07 May 2009
Community Choirs Big Sing
On Saturday 25th April singers from community choirs, and a few individuals converged on The Sage Gateshead to share their joy of singing. The Big Sing Workshops were led by Fiona Clarke - until recently the director of the Salisbury Community Choir. Her style is energetic, musical and full of fun. Singers were soon relaxed, laughing and singing with enthusiasm. Later in the day Fiona led the whole group in a performance on the concourse - an interesting logistical exercise!
During the day many singers went to an individual voice clinic with Ali Burns, Sian Croose, Sarah Gray or Kat Davidson. These sessions were very popular and the spaces on offer were quickly snapped up as singers signed to have their own short singing lesson. Comments afterwards were very positive and some singers they would like to continue with lessons.
The day finished with a gentle sing, led by Sian Croose, exploring some of the songs that will be part of the Sing for Water Project in July 2009.
We've had some very positive feedback, and some useful suggestions for future events. Here are a few of them:
The format of Fiona's sessions was bang on and well paced. Overall the day was enjoyed by everyone and we would like to thank 20,000 Voices for all your hard work. Rebecca McGarvie, Darlington Sing
I wanted to write to say thank you so much for the wonderful day at The Sage Gateshead on Saturday. I have not sung for years and wasn't sure what to expect but it was great. Hudda Morgan, individual singer
Saturday was wonderful. Fiona Clarke gave us an exciting day. it was instructive, amusing and brought a real joy to singing. To complete a magical day, Sian Croose gave us a brief and enjoyable journey into "Sing for Water". Margaret Reay, Custom Voices
Everyone I have spoken with really enjoyed it and thought Fiona was wonderful. Vince Allen - Durham Scratch Choir
I wanted to thank you both for such a wonderful day yesterday. I had a ball with all your lovely singers, the venue was amazing and it was an honour to be asked to lead this day. I am immensely impressed by your organisation and what you are doing with encouraging people to sing. It is at the very heart of what I believe in and I was particularly thrilled to play a part in your dream and vision. Fiona Clarke, Big Sing Leader