Are you a teacher at first or junior school that has zero knowledge of music, but is expected to teach singing? You’re not alone! But teaching singing doesn’t have to be complicated – and you can achieve some amazing results with a little help,There are many ways for teaching singing, so this is by no means prescriptive, but it will give you a starting point to help you to work towards […]
Is your choir singing flat? Well, this may be a little controversial and many people will not agree with me, but there’s just one point I’d like to make here, and it comes from recent experience. This applies to less experienced choirs. There’s no easy answer, and there is a great deal of good advice around (look down on the notes, always prepare your voice and have enough energy […]
Irving Berlin wrote a song called “Your Just In Love” for his show “Call Me Madam”. It’s one of those standards that seems to have been around forever and it has a very catchy tune. No, that’s the point, it has TWO very catchy tunes that are even better when they’re sung together. It was one of the first songs I ever taught to a class of children. Because it’s […]
Choirs are cool. It’s official. And more and more people want to join singing groups. So there’s never been a better time to set up your own community choir. But where do you start? Well this blog should help with the very first bit (although it is in no way definitive – but there are links to other resources at the end).
Sing when you’re happy… or so the old saying goes. But the truth is that singing actually makes you happy, as well as easing your aches and boosting your brain-power. Today there are thousands of choirs in Britain. British Choirs On The Net lists more than 3,300 choirs in the UK. So we know it’s popular. And fun, But is it really good for us?
There is an Alan Simmons song for every occasion, and chances are it ends up in two, three or four parts as well. There are so many memorable songs. Many are full of energy and excitement and others have haunting melodies that will tug at the heartstrings. Tim Frost, Director of Music, The Junior King’s School, Canterbury
The songs are extremely catchy and memorable, but are so well written for children’s voices and also are a fantastic introduction to part singing. Miss R McKerchar – Head of Junior School Music – George Watson’s College
I have been using Alan’s songs for 10 years. Never a year goes by when I don’t choose a number of his songs for my choirs. They are always appealing and easy to pick up. There is excellent and managable part writing which gives a feel good factor and sense of real achievement for young choirs when the parts are put together. The songs are always greeted with excitement by the singers. Roller Ghoster is […]
