The week before the new Rock Choir academic
year begins is always the busiest; in order for each leader to feel the most
confident and prepared for the upcoming term including songs, dance routines
(or ‘kittens’ as I like to call them... don’t ask, just accept it….), events,
charity plans and development, we all attend the Pre-Term Training!
Every Rock Choir Leader from across the
country attends; from Scotland to Bournemouth, Cornwall to Kent, everyone gets
together to share their thoughts on the upcoming events and plans for the Rock
Choir year. The leaders are split into different year groups depending on when
Caroline Redman Lusher employed them – I was part of the 2nd group
of leaders in 2010 so am going into my 4th year of Rock Choir!
The leaders aren’t just colleagues though,
they’re friends :)
From Right: Lottie, Lucy and Me
As we’ve all come from different walks of
life and musical/business experience, it means that we really all can learn so
much from each other. Some leaders are extremely gifted pianists and can help
other leaders with their improvising skills, some leaders know extremely
technical vocal techniques to share with the team, and some are fantastic
conductors, who can demonstrate new and exciting ways to lead the choirs. You really
do learn something new every training session!
As well as learning, we always have a good
sing through the upcoming songs being taught so we can hear how fabulous they
sound. Have a look at this clip of us singing
After training I have a few days to do any
last minute tweaking, lesson planning, practicing and more PRACTICING!
As well as all the preparation I have to do
as a Rock Choir Leader, I meet up with my wonderful Prefects and helpers every
term for a get together. It’s not only a social occasion (normally with bubbles
or hot chocolate!) but it also gives me an opportunity to brief them on the
upcoming year. Prefects are such an important part of making sure our Rock
Choir sessions are as fun an welcoming as they are – the Prefects are the ‘go
to’ Rock Choir face alongside the leader, so if anyone has a problem or query
they can go to them if the leader is unavailable. They are more often then not,
the ‘rock’ for every leader… helping them set up, pack down, meet and greet,
help with flyering, help with socials and generally be there in ways you couldn’t
imagine! I love my Prefects dearly.
So, as I count down the hours (less than 6!) to the brand new Rock Choir year, I ask, how can I really be this excited
after so many years?? Why? Because through all that life throws at you, singing
for fun with Rock Choir really does make you happy.
If you’d like to join a Rock Choir near
you, go to www.rockchoir.com
Lots of love
Jen xxxx
A comment from Southampton Rock Choir member Penny A:
ReplyDelete'We all have the best possible time when we come along to Rock Choir sessions. Jenny is so inspiring and entertaining and a fabulous teacher, too. The concerts are great as well - I never imagined that one day I would be up on stage performing to an audience, it's really exhilarating. Do come along and see what it's like, you'll be so glad you did. Penny Athawes, Southampton.'