Living Vocally

🌟 Reflecting on last week’s Leeds Fashion Ball: National Business Hero Awards! 🌟

After six months of dedication and collaboration, our team at and clients at the .uk Leeds office presented two stunning performances that bookended the show beautifully. 🎶✨

From bespoke musical arrangements and dynamic choreography to eye-catching wardrobes, we poured our hearts into every detail. Our choir, composed entirely of talented amateur singers, embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. I couldn’t be prouder! 🎤👗

Their performance truly shone, and though I may be biased, for me it was the highlight of the night! It was a powerful testament to what can be achieved when we come together through music. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. Here’s to more unforgettable moments like these! 🥂🎉

Special thanks to:
- Sound Production, MD & much more. zengo.choreo - Choreography 💃
- for use of their rehearsal spaces 🎙️

🎤✨ Happy World Voice Day! 🌍

Today, let’s celebrate the profound impact of our voices. Whether through performance, teaching, or leading choirs, our voices serve as guiding lights, shaping our professions, vocations, and personal passions, and fostering connections as we share our love for what we do.

This year, I find myself reflecting more than ever upon my time as President of The British Voice Association. I’m reminded of the challenges we faced during the pandemic. Despite the hurdles, I’m immensely proud of what we achieved - hosting inspiring events like Choice For Voice, a global conference uniting voices from over 15 countries. It’s been a journey that’s not only enhanced my professional profile but also deepened my commitment to supporting voice users worldwide.

Let’s raise our voices in gratitude today and every day. 🙌 If you can, show your support for the - they’re doing incredible work to ensure all voice users have access to the best practice, knowledge, and support. 💪

🎶🌟

➡️➡️➡️ SWIPE FOR THE FULL PICTURE

🎶✨ : Discovering the Magic of Singing ✨🎶

Ever paused to ponder the impact of singing on your mood? 🤔 Here is a sneak peek at an upcoming presentation I am giving in Hamburg next weekend at The on the emotive power of singing.

In the first snapshot, you’ll catch a glimpse of my community choir stepping into our rehearsal space. 🎼 Then, take a look at the second photo. Can you spot the subtle yet unmistakable shift? That’s them after two hours of harmonising and melody-making. 😲 And here’s the kicker: the singers were given no context on why they were being photographed. 📸

For me, singing is more than just hitting the right notes; it’s about connecting with ourselves and each other in a unique way. 💖 It’s a language of expression that knows no bounds. 🌟 So, I’m curious: How does singing make YOU feel?

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🎶 Working with the to bring music into offices and workspace is a real highlight of my week! 🏢✨

Since the start of the year, we’ve been knee-deep in rehearsals, gearing up for the Leeds with RSM Accountancy. 🎉 Now, as we enter the final weeks of prep, the anticipation is electric! 💃🎶 Keep an eye out for updates as we get ready to hit the stage! 🎤👔

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“Happy Monday, everyone! 🌟 It’s a brand new week, full of opportunities to challenge ourselves. Let’s take a cue from our experience with ‘Knot Another Choir.’ At the start of 2024, we dared to enter the Manchester Annual Choir Competition, stepping out of our comfort zone and onto a bigger stage.

Weeks of hard work followed - learning, perfecting, and bonding as a team. And when the moment of truth arrived, Knot Another Choir claimed a proud 2nd place. It’s a testament to what dedication and teamwork can achieve.

So, as we begin this week, let’s set our goals high, work diligently, and trust that our efforts will lead to success. Here’s to a week of growth and accomplishment! 💪✨ ”

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🎶 Soulful Saturday 🎶

Day Two of my residency with North Dublin Community Gospel Choir! Today, I had the pleasure of working with 9 amazing singers (although I forgot to take a selfie with everyone 🤦‍♂️).

The main theme of the day was watering your entire ‘vocal garden’ 🌱— meaning working every part of your voice every day. This is something I recently started doing for my own voice (under the guidance of the amazing ). 🤩

Sopranos, don’t forget to practice your low notes, and basses, keep working on your falsetto whenever you can! Keeping the voice moving and flexible is the key to vocal freedom and longevity. 🎤

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🌟 Feel Good Friday 🌟

Reunited with my amazing friends at North Dublin Community Gospel Choir today! 💫 Working closely with seven talented singers who bravely stepped up for personalized 1:1 technique sessions to elevate their vocal journeys. 🎶

Today, our focus was on two powerful words: confidence and control. 🎤 It’s easy to let limiting beliefs dictate our singing potential, but with a little fine-tuning in balance, placement, and support, there are so many more possibilities! 💪

Big shoutout to all who embraced this journey with us today. Can’t wait for tomorrow’s session!

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Another fantastic day running workshops and promoting ! 🎶 Such a joy to connect with so many passionate individuals and share the power of music in the workplace.

Grateful for the opportunity to inspire and uplift through song and work with 🎹. Until next time, London!

