The outbreak of Covid-19 in early 2020 forced musicians to come up with new ways of communicating. Here is a collection of videos I created during Lockdown that reflects my effort to keep things going! It includes snippets from online rehearsals, virtual choir projects I have led, often in collaboration with other artists, musical directors and choirs, and one-off performances I’ve filmed to inspire my singers and help them to learn songs remotely.
Chandelier, by Sia, as taught to Crib Notes during the 2020 lockdown (using a loop machine).
Daddy Cool, by Boney M, as taught to Quaggy Community Choir.
Happy, by Pharrell Williams
Stay Another Day, by East 17.
Those Who Wish to Sing, written by Jake Alexander and performed by the singers and musical directors of Quaggy Community Choir, Crib Notes, Palace Acappella, Raised Voices, Grove Park Singers, Kender Singers, Downham & Whitefoot Community Choir and Quoddy Voices.
The Hive, performed by Quaggy Community Choir. Words by local poet Barney Harper (a choir member), and music and electric cello/loop machine accompaniment by Jake Alexander.
Ca’ the Yowes, a Scottish folk song arranged by Jake Alexander and performed by Crib Notes in collaboration with other local choirs
Only Remembered, taught in November 2020 to commemorate Armistice Day.
A short burst of (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher, by Jackie Wilson, arranged by Jake Alexander and performed by Eleanor Rastall (co-musical director of Crib Notes) and Jake Alexander. A score of the full version of the song can be found on Sheet Music Plus (SAB and SSA).
Keep On the Sunny Side, by Ada Blenkhorn and J. Howard Entwisle, arranged by Jake Alexander and performed by Eleanor Rastall and Jake Alexander. A score of the full version of the song can be found here.