Well another month has arrived, where does the time go? It is slightly cooler this week and we have actually had some rain today, first time in a long time, a much easier temperature to live with. Lots of chatter and catch up to start this evening, some of us have been away since our concert and it is nice to see people back in their usual places.
Ages ago we were discussing song choices and Katy has brought “59th Street Bridge Song “, also known as “Feeling Groovy“, the Seekers version. Altos are singing below the tune and we have to keep watching to make sure we don’t get pulled into the tune: but we made a fair attempt considering we haven’t seen the music before. In lots of ways it is easier when you already know the piece, but then you do put a certain slant on how you remember the song and sometimes we have a habit that is hard to break.
“Chapel of Love“, inspired by the Dixie Chicks was next out of the bag. The choir have been invited to sing at two consecutive weddings next month and it always feels like a real privilege to be included on such a special day. The song bounces along sometimes in three parts, again a tune that most of us are aware of. It was fun trying to put it all together and not quite what I was expecting to be sung at a church wedding: I think it might be played on the piano, rather than the organ. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, I think Katy was quite impressed with what she was hearing- hopefully better than she imagined for a first attempt.
“Put a little love in your heart“ is another song for one of the weddings. Wow, at first we were a bit concerned as it was much more difficult than we were expecting. It definitely needs some more practice, thank goodness it has been put on the KTB YouTube so that we can hear what it should sound like and we will become more proficient at it. There are some nice words and sentiments in the choices, it will be good to be there and share the happy occasion.
“Home“ as performed by Michael Buble came next: a completely different feel to this, almost prayerful. Again three parts in places, some area better known than others. There are various changes of pace that need careful watching as it is easy to get swept into another part if you are not concentrating. There were giggles as Katy was trying to explain to us about how to take deep breaths, without it being obvious to the audience during a performance. Is our breath in our chest or deeper? It is known as deep inhalation. As babies we can deep breathe: that is why we can cry and feed at the same time. Later we begin to practice much shallower breathing. We were told that it also helps if we sit up straighter and don’t slouch in our seats. Our bodies are very clever and we should trust them when we are singing that we are not going to run out of breath. Yogic breathing was also talked about (another controlled breathing experiences). We need to be “bottom breathing“.
It is amazing the things we cover in a normal choir night, it doesn’t always end the way you might expect, but it is always fun and we leave feeling happy and entertained!
Written by Maria Baxter