Tuning up: a peer-to-peer sharing of effective working to help male and low voice choirs thrive.

Session Presenter: Michael Betteridge, Artistic Director, The Sunday Boys.

Led and curated by Michael Betteridge, Artistic Director of The Sunday Boys, this session is a carousel of ‘micro-presentations' from conference delegates on recent successes, each speaking briefly about recent changes they have made within their organisation that have helped their choir, and their community, succeed and grow. A simple step-by-step process for each is be shared and discussed in order to give an insight into successful ways of working: sharing where we are each successful allows the whole sector to thrive.

Speakers are:

• Kieran Chadha, Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

• Cassandra List, Welwyn Garden City Male Voice Choir

• Ian Watts, Carlton Male Voice Choir

• Matthew Harrison, Risca Male Voice Choir

• Michael Betteridge, The Sunday Boys

Up up and away! How to find the (right) volunteers to help run your group.

Session Presenter: Barbara Eifler, Chief Executive, Making Music.

It’s harder than ever to find volunteers to be part of the committee or management body running a music group – this session looks at some of the reasons and potential barriers and what strategies can be used to enthuse and inspire more people to be organisers and leaders for your choir. Find out about practicalities, best practice and what a younger generation struggles with and, gain some practical insights and resources to use with your group.

Effective rehearsal techniques.

Session Presenter: Will Prideaux, Director, Peterborough Male Voice Choir.

Using rehearsal time effectively is at the core of all male/lower voice choir activities. Will Prideaux and Peterborough Male Voice Choir demonstrate a range of practical approaches to rehearsal to improve ensemble, balance, intonation and tone quality, with a focus on developing your singers’ skills and confidence and improving the standard of your performances.