Enjoy Music

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL AT ENJOY MUSIC

2012-01-01T00:44:00.000Z

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ENJOY MUSIC AT CHRISTMAS

2011-12-13T18:12:00.019Z

CLICK HERE TO SEE ANOTHER VERSION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM OUR CHRISTMAS LUNCH

To hear all our singing click on the Smilebox below. Please allow time to load -- depends how good your broadband connection is. If you view it on Full Screen then press ESC to come out of the full screen

Slideshow made with Smilebox

WE BOOGIE INTO CHRISTMAS.

2011-11-16T00:09:00.002Z

We learned THE CEREMONY BOOGIE, a short song by Helen Yeomans, last week and sang it for the special birthday of one of our members. Coming back to it today, we soon settled into the boogie rhythm and by the end of the morning the three part harmony was sounding good. Since our lead in the tenor group was missing today we left that part for next week.

Donald Swan's and Arthur Scholey's setting of BABOUSHKA was our new song this morning. The six verses tell the story beautifully and the contrasting high and low melodies for Baboushka and The Kings respectively will allow us to show off especially the high voices in our group that haven't had a chance to shine lately.

We set ourselves quite a task today, getting our tongues round the Catalan words of the Orff- Keetman arrangement of
CATALAN CHRISTMAS DANCE. There is a singable English translation but the Catalan is much more interesting _ and who would ever sing 'Fum, fum, fum' in English?

A vinticinc de desembre
Fum, fum, fum!
Ha nascut un minyonet
ros i blanquet, ros i blanquet,
fill de la Verge Maria,
n’es nat en una establia
Fum, fum, fum!

We'll build this up gradually to what will be an exciting piece for Christmas.

LOVE, A TEAR AND FOOLS IN A BARROW.

2011-11-01T19:01:00.000Z

Getting the beat -- Click to enlarge

AMORE and UNA LACRIMA _ these Italian words give the opportunity to concentrate on forming good vowel sounds and we took full advantage this morning, warming up our voices until we were singing out with gusto as we moved up the scale.

We continued with the round:
Hungry hunters sing a song
And bring along a banging gong.

The ng sounds of this allow us to feel the resonance in our voices and as we are singing it well now, it also results in beautiful harmonies.

Following the coffee, it was all hands to the beaters. After adding the missing instrument, the whip and learning the concluding section of the piece, we played, right through, FIVE FOOLS IN A BARROW, understanding for the first time I think, how exciting this piece is.
It will be wonderful now to come back to it in the coming weeks and begin to enjoy it in a deeper way.

ON A GREY MORNING WE SHOW FAITH IN THE BLUE SKIES.

2011-10-19T09:29:00.001+01:00

When I discovered the round I WILL RISE by Alison Burns, it reminded me of a saying often used by a construction foreman Jakob had working for him who, at the end of a day when unforeseen rain made the concrete pour impossible, somebody severed a water main, _ in fact everything that could go wrong went wrong on the same day _ would say:
"Well there's a whole new day tomorrow, untouched!"
The song while not easy to pick up, has a real feeling of optimism, that we can start afresh tomorrow, which makes it enjoyable to sing. We will work on it in the coming weeks and look forward to doing it as a round.

I will rise into blue sky, I will rise_______
I will rise into blue sky, I will rise_______
You'll find me in silver, you'll find me in gold,
I will rise into blue sky, I will rise_______

(When we arrived this morning, the rain was lashing down from grey clouds, but as we were leaving, the sun shone out of______blue sky!)

In good voice after that, we concentrated on ALWAYS THE SINGING to learn the 4 part harmonies for the last section of the chorus and this should be very effective. We may in time even manage the harmonies for the whole of the chorus!

The harmony parts in ROW ON, with our smaller numbers today, while secure, were not well balanced, but this will be a good sound when we are back to our full attendance.

Note for those sent an audio file from your webmaster -- it will only open with iTunes or quicktime not windows media -- Download the file then right click the highlighted file with your mouse and take the option OPEN WITH and choose either iTunes or quick time player to hear the song "I Will Rise"

YEAR FIVE AND FLYING

2011-09-20T16:00:00.001+01:00

Yes, amazingly this is our fifth year of ENJOY MUSIC! with no sign of flagging. We approach our warm ups with gusto and after a few weeks discovering our 'support' in those stomach muscles, we are feeling the power in the voices. It's great to feel all that extra breath and enjoy singing the longer phrases.

Our other focus these days is on keeping a flat tongue while singing, which is no easy matter if you've never given it a single thought. But allowing the sound a clear way out by keeping the tongue flat makes a big difference to the tone and we're working on that.

Coming back to I'LL FLY AWAY this morning, we took some time to remember the parts but our nineteen good voices made a rich sound and that blend sounded even better when we moved on to ROW ON, the beautiful fishermen's song in Ali Burns's arrangement with very close harmonies.

