Chorister Profile - Jeremy Saywell
Posted: October 12, 2017
As part of our ongoing Chorister Profile series, we have interviewed talented baritone Jeremy Saywell, who has recently been engaged as a Principal Artist in the professional ensemble Vocal Manoeuvres.
Jeremy completed his secondary studies, achieving Senior Vocalist of the Year for 3 consecutive years from 2014 to 2016 and completed his Trinity College London Grade 8 singing examination in 2016. Jeremy has grown from a reticent performer to a professional vocalist, performing as a featured vocalist in Creative Generation State Schools Onstage in 2015 and 2016 which culminated in a crowd-pleasing solo performance of “Come Fly with Me” with the James Morrison Big Band.
Jeremy featured in the Brisbane Lord Mayors Christmas Carols televised on Channel 9 and Sirromet Carols by Candlelight in 2016 under the musical direction of John Foreman. Jeremy toured Singapore in 2015 & 2016 performing at the Esplanade Concert Hall and most recently attended The King's Singer's Summer School 2017 in the UK. He has also performed at many local charity and fundraising events.
Jeremy is a chorister within the Vocal Manoeuvres Academy under the guidance of Alison Rogers and has recently been engaged as a Principal Artist in the professional ensemble, Vocal Manoeuvres.
We asked Jeremy about some of his recent achievements and experiences so far...
How long have you been singing for? Have you always loved to sing, or did you discover it later?
I've been singing for just over 3 years. I definitely discovered my passion for singing and music later. Despite being in choir through early school and playing the Saxophone, I couldn't stand music!
What is your favourite style of music?
Trying to decide a favourite is very difficult because I love so many genres, if I had to choose one for singing, it would either be old-style Jazz or Classical.
This year was your first year as a CGEN Alumni singer - how did it feel to transition from student to alumni?
Performing in CGen as part of the Alumni really opened my eyes to how great the aspects of the show really are and how much you don't see as a student. It was amazing to be there to now focus on making a difference in the lives of students and being there to support them. After being in the show as a student and having that support, it's great to come back and then become the support for the next generation of kids.
How did you enjoy the King’s Singers Summer School - what were the highlights for you?
The King's Singer's Summer School was truly an eye opening experience, I enjoyed it immensely. The highlights for me were really getting to work 1 on 1 with each of the gentlemen and how much value they add to each singer. Performing at Saint George's Cathedral was definitely a distinctive highlight, such a moving experience. It was also great to not only work with the King's Singer's but also learn from fellow participants in their own experiences and knowledge.
You’ve recently been engaged as a Principal Artist in the professional ensemble Vocal Manoeuvres, what are the challenges of moving from the VM Academy ensembles to a modern, professional ensemble like Vocal Manoeuvres? Has it been a change of pace? How have you found it different?
Making the change from VMA to Vocal Manoeuvres has definitely been amazing and an exciting change. It's been interesting to adapt to the smaller ensemble as it's much more exposed and despite being smaller, it becomes more intricate and difficult. I wouldn't say there have been challenges but more just shifts of thinking in regards to how we sing, decisions musically and especially how Alison works. In VMA, she is a teacher and an educator. Whereas in Vocal Manoeuvres she is a director and guides her vision through us. I am loving where Vocal Manoeuvres is and where it is going to go!
What do you like to do when you’re not singing?
In my spare time I like to spend quality time with friends and family and other times am usually stuck into films and cooking, but through most of my spare time I am always listening to music!
Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Jeremy!