Location
Oxford, OX4, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire
Oxford, OX4, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire
Community Choir, Sing For Health, Women's Choir, Online Parkinson's Group, Songwriter.
Emily gets people singing! She has worked in schools, community centres, care homes, in a stroke recovery unit and with the homeless. She coached a massed choir for Age UK and set up classes with Parkinson’s UK, conducting in Christ Church Cathedral. Emily performed in the choruses for Orlando Gough’s Breath Project at The Northwall and Tino Sehgal’s garden installation at Blenheim Palace. She has taken on community choirs and built her own groups and ensembles establishing her freelance practice.
The common philosophy of the Natural Voice Network is to embrace singers of all abilities without judgement or audition and make a safe space in which to experience the joys of harmony singing. Emily works to this ethos and invites you to “celebrate the voice you are born with” (Frankie Armstrong).
In Emily’s choirs you’ll be introduced to an interesting range of music including her own compositions. With the love of the sound of voices, clear teaching, humour and sensitivity to peoples’ different ways of learning she shows how the barrier and the poor view people often have of their own voices can be overcome. She believes singing in harmony is a communal art form, a great equaliser and a life-affirming experience. You are guaranteed to enjoy a sense of accomplishment and connection whilst lighting up multiple areas of the brain.
Singers of all abilities and backgrounds are welcome along for a new chapter of harmony, fun and friendship. Emily is the new leader of this popular village choir. She works to the ethos that everyone is entitled to sing.
Your village choir welcomes everyone – perhaps you are one of these:
-love to sing in the shower or croon in the car
-like to try a new and fresh hobby
-nervous about your voice but like being with people
-last time you sang was at school!
-looking for an opportunity to sing with others for fun
-just curious.
First session is free. Then £5 per session, payable as a block for further discount.
Thursdays 7.15 - 9.15pm
Expect songs that might be fierce, political, profound and fun. Strong contemporary song by living women writers written for women’s acapella voices with new takes on lullabies, work-songs, songs of protest and songs of nature and alt-folk with a twist. Harmony which resonates, charms, inspires and surprises.
Would you call yourself a confident singer able to hold a part in tune with others?
Can you move in time and sing at the same time?
Can you commit to working towards a performance?
This is not a traditional choir, rock choir or barbershop – there will be no matching T-shirts or floaty scarves. It’s a bit stripey and occassionally bites.
Come and sing with us if you think you’re Feisty enough…
Wednesday evenings 7.15pm -9.00pm 18/1/23 - 29/3/23
Tasters by request.
What to expect:
Join a jolly gathering of people who want to have a playful time and connect with others whilst keeping voices healthy. This is especially inportant for people living with Parkinson’s and people with other health conditions where breath and voice strength can deteriorate.
Expect simple warm-ups and exercises which specificaly target vocal health and power as well as getting the body ready to sing.You don’t need to be an accomplished singer by any means but do be prepared to learn a little and join in with this lively and interactive session.
Singing improves voice strength, breathing, mood and energy levels for everyone. There is more and more research demonstrating how singing helps improve the lives of People with Parkinson’s . Read more here: https://www.singtobeat.co.uk/stb-parkinsons-research
Repertoire
Songs both familiar and new from far and wide. Rounds from North , South , East and West, folk, lullabies, hymns, shanties, jingles and ballads, funnies and old favourites.
Singing online
If you’re using Zoom for the first time, this video tutorial might be useful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9isp3qPeQ0E
Once you’re joined, I can guide you through how it looks and works on the day. There is a delay in sound so I will not hear you when I’m teaching – the benefit being you can sing your heart out! This is not a ‘virtual choir’ producing a finished product or YouTube performance but a live engaging class to lift the spirits.
Participants share more about singing for wellbeing: https://youtu.be/7D_J0b8ynIM
Thursday mornings 2023 dates TBC
A private choir for students , staff and Alumni of the college.
Tuesdays 6pm -7.30pm in term time.
Singers come from surrounding villages and towns to sing with this fun-loving choir who sing in joyous SATB four-part harmony.
Come and join us for a short series of seasonal singing. It always feels good to be part of something joyous in the community at this time of year. You do not have to be a regular member of the choir to come along and take part. Whether you’re an experienced singer, a little rusty or a complete novice you are welcome. Clear teaching. Open to all abilities, no auditions.
Dates for spring 2023:
20th, 27th February & 6th March, 20th & 27th March, 17th & 24th April
29th April Saturday Matinee Concert and community singing
Repertoire:
This season we will be working on an eclectic mix of repertoire from across our history including rousing gospel, pop, lullabies and folk songs.
Monday evenings - 7.30-9pm ( arrive at 7.15pm)
Whether you’re an experienced singer, a little rusty, lapsed from formal choirs or looking to learn something new for a hobby and activity, singing ticks all the well-being boxes and helps create a sense of community.
All songs will be taught clearly by ear in a non-judgemental way. A friendly and inclusive group. Come ready to learn and laugh whilst making music together!
Repertoire:
Starting with breathing exercises, vocal warm-ups, fun games and ditties, this will lead on to simple chants and short songs and rounds, followed by unaccompanied songs from oral traditions in 2- or 3-part harmony. There might be groovy gospel, folky fun, wonderful world music and sing-a-long sillies plus special pieces tailored for non-performing mixed ability choirs.
Whilst it’s great to build skills , many songs will be achievable in a single session, whilst others will need longer to learn and remember. Something for everyone.
All songs will be taught clearly in acapella. There are no stipulations. You do not need to read music.
This friendly and inclusive choir promises to enhance your week. Just walking through the door is your audition!
Pay-what-you-like by card on the door.
Every Wednesday morning 10am -11.30am Term starts on January 18th N.B. No session on March 15th)
An opportunity to be outside to sing in the changing weather and the changing light. A gentle morning of sharing and singing with chat and refreshments in the shelter too. The community garden was envisioned, made and cared for by people in the area who wanted to make a growing space for everyone.
This session is lead by Emily or Holly each week.
Last Sunday of the month. 29/1/23 - 25/6/23 10am-midday Cash donations invited.
