Preparing for a Tour
As you might be aware, we are going on another tour soon. For most of us, we have the end of term to get through first, and many rehearsals on the side, followed by a whirlwind of last-minute packing!
Rehearsals for a tour are usually quite intensive; hours of practice for both music and choreography are the backbone of our stage show. We spend a lot of our weekends learning the order of songs, our positions, and also all our parts. We have booklets containing all this information, and sometimes a CD is issued to us so we can hear the songs and practice at home, to our parents’ dismay. I practice in the shower, and my parents show their appreciation by telling me to be quiet as they’re watching T.V.
Rehearsals can be fun for us boys, although I’m not sure what the adults think of us! We usually get quite a few breaks, as rehearsals can sometimes go on for the majority of the day. But by the time it comes to the actual tour, all our hard work should be visible on stage. And hopefully for you lot, the interval won’t last longer than the show!
The musical sides of rehearsals are normally us all sat around Rob, who is on the piano, just learning our parts and seeing how we all blend together. Our ethereal blend doesn’t come without a lot of concentration! We have to work really hard to get the balance of all the parts perfect, so when it comes to the live performances you get that perfect Libera sound.
The choreography is equally as important. This is a stage show, so it’s got to look interesting and exciting for the audience. We try to have fluid movement to keep up with the fluid vocals within our songs. We have to practice diligently; we even practice our moves blindfolded, so we become perfect at finding our places in the dark, in blackouts.
Of course, the lighting and back projection are important in our show, however we only get to see these in our dress rehearsals. We are always excited to see these elements of the show!
As I said, for some of us packing is always a bit last minute. We prepare diligently for the show, but maybe not so diligently whilst packing – even though we know weeks before that we are going on tour. We always find that all of us are always missing something on tour, from toothbrushes to T-shirts!
We all love going on tour. It is hard work, but a lot of fun. We can’t wait for this now; it’s only a week or so away!
« Canada Tour Blog – Finale
Dennis Schäfström
11th July 2011 at 1:34 pmReally cool to get an inside report on the preparations before a tour. Good luck in US (break a leg)
Jieun Hong
11th July 2011 at 1:59 pmYour effort will make brilliant and amazing stage in USA…
I wish I can see it in S.Korea soon..
Good luck and take care of your health..
terry
11th July 2011 at 6:26 pmReally interesting to read about the hard work and effort that goes in to achieving ‘that perfect Libera sound’ as the author mentioned. Good luck for the United States tour!
Maarten Das
11th July 2011 at 9:36 pmWow really cool report! The bit about singing in the shower was hilarious – do your parents know how lucky they are? lol 🙂 Don’t worry if it’s not always 100% “perfect”. You’re still amazing at what you do 🙂 Best of luck to all!
Natsumi
12th July 2011 at 12:10 amHey i love your blog!!!! 🙂 Can someone please tell me who writes them? And whoever it is, is sooo good at it lol (always funny XD)
Joanne Murphy
12th July 2011 at 2:30 amYour voices are the most beautiful I have ever heard. I play your CDs in my car every day. Bless you for spreading the gift of music everywhere. I would love to see you in concert someday. JM
Yuni Maria
12th July 2011 at 2:36 amI love and enjoy to read this. Quite interesting and funny. LOL. Well, good luck for the tour 🙂
Libera Fans UK
12th July 2011 at 2:56 amHi guys, enjoy your tour in the USA, have fun, keep safe, we are all looking forward to your next UK tour, see you all then. 🙂
James
12th July 2011 at 3:05 amLibera’s blogs are always entertaining and informative. I’m very glad that you will be on tour in the US and wish you well, Your talent and hard work shine through in all your performances. my only regret is that your venues will be too far away (it’s a big country), so I won’t be able to see any of your concerts in person. Anyway, “Knock ’em dead”, Libera!
Thunderhawk261
12th July 2011 at 6:25 amSee ya’ll in Frisco!!
Rex B.
12th July 2011 at 11:42 amGood luck the the US tour and welcome to America. See you in St. Louis.