On the instruments, we played a slow downward scale supported by rhythm on the drum and maracas in three beat time.
The piece, called DECORATING THE THIRD, starts off very simply and moves on with decorations to each note of the scale. Certainly something to work at next time.

I'm not able to come next next week so our next meeting is on Tuesday 4th October.

- Posted using BlogPress from Carol's iPhone

ENJOY MUSIC STARTS NEXT WEEK

2011-09-01T10:06:00.000+01:00

Are you missing ENJOY MUSIC? I hope so because I am and I'm looking forward to getting together with everyone again for our new session which starts this coming Tuesday 6th September.
So it's time to rack those brains and see how many of our songs are still in there since last May and even do a few ma mae me maw moos while you're rattling some dishes in the sink or giving the grass the (hopefully) last cut.

Very best wishes,
Moira.

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

2011-05-17T22:23:00.002+01:00

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

2011-05-15T21:36:00.000+01:00

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

2011-05-11T15:17:00.001+01:00

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.

WE BID FOR THE BLEND

2011-04-27T23:05:00.000+01:00

Abiding by our AGM resolution, we started promptly at 10:00 this morning. Marvellous what you can pack into those full 50 minutes and by Jove by 10:50 we were well ready for that coffee break.
We focused attention on keeping an open throat to achieve a full, relaxed sound and listening to each other to give a good blend of our voices. Then we learned the well known folk song riddle I GAVE MY LOVE A CHERRY, the simple words and melody of which give the opportunity for slow, careful singing. This was a very satisfying exercise, having the effect of sensitising us to the total sound of the group and was a really enjoyable sing.

Now repeating the programme of last week when many members were absent, we began by giving GAUDEAMUS HODIE laldie, following that with ALLELUYA, both in good harmony and then singing through the beautiful verses of LOVE IS COME AGAIN.

On the instruments today, after some practice with scales, we returned to JAKOBSTOWE JIG. Impatient to get on and practise, we left the F natural bar in position instead of changing to F sharp. This had the effect of changing the melody to a minor key and it was interesting to hear how the mood of the music had changed and also good to see how quickly the parts were memorised and played.

Happy Easter to all our Enjoy Music Website Readers

2011-04-23T21:53:00.003+01:00

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WE DEAL WITH THE BUSINESS THEN HAVE A GOOD SING.

2011-04-22T18:07:00.000+01:00

When your secretary and treasurer are willing to stay in their posts and continue the good work, then the rest is easy, as they say and so it was with us this morning. We concluded our A.G.M. promptly, and were glad of the good cup of coffee and a chat after our three week absence, before moving on to the singing.

GAUDEAMUS HODIE was a good start and we settled in to the three parts comfortably, enjoying the harmonies. Similarly with ALLELUYA which is based on Pachelbel's Canon and also in three parts. All that good practice in the winter months paid off and we picked it up effortlessly which is when you really get to enjoy the song. Looking out on the swans in the pond on a sunny spring morning, we were singing exactly the right word.

A favourite Easter Carol in our group is Martin Shaw's arrangement of the old French carol, tune Besançon, and words by J.M.C. Crum, LOVE IS COME AGAIN. We sang this in full voice, with plenty of spring energy and following that, ALWAYS THE SINGING went with a beautiful lilt in three beat time.
Finally, for the benefit of new members, we returned to our old favourite, the Irving Berlin song, LAZY, which goes with a swing, always fun to sing.

Many members were unable to come today but our small number had plenty of verve and at the end of the morning, we all felt the benefit of the music good energy we'd passed round.

Happy St Patrick's Day - To all at Enjoy Music

2011-03-17T15:29:00.002Z

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WE WARM THE BODY AND THE SOUL

2011-03-14T18:20:00.001Z

The music of the Icelandic group SOUTH RIVER BAND, the track called A DRAM BEFORE BREAKFAST, gave us a tuneful, rhythmic lead for our clapping and moving round the circle activity. This was both warming and hilarious - amazing how easily a mix-up can develop - but by the third try we got it right, which was hugely satisfying. I'm willing to bet it'll be perfect first time next week.

Owing to a combination of circumstances _ my trusty early morning helper had answered a child minding call and I was delayed having a flat tyre attended to - there was no time to lay out the instruments which meant we had a singing morning.

We warmed up the voices with a short melody for vocalising by Wolfgang Hartmann which will be very effective when sung in canon.

Good to feel the confidence and especially the support from the resolute singing in the bass part in the choruses of I'LL FLY AWAY. Three sections of the group sang a verse each and by the end of the song, feeling the effect of the good harmonies, we definitely 'flew'.

We are still working on ROW ON but moving into a new phase as there's now a real feeling of understanding coming through when we sing the harmonies in the chorus and this, together with the beautiful text in the verses, means I can hear it becoming a firm favourite with our group.
We ended the morning with some joyful singing of JULIAN OF NORWICH, ALWAYS THE SINGING and MANDELA DANCED IN THE SQUARE.

