Introduction

The Journal of the Ernest George White Society - the official publication of the Society - is published once a year, usually in February. White's Technique (Sinus Tone Production) began more than 100 years ago at the end of the 19th Century. Today a Journal in honour of Ernest George White, its originator, is published well into the 21st Century - testament to the lasting appeal of White's Technique.

The journal contains members' contributions to share their experience and ideas and to record notable developments like the recognition in law of the Society as an educational charity in 1965 and performances like this among the events of 2007:

THE FLOW OF VOICE

A recital given by members of The Ernest George White Society at St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden, The Actors’ Church Saturday 6th October 2007.

Something new was tried last October. In living memory at least, it was the first time we had presented a recital or concert anywhere more mainstream than Bloomsbury Baptist Church. The setting was superb: a famous 17th century church designed by Inigo Jones, no less, right in the heart of London, next to Covent Garden Market. When, after much trouble (described in detail in the last issue), the venue was successfully arranged, it seemed an ideal location to attract a sizeable audience.

The aim was to present specially selected artists who had been trained using White’s Technique, in a judiciously balanced programme comprising professsionals, semi-professionals, and gifted amateurs. One or two of the latter are still studying White’s Technique as advanced students.

The recital was to take place in the afternoon. Unfortunately, Council members, arriving for their meeting in the morning, discovered that none of the posters sent to the church weeks in advance had been displayed. One member had a fraught time rushing round to put this right, but, of course, it was too late, and triggered a feeling of foreboding for the size of the audience we would see later. The foreboding proved justified. We didn’t attract the public in enough numbers, though some came in and stayed for the whole recital. The support of EGWS members, requested particularly for this public occasion, was, as usual, totally underwhelming, to say the least of it.

The programme consisted of sung and spoken repertoire, and featured solo singers and speakers and a small vocal ensemble, Quodlibet (an ancient title meaning in musical terms “What you will”). Except for one singer and one speaker, all the solo artists were female. This may be something of a sad sign of the times; and, though a number of items were sung unaccompanied, and everyone sang or spoke well, the predominately female cast provided barely enough contrast, however expertly the performers were placed in the programme order. Of course, more difference in vocal timbre was provided by the vocal quintet, which comprised a soprano, mezzo- soprano, counter-tenor, tenor and bass. Of these, four had received training in White’s Technique.

The afternoon’s programme was enjoyable, varied, and designed to offer something for almost everyone in the mix of audience we expected (see Journal Vol.6 No.11, for further details).

Editorial extract from (Volume 6 No. 11, 2007)

The Society owes warm thanks to our retiring editor, Stephen Cox, who has laboured on for nearly twenty years, spending his valuable time to bring out your Journal while earning a living jointly as a teacher of White’s Technique, a flute tutor, and a cathedral lay-clerk singing daily services. Therefore, thank you, Stephen. Enjoy your well-deserved rest.

There are obvious changes to the look and format of the Journal, and no doubt other changes lie ahead. In the shorter term, the intention is to try to include more articles that support our work and viewpoint, and some from elsewhere that seem to run parallel to our ideas.

More illustrations would enhance the impact of our publication. A letters page would be a useful forum, even though there must be a large delay before responses could appear. Of course, this means increased unpaid work for a few people; and that material for inclusion is required; so, please, everyone, do your bit by looking out for relevant articles and material for the next issue now.

What about those personal reminiscences and experiences, for example? Let’s have some humour, too! Start sending us what you find, typed, or—better still—by e-mail, or on a disc; or, if from some publication, photocopied with full details of the name and date of the publication, plus any permission needed to publish in the Journal. (The Journal editor himself cannot get into the business of writing off for any such permission.)

If the article is old, of course, it is likely that we would have no trouble reproducing it without express permission. We hope that this appeal will stir all you members and readers out there. If it doesn’t, the EGWS deserves what it gets in its magazine! Let’s hear from you.