Chorus Away-day

The chorus had an education away-day on Sunday 23rd September 2001 at University College, Worcester. We enjoyed the services of Mike Warner from Solent City Chorus as our external coach.


 This is the chorus that attended for the day: 19 singers plus director.


 Mike Warner observes carefully ...


 ... and we listen carefully


 Singing quietly, must be a tender moment in the song

Mike talks
while Liz thinks
Liz in action

 Left-hand side of chorus


 ...and the right-hand side   (interesting, this caption-writing job, isn't it?)


 The full chorus again, minus Mitch who is hiding behind Liz's head


 Demonstrating a good tall 'oh' vowel ...


 ... and an even taller 'Ahhhh'

The little furry animal
is escaping!
Liz holds an invisible furry animal
while Elaine and Mollie watch intently.

Notice also Mike's perfect posture

 Fran looks like he's just seen a ghost


and finally, we have photographic evidence that even the bass section leader can get the words wrong!


Thank you to Mike and Fay Warner for taking these photographs with my camera.


Excerpts from the letter sent to all chorus members advertising the event

The day, and its timing, have several purposes. We have found that intensive work out of our usual routine can gives us a real boost, and give that extra impetus for the next few weeks' rehearsals. To have this day at the end of September will pick up any spirits that have started to flag after the high of Harmony College, and propel us into the Prelims-preparation season with renewed vigour and new ideas.

It is also a great opportunity to receive coaching from someone of Mike's calibre. For those that don't know him, Mike is a Presentation judge who sports four silver medals as a quartet singer, and who won the small chorus award this year with Solent City Chorus as their new director. He has also studied the Estill vocal method (familiar to Harmony College regulars), so can offer both presentation and singing expertise. It is an exciting prospect to have him work with the chorus, and we would like to share it with as many of our members as possible.