Sunday 11 December 2011
Saturday 3 December 2011
Winter concert next week!
If you haven't already bought a ticket for our winter concert next Sunday (11th December), why not do so now?
It's at Gladesmore School, N15 6EB at 4.00 pm in aid of the Downhills Primary School playground fund, and features local Haringey guest artists Artcha and PanNation, as well as the school choirs from Gladesmore and Downhills primary schools - why not bring the whole family for an afternoon of musical festive fun?!!!
Tickets now on sale online from Eventbrite, or at our Tuesday rehearsals.
Sunday 13 November 2011
Winter concerts
Just a quick post to say that we have a major concert and several smaller appearances lined up for the next few weeks - check the main site http://www.tottenhamcommunitychoir.com for details.
Wednesday 2 November 2011
The Festive Season
We really must try to make an effort (aren't they the same thing?) to update this blog more often, otherwise it looks as if nothing is happening with the choir - and that ain't so. In fact a lot is happening; we have five concerts/performances lined up for between now and Christmas and are hoping to do several more low key appearances over the holidays.
Our repertoire is expanding - Prince Igor is coming along nicely and it's going to be a cracker when it's done - and our membership has expanded considerably over the past few weeks. Hello to all the new people, we hope you're enjoying yourselves!
Tuesday 20 September 2011
It's all (not really) gone quiet
Not much on this blog for a while but that doesn't mean there's not much happening with the choir. We're storming on - did a brilliant set and wowed them at the Harringay Food Festival last weekend, had the audience singing along and cheering for an encore!
So - if you haven't already - why not come along and sing along? Check the Web site for full details and photos http://www.tottenhamcommunitychoir.com
Thursday 25 August 2011
Singing for the community - oh yes
Should have posted something on here before but in case you're not aware the choir is hosting, and performing at, a benefit gig for those affected by the recent awful events in Tottenham.
It's at The Millfield Arts Centre in Edmonton and the bill features an ever increasing number of quality guests, all performing for free to raise as much money as we can. Please come along, and spread the word!
Tickets: http://www.millfieldartscentre
Lineup and further info: https://tottenhamgig.wordpress
Saturday 11 June 2011
What makes a good wedding?
The music.
When I knew that I was going to get married, but not in a church or synagogue I was worried it would be a 10min job and that I wouldn't have any singing. This was not a good prospect for me as music and singing are so important to me.
So thank you thank you wonderful Tottenham Community Choir, for giving up the best part of your Saturday and singing at the wedding.
It made it for me and I'm thrilled by the result.
Thanks also to the good folks at Woodgreen Civic centre who let it all happen.
Tuesday 7 June 2011
Bak to skool agane
yes folks, it's back to Downhills Primary School this evening for the first choir rehearsal of the half term. See you all there!
Saturday 4 June 2011
New half term starts this Tuesday (7th June).
Hello all – hope you enjoyed your half term break.
We are back as usual on Tuesday – can those of you who have copies please bring along Goldfinger, What A Wonderful World and Cantique De Jean Racine.
Also, we’ll be having a raffle so if anyone has anything they would like to donate please bring it along.
Finally – we’re going to make an effort to be a bit tighter with start/end/break times this half term so please try to be there at about 7.15 or so, ready to start at 7.30.
See you Tuesday.
Monday 30 May 2011
Here's to our blushing bride
Fantastic performance by all at Chloe's wedding last weekend, well done.
We're on half term hols this week, back on Tuesday June 7th. Hope to see you all there - and some new faces as well!
We're on half term hols this week, back on Tuesday June 7th. Hope to see you all there - and some new faces as well!
Tuesday 17 May 2011
Yes, but *why* does singing make you feel good?
10 reasons why singing is good for you…
If you love to sing, then you’re already aware that singing is fun, energizing and a great stress reducer. But if you’re one of millions who claim ”can’t sing!” then I suggest that you consider singing as an absolutely free, non-prescription, safe and effective life-enhancing tool. If you’re facing physical, emotional or mental challenges, or if you just want more peace and happiness, here are 10 ways singing can change your life!
1. Promotes deep breathing!
As you begin to use “full body breathing” with a relaxed, soft belly, you allow the diaphragm to drop down, giving the lungs the freedom to expand more fully. Relaxed abdominals are essential for proper breath support while singing. I like to think of “filling up like a balloon” when I sing. This gives firm, active breath support and allows for deep, full breathing. Singing promotes slow, deep, healthy breathing.
2. Oxygenates the blood!
As you use full body breathing, you are bringing in a greater volume of air. Oxygen floods the blood system, bathing the cells in life-giving oxygen. You will feel more alive as you breath deeply and fill yourself with energizing, oxygenated air! Singing oxygenates the blood!
