This is our new regular OUT OF THE BOX feature where we give suggestions on different things to try.

If you have tried something unusual or different, tell us all about it - and send in a photograph as well if you can – so that we can share your experiences with others.

Email: outofthebox@laterlife.com

OUT OF THE BOX – TRY SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

THIS MONTH - KARAOKE

Myth – you have to be young and know the latest music to join in karaoke!

Wrong! Karaoke can be fun for all ages and all the favourite songs from the 60s and earlier are often included in regular public sessions. Some clubs and pubs today specialise in karaoke for older people and others often have the widest range of songs to choose from.

Singing is also very good for your health and general wellbeing. So next time you see a karaoke session advertised, instead of walking by, why not walk in? Karaoke can provide top entertainment and after a while you might even feel confident enough to join in yourself.

The word karaoke comes from Japan where the equipment was first developed. The Japanese word Kara means empty and okesutora means orchestra. Modern equipment is easy and efficient with excellent quality. It plays out the backing music to the song you have chosen and the words come up on a clear video screen. As the music plays, the actual word or phrase that should be sung against that music is highlighted with a moving symbol or by changing colours.

The musical backing to the song is started and you sing along with a microphone, usually attached to a public address system so that the audience can hear. It usually helps if you know the song quite well and of course, if you have good rhythm and timing, that will help enormously.

The first time you have a go will seem strange, especially if you have never held a microphone or read words off a screen before. Beginners often lose concentration as they listen to the backing rather than their own voice. But most audiences are sympathetic and very encouraging when things go wrong, and most karaoke sessions are run by a professional who will ensure you don’t make a complete fool of yourself.

Often the organisers are professional singers, and if you are hesitant but would like to try, talk to them and they will often sing alongside you until you have your confidence.

An important aspect is to pick a tune you know and one with which you feel comfortable with. It also needs to be in your range; choosing a song that has a number of high notes you simply can’t reach will spoil the flow of the song and put you off your stride – to say nothing of disappointing the audience! However, the key can often be adjusted to suit your voice; again speak to the organiser.

Faster tempo songs can be easier to start with, they hide mistakes better and are also more entertaining for the audience.

A lot of people now have their own karaoke systems at home to practice on. You can buy them ready made – they start from around £40 upwards and are stocked at a wide range of stores. Practicing in your own home will give you enormous confidence.

Some enthusiasts saying performing in public brings amazing rewards and is a tremendous confidence booster; having sung a song well and seeing an audience tapping their feet and enjoying the music is really exciting. Once your confidence grows, you can start putting your own interpretations on various songs rather than simply copying the original singer. Some karaoke singers become quite famous in their region with signature songs and individual gimmicks.

Karaoke was never meant to be professional entertainment. It is all about fun and enjoyment, and whatever your level of talent, you can be sure that everyone will give you a big round of applause for making the effort of getting up there and trying!

There are some websites you can use to find karaoke venues near you, but often word of mouth in your local area should keep you informed of what Karaoke nights are around.

www.karaokeinfo.co.uk provides a venue search of over 1000 karaoke venues around the UK. The site also has articles and FAQs about karaoke (aimed at all levels - from first time singers to regulars to professionals).

www.pubsingers.com also provides a venue search and additional information.

 

laterlife interest

The above article is part of the features section of laterlife.com called laterlife interest. laterlife interest contains a variety of articles of interest for visitors to laterlife.com written by a number of experienced and new journalists.

It includes both one off articles and also associated regular columns of a more specialist nature such as Healthwise, Talkback, Gardener's Diary, and a beauty section called Looking good in later life.

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