The core of Songlines work is two weekly choir practices for the two different groups. The mixed choirs take place on a Monday at 6.45-9pm and the Wednesday all women chamber choir meets at 7.00-9.15pm. We have singers of all different levels of experience and skill, from the very advanced to absolute beginners. The mixed choir can be very relaxed or very focussed, depending on the proximity to performance. The Wednesday group which is the longest running can be more challenging and tends to work at a faster pace on more complex material. The two groups perform together at our big gigs and sing their own repertoire in the smaller events. We believe that if an audience is willing to give their time to us we should give them everything we can to create a truly magical evening so it is expected that members who have decided to commit to the choir after a short trial period, will aim to come to every practice possible and try to make up classes that they have had to miss. In this way I suppose Songlines is more demanding than many amateur choirs but our results and the fantastic social aspect of our community keep us motivated..

A workshop is the ideal introduction to the style and repertoire of the Choir. Participants are introduced to the basic principles of healthy voice use as well as some harmony singing skills and exercises. Sometimes the days are themed; Love Songs, Sacred Songs or Protest Songs, sometimes they are simply about singing your heart out. They can be hard work, especially if your voice is a bit rusty, but they are incredibly good fun and you’ll be amazed how good a group of complete strangers can sound at the end of a single day. These days are not about therapy but participants do seem to find them profoundly therapeutic! You will discover new qualities in yourself, new friends perhaps, skills you didn’t know you possessed and there’s a strong possibility you’ll laugh a lot!

Sarah Jewell – Musical Director