Have you ever wondered what happens at Love Soul Choir sessions?
Since the very beginning, back in 2008, we’ve been committed to providing a fresh choir experience for singers on the South Coast. We know that we offer our members something pretty unique and the way we run our sessions is no exception to this. So, here’s a glimpse into what happens at Love Soul Choir each and every week…
Start of the session 👋
After our members have arrived and have had time to catch up with each other, our sessions always start with a vocal warm up. Our choir leader, Dan Cooper, is a professional vocal coach and certified in 2009. He is keen to ensure our vocal warm up has actual benefit. Vocal warm ups are an important part of vocal health but as each individual voice operates so differently, it’s also important to ensure any warm up suits a vast array of voices. Dan encourages each member to tune in to needs of their own voice and realise that it may be different each and every day based on the many variables at play; too little sleep, stress, dehydration, too much sleep etc. The goal is to empower singers to understand their own abilities in any given moment.
Our vocal warm up is usually followed by practicing a few of our current songs. We perform at events, weddings and theatre shows throughout the year so it’s important to ensure that every song is always performance ready. This part of the session helps keep members up to date with both harmonies and choreography.
Learning new songs 🎶
We spend a large part of each choir session learning new songs. We’re always learning unique and contemporary arrangements of songs so that we can constantly update our set lists when we perform
Songs are usually taught in four part harmony although we have learnt songs with up to eight! Each harmony group sits in a circle to allow them to work as a team and gain confidence with their part without relying on watching the leader at all times.
The way we label these groups is also something which sets Love Soul Choir apart. We don’t use traditional choir terms like ‘soprano’, ‘alto’, ‘tenor’ or ‘bass’, and instead have ‘high’, ‘melody’, ‘mid-low’ and ‘low’ harmony groups. We do this for several reasons. Firstly, using non-musical terms is more accessible and inclusive. Although we have an audition process at Love Soul Choir, we work with singers of all levels. Secondly, we think it’s important that our members are empowered to sing the part that they choose, rather than feel pushed in to a box they may feel forced in to when more traditional terms are referenced.
Our learning process is something we take huge pride in. We teach all songs by ear, learning section by section. We work with one harmony group at a time to build up to the finished arrangement. Usually, once we’ve learnt part (or all) of the song, harmony groups are mixed up to help build confidence amongst singers. Members stand in a circle around the edge of the rehearsal room to practice singing next to those in different harmony groups. It’s one of our favourite moments when learning any new song! It’s where the magic happens. ✨
The final part of learning a new song is adding the choreography. Once members are confident with their harmonies, we add some movement. We really push the boundaries in terms of our dance moves and are constantly providing our members with fresh and new challenges!
Social Time 💬
One of the most important parts of Love Soul Choir is social time. It’s 15 minutes every session where singers can chat, connect and socialise with their peers. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a break and touch base with friends but Dan also encourages members to start conversations with those that they may not normally chat with. It’s all about connection and bringing people together.
Until next time… 😀
Just before we say goodbye, there’s time to practice a few more of our current songs. It’s an uplifting way of finishing our time together.
It’s safe to say that Love Soul Choir sessions are pretty busy. But we wouldn’t have it any other way! 💜
If you’d like to apply for an audition with Love Soul Choir, please visit the audition page on our website. Once you’ve sent your application to us, we’ll be in touch within a couple of days to schedule the time and place of your audition.