3. Stimulates brain activity!
Singing requires thought. You are memorizing lyrics, melodies and rhythms, as well as connecting words with emotion. Your “singer’s breathing” technique is bringing more oxygen to the brain. Your brain’s neurons are firing furiously as you are integrating the physical, emotional and psychological functions necessary to joyful singing! Singing stimulates brain activity!
4. Releases “feel good” endorphins!
All this physical, neurological and emotional activity serves to release those “feel- good” hormones called endorphins. So not only is your audience benefiting from your lovely voice, but you are being flooded with happy hormones that give you a sense of peace and well-being. Singing feels fantastic because it releases “feel good” endorphins!
5. Reduces stress!
When you feel good, your stress level goes down. Endorphins help diminish stress and agitation. By using deep, full body breathing you slow the heart rate and take your mind off of unwanted anxiety. The next time you feel stressed or overwhelmed, take a full body breath, and break out singing! Your stress will fly away as you reap the benefit of joyful singing!
6. Builds self-confidence!
Speaking in public is still the #1 fear for Americans. Singing ranks right up there for most of us. Singing is a risk-taking behaviour because you’re putting yourself out there in a very exposed way. It dredges up all our insecurities and self-imposed limitations. When you dare to share your voice and music, a fantastic thing happens. It’s like walking through fire. You overcome your fear, and emerge with an incredible sense of accomplishment. You did it! Your self-esteem soars and you feel that you can do anything! Singing builds self-confidence in a BIG way!
7. Enhances memory!
Singing involves memorization as you learn new melodies, lyrics and complex musical forms. It’s a great way to stimulate the areas of the brain involved with memory, learning and concentration. Use it, or lose it! Singing is a great way to enhance your memory!
8. Boosts creativity!
As you build your self-esteem and stimulate your artistic soul, you’ll find that all areas of your life are positively affected by the act of singing. Suddenly you’ve opened the floodgates of your creative soul, and you begin thinking outside the box! Your productivity soars! By tapping into your creative reservoir you become more alive and innovative! Singing boosts creativity!
9. Creates a powerful speaking voice!
If you’re a speaker, presenter, teacher, clergy or in any sales related business (aren’t we all??), you will benefit from learning to sing. Your voice is your instrument, no matter what you do in life, and singing gives you the skills to speak in a natural, powerful, confident voice. Everyone benefits from proper singing technique. You’ll discover your “true” voice that will reveal your confident, authentic self. Finding your voice is a joy. Singing creates a powerful speaking voice!
10. Makes you feel fantastic!
Singing makes you feel self-assured, in control, physically alive and fantastically creative. It feeds your soul as it creates physical well-being. With increased self- confidence you can do anything! Physical, mental and emotional health is a great side effect of singing. There’s no doubt about it, singing makes you feel fantastic!
If you love to sing, then you’re already aware that singing is fun, energizing and a great stress reducer. But if you’re one of millions who claim ”can’t sing!” then I suggest that you consider singing as an absolutely free, non-prescription, safe and effective life-enhancing tool. If you’re facing physical, emotional or mental challenges, or if you just want more peace and happiness, here are 10 ways singing can change your life!
1. Promotes deep breathing!
As you begin to use “full body breathing” with a relaxed, soft belly, you allow the diaphragm to drop down, giving the lungs the freedom to expand more fully. Relaxed abdominals are essential for proper breath support while singing. I like to think of “filling up like a balloon” when I sing. This gives firm, active breath support and allows for deep, full breathing. Singing promotes slow, deep, healthy breathing.
2. Oxygenates the blood!
As you use full body breathing, you are bringing in a greater volume of air. Oxygen floods the blood system, bathing the cells in life-giving oxygen. You will feel more alive as you breath deeply and fill yourself with energizing, oxygenated air! Singing oxygenates the blood!
3. Stimulates brain activity!
Singing requires thought. You are memorizing lyrics, melodies and rhythms, as well as connecting words with emotion. Your “singer’s breathing” technique is bringing more oxygen to the brain. Your brain’s neurons are firing furiously as you are integrating the physical, emotional and psychological functions necessary to joyful singing! Singing stimulates brain activity!
4. Releases “feel good” endorphins!
All this physical, neurological and emotional activity serves to release those “feel- good” hormones called endorphins. So not only is your audience benefiting from your lovely voice, but you are being flooded with happy hormones that give you a sense of peace and well-being. Singing feels fantastic because it releases “feel good” endorphins!
5. Reduces stress!
When you feel good, your stress level goes down. Endorphins help diminish stress and agitation. By using deep, full body breathing you slow the heart rate and take your mind off of unwanted anxiety. The next time you feel stressed or overwhelmed, take a full body breath, and break out singing! Your stress will fly away as you reap the benefit of joyful singing!
