Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
With words by young poet Bella Ergorov, Stephanie Gilks’ ‘Notes to a Singer’ is her first composition for choir, following up on a long experience as a choral singer, classroom and piano teacher. The short piece gives advice to singers as they prepare to express themselves through song!
When you want to sing your heart out
There are steps you need to take:
Drink some water, clear your throat
Pick the song you like the most
Check your lyrics, check your flow
Grab your heart and let it flow
Puff your chest
Show your teeth
Give yourself some room to breathe
Make sure you shine like a diamond ring
Adjust yourself
Go out and sing.
Performed by the Jubilate Singers, conductor Philip Norman, at The Piano, 24 August 2025.
Audio recorded by Alex van den Broek. Filmed and edited by Chris Watson for SOUNZ. Film funded by NZ On Air.
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Learn more about the composers and performers of music from Aotearoa New Zealand on our website (sounz.org.nz), or by following us on Facebook (@SOUNZnz), Instagram (@sounz_nz), or TikTok (@sounz_nz).
#nzmusic
With words by young poet Bella Ergorov, Stephanie Gilks’ ‘Notes to a Singer’ is her first composition for choir, following up on a long experience as a choral singer, classroom and piano teacher. The short piece gives advice to singers as they prepare to express themselves through song!
When you want to sing your heart out
There are steps you need to take:
Drink some water, clear your throat
Pick the song you like the most
Check your lyrics, check your flow
Grab your heart and let it flow
Puff your chest
Show your teeth
Give yourself some room to breathe
Make sure you shine like a diamond ring
Adjust yourself
Go out and sing.
Performed by the Jubilate Singers, conductor Philip Norman, at The Piano, 24 August 2025.
Audio recorded by Alex van den Broek. Filmed and edited by Chris Watson for SOUNZ. Film funded by NZ On Air.
--
Learn more about the composers and performers of music from Aotearoa New Zealand on our website (sounz.org.nz), or by following us on Facebook (@SOUNZnz), Instagram (@sounz_nz), or TikTok (@sounz_nz).
#nzmusic
