“Your Rodolfus Choral Course experience will never finish with the end of the course, as you will be part of a strong community of singers who have all shared and loved the same experience”
When did you first become involved with the Rodolfus Choir?
I first became involved with Rodolfus after my first Senior Choral Course at Durham back in July 2016 however I had also done two Junior Choral Courses prior to this.
What do you remember about your first concert singing with the choir?
I certainly enjoyed the professional standard of the choir. Rehearsals were intense, however the detail and precision for which we worked was much greater than any choirs which I had done previously. It was very rewarding when it came to the concert. Rodolfus was one of the first choirs I found which focused particularly on the importance of blend and communication within the choir to contribute to the overall sound.
Can you remember your first Choral Course? What should someone coming on their first course expect?
My first experience of The Rodolfus Foundation was a Junior Choral Course at Wellington College. I remember being quite nervous as it was out my comfort zone, but as everyone is in the same boat when they arrive and the staff are friendly and welcoming, I quickly settled in. When going on junior and senior courses, I would say to expect that it is going to be hard work as you are doing a lot of singing everyday with very focused rehearsals. However, at the same time it is so much more than just the singing as everyday there is an organised social activity as well as time spent in a consort (a small group) where you learn fun pieces for an informal concert. The best thing about Rodolfus Choral Courses (aside from how much they help your development in singing), is the friends and connections you will make for life. The friends I've made live across the country, but the Rodolfus Choir gives me the opportunity to see them at various singing events throughout the year. My final advice would be that even if you have never done something like a choral course before and it feels outside your comfort zone, it is definitely not an opportunity to miss. It is such a unique experience to enhance your singing led by some of the best choral musicians in the country, while meeting like minded singers and creating an excellent choir for the week. Your Rodolfus Choral Course experience will never finish with the end of the course, as you will be part of a strong community of singers who have all shared and loved the same experience.
Can you pick one highlight of being a member of the choir?
New Years events such as the St Martin in the Fields Christmas concert are definitely my favourite. It’s such a fun time after Christmas to sing lots of great rep, while also giving me the opportunity to see lots of friends from across the country who I don’t get to see very often.
What are you up to now?
I am a first year History Student at the Uni of Manchester, however I am one of the few non music students to do one of the chamber choirs called Cosmo Singers. There are also two other Rodolfus members in the choir which was useful when I first arrived!
If you had to pick only one song to sing for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Faire is the Heaven by William Harris. It’s such a beautiful well crafted piece, but as it is unaccompanied it is still a challenge to sing every time to keep the tuning in place.
Who are your top three composers, musicians or bands from the past and present?
For a choral composer it would be Herbert Howells, from the past it would be the Beatles and for the present The Arctic Monkeys.
Can anyone else in your family sing?
My Sister Eppie is a soprano and is also in the Rodolfus Choir. Singing is something we have always done together, as we started at our Parish Church choir when we were 9 and 10.
Where would you like to be in ten years’ time?
In ten years’ time I would like to be working in the heritage sector at a historic house doing workshops for children. Although I do not want to pursue a career in singing, I will still continue to be part of choirs as it is an important part of my life.
Have you any advice to give to our junior singers?
I would say to gain as much different experience in singing as possible. When I was younger I was in many different choirs, which ranged from school to church to county as well as Junior Choral Courses and then on to Senior Choral Courses. Each choir did different repertoire and approached rehearsals in varied ways, which was really great for me to gain experience. Singing in more than one choir massively helped my sight reading especially in a church choir where we learnt new music each week with a quick turnover of rep.
We have three office dogs at The Rodolfus Foundation. What's your favourite animal and why?
My favourite animals are cats! I have two kittens called Sooty and Feather. I love them because they are super cuddly but also playful.
Thanks for taking the time to speak to us, Romi! Don’t forget to sign up to our mailing list to keep up with the latest news, project information, and great content from Rodolfus HQ.