The Musical Director has been examining the choir members each Tuesday and Friday evening during the recess, listening to range and ensuring that every member can contribute independently. The auditions consist of ear and voice tests followed by singing your part as a member of an unaccompanied quartet; this test of blend, awareness of balance, part-singing and musicianship has been devised in order that everyone can prove that they are contributing to the whole and to make sure that all members are still singing in the correct section.
As well as the auditionees, other members (who have already passed their test) are helping out as the other singers in the quartet. This experience has been valuable for them, too.
On a sad note, during the recess the choir has lost three of its extended family with our dear friend Pam Hadley, wife of 2nd Tenor Ted, passing away; Allan Higgin losing his mother; and former Chairman and 24 year member Ron Haddon losing a year long battle with serious illness. The choir sang at Pam and Ron’s funeral services, under the baton of David East and Mark Burstow respectively. The choir were privileged to be able to send a quartet (pictured) to Amersham to sing at Mrs Higgin’s funeral service. The Musical Director, Accompanist, Officers and Members send their deepest sympathies to all three families. "Requiescat in pace"
September will see the introduction of some new music for the choir from rock legends Queen, a ravishing setting by Eric Whitacre with some Palestrina and rollicking shanties for good measure. The 2009/2020 season is looking challenging and exciting already!