Get Used to It!

Well, what a rehearsal last night.

What a night!

The good news is that we know our notes overall, with just a little extra practice needed on the few we are unsure of. You know the ones I mean! We covered a lot of ground and are doing well.

The bad news is we are sounding somewhat amateurish because we are not getting clear, crisp endings to our phrases. This issue is present throughout all our songs. It’s so important, and it can’t be stressed enough.

It only takes one of us to get it wrong, and that person will be heard and spoil the whole effect.

Don’t be the one to let the team down!

The solution is quite simple: WATCH EAMONN. Just think Robert Di Niro

This has been said many times, and I understand you might be fed up hearing it. However, it’s not enough just to hear it; listen to it and GET USED TO IT!

If you’re not familiar with the songs — even though you should be by now with only a couple of weeks remaining — make sure you are. Knowing your words and looking up to see Eamonn’s cues are key.

If you hold your music slightly above your waist, you can keep your head up, which opens your throat. Use only your eyes to glance down at your music when needed, but lift your eyes to watch Eamonn at the critical moments, especially the endings.

We are now working quite meticulously on the songs to bring out the emotion and storytelling, ensuring they remain interesting and lively. Each song has its own character, and these need to be highlighted with our voices.

And So it Goes has both mini and maxi phrases. Make the mini phrases flow seamlessly into one big maxi phrase, connecting them smoothly. This simple song requires precision with the long and short notes, so watch Eamonn!

Cloudbusting should be bounced into ’every time I rains…’. And make the ‘Ooh’ sound like a ray of sunshine. Breathe quietly during the Oohs at the end so your breath remains silent.

Someone to Watch Over Me requires the Basses to sound more like little lambs than a herd of buffalo!

Matthew and Son should come in confidently on ‘and they’ve been working all day, all day…’

Timing is critical!

Down By the Riverside – the Tenors are singing the lower line when it splits. There is no gap in ‘War no more!’ Watch Eamonn!

Only You – timing is critical here. We are not singing in sync. The Sopranos are too fast, while Basses, Tenors, and Altos are too slow. We need to find the right rhythm and work together.

We are in a good place. If we all play our part (and sing it too) and get used to watching Eamonn, he will deliver a fantastic performance, creating a great sense of achievement and pride — not just for ourselves, but also to make Eamonn proud.

Lets hope, not. No names no pack drill!