You will be able to take part in three workshops.
You can choose which workshops you take part in at 10.30am and at 12.15pm
At 2.45pm there will be a workshop for everyone together, to learn the songs for the Stoke Sings Festival evening concert Finale!
See below for the full list of workshops.
Click here to read the workshop details online and make your choices on the booking form.
10.30am
1a – Exploring the Music in You – Ashley Mellor (leader of Staffordshire Community Choir)
Finding your voice, exploring harmonies, rounds, part songs, enjoyment and a sense of satisfaction from working on a group sound.
1b – Come and be a “Fisherman’s Friend” – Martin Jones (leader of Broughton Community Choir)
To learn about the origins and history of sea shanties, and to learn to sing authentic arrangements of traditional sea shanties arranged for 4 part choir
1c – Songs of Robert Burns (It’s Burns Night!) – Greg Stephens & Kate Barfield (leader of Clay Chorus, Village Voices and Loud Mouth Women)
Sing in simple harmony, and to pay respect to a national bard. Learn a couple of Burns songs and talk a little about why Scotland has a Robert Burns, but England doesn’t.
1d – Gospel – Trudy Purkiss (leader of Swan Bank Gospel Choir)
Fun, lively gospel music in harmonies. Learn 2 new songs in 3 parts, without music..
1e – Polyphonic songs from Eastern Europe – Paul Rogerson (leader of Up Men Sing)
Learn songs that are rich in melody and rhythm with challenging but rewarding harmonies. Exploring songs from Ukraine, Poland, Georgia, Chechnya
1f – Something That Makes my Heart Sing – Teresa Phillips & Helen Balewski (leaders of Potters Community Choir)
Simple but effective harmony and part-singing, with a feel-good vibe. Exploring a Capella singing that is fun, that will sound and feel great when it comes together.
12.15pm
2a – Sing Shapenote! – Martin Jones
Learn about the history and culture of this unique form of music, and learn to sing a Shapenote song. The main focus of the workshop will be a contemporary Shapenote song.
2b – Songs from the Shows – Ashley Mellor
Learning and enjoying songs from the shows.
2c – Once more with feeling – Grace Allwood (leader of MicWire)
Creating engaging performances through interpretation of song.
Exercises to explore meaning within songs.
Feel more confident at being more expressive within your singing.
Exploration of different types of song through text, emotion and movement.
Create a more authentic performance experience for both performer and audience.
2d – Something That Makes my Heart Sing – Teresa Phillips & Helen Balewski
2e – Gospel – Trudy Purkiss
2f – Singing for the Stage – Daniel Keen (leader of Alsager Community Choir)
Learn how to sing whilst moving around.
Gain confidence when singing music in smaller groups.
Learn the song Seasons of Love from Rent.
Explore diaphragm techniques to project your voice naturally.
2g – Sing Africa ! – Dan Hollingshurst (leader of Endon and Fulford Community Choirs)
Learn inspiring, emotive songs from Africa and South Africa,
exploring harmonies and textures along the way.
The session will feature extracts from “Zimbe” by Alexander L’Estrange
with details of how singers can get involved with this exciting project in Spring 2020.
Stoke Sings 