we could set up a creche alongside (venue/ insurance/childcare provision etc. allowing) - if the demand is there. I would consider running a Mother & Baby group too, but this would involve different repertoire! Food for thought….let’s see what happens! It’s my vision for this choir to develop over time according to members’ needs & for nothing to be set in stone - for it to have the feeling of a true ‘collective’ community.
Is there a uniform? Short answer yes! I do think it’s important to have some sense of uniformity when we perform, as well as making us feel that we’re a part of something. I have a vision of how I’d like that uniformity to be; however, I don’t want to create something super strict, with no flexibility.
The main look will be:
Casual - dark blue or black jeans (or leggings/trousers) & black footwear, with a plain top in either dark blue or olive green/khaki - something in which you feel good & comfortable.
We might go for something a bit more glam should the occasion arise, but I anticipate discussion with members about this topic when we’re up & running anyway!
Alternatives (such as wellies or flip flops) for our Cornish climate will be welcome, and jewellery/ sunglasses are of course allowed.
Why is this a choir just for women? From my experience leading choirs, there won’t be enough men in order to fill the traditional Tenor & Bass harmonies, so I want to focus my arrangements on SSA (Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Alto) formation. I will sometimes add in more harmonies, but I can create these specifically for female voices. I would like to lead a choir for men alongside this group, where we’d do the same songs but catered towards their specific ranges, and then we could join forces for performances & workshops (which would be great!) - but it just depends on whether there are enough men out there to make it viable!
How do I know what harmony to sing? Your speaking voice gives a good indication of whether you are particularly low or high; however, I will be working on specific exercises at the beginning to help with anyone who isn’t sure, whilst also trying to ensure that every harmony is covered in a balanced way.
Do I have to perform? Sometimes it can take a while to feel confident enough to perform (especially if it’s a totally new experience) and I will always be encouraging. Most people never look back once they try it; but it’s a very personal decision & there is no pressure to do so.
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