Last practice of the month and we were a little light on numbers. Anyone would think it is holiday season! We began with various warm up exercises, climbing both high and low to suit everyone within their range.
I got to choose our opening song tonight and went for “Clouds“, it is one of my favourites. Katy announced that we were going to sing straight through the songs this evening rather than picking out different sections to practice, our performance looms and we are fairly confident with most of our pieces. It was decided that we should sing through in alphabetical order and this led to conversation about whether you count the word “the“ in the title.
“Dancing in the dark“ then “Firework“ was a good start with both of these rousing songs. “Getting to know you” from musical The King and I is one we all know very well, but you have to keep a close eye on who’s turn it is to sing next, easy to get so involved you want to sing it all.
Next was “Home on the range“, a simple but tuneful rendition of a very traditional American song. The breadth of the music we are covering this season is amazing and covers all genres: everyone of us have different favourites. Some songs (Can’t help myself) were a little bit hesitant and “Invisible String“ is one of those marmite songs; you either love it or don’t.
“Living on a prayer” is enjoyed by those who like a good rock song. Katy has changed the beginning and the end in order to suit our voices better. We certainly need lots of big breaths to be able to keep going with any amount of volume! “The Rose”, made famous by Bette Midler gives us goose bumps, very prayerful and soulful. It never fails to move us.
Finished with “Will you still love me tomorrow “, in the style of Carol King and “Bad moon rising “, some sad thought provoking words but the music bounces along.
Another great evening, have missed it whilst I have been away.
Written by Maria Baxter