Having worked as part of the Young Voices family for so many years John Denby and Jan Goodwin of Sound and Light Productions sometimes feel that their Aunties, Uncles, Cousins and Nephews at Young Voices are as real (and sometimes just as annoying) as their actual relations.

And just like real families they all want the best for each other and that of course includes the many thousands of children and teachers that come along to join the clan and participate in and enjoy the wonderful Young Voices concerts each year.

The contribution that Sound and Light Productions makes to each tour takes place over many, many months. As well as organising all of the technical equipment, crew and logstics for each show they also make important input into the planning of the artistic content, the arrangements with the venues and the scheduling of rehearsals and concerts in the vital pre-production period, From early in the morning on the day of a concert when they arrive to check that all their plans are correct and in place for the construction of the concert equipment their feet never touch the ground.

Later in the day you will find them backstage busy organising the dressing rooms and catering for the performers and technicians, checking that the artists have arrived and that

the guest lists and pass systems are in place and that everything is ready for the arrival of the Young Voices choirs. Then they have to make sure that Uncle David is on his conductor’s podium and Cousin Craig has his marvelous musicians on stage so that rehearsals can begin.

They don’t even get a rest during the evening as they are then stage managing and show-calling the entire concert, Later, after the show has finished they will then probably have to supervise taking all the equipment down prior to moving on to the next city.

But despite everything John and Jan continue to really look forward to their time with their friends and “relations” in Young Voices. Indeed, as long as the children keep wanting to come along and sing they will be there to make sure that everything is in place and perfect for each Young Voices show.