Ensure you have the space to hold your folder open at waist height, slightly away from your body and that you can see Eamonn.
Remember, Eamonn can see and hear you from his position at his podium in front of you.
You must watch him as much as possible.
It is up to us to put in that extra effort to be so familiar with the music we have the confidence to watch and obey!
This vigilance will make or break the concert.
Listen to each other – we need to harmonise and blend.
Individual commitment to a group effort – that’s what makes the choir work.
Performance is a part of the concert, not just the singing. Look the part in your all-black outfits with a corsage on your left side (to be provided on the day)
Smile and look as if you are enjoying yourselves. Are you a pleasure to watch?
At the end of every song, DO NOT turn the page and look for the next song.
Keep perfectly still until the last note of the piano is played. Eamonn will indicate when you can move.
You WILL be guaranteed a famous ‘Eamonn Glare’ if you don’t stay still as it breaks the moment and the beauty of the song we have just sung.
We went through all of Act Two. How did we do?
Last Hints and Tips for this term:
Make Your Own Kind of Music – Basses keep active and keep up with Eamonn. Turn the pages without looking down so you can watch Eamonn.
Father and daughter in harmony
Mad World – the beginnings of ‘faces’ and ‘places’ are long as in ‘faaa -ces’ and ‘plaaa-ces’. Keep a sense of elevation on these notes; otherwise, it loses the mystery if rushed.
The ‘nmm, nms’ and the second ‘nm’ are slightly shorter.
‘Hello teacher, tell me…. ‘should be explosively loud before coming into the long, quieter ‘Look right through me.’
Keep an interesting glimmer in your eyes.
Have You Ever Seen the Rain? There are long instrumental parts, so look up and engage with the audience, but be prepared for when it is time to sing again. Do not breathe before ‘I know,’ and keep it warm-sounding and not loud.
The Rose–Altos join with your harmony and make yourselves heard over Sops.
From Now On – absolute stillness at the beginning of this song to set the scene. At the end, do not swell the last ‘again’. Keep it drifting off to the end.
What’s Up – should be intense when quiet. It's a bit of a rocky start, especially on page 2 with the ..’ was made up of a brotherhood of man’ – watch out for this timing. Throw away the ‘up’ and emphasise the ‘of’
Crossing the Bar must contrast warmth and intensity with a full choral sound towards the end.
Next Tuesday is our last rehearsal before the concert day. Be prepared to run through the concert and practise walking on and off the stage. Patience is required, so bring that with you, too.
Wednesday is The Big Day
16:00 - arrival, if possible, ready dressed
16:30 – getting into positions along with the ringers
17:00 – a complete run-through of the concert
19:00 – refreshments in the small dining room
19:45 – lined up, ready to enter the concert hall
20:00 – the start of the concert.
It will be fabulous, darling!
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