Imogen
12th July 2011 at 2:21 pmnicely written, love reading your blog! it’s nice to know that your parents are really supportive, that “positive”ness can be seen beaming from every boy’s faces when they sing. good luck for the US tour and this time don’t forget to bring your toothbrushes
thelma l. guzman
12th July 2011 at 6:25 pm—good luck once again, boys for your series of concerts in the US. i’m quite sure a lot of your fans around the US will go & watch you perform.
Jenn (the girl with the warcraft shirt!)
12th July 2011 at 6:48 pmThis is my favorite blog post yet! I knew you guys work really hard to prepare your music and choreography, but I never really thought about just how much you each put into it. I’m sure I can speak for all your fans when I say that we truly appreciate your hard work and dedication to Libera. Every moment of your effort does indeed show when you are on stage and it’s just amazing to watch (and listen of course). Enjoy your upcoming US tour, and remember to prepare for the heat – it’s been a very hot summer! I look forward to seeing you in both Texas concerts again.
Ian Wotherspoon
12th July 2011 at 6:55 pmGreat bit of information and thank you for taking the time to report this to all of us. Having performed my self I know what it’s like to practice long and hard but as you said,
“all our hard work should be visible on stage,” and it is, as I’ve seen it with my own eyes and heard the beautiful sound with my ears. I too enjoyed your comment about singing in the shower. The next time your parents complain you should tell them that people pay to hear you sing so they should be lucky, they get to hear you for free. Libera’s sound is unique and that’s why you are successful. Have a great tour, be safe and swim safe but most of all sing from your hearts as you all do. God Bless.
Michael Cox
12th July 2011 at 7:38 pmThanks for the Blog update. Today I was listening to ‘Angel voices’ , the 1993 release with Oliver Putland and Daren Geraghty doing the main solo parts. It is amazing how the sound of Libera is so similar and still so wonderful over such a long period. This is down to all the hard work you speak of. So well done and thank you all. I envy the people who will see you in concert having enjoyed the experience myself. Best wishes.
Rick James
12th July 2011 at 9:40 pmYour blog is as good as your music, well done. I often wind down with you all singing to me, yes although many hear you, I always feel you are in my home singing just for me and whoever is with me at the time. I love the solo’s too, heavenly. Your blog is very welcome and brings me closer to you as well. Love to know who writes it, maybe a picture of the blogger might be added, just a thought.
Jeremy Rinehart
12th July 2011 at 9:44 pmLove you guys. keep up the good work. Wish I could see you in St. Louis but it is too far. Please come to Denver sometime soon. Thak you for your music.
Sculpture Kris
12th July 2011 at 11:04 pmInteresting to have some insight into a performance’s organisation. Look forward to hearing reports from supporters who attend the tour concerts. Hope you get large audiences to make it all worthwhile. Good luck.
jeremy
12th July 2011 at 11:27 pmhey guys to bad i dont get to come see you its alright i can wait ill just continue listening to your cd’s any ways ya i think ur 100% perfect but ya ur parents are really lucky lol you have fun out there dont get sick lastly have fun
Laura
13th July 2011 at 6:55 amWaiting patiently…well….sort of….
Leslie Sundborg
13th July 2011 at 2:59 pmBest wishes for your U.S. tour. Have a great time! Don’t forget your toothbrushes, toothpaste, Tee-shirts, socks, etc., etc.,etc.!
Terry Tschopp
13th July 2011 at 4:53 pmDear Libera: Thank you for sharing your experiences with us through these blogs. I have found them informative and at times, very amusing. My hat off to the author of them 🙂
Prayers and Best Wish’s for safe travel and a successful tour.
Kindest Regards, Terry
Mery Hutahaean
14th July 2011 at 4:53 amI Pray and still light my hope that one day you’ll bring an amazing atmosphere here in Jakarta . Indonesia. longing for your presence here and do really hope that God touch someone;s heart to bring you here.
