VIH

Harmony singing - for the joy of it! This is a course for people who want to learn how to sing unaccompanied and in harmony without using sheet music. It is suitable for people who love to sing, both music readers (who may want to improve their aural skills) and non music readers. The deliberate avoidance of sheet music is partly to allow accessibility but also to enable everybody to sing “from the soles of their feet” without the intellectual discipline of being rooted to the printed page.

Doug’s up-beat, inspirational style helps both tentative and confident singers to find their voices and enjoy the thrill of singing together in harmony. His sessions always include as much laughter as singing!

Sessions start with a physical and vocal warm up followed by one or two simple songs progressing to more complicated pieces. Doug works on singing technique with all participants helping them to make the best of their voices and promoting vocal health.

The course will sing a large variety of music - pop songs, world music, spirituals, classical, jazz - and perform in an informal concert at the end of the week

Douglas V Watts is a conductor, teacher and singer. He was classically trained at the University of Bristol where vocal studies were undertaken with Jeffrey Howard and conducting with Jonathan James and David Allinson. He currently directs a number of community choirs including The Raff Pack, Blackbird Early Years Music Choir and the Bristol Show Choir. He teaches for Blackbird Early Years and also works in music therapy for South Gloucester Council and Penny Brohn whilst sustaining a fine reputation as a private coach for both individual singers and pianists. Though primarily an early music specialist, Doug’s repertoire includes both popular and music theatre genres, supporting his firm belief that singing for health and pleasure really is for everyone.