WORKSHOPS FOR PAST CHOIRLAB MAY 2026
You must select one 65 minute workshop from each Session number
SESSION 1
10:15 - 11:20
You must select one workshop from the three on offer at this time
WORKSHOP A - 10:15 - 11:20
Jo Sercombe
GO FOR GOSPEL
Back by popular demand, join experienced Gospel Choir Director and Bath Community Gospel Choir's founder, Jo Sercombe to learn some accessible gospel song from the Gospel repertoire. All learning will be done by 'hearing and singing back' and no previous experience is needed - just a desire to have a go and make a joyful noise!
WORKSHOP B - 10:15 - 11:20
Jack Hamilton
ACAPELLA MUSICAL THEATRE
This will be a fast paced and energising workshop in a fun and supportive setting. We will learn a four part arrangement of the song 'Go The Distance' from the Disney film Hercules. There will be close harmony and big melodies! Everything will be taught by ear so no need to read music, but music will be provided as it speeds up the learning process. As well as learning the song we will focus on vocal technique and explore vocal registers.
WORKSHOP C - 10:15 - 11:20
Katrine Reimers
ENGLISH MADRIGALS
(Music Readers Only)
Start your singing day with two 17th-century SSATB gems. Thomas Tomkins' "Too much I once lamented" turns from torment to fa la las and the 'te whit te whoo' of Thomas Vaulter's "Sweet Suffolk Owl'' will sing on in your head all day long! Scores here:
http://nagoyayouthchoir.web.fc2.com/scores/Tomkins_Too_much_lamented.pdf
http://www.acappellapenzance.uk/acappella_sweet_suffolk_vautor_new.pdf
Download from this google drive
(please print off your own scores)
SESSION 2
11:45 - 12:50
You must select one workshop from the three on offer at this time.
WORKSHOP D - 11:45-12:50
DAN PATE
A CAPPELLA POP
Learn a classic pop song in glorious a capella! You'll learn beautiful harmonies and put together a full song in an hour. Come and experience the amazing power of the human voice in a fun, relaxed environment. And the best thing is anyone can do it! No experience necessary - all voices are welcome.
WORKSHOP E - 11:45-12:50
Clara Atkins
UPLIFTING A CAPPELLA
Encouraging and positive teaching… fun and rewarding
Lovely balance of songs
Great sound. And great fun.
An inspiring choir leader
Back for her 4th workshop at ChoirLab, Clara will be teaching another fabulous selection of uplifting a cappella songs. Expect to be moved, to laugh and to sing your hearts out!!
All voices welcome, no previous experience needed. No need to read music as everything will be taught by ear.
Clara’s workshops are always popular - don’t miss out!
WORKSHOP F - 11:45 - 12:50
Alice Dicker
Ave Maria
(Music Readers Only)
Stravinsky’s ‘Ave Maria’ is 36 bars of pure beauty. Written in 1934, it was the third liturgical piece he wrote - originally in Slavic, but we will sing the Latin version!
And to contrast this, an ‘Ave Maria’ we all know and love - Gounod/Bach!
http://en.instr.scorser.com/D/196070.html
(Please print your own copies)
SESSION 3
13:40 - 14:45
You must select one workshop from the three on offer at this time.
WORKSHOP G - 13:40-14:45
Beth Morgan
SINGING GAMES
Come and experience the joy of playing singing games. Singing games are a timeless part of many cultures. They help with language, co-ordination and social cohesion. But we love singing games because they make us laugh and are good fun. This will be a lightly physical session with some movement. Learn the songs and body percussion, and then play the game!
WORKSHOP H - 13:40-14:45
Tim King
FUNKY SOUL
Funky Soul is a high-energy session led by the Choir Director of Vocal Works Gospel Choir. No sheet music needed—just your voice and your enthusiasm. We’ll build soulful harmonies by ear and focus on groove, connection, and joyful singing together. Come ready to move, groove, and sing!
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WORKSHOP I - 13:40-14:45
Benedict Collins-Rice
SUN, MOON & STARS
*Sun, Moon, Stars* — a radiant, immersive choral workshop exploring colour, line and expressive blend. We’ll sing Elgar’s *My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land* ([https://tinyurl.com/53pk2wfw]), the opening of Byrd’s *Ave Maris Stella* (copies provided), and MacMillan’s *O Radiant Dawn* ([https://tinyurl.com/yeeub5z5]). Rewarding music both new and old, sharing vivid texts, and a thrilling range of choral textures and colours.☀️🌙✨
(Please print your own copies of the Elgar and MacMillan)
SESSION 4
15:10 - 16:15
You must select one workshop from the three on offer at this time
WORKSHOP J - 15:10-16:15
Bruce Ncube
TRADITIONAL AFRICAN FOLK
Bruce specialises in teaching traditional songs from his native country of Zimbabwe in 3 to 6 part harmonies. His teaching is in the traditional, oral/aural way; reminiscent of long ago when people would gather around a fire in the evenings, at weddings & funerals or whilst working in the fields and start weaving harmonies. His approach is inclusive & participatory, designed to build people's confidence in singing. The songs he teaches are emotionally charged & uplifting.
WORKSHOP K - 15:10-16:15
Katie Trueman-Williams
AUTHENTIC AMERICAN POP
Participants will explore what it takes to create an authentic pop sound!
We will dive into an SATB arrangement of 'We Built This City' by Starship found here: https://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/se/ID_No/415460/Product.aspx.
Katie aims to teach everyone how the rules for pop diction differ from classical choral traditions. Not only will you experience the sheer joy of singing this 80s classic, you will leave ready to tackle choral pop with confidence.
Copies of the sheet music will be available on the day
WORKSHOP L - 15:10 - 16:15
Francis Faux
COMPOSER-LED WORKSHOP
(Music Readers Only)
Join composer and choral director Francis Faux for an engaging workshop exploring his choral motet, Vidi Aquam. Participants will be guided through the piece from its gentle opening, through the powerful “Salvi facti sunt” climax, and into the meditative ending. The session will focus on phrasing, dynamics, ensemble blend, and exploring the expressive possibilities of the text.
Music Access: Participants can peruse or purchase copies of Vidi Aquam in advance from Banks Music Publishing but scores will also be provided in the room.
Link to sheet music:
https://www.banksmusicpublications.co.uk/three-voice-parts/five-or-more-voice-parts/vidi-aquam-2