Having warmed up our voices, the four part harmony of Asalaam (Arabic for 'peace be with you') had a full, rich sound and although we're not yet fully confident in the parts, we're beginning to understand that lovely feeling that comes from close harmony singing.
Our main focus this morning was the Orff-Keetman arrangement of the old Scots song about the ghost of Mary Queen of Scots, 'The Fair Lady'.
We learned the song some time ago and this was a help when working on the tricky ostinato of the accompaniment on the xylophones.
There was some discussion among our amateur psychologists, about whether the hand movements for the instruments are learned by the brain or the muscles, but in any case, the home task this week is to do a 'David Beckham', (he visualises his kicks for the penalties, found to be every bit as effective as working in the football pitch) and practise, miming or visualising, the hand movements.
Interesting to see if the patterns come more easily next week.
NEXT WEEK TUES 31ST MARCH is our AGM which will be followed by our usual, if shorter, session and HOLIDAY LUNCH, informal bar food in the Douglas Park Club House straight after the music finishes.