KEY TRIALS

2011-03-01T20:59:00.000Z

Finding the optimum pitch for a song sung in unison in our group of mixed voices is quite a challenge and we explored the possibilities fully this morning with JULIAN OF NORWICH - a lovely song for a spring morning. We sang it low, with resonant basses, we sang it high, our sopranos soaring, we sang it middle, altos smiling, before finally settling on a key where I could see lots of confirming nods as everyone realised this was the best compromise key. It was a good exercise to get the feel of our own and each other's voices and develop sensitivity to pitch.
We continued to work on ROW ON ROW ON, gaining confidence in those harmonies.
After the coffee we played WOLFGANG'S CANON but ran out of time for finishing the whole piece.

WE MADE IT!

2011-02-22T18:15:00.001Z

4 Part vocal and 4 part instrumental.

Songs take some time to 'bed in' and this being our third week since starting ROW ON we were ready to learn the harmonies. The text comes from the diary of a 19th century whaling ship captain and the song, a beautiful, low melody with 3 very close harmonies gives the effect of strength and togetherness. Our high tenor led the low altos in a lovely part, the basses were led by a soprano singing low, two sopranos took the alto part and the other voices, alto and soprano, held the tune.

Now that's what I call adaptability! A good example of the strength of the group being greater than the sum of its parts, And what an enjoyable sing.

Similarly with Wolfgang's Canon, everyone played it well today and when we split into 4 parts there was that wonderful feeling that we could go on forever. After that there is always the opportunity to be creative with the music, to find ways of changing the timbre, increasing the tension, building up to a climax, before ending on a high, or beginning a gradual fade before the finish.
That's our challenge for next week - to decide on how to complete the piece.

2011-02-15T22:47:00.001Z

Irene suggests that maybe we should try this now we're getting somewhere with the xylophones !!

Gordon and Carol wish all at Enjoy Music Happy St Valentines Day

2011-02-14T11:08:00.007Z

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YES WE LEARNED OUR MUSIC.

2011-02-08T16:17:00.000Z

The Ducks and Swans breaking the ice (Click to enlarge)

It did pay off, even for those who don't read music, that Wolfgang's canon could be accessed on the blog last week. Today we were a real ensemble (they called it a band) and played the canon first straight through all together, then in two, followed by three, parts. Wonderful to experience the almost mesmeric effect of playing the piece, time after time, fitting in with, but yet in beautiful contrast to, the other parts.
We also started an new song today called ROW ON from Ali Burns' compilation, TEN THOUSAND PEARLS - all of this between catching glimpses of the ducks trying clumsily to make their way over the thin ice on the pond which caused frequent hilarity.

HARMONY AND CANON

2011-02-01T19:42:00.003Z

We started this morning to a track from the c.d. of Russian Dance Music compiled by the Russian/Dutch folklorist and dancer, Hennie Konings. The beautiful and remarkably open sounds of the singers inspired us to concentrate on singing gently with a relaxed and open throat. That focus led us into our version of Pachelbel's Canon which we sang in three part harmony and sounded specially good.
Next we sang the African song Banuwa with its rich harmonies.
Then we returned to I'LL FLY AWAY, remembering the three parts and enjoying how they fit well together.

After the coffee, with everyone on instruments, we learned this canon written by my good friend Wolfgang Hartmann. To begin with it's a great exercise to memorise the structure and shape of the melody, then it's good practice in crossing over the beaters and ultimately should be an effective and exciting sound played in canon with added percussion. That'll take some weeks but the process should be fun. I've copied the music here to give help with memorising, since you can't look at music while playing the xylophone!

Click to enlarge - then right click mouse below the music image to choose print

BURNS DAY

2011-01-25T19:27:00.008Z

Wee sleekit, cowrin, tim’rous beastie,
O, what a panic’s in thy breastie!
Thou needna start awa sae hasty
Wi bickerin brattle!
I wad be laith to rin an’ chase thee,
Wi murdering pattle!

This verse was just the ticket to get the voices going and loosen up the mouth muscles. At one point it felt as if the whole building resonated with these wonderful words as we walked around, all reciting in our best voices.
THE DEIL'S AWA WI THE EXCISEMAN is a tough one for those new to it and specially for our Welsh and English born members but its driving jig rhythm carries it along, more so when supported by the percussion, making it a joy to sing.
We did spend weeks last year learning GREEN GROW THE RASHES O and I was pleased to hear how well everyone remembered it. The men were effective in their verse "Gie me a canny hour at e'en" and the whole song sounded good.
Similarly with AULD LANG SYNE, which was also well remembered from last year. It's set low for the women's voices but since the men are comfortable and able to sing out the whole sounded rich and good.
We finished sharp at 12:00 to be in good time for our haggis lunch at Douglas Park Golf Club.

