about the lost sound

We formed in 2008, selecting singers who were open to being directed and who wanted to explore their own voices in a choir setting. We spent 18 months ‘workshopping’, learning songs and exploring sound through different genres. We still use a lot of these techniques today. We draw on drama exercises to help performance and connection between singers and we regularly use movement exercises for rhythm practise. It isn’t just sitting down learning songs - nothing quite as easy as that! Even our warm ups have included exercises from kinesiology, yoga, Feldenkrais and Alexander techniques and that’s before we get to singing!

Our MD, Sandra Smith brings her considerable experience as a singing teacher and choir coach into every rehearsal, getting the very best from us, challenging us to try new things, both vocally and musically. Voices start to change under her direction – they release and open up, ranges expand, tone improves and good breathing and support develops. Sandra knows and understands voices and the first 30-40 mins of choir is working on our bodies, posture and vocal techniques so that we can create the sounds the songs need. The individual voice development is key to the success of the choir’s sound.

At the heart of Sandra’s ethos and ours, is education – we want all our singers to understand more about their own voices, how choirs work and improve their musicianship. Our aim is to be able to get up on stage and ‘make music’ – to have all the techniques in place to be able to let the music flow – in the moment. We want our singing and our songs to stay alive, so things can change in performance as we respond to our audience and the atmosphere. To be able to do that, in our rehearsals we learn to work together and to respond together and to be able to work as one voice. Everything is focused on serving the songs – letting the songs speak to our listeners. We have always had a mix of singers who learn by ear and who read music and we have lots of resources to help singers learn the set.

Our name, ‘The Lost Sound’ relates to the quality of singing that is ancient, a sound that rings out and touches the listener. It’s the sound that sings the singer! People used to sing everywhere - in pubs, in churches, at school, skipping songs, circle songs – it was a natural thing to do. A lot of homes had pianos that people gathered around to sing together. Family members had a ‘piece’ that they shared, whether music or storytelling.

People didn’t need to be ‘taught’ to sing – they just did, because we instinctively hear harmony and we love voices singing together. Sadly, that’s our collective lost sound.

Our name also clearly relates to each individual choir member’s commitment to finding their own ‘lost sound’, their own true voice, on a personal, as well as choral level. Each singer has experienced the development of many different aspects of their sound-making, through The Lost Sound’s training. Interestingly, all the work we do helps promotions too! It’s amazing the confidence that our singers have after performing – talking at conferences or at work isn’t half as scary!

As a folk choir we obviously sing with a strong folk element under-pinning our set, always searching for imaginative, contemporary arrangements that give new slants to these wonderful old melodies and a cappella traditions. We branch out into other folk traditions too, incorporating some world folk and some thumping gospel tunes. If it’s from an a cappella tradition, we are on it!

Our director, Sandra Smith, has taught singing, breathing and performing techniques to professional and beginner singers for over 30 years. She has taught at Mountview Theatre School in London and then, on moving to Devon, at Dartington College of Arts.

Take a peek at her website:

 www.singingandbreathing.co.uk

She is a well-known and respected choir coach, sharing her choral knowledge with many different styles of choirs around the south west region. From classical to gospel and whether auditioned or community choirs, she helps choirs make the best of their singing and unique sounds.

She also runs public singing technique workshops so that all choir members and singer/songwriters have a chance to learn the true power of their voices. She also contributes to public speaking courses.

Sandra set up The Lost Sound as she wanted to work with a choir of her own to find the essential ‘group’ voice - to find the balance of male and female voices whilst highlighting the colours and strengths of each. Men and women bring different qualities to their singing and bringing them together, blending the beauty of their sounds is a fine balance. She wanted to work with singers who are ready and willing to learn new skills and to be directed. She is immensely proud of what The Lost Sound has achieved.