Singers in top voice

MORPETH singers were in top voice,when renowned choral director Dr Andrew Padmore put them through their full range, last weekend.
Over 80 singers from around the region converged on Chantry Middle School to learn from a maestro.
His delivery throughout the day was energetic, crisp and very amusing, touching on singing techniques, posture and the ideal frame of mind for concert presentation. The light-hearted advice was given to aid 'soaring sopranos’ and 'bumbling basses' to improve technique.
A variety of music was studied including excerpts from the Brahms 'Requiem', Faure's 'Cantique de Jean Racine' — sung in French — and a number of short works by Bob Chilcot and Andrew Carter.
Pictured round Ken Irvine on the piano are Norma Jewitt, Majorie Neave, Kathleen Binns, Chris Lediard and Dr Andrew Padmore.

An uplifting experience

SIR, — Choral Singing with Body Control - is fun, uplifting and leads to good sound. I learnt this on Saturday, when as one of 80 singers, I took part in a Choral Workshop organised by Mid Northumberland Chorus at Chantry Middle School, taught by Andrew Padmore.
Apart from being a great fun day working with a range of choral music we were taught much more about improving the sound, tone and projection of our voices, and how this could be modified or affected by posture, facial expression, attitude and use of sets of muscles. Frequently Andrew's graphic instructions and delivery about these matters reduced us all to helpless laughter — but the improvement to the sound we made, when we applied his 'remedies' was immediate and obvious.
The Choir Committee deserves great commendation and thanks for organising the event as do the accompanists for the day. Apart from being a musician of international reputation, Andrew Padmore is a superb teacher and a delightful personality.
Rev R.C. SPURR
15 Abbey Gate
Kirkhill
Morpeth NE62 2XL