We joined the choir following a recommendation from another member.
On our first night we were simply given our scores and encouraged to sit with other experienced members who made us feel very welcome. We had very limited experience of reading music and we soon realised that joining half way through rehearsals for Bruckner’s Mass in F Minor and Elgar’s Te Deum was going to be a challenge. Neither of us had done any singing since we were at school, many years ago!
Still, after much encouragement from group members and some practice at home with assistance from mail order rehearsal tapes, we managed to perform with the other members and choirs from the Essex Music Association in Chelmsford Cathedral. It was a great privilege to take part in such a high profile event, with a wonderful orchestra and soloists. We felt very proud of our achievement.
The year continued with a very mixed repertoire for the Summer Concert which included songs from the shows, Vaughn Williams and spiritual songs. In the autumn, we sang Mozart’s Requiem and Solemn Vespers, again with full orchestra and soloists, which felt very special indeed. The Christmas Concert included some favourite carols and some completely unknown old and new carols. It seemed good to be helping in a small way to keep these tunes alive.
We have had two conductors who have demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm throughout the year. Through encouragement and attention to detail they have helped us and the whole choir achieve results we can all feel proud of. We have also enjoyed our conductors’ sense of humour, which has spurred us on to try that little bit harder to find the right notes and given us topics to chuckle about on the way home.
It has been good to be introduced to music and some composers that we would otherwise have not been familiar with. It has felt very positive to feel we have participated in “a good sing” and as our friend said to be part of such a friendly choir.
Thank you all very much!