A NEW CARL ORFF PIECE - FIVE FOOLS IN A BARROW.

When I introduced this piece to the group two weeks ago the response was very sceptical. The text is an old rhyme and as such is not particularly inspiring, but in Orff's setting for voices, barred instruments and percussion it comes alive in a fun, exciting and delightful way.
In spite of having lost half of our number to golf, holidays, bird watching, invigilating and family commitments, our thirteen voices picked up the harmonies in no time and proceeded to transfer the melodies on to the instruments with impressive dexterity, allowing us to feel the potential of this music.
I was immediately sorry this was our closing day of the session and hope we're able to pick up in September where we left off today.

MUSIC GROUP PRESENTS MILNGAVIE C.E. WITH A FRAMED PHOTO OF THEIR SWANS

Moira, Michael, janitor of the C.E. Centre and Carol - Click to Enlarge

 The Enjoy Music group have presented this beautiful framed photograph taken by one of the members of the group, Carol Fell, at the beginning of February this year - just when the ice was melting after the long cold winter. The photograph is to be hung in the foyer of the Centre.

Below are a few photographs of the birds on the pond that we watch ---- We are now into May and the Swans have started to build their nest. You can see it in the distance if you click on the photo above to enlarge.

FORAY TO FINTRY

Once again Moira had invited us for a summer meeting at her farm in Fintry. The rain which had lashed down as we drove, soon cleared to let us enjoy the lovely views from her windows in every direction and the wonderful quality of light in the room with the vaulted roof where we sing _ exhilarating to hear the difference in sound from the low ceilinged room we sing in normally. Even the keyboard gave a much fuller sound!
After singing through some old favourites we learned EL MEU AVI, a habanera from Catalonia. The habanera rhythm is fun to sing and it's interesting to take the text apart, guessing the word meanings using clues from everyone's various knowledge of French, Latin and Spanish.
After that we were entertained by tunes on the mouth organ and beautiful songs with guitar, both much enjoyed.
Lunch was a high point _ good food, wine and unhurried talk. The hen pheasant strutting past outside looked envious!
We're back in the C.E. Centre next week, 17th May, for our final meeting of the year.