What is a choir when its members can't sing in the same room? In this episode, I chat with choral conductor, composer and singer-songwriter Naomi Hammerton about the ways in which she's kept members of Kings Place Choir (including me!) connected during the pandemic, and her motivations for doing so. We discuss the collection of songs Naomi wrote - where choir members sent in recordings of our parts - as a way to bring our voices together and how, ultimately, Kings Place Choir has remained a place of community, connection, creativity and support.  

Naomi's incredibly passionate about the many physical, mental and social benefits of singing in a group - from lowered blood pressure and heart rate, to mindful engagement, tuning into others, and baring a little bit of your soul. Most of all, it's the vibrations you experience when singing in harmony that make it so magical. Naomi also explains why she doesn't believe that anyone truly cannot sing.   

Shout out to Joe McGrail, Naomi's collaborator and Kings Place Choir's amazing pianist, and choir member Steve Jones, who produced many of the virtual choir tracks.   

If you're tempted to join Kings Place Choir, all are welcome! The next term starts via Zoom on 22nd April 2021.

I hope you enjoy our chat, and thanks for listening.  

Links  
Listen to all of Kings Place Choir's back catalogue https://soundcloud.com/kingsplacechoir
Find Kings Place Choir on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KingsPlaceChoir/
Naomi's alt-pop duo Rinngs https://www.instagram.com/rinngsmusic/?hl=en  

My website: Something I learnt https://www.somethingilearnt.co.uk