6. Builds self-confidence!
Speaking in public is still the #1 fear for Americans. Singing ranks right up there for most of us. Singing is a risk-taking behaviour because you’re putting yourself out there in a very exposed way. It dredges up all our insecurities and self-imposed limitations. When you dare to share your voice and music, a fantastic thing happens. It’s like walking through fire. You overcome your fear, and emerge with an incredible sense of accomplishment. You did it! Your self-esteem soars and you feel that you can do anything! Singing builds self-confidence in a BIG way!
7. Enhances memory!
Singing involves memorization as you learn new melodies, lyrics and complex musical forms. It’s a great way to stimulate the areas of the brain involved with memory, learning and concentration. Use it, or lose it! Singing is a great way to enhance your memory!
8. Boosts creativity!
As you build your self-esteem and stimulate your artistic soul, you’ll find that all areas of your life are positively affected by the act of singing. Suddenly you’ve opened the floodgates of your creative soul, and you begin thinking outside the box! Your productivity soars! By tapping into your creative reservoir you become more alive and innovative! Singing boosts creativity!
9. Creates a powerful speaking voice!
If you’re a speaker, presenter, teacher, clergy or in any sales related business (aren’t we all??), you will benefit from learning to sing. Your voice is your instrument, no matter what you do in life, and singing gives you the skills to speak in a natural, powerful, confident voice. Everyone benefits from proper singing technique. You’ll discover your “true” voice that will reveal your confident, authentic self. Finding your voice is a joy. Singing creates a powerful speaking voice!
10. Makes you feel fantastic!
Singing makes you feel self-assured, in control, physically alive and fantastically creative. It feeds your soul as it creates physical well-being. With increased self- confidence you can do anything! Physical, mental and emotional health is a great side effect of singing. There’s no doubt about it, singing makes you feel fantastic!
Friday 13 May 2011
Togetherness
What does community mean?
Last week before choir rehearsals began, I was so pleased to be having a chat with someone I hadn’t seen face to face for quite some time. The joy was, fo me, that there was a true sense of pleasure in this conversation and the prospect of many more to come and if it wasn’t for the choir I wouldn’t have a clue who this person was and for that matter who most people are who live so close by. We live in a world where we can connect in so many ways but I don’t know most of the people in my street. Tottenham Community Choir has helped me meet and get to know wonderful people and help make the place I live feel like home. Some don't come to choir anymore but I still feel connected to them.
I grew up in a very small town and you knew most people's faces and most names too. Having been a member of the choir I get some sense of that 'small town' walking around Tottenham and strolling in the park I nearly always get a smile from someone I know.
Is community knowing people, recognising each other and not feeling alone or isolated?
Last week before choir rehearsals began, I was so pleased to be having a chat with someone I hadn’t seen face to face for quite some time. The joy was, fo me, that there was a true sense of pleasure in this conversation and the prospect of many more to come and if it wasn’t for the choir I wouldn’t have a clue who this person was and for that matter who most people are who live so close by. We live in a world where we can connect in so many ways but I don’t know most of the people in my street. Tottenham Community Choir has helped me meet and get to know wonderful people and help make the place I live feel like home. Some don't come to choir anymore but I still feel connected to them.
I grew up in a very small town and you knew most people's faces and most names too. Having been a member of the choir I get some sense of that 'small town' walking around Tottenham and strolling in the park I nearly always get a smile from someone I know.
Is community knowing people, recognising each other and not feeling alone or isolated?
Wednesday 11 May 2011
Books and Singing go hand in hand
You have probably heard me banging on in rehearsal about the Big Green Bookshop in Wood Green, the various events they put on and how supportive of us they have been over the past year. Oh you haven't? Do you not listen when I talk? I am hurt, choir, I am hurt.
Anyways, the Big Green Bookshop is run by three lovely guys called Tim, Simon and Mark and is something of an institution in the Wood Green locale - not only do they know their eggs where books are concerned but they also run lots of events like quizzes, readings, comedy nights, writers groups and knitting circles. Something for everyone there. No, well how about story time for your littluns or boardgame Sundays?
If you haven't been to visit the bookshop, make a deal with yourself to do it and do it soon. Tea and biscuits are generally on the go and the staff and customers are always up for a natter, book-related or not.
It's so important that independent shops like this one are cherished, so do your bit for our community and buy a book from them.
I'll cry if you don't.
Website: http://www.biggreenbookshop.com
Blog: http://woodgreenbookshop.blogspot.com
Tara
Anyways, the Big Green Bookshop is run by three lovely guys called Tim, Simon and Mark and is something of an institution in the Wood Green locale - not only do they know their eggs where books are concerned but they also run lots of events like quizzes, readings, comedy nights, writers groups and knitting circles. Something for everyone there. No, well how about story time for your littluns or boardgame Sundays?
