In Moira’s absence we held another ‘concert’ this morning.
Diana started us off with a beautiful and calming warm-up exercise, called Body Prayer. We performed this to Air on a G String by J.S. Bach.
Isla then followed on with a vocal warm-up with a difference. We all sang a chorus from Rhythm of Life, while trying to remember to think about breathing, expression and rounded vowels.
Joan then played a piece on the flute called Andante in E minor by J.S. Bach. This was a lovely piece, with a lot of difficult trills.
Ruth then recited a couple of poems. The first one, ‘Swallows’ was written by Ruth herself, inspired on a nice afternoon while watching birds near Lennoxtown. Ruth’s second poem was called Meditation and was written by Iris Hesselden, who writes poems with uplifting thoughts.
Next on the agenda, Mairi sang a song called Caledonia by Dougie MacLean. This song was chosen this year as the homecoming song. We all joined in with the chorus – to the best of our ability!
The café was next in line for a welcome cup of tea/coffee.
After the break we all sang There was an Auld Seceder Cat. This was our 2nd attempt at this. Rosemary, Lyn and Mairi sang the parts which we found difficult to manage last November and it sounded much better this time.
Jim and Rosemary then sang O Gin I Were a Baron’s Heir, with Rosemary playing the keyboard. This is one of the most beautiful of old Scots love songs, with words by William Holden and composed by Joseph Wm Holden.
Next we heard Sue read a couple of poems. This first one was called Prima Donna of Pittenweem, a light hearted poem by Nanzie McLeod. Sue’s second poem was called Hebrides, which was a description of the islands. It was written by Kenneth Stevens.
Mairi then sang ‘Through Bushes and Through Briers’ which is a traditional Irish ballad. Mairi then taught us a chorus from ‘Mary Mack’ which was difficult to sing at speed, but we managed to sing ‘Mary Mack’s mither’s makin’ Mary Mack mairry me etc when it was slowed down.
Finally, we all enjoyed a good sing with The Lights of Lochindaal.
Thanks to everyone who participated this morning. We all enjoyed the variety and quality of the performances.
