Thanks to the St John’s Opportunities Fund, Isabelle Evans joined Durham Dynamics to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She writes about the challenges and growth of live a cappella performance and the unforgettable experience shared with her team.
In summer, I was given the opportunity to go with Durham Dynamics to perform at the annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Each night for a week, we showcased our set, which ranged from Bruno Mars to Kate Bush, all following a busy day of flyering up and down the Mile. Fringe is known for its eclectic mix of shows, so this was the perfect space to bring our a cappella vision to life.
The benefits from this experience were extensive. The prospect of a live show has always been daunting to me, especially in a cappella, where we rely purely on our voices. However, with each passing night, I could feel myself becoming more confident, learning to embrace the chaotic energy of live performance. This is something I can transfer not only to music and theatre but also to wider life.
The experience was made by the people I went with, and I am genuinely grateful for the two weeks we spent together: our first week of chaotic rehearsals in Durham, learning choreography and music, and the second week in and around Fringe.
Performing with Durham Dynamics was an unforgettable experience, and one I will never take for granted.
Photo Credit: Isabelle Evans
John's Chronicle 