Sing for Water in Gateshead

Choirs and singers - do you want to sing with lots of other people, have fun and learn some new and exciting songs, whilst also raising money for Water Aid projects at the same time? Join in 'Sing for Water'!

SING FOR WATER GATESHEAD is an expansion of the Sing for Water project which will help provide clean safe water for those in need. Hosted by The Sage Gateshead on 18th and 19th July 2009 and conducted by Sharon Durant and Sian Croose, it is sure to be a summer highlight and places are limited.

To get involved contact Rebecca Topping, The Sage Gateshead, 0191 443 4642, rebecca.topping@thesagegateshead.org.


Please note that this is not a Making Music event. Please contact the organisers directly for more information.

Sing for Water in Gateshead

Choirs and singers - do you want to sing with lots of other people, have fun and learn some new and exciting songs, whilst also raising money for Water Aid projects at the same time? Join in 'Sing for Water'!

SING FOR WATER GATESHEAD is an expansion of the Sing for Water project which will help provide clean safe water for those in need. Hosted by The Sage Gateshead on 18th and 19th July 2009 and conducted by Sharon Durant and Sian Croose, it is sure to be a summer highlight and places are limited.

To get involved contact Rebecca Topping, The Sage Gateshead, 0191 443 4642, rebecca.topping@thesagegateshead.org.


Please note that this is not a Making Music event. Please contact the organisers directly for more information.

Big Spring Sing with Making Music and ABCD

with vocal leader training

It's not too late to book! Owing to popular demand we have extended the booking deadline for the Big Spring Sing so it's not too late to book your place. Click here for full details and the booking form or contact Kirsty, 07855 642308, kirsty@makingmusic.org.uk.

The Education Village, Salters Lane South, Darlington, DL1 2AN
Saturday 9 May, 10 am - 5 pm
Leaders: Paul Spicer and James Davey
Vaughan Williams Toward the Unknown Region (read more here and here) and a selection of shorter works.

Whether you sing regularly with a choir or not, come along and sing with us! The Big Spring Sing is open to choirs, individual singers and vocal leaders/conductors.


Frequently asked questions:
1. Where is the Education Village?
2. I'm not in a choir - can I still take part?
3. I see there's a reduced rate for Making Music members. How do I know if I'm a member?
4. Are there still places available?
5. Can you post me copies of the booking form?
6. I'm not sure whether the vocal leader training's right for me.
For answers to these FAQs click here.

A limited number of places are also available for vocal leaders (conductors, school teachers and anyone else who leads singing groups or would like to) wishing to improve their skills under the direction of Paul and James.

Cost: £14 (members of Making Music, ABCD or Platform), £17 (non-members), £9 (students/unwaged). Vocal leaders £22.


Presented by Making Music and the Association of British Choral Directors with generous support from Platform.

If you have any special requirements please let us know and we will do our very best to accommodate you. The Education Village is a modern, fully accessible building.

Sing Up! - Singing for Learning training

Dryden Centre, Gateshead, 9.30 - 3

Led by Sandra Kerr, this training is for anyone who would like to feel more confident leading singing with primary school aged children, gain an understanding of how singing can help to improve learning in a fun and creative way and learn songs and techniques to use with the children you work with. The training will be practical and you can take away songs to use immediately in your own setting.

This training is provided for free by Sing Up but places are limited so please book by Friday 7 November.

For more information and to book contact Shelly Ambury or visit Sing Up! online.

Vocal Leadership Training from 20,000 Voices

With Beth Allen
Hepscott Park Educational Centre, Stannington (Morpeth), NE61 6NF, 9.30am - 3.30pm
Cost: Free

Beth Allen is a real enthusiast, and you will come away full of ideas and energy for your own singing practice as well as for the groups you work with.

The training will include sessions on:
- Vocal Health - good singing practice, styles and techniques
- Riddles and Tricks in Songs
- Unison Singing
- Repertoire and arranging

There will also be time for discussion and debate, and for networking with colleagues.

There is no charge to attend the training, but please book with 20,000 Voices in advance: telephone 01665 606280 or email info@20000voices.org.

Advice surgeries for music groups

When: Saturday 8 November, 10am - 1.30pm
Where: Core Music, 14a/b Gilesgate, Hexham (www.coremusic.co.uk)
Cost: Free. In the event of over-subscription, priority will be given to members of Making Music.
Deadline for bookings: Saturday 25 October.

Making Music is offering free advice 'surgeries' for amateur and voluntary music groups in the North East. From choirs to orchestras, steel pan bands to promoting societies, this is a chance for groups to come and discuss their problems and concerns on a one-to-one basis.

Kirsty McDowell, North East Development Officer for Making Music, and Mike Coleman of Core Music, Hexham will be offering groups help and advice on any subject they want - from marketing or fundraising to audience development or commissioning. Slots last about 20-30 minutes and up to three members from each group are invited to attend.

Spaces are limited so groups are asked to book their slot in advance. For more information and to book contact Kirsty.

Making Music North East AGM

Crush Bar, Middlesbrough Town Hall, 2pm

An opportunity to meet your committee, hear about what Making Music has been doing for you over the past 12 months and have your say in our future direction.

The business part of the AGM will be followed at 2.30pm by music from Tees Valley Barbershop Harmony Club.

All Making Music members in the North East are welcome to attend. There is no charge and no need to book in advance. If you would like more information or have any special access requirements please contact Kirsty, North East Development Officer.