Workshops & Masterclasses
Ralph has run Master Classes and workshops for the Association of British Choral Directors, International Symposium on Choral Music, Royal College Organists, Incorporated Association of Preparatory Schools, National Federation of Music Societies, Royal School of Church Music, National Federation of Youth Choirs, National Youth Orchestra, and many choral societies, schools and choirs in the UK, the US, South Africa, Taiwan and Australia.
Ralph:
"The days vary enormously, but essentially I try to elicit the spirit of the music being rehearsed and discover the real enjoyment of singing in ways that may not normally be within the experience of the singers. Workshops have even been known to include Mongolian chanting, meditation, plainsong and to use obscure Australian instruments. They can either consist of a day of singing through and rehearsing music, or can lead up to a performance. I do more talking and telling stories than would be usual in an ordinary choir practice: workshops should always avoid the rush of having to get things right in a very short time. I do workshops for all ages from eleven upwards. Sometimes a choir will ask me to prepare them for a specific event, often a competition.
Ralph also participates in sessions for arts.works - more details can be found on their website: http://www.artsworks.uk.com, and in the sample PDF below
Excerpt from The Friends of Cathedral Music Newsletter:
"The final performance of the work, however, fully justified the detailed work done in rehearsal, and proved a fitting end to a remarkable morning. It is easy to see why Ralph Allwood is such an important figure in the choral field. Not only does he possess the technical skills of the best choral trainers and conductors but he also has tremendous enthusiasm, charisma and a wonderful sense of humour. Many of us will never forget his tale of the Chinese childrens' choir!"