Behind the scenes in making Scotland People’s Orchestra and Show Choir Tour a success

The latest People’s Orchestra(TPO) and Show Choir tour to Scotland left members feeling rejuvenated but a lot of effort went into it running so smoothly. Here’s a look at what went on behind the scenes to make it success, which may come in handy for other local groups when it’s their turn to host a TPO and TPSC mass get-together.

Black Isle branch of The People’s Show Choir(TPSC) in the Scottish Highlands hosted the tour while working closely with Chris Weber, who was the Tour Manager and is based at the West Bromwich TPO head office. Ula Weber, who is Choral Development Manager at TPO and leads the Black Isle choir singers, explained the level of preparations that were involved, which may surprise many members.

“We started planning the tour over 18 months ago as it takes a long time to put together such an event,” said Ula.

“Chris Weber was the tour manager, so he sorted out the major things including travel and accommodation. Our Black Isle choir had the nicer job of looking after the events.”

Those events took place during the Scottish Tour from Saturday May 24 to Tuesday May 27 over Bank Holiday when two coaches headed up to Inverness from Birmingham on a 10-hour, 447 mile trip. It saw 196 singers from across 20 community choirs along with 16 musicians come together for the memorable occasion.

“We wanted to give everyone an authentic Scottish experience,” explained Ula. “So, in just two days we packed in a trip to a castle on Loch Ness, a concert in Inverness Cathedral, singing in Ullapool Harbour and a fun Ceilidh Supper.”

Along with organising Scottish parts of the itinerary, the Black Isle choir was busy rehearsing a beautiful Scottish folksong, which they sang as part of the main concert.

“On the whole, everything went to plan,” added Ula. “We couldn’t have asked for it to go any better.

“We had a wee bit of stress on the night of the Ceilidh when we turned up to the venue with enough soup to feed 180 people, only to find that the cookers weren’t working.

“Thankfully, an urgent call went out to members – thank goodness for WhatsApp! – and we ended up with camping stoves and plug-in hobs all over the kitchen.”

When it comes to offering advice to other show choirs and orchestras about organising similar events, Ula has wise words.

“Get a group of helpers and create a spreadsheet,” advised Ula. “The more detailed, the better.

“The Ceilidh was a complicated event to put on, so it was important to know exactly who was doing what, from big things like liaising with the venue and band to small stuff like who was bringing ladles and chopping boards.

“Doing a reccie of the venues is essential to visualise where everyone and everything will go. Again, a list is very handy so you don’t forget to consider things like a green room, easy access, lighting for the musicians, etc… Oh, and always have a Plan B.”

Ula added: “I’ve got a fabulous team of helpers who call themselves The BISCettes – Black Isle Show Choir-ettes. The tour wouldn’t have been the success it had been without them.

“I love a spreadsheet, so we created a list of jobs and got on with it.

“You never know what talent you’ve got in your choir, beyond the actual singing. People are always willing to help if they know they can offer a specific skill.

“It’s easier to manage a complex event if you can assign specific jobs to specific people, otherwise it feels like an overwhelming and daunting task.”

Planning for the next international TPO and TPSC tour to Gdańsk in Poland in 2026 is already under way by Chris Weber. Look out for updates soon.