If you haven't been to visit the bookshop, make a deal with yourself to do it and do it soon. Tea and biscuits are generally on the go and the staff and customers are always up for a natter, book-related or not.
It's so important that independent shops like this one are cherished, so do your bit for our community and buy a book from them.
I'll cry if you don't.
Website: http://www.biggreenbookshop.com
Blog: http://woodgreenbookshop.blogspot.com
Tara
Monday 2 May 2011
What you'll be missing
It's horrible when you can't make a rehearsal, I get a sense that I've missed out. Life can get in the way of life though, can't it?
I look around and some faces really make the choir for me... I miss them. The problem is some faces are so familiar and yet I'm not 100% sure I know the names.
Should we have a name amnesty?
Which leads me to our wonderful MD, in a very short amount of time he has made a real effort to learn our names and he seems to know us as singers so well. Things feel so great and so positive right now. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every rehearsal of late.
Our sound keeps getting better and better; so when I’m not there I’m missing you.
I look around and some faces really make the choir for me... I miss them. The problem is some faces are so familiar and yet I'm not 100% sure I know the names.
Should we have a name amnesty?
Which leads me to our wonderful MD, in a very short amount of time he has made a real effort to learn our names and he seems to know us as singers so well. Things feel so great and so positive right now. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every rehearsal of late.
Our sound keeps getting better and better; so when I’m not there I’m missing you.
Friday 29 April 2011
Singing is good for your heart
Look - A Prof says it is
Professor Graham Welch, at The University of London says "The health benefits of singing are both physical and psychological."
lots more at www.heartsearch.org.uk/hearthealth/singinggood
Professor Graham Welch, at The University of London says "The health benefits of singing are both physical and psychological."
lots more at www.heartsearch.org.uk/hearthealth/singinggood
Thursday 28 April 2011
Wednesday 27 April 2011
Members area updated
Dates for your calendar and some new MIDI instrumental files to help rehearsing - see http://www.tottenhamcommunitychoir.com/membersonly/tccmembers.htm.
If you need a login please email Jerry at webmaster@tottenhamcommunitychoir.com.
If you need a login please email Jerry at webmaster@tottenhamcommunitychoir.com.
Sunday 24 April 2011
Great rehearsal last week...
...let's have another one this week (Tuesday 26th).
NB: Please don't forget to let us know whether you will or won't be singing at Chloe's wedding on the 29th may - it's our first proper performance with Nick and we need to be as near as possible full strength!
NB: Please don't forget to let us know whether you will or won't be singing at Chloe's wedding on the 29th may - it's our first proper performance with Nick and we need to be as near as possible full strength!
Sunday 17 April 2011
Site reorganised
I've moved a few pages around - the new links are below.
All about us http://www.tottenhamcommunitychoir.com/pages/aboutus.htmOur history http://www.tottenhamcommunitychoir.com/pages/history.htm
All about our outstanding and fantastic new Musical Director http://www.tottenhamcommunitychoir.com/pages/md.htm
Our constitution - how and why we exist http://www.tottenhamcommunitychoir.com/pages/constitution.htm
About our committee and how it works http://www.tottenhamcommunitychoir.com/pages/committee.htm
All the latest TCC news http://www.tottenhamcommunitychoir.com/pages/news.htm
Our repertoire (constantly expanding - any suggestions?) http://www.tottenhamcommunitychoir.com/pages/repertoire.htm
How to find us http://www.tottenhamcommunitychoir.com/pages/howtofindus.htm
Press reports about Tottenham Community Choir http://www.tottenhamcommunitychoir.com/pages/inthepress.htm
If you don't read music, don't panic - read http://www.tottenhamcommunitychoir.com/pages/reading.htm
The members pages will be up later this week
How to contact us http://www.tottenhamcommunitychoir.com/pages/contactus.htm
Friday 15 April 2011
What are we singing next?
The list keeps growing, as is only natural and there are some wonderful ones coming up I'm sure. The great thing about this choir is that we all get to have a say.
All suggestions are considered; not all can be done though!
So here's to more communication in our wonderful community choir
Thursday 14 April 2011
Wedding singers
SO pleased, thrilled and over joyed to know that Tottenham Community Choir sing at weddings.
Keep an eye on the TCC Web site
It's changing all the time!
We've now added a 'members only' section, where we will post all sorts of choir-related stuff. Please contact chair@tottenhamcommunitychoir.com if you need a login!
Tottenham Community Choir home page - http://www.tottenhamcommunitychoir.com
We've now added a 'members only' section, where we will post all sorts of choir-related stuff. Please contact chair@tottenhamcommunitychoir.com if you need a login!
Tottenham Community Choir home page - http://www.tottenhamcommunitychoir.com
Tuesday 22 February 2011
Saturday 19 February 2011
Monday 31 January 2011
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