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🎶 Take Note! 🎵

I’ve had a fantastic weekend, working with the wonderfully talented .notechoir! 🎶 (There are actually loads more of them, we just forgot to take a picture)! 🤦‍♂️

‘Take Note’ kicked off my 2024 workshop season with a bang, diving headfirst into a challenging musical arrangement. We fine-tuned blend, tone, and dynamics to perfection. 🎵 But the real treat? Getting to listen to some of their own incredible musical arrangements! Thank you for a wonderful time, I hope to see you alll again soon!🌟

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📺 Live TV Shenanigans! 🌟

I had a wonderful time with members of, directing members of The Leeds Contemporary Choir on Packed lunch yesterday.

A huge thank you to all the wonderful singers that took part and for the fabulous production staff, who made our time on the show an absolute joy! 🤩

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🎤 Roo Oliver

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⭐️WC13/11/23 - BIG WERK AHEAD ⭐️

MON: Live with Contemporary Choir (Liverpool). 🎹

TUES: Representing the choir company by visiting our brilliant choir (Cambridge). 🎤

WEDS: Speaking at ‘Spark! Young Voices in a Changing Musical Landscape’ at (IPSWITCH) 😊

THURS: Back to coaching at and leading the wonderful singers at choir.

FRI - SUN: Kendal Mountain Festival (Lake District).

Performances

A huge well done to the .uk Leeds Office Choir on a fabulous performance at their annual ‘Fall Ball’! 💃 BRAVO!

It’s people like this that make my job as a director of the an utter joy each and every week. 🤩

Galway Adventure 4-5/11/2023 🎶🇮🇪

My body may be tired but my heart is full ❤️. Of the many privalage my job affords me, I will never tire of the joy that comes from walking into a room full of new people and saying “right…let’s make some music”.

For the past two days myself and the fabulous singers I’m here to visit have laughed, smiled, sang and squatted 🏋️ together (you really had to be there).

Huge thanks to for doing a stellar job on keys 🎹 and for all her organisation, hospitality and photography! 📸

Lots of love to you all, I’ll be back soon! 👀

CX

Just back from an amazing first day in Galway.

In just a matter of hours we learnt two new songs, explored the intricacies of tone and blend, and worked on pitch through experimenting with different scales and modes! 🎼

There was of course lots and lots of laughter and joy. 🙌 Big thanks to for allowing me to work with her fabulous choirs.

Always a pleasure to be back in Ireland. 🇮🇪 Can’t wait for day two.

Back from a wonderful day with this amazing group of people at the . Huge thanks to for inviting me

Always a pleasure to watch work…you should buy her book, it’s amazing! 📖

Such a joy to see too almost a year to the day that we were working together in Ireland. ❤️ Watching her work is an inspiration. 🙌

BIG thanks to on the keys today. Smashed it, as always. 😊
Thanks so much to everyone that came to see us! 🙏.

Overwhelming proud of my fabulous community choir for an absolutely stellar performance last night at Trinity Church.

Knaresborough residents came out in full force to support Bob Frendts' fire engine appeal, with 170 individuals present in the church. The audience was both encouraging and generous. 🙌

In addition to their singing, the choir also showed their charitable spirit by baking delectable cakes, donating exceptional raffle prizes, and serving refreshments and the Ukrainian ladies of Knaresborough also provided delightful Ukrainian treats.

Last nights concert raised an incredible £2090.20, all of which will go towards Bob's fire engine for the Ukraine appeal. Yet another fantastic example of people coming together through music to try and make the world a better place. 💪

Big thanks to on keys and for the sound too! 🎹🎛️

It’s today and I’m back in rehearsal with the mighty Contemporary Choir after a Summer hiatus!

We have a phenomenal year ahead of us, including charity events, collaborations, concerts and LOTS of new music!! 🤩

I cannot wait to share it with you all. Come and see us at next show at the Conservetoire in December! Link below! 🎤

https://www.leedsconservatoire.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/712-lc-contemporary-pop-choir/

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A day out in the Peak District. ✨⛰️

After a week locked indoors recording parts for arrangements, today was the perfect (as would say) ‘refill my well’ aka “giving yourself the gift of self-care, making your well-being a priority”.

Great to reconnect with and .379 for a lovley day out in the Peak District. 🤩

Feeling rejuvenated for another busy week of arranging! 🎶

The Great North Run! 👟👟

To ‘Stay In ‘ My Lane’ is perhaps some of the worst life advice I’ve ever received. Some of the best experiences in my life have been when I’ve pushed myself outside of my comfort zone; The Coast to Coast, The Lyke Wake Walk and now a Half Marathon.

I ran the race in celebration of my amazing mother Carol Lees and the fight she’s going through. I hope I did you proud Mum. We raised £1,210 for

Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive along the way. Especially and for cheering me on every step of the way. 🙌🙌

An Irish Adventure 🇮🇪✨

Just back from five action-packed days on the ‘Emerald Isle’. It’s been a whirlwind visit encompassing solo and group singing workshops. Thank you to everyone who has sung, laughed, chatted and danced with me, and most importantly welcomed me into their home. ❤️ Until next time! 🤞

Back home after an exhilarating time presenting at The UK Choir Festival in St Albans today. Feeling very privalaged to have had the opportunity to share the stage with these wonderful facilitators; Charles MacDougall, Dan Ledford-Thomas & Brazil Meade. A big thanks to Russell Scott for organising yet another fantastic event!