I would like to say 'Thank you' to Harmony Foundation for giving me a grant to attend Directors College. The education, training and advice I received are going to benefit me tremendously in the future. It was my first experience at directing and once I got over my initial nerves I had a great time and I hope that I'll be able to retain all the knowledge that I've learnt over the weekend and will be able to pass this on to my chorus and my new future Barbershop activities, both as a singer, section leader and assistant director.

After battling through the floods on Friday evening we arrived at the hotel and were greeted by Phil Mobsby. We were given our 'packs' for the weekend and then it was off on a short walk to Bablake school in time to join everyone for the evening meal. This was followed by the Keynote Speech by Royce Ferguson, and it really was inspirational and motivating. Before we returned to the hotel (and thankfully the rain had stopped but now it was snowing!), we met up with our coaches and the other novice delegates.

Over the weekend I learned so many things at the sessions that I attended. The sessions were:- Directing Techniques; Creative Interpretation; Critical Listening and Coaching Skills; Leadership and Management.

They were all very interesting and informative. From learning the different time patterns (and I actually got the hang of it - well, most of the time!). Showing the many ways on how to make rehearsal night's fun for you and your chorus. To realise that you can't do it all on your own and to get help from key people in your chorus.

This will also allow them to learn, grow and improve their own skills. To make sure your songs are 'believable'. Always have something good to say to your chorus. Build on what is right, believe in and appreciate the good in your chorus. Voices to match, buzz, resonate. Everyone to feel the song. Remember the MD is the leader of the group.

Saturday evening ended with the College chorus singing directed by Rhiannon Owens-Hall and Royce Ferguson coaching. It was Awesome!!

Feeling exhausted from the long day it was back to the hotel and no not early to bed but a late night singing with all my new friends.

Sunday started with a vocal warm up and our timetable for the day and the dreaded video session!!

Paula Williams, my coach for the weekend, was very patient. With her help and guidance I was able to direct the octet and following my video session I received very positive feed back. (Thank you Paula.)

Finally I would also like to thank the 'faculty staff' for a very enjoyable and so well organised weekend.

Thank you, Ali Jack