‘I took the book, ‘One Note at a Time’ and it was the best decision ever.
I read the book every night before I go to bed. Sometimes, I re-read the chapters just to revisit how I reacted to it initially and remind myself of what life is all about.
This book has changed the way I look at life. Every instance reminds me of the things I learnt in the book. I still haven’t finished reading the book, but I also don’t want the book to end
One Note at a Time helped me look at life through a chorist/musician/Singer lens. I read each line in those chapters with joy and end up smiling or feeling extremely grateful in the end. That’s how much this book has changed the way I look at life, at myself, at others, my work and most importantly, my passion. For once, I was able to relate as a chorister and a soloist and appreciate life as it is.
Thank you for sharing this book with us! I can’t wait to continue reading.’

Dinah Thomas, Soloist with the Madras Musical Assocaition.

 

 

‘Robert Clements draws beautifully on a lifetime of choral experience and offers far

more than a book on singing.

One Note at a Time is a thoughtful reflection on how the lessons learned in a choir can

become the lessons that shape a meaningful life. His writing reminds us that listening,

patience, humility, discipline, and harmony are not merely musical ideas; they are the

qualities that enable people and communities to flourish.

The author reminds us that life is  how, each step, each choice, each person contributes to a greater whole.

It is a book that will leave you listening more carefully—to music, to others, and perhaps

even to the quiet rhythm of your own life. May it inspire you to find your own place in

life’s great chorus.’

Dr Kalyan Theophilus Subrahmanyam.

Musical- Arranger, Conductor in India-MMA, EMC, Male Voice ensemble, The Gatt, Conductor in Bahrain- National Evangelical church choir, Conductor in Canada- River Oaks Church choir.

 

 

‘Bob’s book on singing is authentic – the deep yet entertaining story of his humble start as a singer, whose growing skills help him move on to achieve great things. But the book is not really about Bob; he uses himself as an example to illustrate the power of singing. He tells us plainly that there is no other activity that brings people together in harmony, not just the musical kind, but a harmony of human beings who create something that can never be created without other people. All cultures have versions of this uniting of voices to experience transcendence, a transcendence that can propel both singer and listener to another place and leave behind stress and pain. However, getting to that level requires hard work, not just of learning the music, but of subjugating one’s voice in order to blend with others, to listen in order to sing. All singing brings joy, whatever the context, because it unites hearts in common purpose. Bob’s book is a call to all of us to give singing a try, at home, in church, on a sports team, or in a community. Believe me, the rewards are beyond measure.’

Vijendran Satyaraj

Singer with the Oregon Repertory Singers, Portland, Oregon, USA

 

 

 

‘It gives me immense pleasure to write this note on “One note at a time”. This book is one of its kind by an Indian author on a niche subject -Choral singing. Bobby Clements is an established and celebrated writer and this book, a brilliant one, on the nuances of choral music, amplifies the lessons we learn in music and for life itself.

For people like me who have spent as many years in choral music as Bobby, it’s a nostalgic recollection of our experiences in various choirs (including the choir both of us sang, in Madras) and can boldly affirm that all of us were in similar situations one time or the other and Bobby has very vividly captured them all.

For the gen-next it’s an invitation to choral singing. At a time when people are lonely and glued to gadgets, this book is an open invitation to choral singing.

A singer in the choir can identify himself or herself with that “one note”.

The note being the root, the 3rd or the 5th is needed for harmony that is vertical. A 7th or a 4th adds colour, as one unessential to harmony, it serves the purpose as a passing note, an auxiliary, a suspension or anticipation.

The one note being a quaver or a minim on the down beat or the up, or after a rest or in syncopation, plays its part in the rhythmic cycle.

It being a high note, or a low one in pitch, it forms a part of a scale or arpeggio and is vital to the melody which is horizontal.

Like that ONE note, every chorister is essential to a choir. So get inspired and keep on singing!’

Augustine Paul M.A., L Mus TCL, FRSL.

Music Director of The Madras Musical Association

Founder director of Octet Cantabile and Chromatics

Faculty, Aspire Music Conservatory, Chennai

 

 

 

‘This is just by way of saying, that although my rate of consumption is extraordinarily slow, I am enjoying this book thoroughly. I’ve just finished the first choir rehearsal and you describe the feeling so aptly that it excites me for my next rehearsal.’
Joshua Slater, Resident Conductor at New Orleans Opera

 

 

 

“For over thirty years, I stood beside Bobby in the second bass section of the Paranjoti Choir. We learnt to understand each other’s moods through music, shared the discipline of rehearsals and the joy of singing together across the world. Bobby brought a writer’s eye to the human relationships that make a choir more than a collection of voices. Since One Note at a Time carries that same warmth and love of choral life, it will be a pleasure for singers and readers alike.”

— Vispi Unwala, Fellow member of the Paranjoti Academy Chorus

 

 

Hey Robert
I’m loving your book. Every word in it is absolute truth about choir life!
Petra Misquitta Music Director: Rising Voices

 

 

‘Bobby …I am only on page 34 of your book and I am already bowled over by the writing, the thought process,  the humour, the capture of our exact sentiments being in the choir and a gentle peek into all our experiences going into and being part of a choir!!! Can’t wait to get to the rest of the book but I had to share this!! Such delightful reading!!! Thank you for sharing your book so generously.’
Fiona Miranda, Chorister with the Paranjoti Academy Chorus

 

 

‘I’m reading One Note at a Time.. and just loving it! Very insightful.. and enjoying your writing style and subtle humour!!
Royston Fernandes PAC member

 

 

‘Your words bring back the very feelings and experiences I had as a new entrant, discovering not just the magic of choral music but also the beautiful sense of belonging it brings.
Music truly is a universal language that has held us all together through countless rehearsals and performances. So many special moments in my life have been shaped and enriched by choral music. It has this wonderful ability to take you away from the stresses of everyday life, help you rewind, recharge and return to face the world with renewed strength and positivity. And somehow, it all begins with singing One Note at a Time!
Very well penned, Bob! The further I read, the more I find myself relating to your nuggets through my own personal experiences and the many special moments we have shared along this wonderful musical journey.
Thank you for bringing so many memories alive.
Choral music doesn’t just teach us to sing together; it teaches us to live together, one note at a time.
Rusi Shroff: Tenor Singer with the Paranjoti Academy Chorus

 

 

‘A family member noticed a smile on my face and glint in my eye and asked, “what’s that you are reading? Seem to be enjoying it” Showed the cover of the book and said: Indeed I am enjoying reading it, each word at a time Superbly written Bob and I am just on page 48. So many gems, yet to be read. Thanks dear friend for sharing your gift.’
Agnelo Fernades. Bass with the Paranjoti