Join the University of Plymouth Choral Society, under the direction of Helen Porter, for a fun-filled day of choral singing.
This workshop will help singers to understand and solve many of those issues that can affect a choir performance, such as why intonation slips, how to avoid pushing high notes, how to sing effectively in chest register and how to sing long notes without running out of breath. Helen’s technical understanding of the vocal apparatus – the relationship between the tongue, lips, jaw, soft palate, larynx and vocal folds – as well as the diaphragm and support system - is comprehensive. Using her own vocal exercises and ‘miniature songs’ she tackles all those thorny vocal issues, including resonance, breath control, the ‘break’ and intonation. The workshop will also address vocal fatigue and how to avoid it. Be prepared for hard work, non-stop singing and a lot of fun!
This year Helen celebrates 30 years of coaching singers, choirs and vocal ensembles. Her career began in the theatre as a composer and musical director, coaching actors in a cappella singing. On moving to the Netherlands she founded her first choir ‘Kraterkoor’ (1992) in Amsterdam. She has since coached choirs all over the UK and beyond and is much in demand as a singing teacher, and especially sought out by singers with vocal problems. She has been vocal coach on all Helen Chadwick Song Theatre productions since 2010, including at the Royal National Theatre (2015). Helen has composed music for chamber choirs including South West Chamber Choir and Kamerkoor Collegium, Utrecht. Her latest piece ‘Choosing a Name’ will be premiered this year. As a singer/pianist she is currently touring with her new solo show ‘Unexpected Song’. She is also the music director of the Big Jazz Choir in Calstock.
Interested singers should email jan.fairview@gmail.com for an application form.
Non-members very welcome.
Date: Saturday 9 July 2022
Venue: St Paul's Church, Yelverton PL20 6JF
Workshop: 09:30 – 16:30
£17 (by application only)