Singaway began with a workshop, Sing Away the Winter Blues, organised by Julia Clarke with the Rose & Crown Singers in January 2012. I wanted to offer the best possible experience of learning to sing by ear, so invited Sammy Hurden to lead this for us. The workshop was so popular, I went on to organise more workshops based on the following principles:
1) Every session must be accessible and enjoyable as a “one off” for people with little or no experience of singing in a group.
2) Each session will also include material that is challenging enough to stimulate and engage more experienced singers.
3) All songs and harmonies will be taught by ear (so we employ leaders/ musicians with the skills to support this approach).
4) Participants who want to join a regular choir, develop skills, or rehearse for performances will be encouraged to do so