Choir in a Week

Choir in a week will be led by  Pip Wright (Kana Kernow) a singing leader, teacher and community musician based in West Cornwall & Jane Harris, choir leader, singer and Director of Songways from Bath.   

"Truly extraordinary complementary double act of leaders”  

“Pip and Jane worked so well together as leaders and embraced all voices with their enthusiasm to give such a rewarding week of singing.” 

Pip and Jane have co-led this course at Falmouth since summer 2025 as well as leading successful singing events at venues such as Halsway Manor, Buckfast Abbey and other beautiful venues for over 5 years. They both compose for choirs, play the fiddle, love collaborating and have a special musical bond. They bring inclusive joy and a rich breadth and depth of experience to all their teaching and music-making.  

“Their styles really complemented each other.. so clear and encouraging” 

“Pip and Jane rapidly got the best out of the group. Loved the songs” 

In this course, Pip and Jane will both work with the choir at all times, each taking the lead on different songs and supporting different vocal parts. This partnership provides singers will a well-held, dynamic and satisfying learning experience. Songs will be taught by ear with scores provided as appropriate to the different styles of music. Background information on the songs as well as vocal technique and tips will be integrated into the teaching.  

“Excellent.. always encouraging and affirming. I felt nicely stretched!”  

“As an FE English Lecturer myself, I can give Pip & Jane ‘outstanding’ in every way. Their style is humorous, firm and patient. Sessions are varied and very creative” 

New for 2026, you’ll also have the chance to sing in Falmouth University’s music studio using our new immersive audio system. During two optional afternoon workshops we’ll experiment with immersive singing using spatial audio in our state-of-the-art facilities, taught by Pip and Jane and supported by our technical team at AMATA. These workshops will be playful, immersive experiences where you can sing and also be the audience.  

“Thank you for a super week!” 

“This was the best course I’ve ever attended in many ways” 

“Excellent – I loved it! Loved it!” 

This is an outline of what to expect and is subject to change. There will also be plenty of time to socialise and get to know fellow singers.  

Day 1 

The course starts at 9.30 each day with tea / coffee and arrivals at AMATA, followed by our first singing session at 10am. We’ll sing all morning with a break for coffee and cake. After lunch, we’ll have the first optional singing session in our new immersive audio studio (or free time). Free time in the evening, with an option to sign up to go for supper or drinks together in Falmouth for those who wish to get together.  

“Joyous singing.. inspired teaching” 

Day 2 

After tea/coffee and arrivals, we’ll be singing at AMATA again until lunchtime. After lunch, there will be an optional ‘Scratch band’ workshop – open to anyone who plays an instrument -  learning the easy tunes for our Nos Lowen in the evening (or free time). From 6pm we’ll have a shared supper and then a Nos Lowen with a caller.   

“The ceilidh, food, and drinks were fab!” 

Day 3 

Singing all morning following the same pattern as previous days. After lunch we’ll have the second optional singing session in our new immersive audio studio (or free time). Free time in the evening, with an option to sign up to go for supper or drinks together in Falmouth for those who wish to get together. 

“It’s hard to pick anything out that I enjoyed the most – all fabulous!” 

Day 4 

On Thursday we will travel to West Cornwall (with coach pick up from Falmouth University included) to firstly visit Geevor Tin Mine and then the St Just Miners Chapel. Geevor entry tickets are included together with a talk from the educational team at the mine; a tour of the above-ground buildings, and an optional tour of the tin mine or time to explore the spectacular coastal location. Excitingly, we’ll also have an opportunity to sing together at various locations at the mine.  

In the afternoon we will be taken the short distance to the St Just Miners’ Chapel for a singing workshop in its wonderful acoustic. Coach travel back to Falmouth University late afternoon. Free time in the evening, with an option to sign up to go for supper or drinks together in Falmouth for those who wish to get together. 

“I most enjoyed the Cornish songs and stories, insights into culture and places.” 

Day 5 

On our final day we will spend the morning singing following a similar pattern to previous days. After a morning break, the AMATA technical team will work with us to record the repertoire we’ve sung during the week so that you have a record of what you’ve learned to take away. Mp3 downloads of this recording will be available to you following the course. We will then have a late lunch together and a celebration to end the week. The course will finish at 3.00pm so that there is time to travel home. 

“What a joy it is to be able to listen again to all these wonderful songs and to be transported back to my time at Falmouth Uni.” 

“Outstanding – full marks!” 

“Exceptionally good!”