That was good food, songs and poetry readings all in the true spirit of ENJOY MUSIC! ---- enthusiastic participation and warm appreciation from the audience.
I need say no more, as the pictures speak for themselves. !

To see larger photographs CLICK HERE and then click on the slideshow

WE FIND OUR VOICES AGAIN

2011-01-18T22:52:00.000Z

Listening to Custer LaRue this morning as we limbered up inspired us to vocalise the lovely melody of her song. The text, being in old Scots, is not clear so "la la" had to suffice; we enjoyed the brightness of the old tune and made a good sound.
We revived the old favourite which really invigorates the facial muscles I NEED A WAITER, in 3 part round which worked well and then moved on to LOVE SOMEBODY YES I DO, singing with gusto and harmonising the last two chords.
Coming back to HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING?, today we managed to lighten it up and make it flow as it should, with a full sound through the two verses and choruses.
In THE TURNING OF THE YEAR the extra attention we gave to opening our vowels and crisping up the consonants paid off with a much more lively sound and the thoughtful, almost meditative last phrase achieved quite a lovely tone, finishing with fine harmonies on the last two notes.
On the xylophones today we improvised melodies over jig rhythms played on percussion _ good practice and fun to enjoy the sounds of the instruments in this way.

BACK AFTER SEVEN WEEKS.

2011-01-11T22:55:00.001Z

It wasn't easy to get started today as people, while eager to sing, had to catch up with each other after such a long break.
Amazing to tally that its really six weeks since we had to cancel our meeting and then our Christmas lunch because of the snow and listening to ourselves this morning we agreed the break had been too long and the voices had suffered. So the warm up took some time but we got off to a good start listening and moving to the beautiful voice of Custer LaRue with the Baltimore Consort singing the text from 1620 by the Scots poet Montgomerie, COME MY CHILDREN DEAR.

Listen to her singing IN A GARDEN SO GREEN---- CLICK HERE

Title: In A Garden So Green

Anonymous, pub. Forbes, Cantus, Songs and Fancies, 1662 Scotland

In a garden so green in May morening
heard I my lady pleen of paramours. complain
Said she, my love so sweet, come you not yet nor yet?
Heght you not me to meet amongst the flowrs? pledge
Elore, elore, I love my lusty love, elore lo.

The skies upspringis, the dew down dingis,
the sweet larks singis their hours of prime.
Phoebus upsprentius, joy to rest wentis
lost mine intent is and gone's the time,
Elore, elore, I love my lusty love, elore lo.

Danger my dead is, false fortune my feid is, enemy
langour my leed is, but hope I despair. dreariness, song
Disdaine my desyris, so strangeness my feir is,
deceit out of weir is, adew I fare.
Elore, elore, I love my lusty love, elore lo.

Then to my lady swyth did I my presence kyth, swiftly, make
saying, my bird be blyth, am I not yours?
So in my arms two did I the lusty jo
and kisst her tymis mo then night hes hours.
Elore, elore, I love my lusty love, elore lo.

Live in hope, lady faire and repell all dispaire.
Trust not that your true love shall you betrase. betray
When deceit and languor banished is from your bowre. refuge
I'll be your paramour and shall you please
Elore, elore, I love my lusty love, elore lo.

Some weeks ago Rosemary had given me the words and music of HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING? and today we learned this beautiful hymn, singing it many times.
My life flows on in endless song
above earth’s lamentation.
I catch the sweet, though far off hymn
that hails a new creation.

No storm can shake my in-most calm
while to that rock I’m clinging.
Since love is Lord of heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing?

Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear that music ringing.
It finds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?

We followed this with THE TURNING OF THE YEAR, the song which celebrates the lengthening of the days, before stopping for coffee. Hearing the JAMESTOWN JIG I realised that some good practising had taken place over the holiday period. The fingers were nimble and at last the parts fitted comfortably together.
In a quick discussion at the end of the morning it was clear that everyone was in favour of the idea of having a Burns Lunch on 25th January. We'll now try to arrange that.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL ALL READERS

2011-01-01T00:05:00.005Z

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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS

2010-12-23T22:38:00.005Z

The Fell's Robin

Merry Christmas to everyone at Enjoy Music --- Click Here to see your Christmas Card

ENJOY MUSIC AND CHRISTMAS LUNCH IS CANCELLED

2010-12-09T11:34:00.001Z

Due to continued bad weather the final session of enjoy Music was cancelled. The Christmas lunch that was to be held at Douglas Park Golf Club was also cancelled.
However Gordon and Carol walked there and had some Christmas Cheer!
Here are some pictures to show you the scene.
Hopefully we will arrange something in the New Year.

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SNOW SNOW SNOW !!

