Rehearsal 25th January

Choir happy to see MD Val Hetherington back from her sick bed tonight for rehearsal. Still coughing, but not quite as badly!
Four numbers worked upon tonight: Ah Robin, gentle Robin, an a capella number that looks rather Elizbethan; He Ain't Heavy, which we seem to be getting quite comfortable with; a quick look at the Agnus Dei from Faure's Requiem, which the choir performed quite some years ago and would LOVE to perform again! and finally, Guantanamera, which isn't far off 'done' either.
Announced that secretary Pat Tolley will be standing down after eight years in the job, and would like to help ease a replacement into the post over the summer. No immediate response so it might have to be plan B (behind the scenes arm-twisting..)

News for week commencing 13 january

Lots to report!
Friday 13th was the night we had our 35th birthday celebration at Hundith Hill Hotel. 65 guests were booked to attend - members, partners and friends, old members who'd kept in touch, and some very special guests. Richard Bennett started the choir all those years ago (he must still have been at junior school to judge by his photo!!). Doctor Philip Wood, the choir's second MD and favourite composer, was also there - which meant that all three of the MD's the choir has had in its whole history were present. Also there were founder members Doreen Wilson (first chairman of the choir) and Daphne Banks (previous secretary), and David and Anne Buckley. David was once accompanist, and accompanied the choir to Marvejols on their second visit.
After a delicious buffet meal, we had a quiz, organised by Carole & Arthur Ruffe. Challenging and fun! Finally, a spot of music, with an acapella  (did I spell that right?) version of The 12 Days after Christmas, which formed part of our winter programme.
Tonight, 18th, rehearsal held by Anne-Marie (He Ain't Heavy), and Phil (Faure and Saint-Saens). Val Hetherington has a wicked cough and is taking time off to recuperate. We wish  her all the best, and hope she will soon be back to strength and fit to face us all again!

Now for some photies from the party.

Rehearsal 11th january

Worked on four pieces tonight.Gwyn Arch's arrangement of Guantanamera, which we began last week; He ain't heavy, he's my brother, ditto, which we have now been right through; and, from Six Motets for Upper Voices, Saint-Saens' Ave Maria, which long-standing members will remember from Phil Woods' day; and Faure's Ave Maria, which is new to us.


Next week's rehearsal will begin at 7 and end at 9, to allow for the committee meeting held afterwards.

The keyboard connecters are gradually getting more adept at setting it all up in time for rehearsal, now that we have given up using the Music Society's piano for our rehearsals (thereby saving a substantial amount of precious income).

Lastly, Friday night is the 35th Anniversary Dinner, taking place at Hundith Hill Hotel, to which a number of old members are coming, and some very special guests. More next week (plus photies too, I hope).

Spring Term started today

Not very spring-like weather yet, but we live in hope. A good turn out and we worked on two new numbers in preparation for our next concert, whenever that might be! Val would dearly like us to learn some of them by heart. Mixed reception from members! He ain't heavy, he's my brother, and Guantanamera were tonight's pieces. Those of you who missed tonight's rehearsal can do some work on that second one at least, so you don't fall too far behind.
All our pre-Christmas performances went well. A good and appreciative audience for our Christ Church concert; a repeat visit to Portinscale WI, who particularly enjoyed our version of 'The Twelve Days after Christmas', and Christmas Eve at the Castle Inn.
Win has asked members to hunt out old choir photos - possibly of Marvejols trips - to take along to our 35th anniversary dinner at Hundith Hill on Friday 13th. Lots of old members coming along too - looking forward to a fun night.