The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
The biggest challenge for us is member turnover and keeping consistent choir sizes. We do have longer term members and we welcome parents and carers with children of all ages, however the majority are usually on parental leave with babies under 1 year, and likely to be with us for only 3-9 months.
Our best source of new members is always word of mouth – people are far more likely to come along for a taster if our choir clubs have been recommended to them by a friend who has experienced our sessions. It’s also very important to us that our members feel relaxed and not pressured by any kind of expectation from us – whether about getting the music right, practising at home, helping us spread the word about choir, taking part in socials and performances or anything else. We want our members to engage in whatever way suits them best and brings most enjoyment.
We are continually exploring how best to let parents know we are here, and to reassure those who are nervous about singing and being heard. There are lots of ways we do this already – fliers and performances in the local area, social media, collaborations, extra workshops and opportunities where members can bring friends and family, and more. However keeping a continuous flow of new people trying out and joining our different clubs is likely always to be the biggest challenge and we’ll always be looking for new and creative ways to spread the word!
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The pros are huge. We get to do something we love on a daily basis and we get to work together – we have a long-term friendship and we’ve sung and worked together on projects over many years. There is a huge amount of trust and respect between us and it’s a great privilege and source of fun to bounce off each other as we develop Crib Notes Choir.
We always end up spending more time than perhaps we should on the business, but that is also often joyful – it’s the communication with members, being able to go the extra mile to help someone find their voice and enjoy singing, provide a space for connection and support when things are tough, and spend an hour after rehearsal chatting over coffee.
Choir leading can be quite lonely and isolating, as can running your own business, and the connection we have with each other, with Holly – who runs our social media – and with our members is important and nourishing for us as well as them.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
In the short term, we would like to open another club, so we have one running each weekday, giving members more options of where to come each week, and also options for continuing with Crib Notes Choir when they go back to work.
In the longer term we’d love Crib Notes Choir to become London-wide and beyond. Watch this space!
Visit the Crib Notes Choir website to find out more, and connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
