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Well, what a day yesterday turned out to be, as the Gabrieli Roar residential gathered pace…

Subverting all athletic wisdom, my breakfast pancakes and eggs sped me along on the now traditional Gabrieli Roar Parkrun, where I was joined by an enthusiastic gang of fellow runners on the course. Some personal bests were achieved amongst the youngsters as we all benefitted from the stunning grounds that Gresham’s school possess. To the relief of those in charge of safeguarding, all participants were safely returned, without injury, but Director of Gabrieli Roar Anna Winstone, somehow managed a wrong turn and ran significantly more than 5 Km. Such dedication to the cause!

Once showered, the day could begin in earnest as we all dispersed to our first appointments of the day. My schedule started with some individual singing lessons, and I was treated to a stream of youngsters coming into my room over the morning – all full of happiness at how much they are enjoying it all. This is so gratifying to hear and adds fuel to all of us, giving real purpose to the long and full days we are working here, both those on the musical and pastoral side. One of my young charges was keen to tell me about a class she had attended earlier in the day and clearly been inspired by. Intriguingly called “Be/Sing Loud. Be/Sing Soft. Be Strong” this is taken by my colleague, Mhari Lawson, and is a moment in the day for the youngsters to explore how the voice works and how to use it with strength, flexibility and freedom. How wonderful to see individuals engage with this and have the confidence to push themselves into new vocal directions for the benefit of long-term gain. On these residential course days, where there is naturally a significant amount of singing, having the vocal technique to support confident and expressive singing in order to get through the hours is essential.

I can certainly vouch for the fact that alto sectionals are full of people being strong! Yesterday in our time together we tackled the very last chorus, which requires great stamina. I was delighted to be joined by one of our Roar New Leaders, Emily, who was very helpful at guiding our charges through this choral tour de force. She encouraged the singers to find light and shade within the movement, recognising that the energy of this particular chorus is as much achieved with consonants as with vocal power. Needless to say, Team Alto responded quickly and successfully, as Rebekah and I now expect of our amazing section. The idea of the sectionals is that they can then go back to the full rehearsals more confident both in notes and in style, and hopefully Paul notices all the things that have been worked on in the smaller group setting. Sometimes it doesn’t always go to plan, but the intention is a good one! In this instance I’m glad to say that things developed nicely and we are well on our way as a full group to give a thrilling performance of the final chorus in this almighty oratorio.

After the final full rehearsal of the day there is always a “Choral Cool Down” with Charles and Emily – for many a highlight of the day, in which the singers can relax from the tyranny of using a vocal score, and find their own equilibrium with their voice through exercises and songs taken by our very own Ant and Dec/ Morecambe and Wise/ Mickey and Minney!

You’d think that would be enough for the day, but some souls can’t get enough and for those that want it there are optional “twilight” masterclasses. Last night I had the great privilege of taking one and was treated to three young singers who performed repertoire by Faure, Schumann and Maxwell, the final number being a piece of musical theatre that was completely new to me, but which I am delighted to have been introduced to. Iris, Chris and Emma delivered superb performances in front of a large audience in the Recital Room and can be really proud of themselves. Each of them reacted so positively to suggestions made and it is to their great credit that they are able to have that flexibility of musical thought to take different ideas on board and react in the moment. Also notable is the respect that their peers give each other in attentive listening and warmth of response – hearing them all cheer each other on is completely brilliant.

Following the masterclasses, many headed for the Gresham’s Auden Theatre where the staff had laid on a big screen to watch the World Cup Final. If Wednesday’s semi-final had gone a different way, of course we’d have all been ROARing on the Three Lions, but for our vocal health for the coming days perhaps it is just as well we didn’t get through… Congratulations go to Spain, who were worthy victors in the end.

And that was the day that was Sunday! By the time I fell into bed, Park Run felt a long time ago…

David Clegg

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