ANyway, my prayers go to all of you, hope the summer tour in USA will be success. I emailed my friend in chicago and hope she can witness the beauty of angelic voice through you boys. I love you and I love Libera so much : -*…
Cara
14th July 2011 at 8:13 amI love reading these blogs, thanks for letting us keep up with you as you prepare for your tour! You guys continue to amaze me, what with practicing blindfolded even! Maybe that’s not as impressive to some people, but I know I wouldn’t be able to find my place on stage blindfolded – I’d fumble into someone or fall off in a heartbeat. And doing that while thinkingn about what you’re going to sing next? Amazing.
I’ll be seeing you at your first concert in Minneapolis, which will also be my first time seeing you live in concert, and I’m very much looking forward to it. Good luck to you!
Luke Ray
15th July 2011 at 2:10 amBoys, you should absolutely know that your practice DOES show up on the stage! Your shows are excellent, the sound is fantastic, the lighting superb. I can’t wait to see you guys again as it’s never disappointing. Every show gets better than the last! Thank you for your hard work; it truly shows your dedication and is a great indicator of while you’re so successful! Thanks for coming back to the States…and thanks for the blog entry!
Hey Cara, I don’t suppose you’re going to the St Paul show?
Andrea Torres Gomez
15th July 2011 at 2:36 pmHi!!… I love their songs. I would like to make an event here in my country. Please!
Would be nice to have you here in Peru.
Thank, I hope to see you soonnnnn!!!.. Bye
Murkskis
16th July 2011 at 10:24 pmThank you so much guys for posting your blogs! Can’t wait for the next.
You really do a lot to get that ethereal blend!
Have you ever tried to sing on a plane? I don’t know if this is allowed, but you can’t be kicked out for that. I promise.
Please, take a lot of pictures and videos, because most of the fans are expected to forget their cameras due to last minute packing 😛 *Waving farewell with both hands* 😀
Janice Kuresa
16th July 2011 at 11:41 pmHello Libera:) I’d just like to say that I’m very much looking forward to your concert in Houston, Texas (I’ll be wearing a white dress and have blue fingernails!:D). And I also hope to be able to move to England in a few years to attend a school of music and also help out with the boys in Libera if possible. By the way have you ever thought of having a concert in Hawaii?I’m from there and I’m not sure if you have any fans there but I just thought I’d suggest it. Well anyway, best wishes to all going on tour!
-Janice, 14
Lemmer Julie
17th July 2011 at 5:34 pmHey guys 🙂
Come. to Luxembourg ! pleasssee 😀
Uwe
17th July 2011 at 10:28 pmHi boys, thank you für this article that I will translate and show my (German) school choir! Why? Because my kids think, I’m the only music director in the world who is “tormenting” his choir with a lot of rehearsals!!
Have a good time on your tour – between you and me: In Germany there are also great and pretty churches – why not touring through Germany?
Best wishes and God bless you
Uwe
DeProfundis
18th July 2011 at 9:25 amBlog archival would be a very welcome trait on the website. I don’t often get that much time in this medium and when I do get here I find I’ve missed out except for the more recent activity.
Overall otherwise I must Readily own up to being on the whole very Pleased. Peace!
Blany Meng
19th July 2011 at 2:24 pmHi,Libera boys!Since the first time i heard your pure voice I just know this chorus gonna be my favorite and will be absolutely welcomed by people all over the would.Your every song is a wonderful gift to the world,to every placid heart.And seeing Libera boys are so united in doing everying makes me like this chorus better.I’ll certainly support Libera.;)
Wish you good luck in the concert .And i hope you can come to China.
p.e.knape
20th July 2011 at 2:02 pmLibera, heavenly music; I feel so releaved when I hear these voices; supernatural. That makes life worth living
Leslie Sundborg
22nd July 2011 at 12:19 amI hope that all is going well in preparation for your tour. I was just thinking that as far as tours to North America are concerned, you have experienced, or will be experiencing some extremes in weather. When you visited us up here in southwestern Ontario in April, you were subjected to cold, rain and even snow! For your upcoming U.S. tour, you may already be aware that a great portion of the U.S. and Canada is being hit by a massive heat wave with record-breaking temperatures. Hopefully, by the time you arrive, the weather will have started to cool off. Remember to bring some suitable items of clothing for the oppressive heat, and when you’re here, take care of yourselves. I wish you lots of success on the tour.
