Well, sort of at least. We have plans for each of the next three Tuesdays, and hopefully beyond. So please read on carefully. There is loads of stuff in here, sorry for the massive post.
First, thanks to all who took part in the garden/Zoom sectionals this week. The idea of laying some solid foundations in the pieces we are hoping to perform in the Autumn seemed to work pretty well given the circumstances, so we are looking to continue on that path.
BUT FIRST, on Tuesday June 30th at 7.15pm we have the FIFTH SGC QUIZ NIGHT.
With Teresa as quizmaster and some special features promised, this is not one to miss. Teresa has asked that people RSVP as soon as possible – I suspect she has found a way to deliver delicious nibbles through Zoom and needs to know how many to cater for. Please can you mark your calendars and confirm with Teresa that you will be joining as soon as possible. And in your mail (which must only go to Teresa) you need to answer two preliminary questions: name your favourite composer, and your favourite piece of music (which does not have to be by your favourite composer). Intriguing, huh?
Next, for the first two Tuesday evenings in July, we are looking to continue with the work on the traditional songs for the Autumn concert. The next piece is an arrangement of Danny Boy which was done for the Kings’ Singers. You can hear it on YouTube. We all need to buy this sheet music. It is only £1.99, postage included. There are no bulk discounts so each singer can go to MusicRoom and order their own copy. Here’s the link: https://www.musicroom.com/product/HL08741129/KS.aspx When my own copy arrives I will make some of the recordings like for Linden Lea so you can rehearse against a backing with your own part picked out.
Tuesday July 7th we will have another garden/Zoom sectional to look at Danny Boy, check we have not forgotten Linden Lea, and we may add a simple arrangement of Amazing Grace in as a warm-up option. You will get an email from your section host in due course. (And if you would like to volunteer to host please let Lesley know.)
Tuesday July 14th is the evening that we are aiming to sing together again in some form. Depending on numbers, we will either meet as one group, suitably spread out from each other in a public place. Or else we will split into mini-choirs of 1-2 per part and stay in back gardens. (This won’t work for Zooming because of the lag.) All with strict observance of current guidance on distancing. It would be helpful if you could let us know if you will be able to join for this so we can figure out the right plan. Could you email Chris H to let him know if you will be there please?
Recap:
* Tuesday June 30th – Quiz night – come and be part of a team!
* Tuesday July 7th – Sectional in gardens or on Zoom
* Tuesday July 14th – singing together again, as one choir or mini choirs in locations TBC
To do list:
1. Block out Tuesday evenings in your calendar again.
2. RSVP Teresa today to say you’ll be at the quiz, with your favourite composer and piece.
3. Buy copy of Danny Boy and have a go at it. Watch out for practice tracks on the choir website.
4. Look out for email from member of your section inviting you to sectional on July 7th.
5. Email Chris re Tues July 14th, and be ready to sing again, even if not in our usual size or setting, in just a couple of weeks!
Phew. Well done and thanks if you have read down to here. Sorry it’s so much, and looking forward to singing with you very soon.
Finally, if anyone has any thoughts, concerns or general inputs into the questions of how choirs work in the post-COVID world – rehearsals, face masks, concert attendance, hopes and fears, whatever – we would love to hear your thoughts. Please email Lesley or Chris.
Chris