Start To The Summer Season

Apologies if the last post was rather YouTube intensive. As you can see we have a significantly larger repertoire this summer, with many new pieces, in the main because we are performing by ourselves. The even better news is that for the first time ever, nearly all the pieces of music were ready for collection and I can start practising. Well done to whoever organised that. I will be lucky if I can learn two pieces of music per week, so I need all the time I can get!

Returning to rehearsal is like returning to school - you just don't get to see everyone in the choir over the break, although, like in the holidays, you do meet up with some friends. It was wonderful seeing familiar faces, especially of people who spent last season out and have returned. There was a lot of chatter and a lot of laughter.

We also had our first open meeting of the season, and I think of the year, where several important things were discussed. The one which has most impact on me was on the use of digital materials in promotional and private use. It is something which we needed to talk about, because as we enter the digital age, there question of what people should be able to do with their photos and videos has arisen. Everyone was very sensible and expressed their needs and concerns in a very logical way. In the end I think we were pretty much on the same footing, so it will be good to see what policy eventually comes out of this meeting.

The other topics at the meeting covered possible overseas trips to Reykjavik and Malta (woo hoo!) and our increasing involvement in Various Voices. Adam has really taken his role on board, and it is good to see that he is disseminating information of where we are and what is needed from the choir so authoritatively. Michael also gave a brief on the slightly revamped small group: by giving everyone a chance to rehearse in sets of three, the intention is to not only improve your individual sound and improve blending, there is also a greater incentive to learn your line and your words. Great for the individual, but even better for the choir as a whole.

Singing-wise, we started both Italian Salad and Somewhere. Somewhere is particularly beautiful, and as we are doing it a capella, will make a fantastic number when we finally polish it. As it is we have already gone through half of it.

Not that many new members joined at this first meeting, although we allegedly have 22 on the waiting list. The majority are said to be coming next week - how exciting! We really need more basses.