SHARJAH, UAE — 20 November 2025
SPAA students participated in the specialised workshop “How to Get the Best Out of Your Choir – Workshop for Choir Directors,” led by acclaimed choral director Rob Johnston.
The dynamic, hands-on session focused on practical tools for choir directors, including effective warm-ups, vocal techniques to protect young voices, and strategies for strengthening harmonies through expressive conducting and clear body language.
SPAA’s singers, under the direction of MT4 student Amjad Ammar, were the featured choir working directly with Rob Johnston. The workshop provided an invaluable learning experience for Amjad, who received personalised coaching to refine his conducting technique. He was also praised for his impressive four-part a cappella arrangement of the Emirati National Anthem, performed during the session.
Choir Members:
Alesar Masoud, Violla Shalgin, Ghalia Jomaa, Chantal Sedhom, Mariam Bayoumy, Madonna Wael, Shady Wasef, Samy Abou Aly, Rafi Shalgin, Mahmoud Adelati, Mohammed Gouda, Joanna Jacob and Ilia Molazimhosseini.
Faculty and Guests in Attendance:
Dr Kathleen Bell, Yara Hassan, Aminetou Soumari
