The lead singer of the Shillong Chamber Choir pens an obituary: The Last Song – Thank you Uncle Neil

HT Brunch cover star William Richmond Basaiawmoit pays a tribute to the musician and founder of the Shillong Chamber Choir

I first met Uncle Neil in 2008 when I was performing with his sister’s choir in Shillong during my summer break from Delhi University. I had heard about him for years as a genius who came from the UK to Shillong and started the choir in a room, teaching kids to sing. Uncle Neil had been sitting in the audience and after the show, he got on stage and asked me to sing You Raise Me Up as he accompanied me on the piano.

Uncle Neil loved cooking. There was always a spread on his table, it was always festive and there was always enough room and time for anyone who wanted to come in

Uncle Neil also taught the choir to practice in a particular way. They practice songs at half the original tempo, if not less, so that every note is sat on, digested and becomes a part of them

He taught us to be punctual, dress correctly, walk and talk well. He also taught us to practice in a particular way. We practice songs at half the original tempo, if not less, so that every note is sat on, digested and becomes a part of you. It may be boring but it ensures a different level of quality. This applies to everything in life too.

Uncle Neil loved spontaneous picnic plans, making movies, writing, sculpting, cooking and pranking half the world on the 1st of April

The tree of life