about the virtual choir

 The Riverhouse Barn Virtual Choir was formed almost immediately when we were first told to self isolate in March 2020 in the UK. We responded with a positive project which brings the community together. It could even be Surrey's first ever family choir! Aimed at all ages and trying to get families doing an activity together each week. Nearly a year later and we are still going!

How does it work?
The project is based online using a software called Zoom. This is downloadable on to phones, tablets, laptops and computers and once you have signed up for the choir you will receive a link for the choir session. To get a heads up you can sign up and create your own account before getting this link. It is really simple. All you need is a microphone and a camera built in to whatever you are using. Having music printed out is an additional bonus instead of using another device. Try to make sure other devices are off and not downloading something as this will slow down your zoom connection for the choir. 

HOW DO I join?
You can sign up for the project with one click. By clicking on the link below it will take you to a form to complete. We need you to complete one form per person. People can join at any point in the year and we will make sure you receive all the resources before your first session. Here is the link: https://forms.gle/1dLv2s9epM4tybQn9
WHEN ARE THE SESSIONS?
The sessions will take place on Mondays from 5.00pm - 6.00pm. Occasionally there might be recordings or events outside of these times but this is our weekly rehearsal time where you can join, switch off and just sing for an hour. 
HOW MUCH IS IT?
Thanks to the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre this is a completely free project to get involved with. How awesome is that?! To show your appreciation you can make a donation to The Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre by going to this link: 
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/displayCharityCampaignPage.action?charityCampaignUrl=riverhousecovidappeal
WHAT WILL BE SINGING?
We have a reputation of being the "happiest choir in the world!" So naturally we sing uplifting, positive songs. Here are some of the pieces we have practiced together:
Up, Up and Away by Fifth Dimension 
You've Got A Friend In Me by Randy Newman
Lean On Me by Bill Withers
What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
True Colours by Steinberg & Kelly
In The Mood by Glen Miller
There is no way you won't finish the session without a smile on your face! 
WHO WILL BE RUNNING THE CHOIR?
I will be running the choir and joined by accompanist, Gareth Giles! With the help from Gareth on his grand piano (!) we will run the sessions in a fun and engaging manner. There also aren't any boundaries at all as everything is taught by ear and we produce helpful rehearsal tracks for you to do extra practice in your own time. Also... remember.... no one can hear you! So you can sing your hearts out and not worry about anyone listening. 
WHAT WILL THE END RESULT BE?
Our weekly sessions provides much needed musical therapy for us but we have the desire to put together virtual projects as well. Our first project was You've Got A Friend In Me and saw over 30 people record themselves at home and send it in which we then put together. Our second project was Up, Up and Away which was even more successful than the first one. You can see these recordings below. We have aims to do more recordings and when social distancing allows us, have our first face to face rehearsal in the Riverhouse Barn! 

You've got a friend in me

up, up and away!