The Big Group Sing will do exactly what it says on the tin when it comes to the Guildford Fringe. William Gadsby Peet sounds out its founder
- What is the Big Group Sing?
Big Group Sing is a weekly group singing class for all abilities including both professional and amateur singers. Each week we start with a vocal warm up, breathing exercises and look at posture too. After almost a year many of our singers asked Peter and I if we could start to share and perform some of our material from our 2 hour weekly singing class. We always include lots of harmonies and musical dynamics all under the leadership of our brilliant pianist, Musical Director and vocal coach Peter Roberts.
- How did it come about?
I trained as Actor in Musical Theatre. I had worked professionally but sadly like most actors fell into a 9-5 job. It was creatively frustrating and a rather dark period of my life. I realised I hadn’t sung properly for a while which for any singer is a worry. I spoke with our MD Peter Roberts, contacted some friends whom I know also love to sing and we started to sing together... it was SUCH a buzz and I soon started to feel alive again. Soon we had a group of around 30 singers both professional and amateur and an email list of around 70 singers meeting weekly. The great thing about BGS is that every week is individual and so you can drop in and out at your convenience... it does become tricky though when we have a Concert, so a certain level of dedication is also required.
- What kind of songs will you be performing at The Fringe?
Well, everything, a real eclectic mix as we like appeal to everyone’s tastes. We’ll be singing a medley of songs from the film score “The Greatest Showman” which has been incredibly successful, a wonderful Stephen Sondheim Medley, some pop songs which have been adapted for a large group of voices decorated with lots of harmony. Many Musical Theatre numbers with some classic Andrew Lloyd Webber included which often appeals and some classical songs too. We have a wonderful gospel number... Oh, and some Jazz too!
- What do you think it is about music that brings people together?
Music and singing make you feel good, it’s a huge natural endorphin rush. Being part of a group and singing in harmony makes you feel even better. At the Big Group Sing the word ‘Group’ is integral. We support one another and try to avoid those who are only interested in their own performance... it’s all good but just not what we’re about. Thankfully we don’t attract Ego’s as we work together as a team.
- If you could choose any popstar/musician to join a Big Group Sing session, who would it be and why?
Could we have Kate Bush please? She’s an incredible performer, writer and a great musician too, an all-round creative genius who carries lots of humility which is key to singing with us. I don’t think she’s the type of person who would be pushing to the front and making it all about her. Kindness is key with Big Group Sing.
The Big Group Sing will be performing at The Harbour Hotel on July 20. For more information and to book tickets, visit: guildfordfringefestival.com
