Soul
music is probably a good a starting point for a street choir as anything
else.
Soul is so often linked with social justice and bringing people together,
irrespective of difference and this feels right, particularly for community
singing. Beyond this, some good modern R&B (Amy Winehouse, Adele)
and a pop tune or two as well, (James Bay, Rag'n' Bone Man) plus some
of the more serious reflective modern choral music (Sweet Honey In the
Rock and the like). Also gentler stuff from the folk, acoustic guitar
singer songwriter tradition - anything from Bob Dylan to Ed Sheeran
and anything in between is fine by me. Some african caller response
and a bit of rock and reggae along the way. Finally I am not a religious
person, but that wont stop us singing beautiful songs from any religious
tradition if we want to. Up to you.
I
dont pretend to be a 'propa' choir leader - my formal knowledge of vocal
technique is limited but I have a good idea of what works and a few years
of running community music projects now. I'm sure between us all we can
make the very best of what we have, and far more importantly, support
each other and build a bunch of tunes that we can enjoy singing for
ourselves, our friends, our loved ones and others around us : )
No
one needs to know how to read music - I just print out songsheets and we
learn melodies and simple harmonies by memory - two or three parts maximum,
and perhaps occasionally a lead voice if the song really suits it, but that
wouldn't be something we would do in the early days.
Subs
- £4 per night adults and £2 under 18's. Cheaper if money
is tight or you are on benefits.
Some
info here about what has led me to launch the Exeter Street Choir and
a bit of background if you're interested.
(Feel
free to ignore this bit ! )
For my sins I've had a lifetime in music performing as a youngster with
many bands and a few records along the way. Twenty years of owning and
building a successful recording studio outside Milton Keynes. I had
four years of writing original music for BBC television. I've recorded
many talented musicians along the way and spent time teaching sound
recording and songwriting.
Getting
on a bit now (56) and since moving down this way I've really enjoyed
getting involved in community music both in Somerset and Devon. I now
run three street choirs in the area and I've spent the last three years
studying music therapy and counselling at UWE. I've also had time running
music groups for adults with learning disabilities and writing songs
with a few very special people who have late stage acquired brain injuries
of one kind or another.
I
really enjoy music improvisation - a whacky music making tradition beloved
of music therapists and I'm setting up music improvisation and song
writing groups at the moment. Great for relaxation, connecting with
others and for self expression. Here's some more info on my choirs and
other projects in case you're interested - there's also a bit about
why music and singing are so good for us : )
www.musichealth.co.uk
Nigel
Neill