"A big thank-you to you all, I didn`t know at the time of joining what it would really mean to me and my family. Our youngest son Jonathan died at the age of 11 on the 11th May 1996 and for a long time I didn`t sing..... none of us did.

When I first joined in Feb 07 I was scared but excited! I went to every rehearsal and practiced around the house so when my husband and family attended the concert on the 12th of May (the day after Jon`s 11th anniversary) we all sang for him!

I have rejoined the workshop and I am looking forward to our concert in December at the Dome. I have already fallen in love with the song `Hear me when I cry my Father, hear me when I cry`. He did....."
Susan Clements, BGG Choir, Brighton

"You'll all be pleased to hear that the last two choir practices have been great - a different group of young people. They have a new motivation, they move, they are singing out, the lads are more enthusiastic and we've been working on some three part stuff!! A breakthrough in so many ways!"
Anne Richards
St Michael's Church, Hull

"What has mesmerised us, beyond the fabulous music, has been watching Karen's skill in nurturing the confidence of each and every singer. Her speech a few weeks back encouraging them to have a go at things and not letting what others think stop them, was inspirational."
Karen Head,
Choir member parent
SING IT Youth Gospel Choir, Southampton

"I thought the day was extremely successful and everything we hoped for [and more!!] .. you all were great!! and you were an inspiration to all . what you gave them was the means to approach Gospel music in a true and real way.. I believe in learning by doing ... and that was accomplished at the highest level -- YOU ARE THE BEST -- keep doing it!!"
Therees Hibbard
Course Convener, MA Choral Education
Roehampton University

"Just wanted to let you know that you were all spectacular..!
Everyone is talking about the singing at the end.and their confidence and attitude seems to be very different.
Please thank everyone for making such an effort - it will be remembered for a long time to come."
Paul Griffiths
Managing Director,
BAA, Gatwick Airport

"The pupils had a fantastic time and learnt so much from your expertise and guidance. The eager beavers at the end particularly wanted me to thank you for all your hard work and sheer enjoyment of the day. Younger members of the school were quite jealous and are looking forward to their opportunity."
Pam Ermisz
Head of Music Dept
Wildern Secondary School
Southampton

"I just want to say another huge thank you to for coming into the school today. The children loved it so much . the loveliest thing was leaving the school tonight and hearing a group of children singing one of the songs, belting it out in the street sat on a wall reading from the song sheet. You were wonderful with the children and I'm so glad they and the grown-ups got the chance to be inspired by you."
Laura Middleton
Workshop Facilitator,
Paxton Primary School

"Dear Karen - thank you so much for the fantastic IOE Gospel workshop yesterday. The girls and I left on cloud nine. [They] all loved the day and can't stop talking about it..."
Rachel Platt,
Teacher
Grey Coat Girls Hospital School

"Setting up my own business has been one reason why I have been enjoying life so much over the past few years. But it is no small significance that singing Gospel has inspired me with vigour, courage and dynamism to effect positive change in my life. Karen, I must thank you for for being a part of that inspiration."
Edi Mandala (Brighton Goes Gospel)

Some Other Comments:

"The workshop leaders were superb and their experience carried through to me. The singing was terrific - I would love to continue Gospel singing.."

"Enthusiastic teaching with discipline. Really good teaching for soloists.
Karen has been an inspiration - her musicality, energy and faith in us and
communication has made this workshop 100% more enjoyable for me. Thank-you."

"It was just a great day to try out anything! I had kids who are great with
singing and others who are not so keen, but they all really enjoyed it and
want to do more!"

"This has given me the courage to start gospel singing with my choir -
something I've long wanted to do, but haven't!"

"Really great. I enjoyed Karen's style and I feel like I developed my
abilities!!"

"It was a great day and I secretly love the teachers who are undeniably
brilliant at what they do and teaching it."