2010-12-01T10:39:00.001Z

"After I heard that a number of our members were snowed in, I walked down to the Community Centre to check the conditions there and found the car park still deep in hard packed snow. That's when I decided to call off our session this week and a lucky thing too since it snowed a lot later that day. We're all missing the music and are trying to come to terms with the surfeit of weather news. Here's a comment on that."

Weather Girl on TV
A poem by Lorn Macintyre

She's dressed for summer, not the big freeze,
moving like an automaton, as if a key's
in her derrière as she wheels to the map.
Dire warnings sound like a thunder-clap,
hands spinning as she reels in a tornado
from north north east of the Faroes.
Is she going to kick off her Jimmy Choos,
swing on an isobar across to Toulouse?
She clicks the button in her hand
and bad weather masses over Shetland.
'Six inches of driven snow for Grampian.'
Not one of them has a complexion
wrinkled by sun. Who wants a plain Jane
when we're being warned of a hurricane?
But I'd prefer a toothless old crone
to come hobbling on a stick, moan
that her lumbago presages a cold spell.
Her hands claw, as if climbing to Mid Yell.
Should I put on my thermal vest
now more snow's massing in the west?
Tonight the temperature will plunge,
she warns us, with a final lunge,
head-first into the Irish Sea,
pulls herself up off Kirkcudbright.
My deep depression is clearing.
Her daft antics really are endearing.

Looking forward to our music next week followed by the Christmas lunch. Keep cosy, Moira.

WE CAROL IN THE ADVENT

2010-11-23T13:25:00.003Z

Our Warm up today is with this Pfeif Drauf music

It's good to uncover an old, neglected carol (since we finish for Christmas on 7th December, we have to start early) and we did this today with THE CAROL OF THE BAGPIPERS, from Italy. It has a strong, rhythmic undertow of six triplets in two beat measures, but it's remarkable how in spite of this, the quality of the music is quite different from the jig and it will be exciting to feel it as we become more familiar with the carol. The melody has a lovely flow but as in all groups of mixed voices, we took some time to agree (?) on the key which would suit everyone best. I'm not sure if we're there yet. Next week will be decision time.
It's always a joy to revisit the old carols and the French CAROL OF THE ADVENT, to the beautiful English text by Eleanor Farjeon, is a group favourite. It was a good sing.
Finally this morning the solid rhythm section and the confident glocks playing the tune made our JIG on the instruments a joy to play. We repeated it many times really settling in to feel of it.

THE PITCH BATTLE

2010-11-16T22:57:00.000Z

A cold morning in a cool room with a draught coming under the door is not conducive to feeling comfortable and singing well and the particular outcome today was that pitch continually dropped downwards. However, high we started out we always ended singing in our boots. Even those with low voices noticed it and then it's really bad. Alison Burns commented during her day with us that the low ceiling was not helpful for keeping good pitch but of course it's also a 'mind over matter' thing. We addressed it by thinking 'up', lightening our voices and what made the most difference was becoming more familiar with the music so that we were less tense and heavy about it. Confronting the problem really paid off as the singing gradually improved until we did achieve that tingle moment in Pachelbel's Canon to 'Alleluyia' when the four parts blended well and we were actually listening to each other while singing.
The good sound continued in I'LL FLY AWAY which we are now able to sing confidently and you can just feel how much this song appeals to the group.

Before starting out on the JAMESTOWN JIG, we spent some time all together, practising the jig rhythm with its two-beat metres, the beats often sub-divided into triplets and getting the feel of playing these with two beaters. This is a learning process for the hands and the brain, which can take some time until it becomes automatic. Young drummers in pipe bands take years so we shouldn't be surprised if it feels awkward in the short time we spend on it.
In the end, the jig played on all the instruments, underpinned by the rhythm section of three, really had my feet tapping!

HARMONY IN SONG AND A JIG WITH RHYTHM.

2010-11-02T22:50:00.001Z

My expectations were high this morning, for achieving a good sound in Alleluyia to Pachelbel's Canon and I wasn't disappointed. Being familiar now with the harmonic progressions meant that we picked up the four parts almost effortlessly, bringing them together, singing and listening to each other, to make a wonderfully full harmony. That's the kind of enjoyment that cheers a cold winter's morning!

After several weeks of playing bits of the JACOBSTOWE JIG we returned to it today and spent some time on the percussion parts. The quick beats of the jig proved quite a challenge for the hands on the bongos but the decision to use sticks instead was a good one and after some minutes the rhythm was flowing and the bongos together with the skulls proved a fine 'driver' for the energetic jig, which sounded good in the four parts on the barred instruments.
This will be a good addition to our instrumental repertoire.

