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The choir wanted to give the group:
Fresh musical energy
Deeper expressive singing
Time to reconnect as an ensemble
What they didn’t want was a conventional choir course.
They were looking for something serious enough to develop musically — but uplifting and enjoyable at the same time.
Thirty-six singers travelled to southern Spain for a five-day Sing Eat Retreat.
Each day balanced focused musical work with time to relax, explore the landscape and enjoy being together outside the rehearsal room.
The musical programme was led by West End musical theatre professionals, working in close collaboration with the choir’s own leadership to support the choir’s artistic goals.
Together they explored:
Vocal technique
Expressive storytelling in music
Ensemble balance and blend
Performance confidence
There were also smaller sectional sessions and coaching, allowing singers to explore their voices in more depth.
Despite several hours of singing each day, the experience never felt heavy.
“We worked hard — really hard — but it never felt tiring.
It was energising.”
The real change came midweek.
As the singers relaxed into the environment and coaching style, something shifted in the ensemble sound.
Voices became freer.
Phrases became more expressive.
The choir began singing with greater emotional connection.
“Suddenly we weren’t just singing the notes anymore —we were telling the story.”
The retreat concluded with a relaxed public concert for locals.
There was confidence, connection and joy.
“It felt like we were singing together again.”
By the end of the week the Duffers & Gruffers Choir reported stronger vocal confidence, improved ensemble blend and a renewed musical energy. But the biggest change was emotional.
“It re-ignited the joy of singing.”
Since returning to the UK, the impact has continued. The choir has embraced more expressive repertoire, rehearsals feel more relaxed and energised, and members describe the group as “better and happier” — a powerful shift for a choir that had been together for more than two decades.
Several elements made the difference: collaborative musical leadership from the SER coaches, time together beyond the rehearsal room that strengthened the choir’s sense of community, and a carefully curated programme working towards a final performance that gave the week focus and momentum.
Many choirs reach a point where they want to refresh their sound, reconnect as an ensemble, and give members a meaningful shared experience.
Sing Eat Retreat designs private, fully tailored retreats for UK choirs, supporting and enhancing the work choir directors already do. We collaborate closely with each ensemble to create a programme that fits its repertoire, goals and singers — whether classical or contemporary.
If you would like to explore what a retreat might look like for your choir, we would be delighted to talk.
