Announcements made at tonight's rehearsal

(29th June):
The new Chair of choir is Val Leach. The new Treasurer is Audrey Evans. Pat Tolley is Secretary.
Members were asked to bring slightly different 'eats' on the night of the concert, to go with the drinks afterwards - a small platter, preferably disposable, of cheese, savoury biscuits and a few grapes sufficient for 2/3 people - no more! there will be an afternoon rehearsal of about one hour, at 2pm in the church. Warm-up will be in the church hall at 6.45 unless the Karate Kids are still chopping away at each other - Hazel to check.
Janet Mansfield has very kindly offered to host our summer party (in Watch Hill) on Wednesday 20th. Usual format of bring something nice to eat and drink. The Aga will be lit if you wish to warm something up!
Lastly, we have been invited to Marvejols. Realistically, owing to the fund raising that will be needed, and having to avoid a clash with next year's Olympics, it will probably be Summer 2013 before we can make it - if enough members agree to go. Val would prefer summer to autumn half term as it will be a busy and hectic week and the thought of setting off straight after school and arriving back just in time to go back to work next day did not thrill her. We will look for an initial show of hands on 'party night'.

Rehearsal 29 June

Tonight we worked on, in order,
Philip Wood's Nocturne; Faure's Cantique; Jubilate; Douglas Cook's arrangements of The Wild Mountain Thyme and O Love it is Pleasing; Swing Low; Blue Moon and Sloop John B.
Next week's rehearsal, the last before the summer concert, will begin at 7 pm at Christ Church (note change of venue). The men will arrive for the joint part of the rehearsal at 8 pm.

Rehearsal 22nd June

Tonight we worked on music we'll be singing on Saturday at Victoria Hall, as part of the Cockermouth Festival LIVE! event (1pm, for anyone who'd like to come and listen - it's free!)
Those were the days; California Dreamin'; Rivers of Babylon; Old King Cole; Amen Siakedumisa and Siyahamba; The Lord is my shepherd; Shenandoah Blues; Chattanooga Choo Choo.
We also did some more work on Yesterday, which we'll be singing at the Summer Concert on 9th July. It's quite a complicated work, so if you've missed the rehearsal some time spent on private homework might help you keep up!!

Rehearsal 15th June

Here is the list of what we worked on tonight so those who missed the rehearsal can do some catching up before their next choir practice.
Swing Low and Blue Moon - both pieces that we'll be singing with Flimby Male Voice Choir at our summer concert;
Yesterday - we have now learned all of this piece, including the tricky rhythms!!
Douglas Cook's arrangements of The Wild Mountain Thyme and O Love it is Pleasing;
Sloop John B; we finished work on the chorus so now have all of this one under our belts too.

Rotary Club Fundraiser!

Castlegate singers appeared with Billy Bowman's fabled band at Christ Church, Sullart Street, on Wednesday 1st June. The event was to raise funds to pay for (excuse flippancy...) a toilet for the church. Yippee! Parishioners/concert audiences and the like will no longer have to brave the Cumbrian elements on the trek to the church rooms when they feel the call....
Rumour has it, the concert was excellent too...

Rehearsal 8th June

For choir members who missed this rehearsal, here's a list of what we worked on so you can do some homework before your next rehearsal!
Jubilate; Swing Low; Blue Moon; Yesterday; Sloop John B.