ENJOY MUSIC WITHOUT MOIRA

2010-10-26T16:29:00.154+01:00

Led by Diana --- today's session opened with "CROSS CRAWL" exercises to warm us up followed by some beautiful slow movements to " I AM BODY PRAYER" sung by Aled Jones to PIE JESU

Isla then had all the group engaging in diaphragmatic breathing and vowel exercises.
Sue followed on with 3 poems, FRIENDSHIP by Elizabeth Jennings, followed on by "A LARK" and "THE SMALL GIANT" by Kenneth C Stevens.
Joan was next and she beautifully played THE SHEPHERD'S SONG by Mendelssohn on her flute and this was followed on by us all singing GREEN GROW THE RASHES O.
After coffee Jim got out his Penny Whistle and played 3 Scottish Tunes --- MY BOY TAMMIE, LEA RIG AND THE YELLOW HAIR'D LADDIE.

Irene was next and had us all singing 3 parts to Jean Redpath's BOTTLES OF POP / FISH AND CHIPS AND VINEGAR / DONT CHUCK YOUR MUCK IN OUR BACKYARD !!
Diana then read out 2 of her own beautiful poems that she had written --- BUTTERFLIES and PRESENCES
Don't have the words to put on the web --- but thought you might all like this --

A new song was then introduced by Isla called the "SHOEMAKER'S SERENADE" which we all agreed was "Tickity Boo" !
Sheila finished with another poem - 'SONG OF THE MOUNTAIN ASH FAIRY'

The morning session was then rounded off with a couple of our old favourites JULIAN OF NORWICH and BEAUTIFUL AFRICA

An enjoyable morning was had by all and thanks to Isla for being the leader today-- However, we look forward to next weeks session on Moira's return from Copenhagan

WE REVISIT LAST WEEK'S SONGS

2010-10-19T23:55:00.005+01:00

Fire Drill Practice ! - (click to enlarge)

We opened today with music from a Gaelic singer new to me at least, GRIOGAIR LAWRIE. I played the track ORAN DO'N MHORAIRNE which has a lovely lilting rhythm, just right for our warming up movements. Unfortunately our two Gaelic speakers were not with us (probably on one of their frequent trips to Skye) but I look forward to hearing their translation of the text when they get back.

Of course we had to try to follow up on last week's session with Alison Burns and we started with her arrangement of PACHELBEL'S CANON sung to 'ALLELUIA" which was just getting going when the fire alarm rang with the result that we had a five minute sing in the open air, on the steps beside the pond. In spite of the morning chill, it felt good and I did hear the comment, "We should do this more often".

Coming in from the cold, we sang the lively EARLY IN THE MORNING, which had a warming effect, after which we listened to the CD track of Fly, Fly, Fly, joining in the chorus which we'd learned last week. Good to sing to the wonderful banjo accompaniment and this is one we'll work on in future.

We are gradually building up our skills on the instruments and all I'll add is that I feel sure we're on the verge of a breakthrough with the JAMESTOWN JIG. (!!!!!!!!)

I'll be away next week and will be back on 2nd November but I know the group will as ever, rise to the occasion next Tuesday, creativity to the fore, and arrange an enjoyable musical morning together.

A WONDERFUL DAY

2010-10-12T21:07:00.035+01:00

Alison Burns (Front Row RHS) with the Enjoy Music Group - Click to enlarge

It was a treat for me today to take a back seat and hand over to ALISON BURNS, song maker, music educator, community choir and workshop leader. Our whole group benefited hugely from this exciting day.
With her gentle encouraging manner and deep knowledge of her material, she had us in the first half hour singing in four part harmony, a lovely arrangement of PACHELBEL'S CANON and since we only had to think about one word of text, ALLELUIA, we could enjoy the full impact of the harmonies as the four parts intermingled.

We moved on to a different style of singing in I'LL FLY AWAY, one of the songs from the film O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU? and again we were able, in a call and response way, to bring four parts together, at the same time trying to sing in that rhythmical style of the American spiritual.
Our lunch in the Centre cafe was a good social occasion for our group as we enjoyed the food, fresh and appetising, laid on by Anne Hunter and her staff. We always appreciate being able to take our morning coffee there but that's such a short time and it felt good to have more time to talk.
The afternoon session began by exploring the DRONE, which exists in much traditional music around the world and how it feels to hold a drone as well as sing over it. We then experimented with harmony, singing different intervals together to feel the quality of the various groupings of notes. After this, we could savour fully the harmonies and dissonances of the African song we learned, with its slow, reverential first part followed by a joyful chorus.

To finish off the session we sang ALWAYS THE SINGING - Click on the link

Everyone agreed that Alison's day was a great success and there was an immediate call to have her do a return visit. To read more about Alison click here to go to her Website

WE MAKE A FULL SOUND

2010-10-05T21:55:00.003+01:00

To get a better quality of video after pressing the play button then click on the number 240 and change to 480

This was a day of people returning from late holidays, hospital treatment and family commitments and what a difference the larger numbers made to our sound! The three parts of GAUDEAMUS HODIE blended well and the whole sound had a new richness and confidence.

