Songs of the sea
Learn a range of songs connected with the seas and oceans from different cultural traditions across the globe. From Corsica to New Zealand, from Britain to the Americas, all in the stunning Derbyshire Peak District.
"I've been on a number of these types of weekends and I felt that your experience in doing this really showed and also liked your energy and your quirky sense of humour." Participant on 2023 singing weekend
Not been on one of Chris's singing weekends before? You might like to check out some frequently asked questions.
Friday 25 October 2024 5pm to Sunday 27 October 2024 2pm
Cliff College
Calver
Hope Valley
Sheffield, S32 3XG
Click here for venue accessibility information.
Cost: £260 (twin/double) | £270 (single occupancy) PER PERSON
if booked and paid for by 26 July 2024, otherwise £20 per person more
NOTE THAT THE THEME OF THIS WEEKEND HAS RECENTLY CHANGED. LULLABIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD IS NOW IN THE LAKE DISTRICT IN JULY
SOLD OUT — contact Chris to go on waiting list. Please include a phone number.
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Cliff College is situated on the outskirts of the village of Calver, in the beautiful Peak District National Park. The site is just below Curbar Edge and next to the river Derwent. All rooms are en-suite and have a television and drink-making facilities. Free wi-fi and parking are available on site. There are plenty of excellent walks in the area and you will have time on Saturday afternoon to explore. The venue is a Christian theological college, although the weekend will be secular and open to all, regardless of religious beliefs. However, there is no smoking or alcohol allowed on site. There are several pubs within walking distance.
Seafaring nations and island states all have songs connected to the sea. The sea is part of everyday life for many living on the coast. It gives rise to myths and stories,
strange half-human creatures, sunken cities. The sea often provides livelihoods or is an ever-present danger (rising tides and invaders sailing in). But in all cases,
there is a strong awareness of its power to give and to take away.
Songs of the sea are many and varied: work songs (to aid turning the capstan or rowing a large boat); songs of weather and the elements (storms and turbulent seas,
becalming); songs of the life in the oceans (songs about seals and whales and shoals of fish and pearls); songs of loss and loneliness (sailors lost at sea, waiting
for a lover to return from a long fishing trip or ocean voyage).
We will learn a range of songs connected with the seas and oceans from different cultural traditions across the globe, from Corsica to New Zealand, from Britain to the
Americas. All songs will be taught by ear in the traditional way. No previous experience is necessary, just a love of singing.
This will be a relaxed, informal and fun weekend
of group harmony singing. You will be surprised and delighted by the rich and stunning harmonies we will produce in a relatively short time.
There will also be opportunities to explore the local area.
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Comments from 2023 singing weekends:
"I really enjoyed all of the weekend. I thought that the choices you made for the songs were really good – both challenging and having lovely harmonies."
"I love your enthusiasm and the way you teach brings out the best in us all. The singing was great as was meeting such lovely people."
"I really enjoyed the way you teach us the songs and the energy that you share with us. I'm not used to learning songs so fast, but you made it very possible."
"The ease of learning, expertly facilitated by Chris, was great. I loved learning such a broad variety of songs in other languages. It was lovely getting to know other people with a passion for singing."