John Rutter Workshop Reviewed by Alexandra Brown Soprano
Saturday 13 November 2010.
It was at least ten years ago that we last had a John Rutter Workshop, and on that occasion we – SVCS and our visiting singers – all managed to fit into the Groves Hall at the senior school. This year however, with over 270 singers signed up before the day, we took over Sutton Valence Prep School and were made to feel incredibly welcome there by Headmaster Richard Johnson. Copious amounts of tea, coffee, biscuits, bowls of hot soup and baskets of rolls were provided by Neil Wallace, Head Chef (along with his team of lovely ladies in the kitchen) and of course the ever overseeing Barry Rodwell, Head of the Ground Staff is to be thanked for all his hard work.
Boxes and boxes of music turned up, which Alec Grant and a massive band of helpers distributed prior to the arrival of the singers. Jeremy Cross had been up since dawn placing notices around the area giving directions to the school for our visitors and about 9.45 am the hoards of singers started to arrive. One could feel the excited anticipation of a great day to come. The whole event was brilliantly well organised by Jane Hill and the committee and promptly at 11am, we met the renowned John Rutter and off we went.
Lots of sight reading, some re-visiting of old favourites and always a witty anecdote from John, allowed us to take a breather. Bryan accompanied us for the day either on keyboard or electric organ and as usual astounded us with his brilliant musicianship that enabled him to sight-read pieces in ridiculous keys such as C flat major – (7, yes 7!! flats). Also, turning his own pages and thumping out the odd note extra loudly when he heard the basses, sorry, I mean the singers, go astray! Who says men can’t multi-task?
A fun warm up exercise after lunch allowed brain, vocal chords and leg muscles to be worked. “My Bonny Lies Over the Ocean” – start singing sitting down and every time you sing a word beginning with “B” stand up, then next time you sing a word beginning with “B” sit down etc etc. I ended up sitting down…..I haven’t yet worked out if that was right or wrong!!
I jotted down four points to take away with me that John made:
1 Don’t repeat – refresh
2 Energise the dot
3 Switch on the light, don’t crank up the lawn mower
4 Tune your vowels
Four really great tips for choral singers!
I felt quite exhausted by the end of the day with all the concentrating, but what a superbly fun day it was! Three cheers for all the brilliant organising. When’s the next workshop?
Saturday 13 November 2010.
It was at least ten years ago that we last had a John Rutter Workshop, and on that occasion we – SVCS and our visiting singers – all managed to fit into the Groves Hall at the senior school. This year however, with over 270 singers signed up before the day, we took over Sutton Valence Prep School and were made to feel incredibly welcome there by Headmaster Richard Johnson. Copious amounts of tea, coffee, biscuits, bowls of hot soup and baskets of rolls were provided by Neil Wallace, Head Chef (along with his team of lovely ladies in the kitchen) and of course the ever overseeing Barry Rodwell, Head of the Ground Staff is to be thanked for all his hard work.
Boxes and boxes of music turned up, which Alec Grant and a massive band of helpers distributed prior to the arrival of the singers. Jeremy Cross had been up since dawn placing notices around the area giving directions to the school for our visitors and about 9.45 am the hoards of singers started to arrive. One could feel the excited anticipation of a great day to come. The whole event was brilliantly well organised by Jane Hill and the committee and promptly at 11am, we met the renowned John Rutter and off we went.
Lots of sight reading, some re-
A fun warm up exercise after lunch allowed brain, vocal chords and leg muscles to be worked. “My Bonny Lies Over the Ocean” – start singing sitting down and every time you sing a word beginning with “B” stand up, then next time you sing a word beginning with “B” sit down etc etc. I ended up sitting down…..I haven’t yet worked out if that was right or wrong!!
I jotted down four points to take away with me that John made:
1 Don’t repeat – refresh
2 Energise the dot
3 Switch on the light, don’t crank up the lawn mower
4 Tune your vowels
Four really great tips for choral singers!
I felt quite exhausted by the end of the day with all the concentrating, but what a superbly fun day it was! Three cheers for all the brilliant organising. When’s the next workshop?