Think about next week's visit by Alison Burns who will lead a Singing Day, we picked THE WIND BLOWS HIGH from her collection 'Ten Thousand Pearls', learning the second part and the tune. Of course these songs take a lot of bedding in and although today we just made a start, I think it's one we'll enjoy a lot, the better we get to know it.

Some members who had taken a glock and a xylophone home to practise surged ahead today when we moved on to the instruments and yes, we did learn and play all four parts of JAMESTOWN JIG, two sections in ABA form.
It may be halting and a little bit awkward for some yet but we are getting there!

REMINDER:

Next week, 12th October will be a music workshop day led by singer and music educator, Alison Burns. Members pay the normal fee and the day is open to friends and visitors for a charge of £5.

Programme: 10:00 coffee and introductions in the Community Centre cafe
10:30 _ 12:00 first session.
12:00 _ 1:00 lunch. Soup and sandwiches will be available to buy in the cafe, or bring your own.
1:00 _ 2:30 second session.

We're looking forward to a great day!

OUR BASS SHOWS HIS METTLE

2010-09-28T19:32:00.000+01:00

Autumn holidays, health appointments, unmissable golf ties and a multitude of other reasons mean that there is always some variation in the attendance from week to week and today there was one, lone bass voice. This can be a stress for that individual, or it can be a chance to shine and the latter was the case on Tuesday when we sang GAUDEAMUS HODIE. Our bass held his part beautifully, even enjoying it while the others modified their sound accordingly to create a fine blend. Good to hear this sensitivity developing in our singing.

The smaller number today meant that everyone had a good practice on the instruments and as a result we mastered the whole of JAMESTOWN JIG, everyone playing the melody which, with its triplet rhythms is a great exercise in playing with the two hands alternately.

After that, learning the simpler accompanying parts will be a dawdle!

A GOOD CHANCE TO RECAP

2010-09-21T22:23:00.001+01:00

Several members returned today after a long summer holiday and this was a good opportunity to recap on the new music we've learned in the past two weeks. It'l always a good feeling to revisit the familiar and enjoy settling in to a piece.
EARLY IN THE MORNING is sounding good and in GAUDEAMUS HODIE great to hear the basses enjoying their line while the three parts come together well.
Coming to our instrumental piece JAMESTOWN JIG we gave some thought to the importance of keys. Because of our mixed group, mostly singing in unison, many of our songs are in key C where the range of the melody is comfortable for most of our voices. This Jig is written in D major, a key with a bright quality and a refreshing change. The F sharps were duly put in place and we proceeded to play. Playing the triplets with alternate hands takes some getting used to, but week by week we'll get there!

WE JIG THE RHYTHMS.

2010-09-14T18:47:00.001+01:00

Coming back to our warm up song EARLY IN THE MORNING today, it was obvious that the singing going home in the cars had paid off and the song had become embedded in the intervening time since last week. Those who were hearing it for the first time were completely swept along by the others, very quickly singing with confidence and enthusiasm. Strange how some songs simply facilitate our voices and in this one I could hear good high notes from some unlikely quarters!

Next we returned to GAUDEAMUS HODIE, revising the tune and the bass part, before adding the third, high voice which, sung softly and with clarity, completed the harmony in a beautifully balanced way. We did make a good sound.

The JAMESTOWN JIG, by Paul Wilson, Community Musician and workshop leader in Devon, has triplet rhythms which struck me as fitting perfectly with the names in our group and so that's how we learned first the rhythms and then the tune:

Gordon, Carol, Malcolm,
Moira, Sheila, Irene,
Gordon, Carol, Malcolm,
Isla, Kate and Ruth.

Middle section:
Joan Gemmel and Sue Ramage and
Joan Gemmel and Lyn,
Joan Gemmel and Don and
Valerie and Jim.

We then transferred our 'song', first section, onto the tuned instruments and added temple blocks, bongo and tambourine making a good ensemble sound. Next week we'll add the middle section.
After that considerable achievement we ended our morning session, leaving with a jig in our step.

GOOD TO BE BACK

2010-09-07T23:14:00.003+01:00

After our three month recess, it was good to meet up again. We were all conscious of feeling the voices a bit rusty but it's wonderful how the group feeling takes over and the energy builds.
Our springboard for loosening up the limbs, the back, the head, in fact the whole body, with easy movements while concentrating on deep breathing, was a vocal piece by Grassroots from Zimbabwe, singing in typical warm, rhythmic, repetitive and mesmeric style.
We continued after that with some rhythmic clapping, making a variety of vocal sounds in the gaps between claps. This loosened up the face muscles and we began to use our voices with some abandon.
Scales then focused us on the quality of our own voices, concentrating on accurate pitch and good sound.

EARLY IN THE MORNING is our new vocal warm up song.
The words made us laugh and we felt like moving to its funky rhythm.

