Well hello there everyone. Good to see so many of you back after the Easter Break. Hope you didn’t eat too many Easter eggs (or eggs belonging to your children!) 
I arrived a little later than planned to the sounds of Abba being sung through. My entrance brought a sigh of relief not only from Dorian but also to Ann S who was having a mild panic attack in her mind at the thought of having to write some notes in my absence! Nice to know I’m wanted by everyone at least. I am pleased so many of you take the time and enjoy reading these notes. I do try to keep them entertaining whilst getting the more serious business across to you all and it appears to work.
After a little time spent on “I Have A Dream” and “Take a Chance”, we go back to the beginning of the Abba piece to sing along to the backing track. For some parts, it sounded not too bad, but there’s still a bit of work to do to fine tune us all. Dorian does have his work cut out at times but I know he enjoys the challenge and it is what keeps him going a lot of the time so we mustn’t let him down folks. If we were to be word and tone perfect every time we opened our voices, I think he would be worried! Guys, that “Take a Chance” line is going to take some work that’s for sure and work we will do I have no doubt with our Leader’s guidance and encouragement. A lot of how we sound is down to confidence not only in our own voice but also that of the music and words we are singing. Singing the old favourite “Hallelujah” proved that at the end of the evening. What a contrast to the sound and rhythm when singing a piece we have learnt so well from previous practice sessions. It really does prove how important it is to rehearse over and over again until we really do know that piece as well as we can do. It only works and comes together when we as individuals and in our groups work at it and place our concentration and trust in listening to Dorian as he guides us through each part.
The plan is for separate rehearsal sessions to be available so that all the groups get equal time from Dorian to practice and focus on their sections of the music in order to be able to learn the pieces more fully which in turn will build confidence in many ways. The bottom line is confidence with all that we do. The first of these extra rehearsal sessions is going to be arranged for Saturday 5th May 2012. Whilst it was highlighted to Dorian that this is actually a Saturday in the Bank Holiday Weekend, Dorian asked me to confirm in these notes that he will go ahead with this date as it will still be useful for as many of those who can attend as possible. Dorian will confirm times once he has checked and booked the hall at Pinewood.
Talking of Pinewood, we begin our rehearsal sessions from this venue on Thursday 3rd May. Times will remain as 7.30pm-9.30pm but the plan going forward is for us to work through until approx 9.10pm then finish the evening with our social get together. It has been recognised that taking a break sometimes makes it harder to get going again and it can admittedly be a bit tight trying to then rehearse another piece from our repertoire. Dorian is keen that we do keep the social element to the evening as this is important for many of the choir members and is a great way of continuing to meet fellow singers from other parts of the choir that you may not sing with which in turn can build new friendships.
Our summer concert on 14th July will be raising funds for a charity in Uganda which will be a great cause as our funds will help the charity to continue to provide physio and rehabilitation to the children of the area in order for them to be able to resume as normal a life as possible.
Can I just add a note from someone sitting near the back of the groups. It can be difficult to hear what Dorian is saying to us when he is updating us with information when people continue to keep talking at the same time. I know I have mentioned this on previous occasions and it may sound like I am a broken record but I do think it’s important that we all listen to the information being provided so a little less noise would be helpful and much appreciated. I do my best to capture and remember as much information as possible from the evening so that I can relay this back to you through the notes I type up for all to read and digest so I do think it’s important that whatever needs to be noted can be done without interruption as far as possible. I am not suggesting for a moment that we should revert back to school days when we sat and paid attention and only spoke when spoken to so please don’t think that. I am simply making a gentle request for everyone to be mindful when someone else is speaking to the choir as a whole as something important could be missed that may impact on an individual or group depending on the nature of the information being provided.
A newsletter is going to produced by Ann S that will include all we need to know about dates of events scheduled through this coming year and confirmation of venues, times etc so do keep your eye on your emails for anything coming through very soon.
I hope that you all managed to pay your subs for this current term we have just now started. If not, please do arrange for payment to be made as previously requested by Sue by arranging for a cheque to be sent to her. It’s worth me reminding folk that as from September, payments will be taken by electronic format by way of a Standing Order and Dorian & Sue will be arranging for the relevant forms to be provided containing Sing Healthy bank details nearer the time for people to complete and send to their bank. Any issues with payments can be discussed individually with Dorian who will do his best to assist in order to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to remain singing in the choir.
Well folks, that all from me for another week. It was another enjoyable evening and for me, a good way of distressing after a hectic week at work. Thanks to everyone for making the choir what is a friendly and welcoming place to be. Keep up the good work. See you all again, same time, same place next Thursday.