Chris Rowbury: Vocal music from Eastern Europe and Africa

"Everybody can sing, and singing should be available to all. You don't need any experience to sing with me. I teach all songs by ear, and avoid all musical jargon. Whether you've only ever sung in the bath, or already sing in a choir, I will soon have you singing in glorious harmony!" - Chris Rowbury

About the leader

Chris Rowbury is a patient, charismatic teacher with 30 years' experience. He has a relaxed style laced with plenty of humour. He will get you singing in wonderful harmony in a matter of minutes.

Chris runs singing workshops across the UK open to anyone who loves to sing. He teaches songs in harmony from a wide range of singing traditions, with a special interest is in songs from Eastern Europe and Africa, and is known for his practical, singer-friendly teaching and broad repertoire of global harmony songs. Everything is voice only without instruments or backing tracks. You need no singing experience as Chris teaches all songs by ear (he sings and you repeat).

You'll be amazed at the beautiful sound that a group can make regardless of singing background. Whether you've only ever sung in the shower, or you're already in a choir. And all in a fun, friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

So there are no auditions, no sheet music, no unnecessary musical jargon, no solos. Everyone is welcome whether you think you can 'sing' or not.

https://chrisrowbury.com

What we’ll do on the day
We’ll learn songs by ear in a way that feels steady, encouraging and surprisingly efficient—building the confidence to hold your line, tune chords, and sing with more ease and presence. Expect a day that’s joyful, but also genuinely skill-building. The focus will be on traditions from Eastern Europe and Africa.

Who it’s for
Great for community singers who want to feel more secure in harmony singing and enjoy the pleasure of a roomful of voices coming together.

"You did such a good job with us all, and at the same time making everything fun. You definitely have a gift of getting the best out of people and making them feel good about themselves."  (a happy workshop participant)

The Stonegate Singers are a busy community choir based in York UK. Recent performance include concerts around York, and events such as the Stonegate Singers Ceilidh Night, together with the brilliant folk band The House Devils. The Stonegate Singers have performed live on the BBC, and as part of community events such as The Great Get Together in Rowntree Park. In August 2017, we performed in the Creswell Crags limestone gorge as part of Refugium, a new mixed media piece by director Jon Hughes.