BY STEPHANIE ESLAKE
Looking to sing in a choir but don’t know where to start?
Standing in the middle of a group of skilled vocalists pouring their hearts out through song may seem a little intimidating. That’s why we’ve asked three leaders to give you their ultimate advice.
Soloists Sian Pendry, Brett Weymark, and Michael Honeyman will sing in ChorusOz – and so can you. The event is hosted by Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and gives you the opportunity to be part of a large-scale performance of Mendelssohn’s Elijah at the Sydney Opera House on June 11.
So if you’ve never sung in a choir before, or if you’re needing a confidence boost to help you at your next rehearsal, take these words of wisdom along with you.
Sian Pendry
Learn by osmosis and work as a team.
Feeling uncertain or not confident with your part is natural for a first-time chorister. But do yourself a favour and stand close to the more experienced choristers. It’s the quickest way to learn, and a choir’s strength is its ability to work as a team.
Listen to the way they articulate the phrases and weave their voices in with others of the same part, and those of the other sections. Really listen, and get in sync with them.
Brett Weymark
My first time advice to all new choristers is: Don’t be too worried about trying to get it all right.
The key is to sing with your entire body and listen harder than you sing. Enjoy the journey!
Michael Honeyman
Sing like you’re in the shower!
First-timers can be shy and sing timidly. But we want to hear you! Dare to make mistakes. If we hear them, we can help you. Sing with the gusto that brings you joy. Commit to all the singing; the loud, soft, beautiful or exciting. It will ultimately be rewarding for you, the music-makers and audience.
Sing in ChorusOz with these artists and more – register on 10 June for the performance at the Sydney Opera House on 11 June. More information on the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs website.
Images courtesy Sydney Philharmonia Choirs. Brett Weymark credit Andrew Keshan. SPC credit Keith Saunders.
