I started singing in '89 with the Anvil Chorus under the direction of Rod Butcher and it didn't take long to form a dream of being that man out front and shaping the sound of the chorus. My travels took me to Leeds where I sang with the Leeds chorus and then the Leeds and Bradford chorus and I joined a quartet called the Likely Lads who did well several years later with whom I sang tenor. Now I'm back to where I grew up in the world and am taking on more responsibility with Anvil to help the chorus in which I began my barbershop life. But…. this requires skills that I have yet to develop, or even discover.

I also have the pleasure of singing with grand central chorus under the direction of Rob Barber and have a little responsibility with the lead section, and to my delight I work closely with the National Barbershop Youth Chorus since it's inception as a lead section leader.

It's a dream come true that I will be directing the Anvil Chorus (due to the unfortunate absence of the talented Victor Wong, who has been most encouraging with the development of myself as a director, along with the Anvil team who I would like to thank very much) at the forthcoming convention in Scarborough, let's see how I fare.

Steve Hall Fund.
It's an absolute honour to be awarded this scholarship, as Steve was a huge influence on my early barbershop career in Anvil. His role model status insured the correct start for this budding barbershopper. I hope in time and talent permitting I give back a fraction of what Steve did for the association.

And so it begins…
Friday afternoon came a bit quicker than I anticipated. I'd done the homework but it never feels enough. The keynote speech was a great start to the weekend giving me a different perspective to directing and presentation of myself. I really dedicated myself to the afterglow, which helped soothe the nerves.

My personal coach was the inimitable Cherry Hartshorn. Her clear and expert tuition dragged the best out of me throughout the weekend. We started with studying performance video. We had a really good laugh and yet took huge strides in identifying our pitfalls and trying to correct them. The Freestyle/ rubato session with Cherry and Paula Williams was definitely inspiring. Their skills allowed me to grasp the many differing ways lyrics can be interpreted depending on the directors take on the emotion of the piece. Cherry also guided me very gently through the daunting task of my session with the belles of three spires, 40 amazingly attentive ladies avidly following my every mistake. A nerve racking experience but one that was hugely beneficial, as soon as was it over, I wanted to go again. The feedback was excellent with the video critique of my session immediately afterwards, again with Cherry. She taught me a lot about how my body and face can change the sound of the chorus, and ever supportive as usual.
Less is more was a great session with a good amount of hands on coaching, with the expertise of Rhiannon and Neil Watkins. It helped me understand unnecessary hand gestures and the importance of simple and clear direction.
Rhiannon also gave a great session on the role of the director as a coach, leaving no stone unturned we discussed every different 'hat' that the director must wear. From communicator to motivator and diplomat to dictator. If truth be told I was a little over awed with the huge responsibility that an MD faces week after week, but in the short time since DC VII, I have come to recognise and apply some of the things we discussed.

Socially the event was fantastic. The hotel was a great treat, the quality of the organisation and the volunteers dedication made it possible for the considerable numbers attending have a great and productive weekend.

I have no doubt that I am now a better and more confident director and that the time I have with Anvil chorus is much more productive, and musical. I would to thank all those involved in the running of this great event; it can only benefit the quality of barbershop and ensure it for years to come. Thank you to the Anvil Chorus for encouraging me every step of the way. My thanks again go to the Steve Hall Fund for making it all possible.

Duncan Whinyates (Anvil, GCC and NBYC)