Thank You

Sarah Gray
Mar 24
2 min read

I've been thinking about audiences and participants, and how much they bring to every musical encounter. I want to say something about the people who turn up ready to sing, or clap, or contribute to song-writing sessions, or learn harmonies. It takes a generosity of spirit to come to a choir session or a workshop and join in. I genuinely admire people who do, and of course am very grateful. It enables me to pay the bills and run my car!

Playing/singing, listening to or creating music builds communities and makes connections. I was glancing at some photos on Facebook today and thinking that some of the people I was looking at had become firm friends and sometimes band members because they met at a workshop I facilitated. This pleased me very much. But I can't take credit, I really believe it is the openness with which folk approach singing groups or events that is the key; every time you raise your voice with other people, or sit or stand in a live audience, the sense of communal activity is SO exciting! It's no wonder we want to make connections.

For me, nothing compares to live music. I am a fan. Being in a band is brilliant fun, and if an act can put that across and draw you in to share it with them, taking you along for the ride, it's just the best. But it's never a one-way thing, you are all in it together. Same for workshops - I love the anticipation, when a group gathers for Soup & Sing, Stretch & Sing, or BlueJam Singers, and you know that this collection of people, some of them strangers to each other, are going to be creating a beautiful living sound within the next half-hour. I love working with another leader - that's like being in a band. You have each other's back and are ready to pick up (or calm down!) the energy at any point when needed.

Think about how important you are as a participant. Literally, it won't work without you, nothing will happen! You give so much and I never take that for granted. I'm resolved to go to other people's events and workshops more in the future and feel that buzz of being part of the group. Basically, let's all have more fun! And thank you.