Do Sing: Reclaim Your Voice: Find Your Singing Tribe

by James Sills

When you sing, group singing creates deep human connections and benefits our wellbeing. And it's fun.

Vocal leader James Sills believes that group singing has the power to change lives. It is a joyful expression of our humanity that gives us purpose, encourages us to be fully present, and helps foster social bonds. In Do Sing, James invites us to reflect on our own singing journey and asks: was there a time when you stopped singing or were told you couldn't sing? Do certain songs trigger happy memories? With exercises to help unlock your voice, improve breathing, release tension, and a few simple songs to get you started, Do Sing will help you to overcome (often deep-rooted) inhibitions and reawaken a love of singing.

Do Sing is a welcome remedy to the demands of modern life – and an invitation to experience the joy of group singing for yourself.

James Sills is a musician and vocal leader with a passion for bringing people together to sing. He runs weekly open-access choirs and delivers workshops across the UK and at Creative Mornings in the US, with an emphasis on fun and inclusivity. Over the last decade he has led thousands of people in song in festivals, workplaces, schools, cathedrals and pubs. In his local town of Wrexham, James runs the One Love Choir which is the first homeless choir in Wales. It supports those who have experienced homelessness, addiction and mental health issues. He runs the festival choir at The Good Life Experience in North Wales, and is a member of the all-male a capella troupe The Spooky Men’s Chorale, with whom he has performed at festivals around the world. James is also part of the Rough Island Band, a contemporary folk quartet based in the Isles of Scilly. He lives in the hills of North Wales with his young family and vinyl collection.

Genres: Nonfiction, Music, Audiobook, Self Help

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2019

Reviews

[Shona · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sad book to read when group singing is very much not allowed no matter what level of Covid restrictions we're at! Nice tips on finding a choir, and good breathing and warm up exercises.

[Kehira · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light read, super inspiring. I read this as a singer studying in a musical academy who still struggles with singing in front of other people. While reading it I discovered it could be super useful to non-singing people, encouraging them to try new things, underlining the importance of music and the concept of 'being part of something greater'.

I'm generally skeptical about inspirational books or life style books because they're always claiming to have the solution to everything and that their methods or advices are the best. This is not the case of this book. The author talks about their experience, explaining their reasons, while also giving you many choices for you to experience.

Great point to start for sure. Loved the exercise about thinking about all the moments in which music was fundamental in making core memories and the idea to put it in a video.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been wanting to return to singing for a long, long time, but I don't want to sing in church. This book gave me wonderful ideas for how I can do that (once, of course, this pandemic is over).

[bookinglibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

When someone can lead a holiday sing-along on zoom, which James Sills did on A Drink with the Idler in December 2021, you know they're a talented vocal leader. For singers or those aspiring to sing, Sills' humor and insights providing inspiration. Along with this book, check out Co-Vo community vocalizing - fun & free online weekly half-hour vocal warm-ups led by the incomparable San Francisco-based teacher and singer, Julia Nielsen. Learn more at https://www.co-vo.com/

[houcanitbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. This past year/few months Ive been walking back to singing again and this book helped me build confidence, have clarity, and support in coming back to singing. I definitely want to read this again in thw future to digest the advice and encouragement again🤎. Thank you James Sills.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, expected nothing less knowing James through Sofa Singers. The book really emphasises how I feel after singing with everyone each week. Can relate to the benefits both physically and mentally.

[Tamara Catlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful introduction for people wanting to get into singing.....

Now to find the best fit!

[Marie-Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

A full throated hymn to the joys and benefits of singing together.

[Girette (Jett) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super easy to understand and put into practice! A wonderful book that reminds you to KEEP SINGING!! 4.75 stars.