Elsa Silva
22nd July 2011 at 3:34 amThis is great. Thank you for keeping us posted. I am very much looking forward to your Christmas album and hope you are planning to return to Canada. I will be here waiting for you.
Kate Kim
22nd July 2011 at 5:54 amI really love your music, Libera.
well.. actually, I just came to Korea from US and im actually a little disappointed that I cant see your USA tour. I hope that someday you guys will visit Korea 🙂
Enjoy your USA tour and I’ll visit US if i can!
Brad
23rd July 2011 at 5:19 amHi guys …word to the wise – as your first stop on the tour is in Minneapolis, with all the heat & humidity, that word is… ‘mosquitos’ – we used to joke that the mosquito should be the Minnesota state bird 😉 …I recommend that you find and carry a 1oz bottle of Campho-Phenique (a tiny dab goes a long way) – best itch relief for the little buggers. Comfort of the best choristers ever is paramount! Have a spectacular tour!
Ruan
23rd July 2011 at 6:47 amJust stumbled upon your videos on Youtube. You guys are awesome. Any chance for a tour in South Africa? Best wishes and keep up the amazing work.
RITA
24th July 2011 at 1:22 amhola me encanta LIBERA ¿cuando vendran a MEXICO? aqui tambien tienen fans cantan hermoso y como ANGELES saludos son increibles
Tatum Porter
26th July 2011 at 6:13 pmhope to see you again!!!
good luck on the tour 🙂
Mary Angela BAltazar
27th July 2011 at 11:49 amHi guys!…
i really ♥ your blog…..
good luck on your tour…:)
aryanne
27th July 2011 at 12:47 pmi hope you visit again the philippines lots of filipino fans are waiting!…….
Andrew
27th July 2011 at 10:28 pmI was in the Basilica in St Louis last week. Beautiful venue. I will recommend my friends there to attend your concert. Best wishes.
Margaret
30th July 2011 at 4:40 amI was impressed by you guys’ voice the first time I heard your singing. You seemed to have brought the sound from Heaven!! Thank God that I have been able to listen to your songs. I REALLY appreciate those opportunities!!! I myself am an amatuer music player, see how much music means to me! Keep going boys! I am a big fan of yours!!!!
Christina
31st July 2011 at 7:25 pmWe came a long way to hear you sing and it was so worth it … we have all your CD’s and listen to them often, but seeing you all in person was beyond belief.
Your beautiful voices brought tears to my eyes. I could tell you’d put untold hours of practice into perfecting your harmonies.
I felt sorry for you, too, as the heat in the Cathedral was oppressive: I could only imagine how you felt under those heavy white robes. But somehow you pulled it off with such professionalism and grace.
Thank you for coming to the U.S.A. and blessing us all with your amazing talent!
robert lange
1st August 2011 at 8:25 amA blog from the USA as you tour now would be welcomed.
Claire
1st August 2011 at 6:58 pmHey, I went to your concert last night in Chicago and LOVED it!!
Bill Van Horn
1st August 2011 at 7:30 pmI just saw your concert in Chicago last night. Despite the heat, the music was fantastic! I’ve been waiting 4 years to see you in person and it was well worth the 3 hour drive. I hope the rest of your tour goes well and I will try to see you in concert again (in a cooler cathedral, hopefully). Thanks for coming!
Mary
4th August 2011 at 5:34 amYou boys all did an AWESOME job! I have a lot more respect for you all after seeing you all perform live and meeting you in person. I was quite surprised at how “normal” all you boys were (aside from your EXCEPTIONAL voices). You all reminded me of my students, keep up the good work and don’t forget to study hard in school 🙂
(I’m sorry I had to mention the study part, that is just the teacher in me)
jahzapata
10th August 2011 at 5:56 pm:’)