We all have an integral sense of voice being the bridge of art and science and this study day certainly delivered on both counts. From the comprehensive medical talks of Dr John Costello (Respiratory physician) and Mr Ed Blake (physiotherapist) to the artistic exploration of the singing voice with Janice Chapman and imaginative use of breath with Jane Boston.
Suzanne Parke announced that her vocal warm-up which kicked off the proceedings on the morning of Saturday 5th September could be done ‘in the shower, car or on public transport’. Stretching, shaking and shoulder-rolling could cause commuters (or fellow showerers) to dodge or possibly join in.
Our Spring Study Day with Meribeth Dayme was a rich feast indeed giving VCN members an opportunity to benefit from Meribeth’s vast wealth of knowledge and practical experience. She began the day by telling us that our education system is full of “old wives tales”, especially those associated with the voice.
There were over 30 Papers presented over the 2 very full days, from a range of UK and International specialists. Individual morning and afternoon sessions were chaired by well known and much respected people - John Rubin and Jan Svec, as well as Dr.Ruth Epstein and Philippa Ratcliffe from The Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital.
VCN were strongly represented at the first international Occupational Voice Symposium held in London and organised through the Speech and Language Department of the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital in Grays Inn Road and University College London (UCL). The inspiration behind the Symposium was Dr Ruth Epstein, Head of Speech and Language Therapy Services at the Royal.
The Bristol ASM got off to an impressive and active start on the Saturday morning with an Interactive Workshop on ’Physical Presence’ led by Pete Bailie, voice specialist at the Bristol Old Vic School. The activities began with walking in a circle, then ‘as if observed’: what difference did that make?
The ‘Sound Sense for Learning’ Study Day on 26 April was an enjoyable and enlightening day for me. This was only the second study day I have been able to get to since joining the VCN a few years ago. The venue was easily accessible and the format of the day had variety and interest throughout.
Our Spring Study Day with Meribeth Dayme was a rich feast indeed giving VCN members an opportunity to benefit from Meribeth’s vast wealth of knowledge and practical experience. She began the day by telling us that our education system is full of “old wives tales”, especially those associated with the voice.
There were over 30 Papers presented over the 2 very full days, from a range of UK and International specialists. Individual morning and afternoon sessions were chaired by well known and much respected people - John Rubin and Jan Svec, as well as Dr.Ruth Epstein and Philippa Ratcliffe from The Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital.
The inspiration behind the Symposium was Dr Ruth Epstein, Head of Speech and Language Therapy Services at the Royal. 
