Sometimes known as “bumpers” or “ringers”, professional choral extras are trained singers who provide support, as necessary, to fill gaps in your choir
Provide vocal weight/tone as required to allow a group to perform larger works (such as music by Mahler or Beethoven)
Offer support for regular singers if the repertoire is not well-known by the choir
Enable a concert to be viable if a section is weak (due to illness, for example), or if the group have been unable to learn the repertoire
What skills do professional choral extras bring?
Secure vocal technique and ability to take the lead on a part as required
Excellent sight-reading and the ability to pick up a score and read it accurately in the rehearsal on the day of the concert
Different weights of voices, as dictated by particular repertoire
The right personality to fit in with the group socially
An understanding that the function of the choral extra is to support the choir to enable them to achieve their best sound, rather than dominating vocally and upsetting the blend
An understanding and respect of the importance of concerts to the regular members of the choir and an appreciation of the hard work put in by the regular choir
Encouragement and support to choir members, helping give them the confidence to perform to the best of their abilities
Absolute professionalism at all times. Singers are punctual and pleasant to work with
Flexibility and adaptability as required
What do professional choral extras do?
Sometimes known as “bumpers” or “ringers”, professional choral extras are trained singers who provide support, as necessary, to fill gaps in your choir
Provide vocal weight/tone as required to allow a group to perform larger works (such as music by Mahler or Beethoven)
Offer support for regular singers if the repertoire is not well-known by the choir
Enable a concert to be viable if a section is weak (due to illness, for example), or if the group have been unable to learn the repertoire
What skills do professional choral extras bring?
Secure vocal technique and ability to take the lead on a part as required
Excellent sight-reading and the ability to pick up a score and read it accurately in the rehearsal on the day of the concert
Different weights of voices, as dictated by particular repertoire
The right personality to fit in with the group socially
An understanding that the function of the choral extra is to support the choir to enable them to achieve their best sound, rather than dominating vocally and upsetting the blend
An understanding and respect of the importance of concerts to the regular members of the choir and an appreciation of the hard work put in by the regular choir
Encouragement and support to choir members, helping give them the confidence to perform to the best of their abilities
Absolute professionalism at all times. Singers are punctual and pleasant to work with
