From last year's Convention Artistic Director

Early booking discount ends soon so don't delay. Book before the end of June and save enough for a few treats!

It is a wonderful programme once again with so much variety and surely something for everyone who is at all interested in choral music be it as a conductor or choir member.

John Dickson is not to be missed; the way he brings a text to life is inspirational so to hear him working with his choir as well as leading sessions will be special.

There are numerous practical seminars on conducting but also on vocal health and avoiding stress, repertoire ideas for young and old -and those between - from Church to Pop and experiences to share in discussion sessions.

For those who are baffled by technology or are unsure how it can best be used to help the choir leader there are sessions for different levels of expertise plus help in making successful choir recordings and in typesetting one's music scores.

Meeting composers such as Sarah Quartel from Canada and eminent directors such as Sian Edwards who will lead the final session taking a fresh look at Faure's Requiem are sure to leave us with very special memories of Convention 2016.

And I have only mentioned some of the treats on offer. Many consider it is worth coming for the trade exhibition alone and for the chance to swap ideas with abcd colleagues. If you have never been to convention yet do give it a try. It is friendly, informative, fun and simply inspirational.

We had a great time in Manchester last year and with Andrew Potter's vision for this year's convention I feel sure it is going to be wonderful once again.

Mavis Fletcher June 2016