Voice for Life Songbook

A podcast about the Voice for Life Songbook can be found here.

A new book of songs for assemblies, services and concerts has just been published, along with a demonstration CD. The VOICE FOR LIFE SONGBOOK is a compilation of inspirational and sacred pieces, for young and adult singers whether beginner or slightly more advanced.

Over forty catchy warm-up songs, rounds and canons, as well as traditional and new pieces for single melody and two-parts can be found in the new songbook. There are also gospel and jazz pieces and songs from all over the world.  Titles range from O when the saints and the Hebrew folksong, Shalom chaverim to He’s got the whole world in his hands and Sizohamba naye from Swaziland.     

The collection features works and arrangements by a wide range of well-known choir directors and experts in the field of choral work, including Bob Chilcott, Mike Brewer, Bazil Meade, Colin Mawby and Ronald Corp, as well as new pieces from up-and-coming composers.

“When I first started working with young singers, there wasn’t an anthology of fun songs which one could dip into,” says Esther Jones, Co-Editor of THE VOICE FOR LIFE SONGBOOK.  “I am sure fellow choir-trainers will be glad to have a resource such as this, to use in rehearsals, services and school assemblies.”        

Esther Jones has collaborated on the compilation of the VOICE FOR LIFE SONGBOOK with Leah Perona-Wright, both of whom are Directors of the RSCM’s Voice for Life Training Programme (see notes for Editors*).  “We care about young people and inspiring people of any age to enjoy using their voices. Singing should be fun!”  says Leah,  ”I can see all kinds of choirs using this repertoire book in schools, churches, and communities.”
 
Like previous collections from the RSCM, the VOICE FOR LIFE SONGBOOK includes photocopiable parts for each piece and a demonstration CD. For trainers there are hints and tips on running a choir and training notes for each piece.  “This resource offers inspiration and ideas for any choir leader looking to get the very best from their singers, and represents excellent value for money,” says Esther Jones. 

The book has the backing of well-known choral conductors such as former Kings’ singer Brian Kay, who is now a Vice-President of the RSCM. ”I would happily recommend any music which encourages people to develop that God-given gift, the joy of singing. And the VOICE FOR LIFE SONGBOOK is an ideal place to start.”

Notes for Editors

Review copies are available on request from Heather Bamber (see below).

The Voice for Life Songbook is published by the RSCM, price £45: (£33.75p for churches and individuals affiliated to the RSCM).  Orders can be placed as follows:

RSCM Music Direct, St Mary’s Works, St Mary’s Plain, Norwich, NR3 3HB.
By phone: +44 (0)845 021 7726    By fax: +44 (0)845 021 8826
Email: musicdirect@rscm.com     Online shop: www.rscm.com/shop/

The Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) is an educational charity and promotes the best use of music in worship, church life, and the wider community. It offers training programmes and courses, a variety of publications, courses, short workshops and activities. With over 8,500 affiliates, members and friends in over 40 countries it is an international network, supported by over 750 volunteers and small team of staff based throughout the UK. For further information about the RSCM, go to the website www.rscm.com  

 

31 October 2006

PDFs of RSCM news releases are generally available here (go to "News Releases").

Photographs for media use are available from the Media & Picture Gallery (go to "RSCM picture gallery").

For further enquiries contact:
Stuart Robinson:
RSCM Media Relations Organiser
srobinson@rscm.com
T: 01492 556378 / 07831 827701

or

Heather Bamber
RSCM Marketing & Communications Administrator
E: hbamber@rscm.com
T: 01722 424847 or 07786 331364