Ross Browning

Ross remembers song and singing as being an important part of his life from childhood. His father would sing to him and his siblings, and singing was a part of primary school that he enjoyed. As a ten year old, he started singing in school choirs.

As an adult, this carried on, until ten years ago he joined the Napier Gospel Choir under the leadership of Tony and Marianne Backhouse.

After Marianne’s death, when Tony decided to leave Napier, Ross became the Conductor.

This lead to Ross realizing his passion for bringing people together with song. His focus since then has been a cappella singing in four or five parts, mostly drawing on songs from the African-American

Gospel tradition, with more songs coming from Africa and from other genres.

Ross has always been drawn to spiritual and personal growth movements, and recognizes that singing together creates a strong community bond. Individuals benefit through singing, on a physical, mental and spiritual level. This is created by the act of singing itself, and the harmonies they make. The singers experience a connection with one another and with the co-created song. And the singing as a group feeds back in to the wellness of the individual.

Circles are created on many levels, and this is mirrored in the circle that my choirs stand in to sing.