Just Get Used To Looking Up
- Trills on a Tuesday
- May 6
- 3 min read
With our Maestro back in the driving seat, he was very keen to see the progress we had made in his absence. We now have the 18 songs we are going to perform for our Summer Gala Concert, so there are no surprises. We must keep on top of things and practise all of them, especially the parts of songs you are unsure of.
Some of us have definitely been working hard and, on the whole, we impressed him, which is no mean feat!
Crossing the Bar, actually brought tears to his eyes and he said it was the best we have ever sung it! Of course, there was some minor adjustments that need to be made, but we are getting down to the minutiae now. Keep the long phrases going to the end and breathe where there are rests. Just watch the timing on ‘I hope to see my Pilot face to face…’ which is shorter notes the first time it is sung and elongated notes the second time.
Eamonn has set us all a challenge and wants us to learn by heart the beginning of some of the songs so we can look up and watch him. You have just got to get used to looking up!
Learn the beginning of:
The Logical Song - Altos & SopsMatthew & Son – AltosThe Impossible Dream – BassesVincent – Basses & TenorsIrish Blessing – SopsCrossing the Bar – Sops, Altos & Tenors
It sounds a big ask, but if you practise regularly, the words will just stay in your head and it will become second nature. You just have to break the habit of looking down at your music score and have the confidence to look up at Eamonn who will guide you through it all. If you can achieve this, it will be an amazing performance.
We eased our way in with Vincent where Tenors and Basses sing together most of the time.Sops be careful as some of your ‘Oohs’ are flat which is not a good sound! ‘Oohs’ sound simple, but sung for a long period of time with very high notes is hard work to keep them sounding bright and interesting.Be very emphatic when coming in on ‘Now I understand….’Tenors & Basses when coming off the lyrics onto an ‘Ooh’ chill out and don’t make it too loud. Just melt into it!Altos when you come in the ‘And when no hope was left inside…’ make sure you sound the ‘d’ on ‘and’. Eamonn doesn’t like Ann Wenn!
Matthew & Son is sectional so know when it is more robotic and when it loose with ‘Do do dos’. Keep the notes going to the end of the phrases and don’t let them fade away. ‘They’ve been working all day, all day, all day..’ give ‘day’ a lot of love.‘Matthew & Sonnnn’ – the ‘sonnn’ should have a real buzz to it.Altos, get into your rhythm with your sassy ‘do do dos’ at the end.
Here Comes the Flood – this is quick, intense and weird! Do not take a breath in the middle of the long phrases.Ensure all the ‘z’ sounds at the end of the words are joined on to the next word e,g, ‘When the night show zthe signal grow zon radios’….After the robotic sound of the verses, make ‘We can’t even choose a side’ really warm.Sops, your ‘Oohs’ are very important, so make them sound interesting.Take a big breath before ‘Oh and ….’ And connect ‘soa kedthe crowd’.
The Logical Song is also a strange, crazy song. Listen to the original to get the feel of it, although Eamonn’s version is different. As usual, Tenors and Basses are seduced on to the tune. Learn your own tune and you’ll be fine.
You’re the Voice is going to be our grand finale of the concert so it will need lots of energy to keep it moving forward, but you’ll have the adrenaline to power your through.Unusually you have lots of opportunity to breathe in this song. Take a breath between the Whoa, whoas’
It is more important than ever to do your homework as time is moving quickly and the concert wil be upon us before we know it! Learn the lyrics as much as possible so you can look up and watch for the cut offs.
You can do it!
Tips for Faster Learning
Understand the Story: Focusing on the meaning and structure of the song makes it easier to recall than random words.
Practice Before Bed: Reviewing the lyrics before sleep can improve retention.
Use Imagery: Visualize the scene or story behind the lyrics to act as memory triggers.
Record Yourself: Record yourself singing and listen to it to identify areas needing improvement.
Rehearse Frequently: Use spaced repetition by reviewing the lyrics over several days rather than just once
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