Early in the morning
When I wake up
Early in the morning
When I wake up
I brush my teeth,
I eat my bread,
I drink my coffee and go back to bed,
Early in the morning
Early in the morning.

Building on the good sounds of the warm up, we then learned a short song which has 3 parts in harmony, GAUDEAMUS HODIE.
Our 2 bass singers readily picked up their part and we sang well together, leaving the third part to be added next week.
Due to a problem with keys, our instruments remained locked up today, so after a chatty coffee break, we finished the morning with ALWAYS THE SINGING and BRAND NEW DAY.

ENJOY MUSIC BEGINS NEXT MONTH

2010-08-17T09:32:00.001+01:00

The ENJOY MUSIC sessions begin in three weeks time on Tuesday 7th September. I'm looking forward to getting the music started again and hearing all your news from the summer.
Cheers Moira

GLENBOIG GATHERING

2010-05-11T21:19:00.011+01:00

Our last meeting of '2009 - '2010, at the invitation of our member who lives near Fintry and what an inspiration it proved to be! The beautiful sunny morning among the hills, the warm welcome, the high ceilinged room where we sang all contributed to the energy of our voices as we sang together songs we'd learned throughout the year.
We started off with the call and response, WHAT'LL I DO WITH THE BABY? and followed on with Paul Wilson's fine song with a driving five beat metre, BRAND NEW DAY, which we sang many times allowing it to develop a momentum of its own. Returning to ALWAYS THE SINGING, we can now put some conviction into this, enjoying its rolling three beat swing as well as the good words.
This lovely May morning was the perfect time to revive our Icelandic song NÚ ER VETUR UR BÆ

NÚ ER VETUR ÚR BÆ Icelandic folk song

Nú er vetur úr bæ ---- Now winter has left the farm
rann í sefgrænan sæ ---- Has run into the reed green sea
og þar sefur í djúpinu væra ---- And is sleeping there in the calm deep,
en sumarið blítt, ---- But (the) kindly summer
kemur fagurt og frítt ---- Comes, beautiful and mild
meður fjörgjafar ljósinu skæra. ---- Bestowing (the) energising bright light.

Jónas Hallgrímsson

which I can say we sang with good Icelandic accents as well as inspired musicality as we looked out over the Fintry hills.

Instrumental pieces as well as songs from individual members made this an altogether thoroughly enjoyable morning, after which we were well ready to do justice to the spread laid on by our hostess and spend some time in good company.

A good ending to a good year. I wish everyone a happy and restful simmer and look forward to meeting up again on Tuesday 7th September to make more wonderful music

Finally some photographs from the days events -- Click on the small thumbnailand then on slideshow to see larger pictures

Enjoy Music - Fintry

DRUMMING LESSON FROM SIGNY JAKOBSDOTTIR

2010-05-04T18:51:00.006+01:00

Moira our Enjoy Music Group leader was not with us today and her daughter Signy Jakobsdottir gave the group an excellent introduction into "Drumming"
Signy who was born in Iceland is now based in Glasgow where she works with extensively with Scottish Ballet. With roots in Gamelan, African and Indian drumming she brings a global approach to her performances. Her unique sound palette has led to sessions with amongst others Fred Frith, Trilok Gurtu, James Grant, Capercaillie, Gamalan Pacifica, Joko Susilo, and Zeitgeist Percussion Ensemble.

We all had a great morning beating away on the Drums --- Thanks Signy

Click on the small thumbnail to see some more photos and then click on slideshow to see larger pictures.

Enjoy Music -- Drums

WE BALANCE OUR HARMONIES.

2010-04-27T20:23:00.001+01:00

In making the open vowel sounds of Russian words we have to produce a good, round sound using our facial apparatus as well as the vocal chords and we spent some time this morning doing this, taking turns to come up with words and sing them to a melodic phrase which everyone copied, _ interesting words, Karamazov, Tolstoy, Anna Karenina, vodka, improvised short musical phrases and some fun.

After these long, heavy sounds, we got the energy going with Senjua. The three parts were well remembered but the balance was all wrong. Good how, after some people switched parts, the sound of the song came into balance, blending into a full, close harmony, African style.

We then returned to ALWAYS THE SINGING which we had started last week but which was new to several members and looking now at the words, we sang through the three verses.

DECORATING THE THIRD was our piece on the instruments and building on last weeks session, we were now beginning to feel comfortable with the musical patterns, enjoying the repetition and the variations played by the glocks. As we ended the morning I realised this is our last session on the bar instruments before the summer break. Here's hoping we can remember all this good practice in three months time!

Next week, 4th May: Signy will lead the group in a session on the drums and other percussion.
Tuesday 11th May: Our last meeting and we're invited to Fintry for music and lunch. Meet at the community Centre car park at 10:00 a.m.

A NEW SONG AND A HARMONIC PATTERN.

2010-04-20T23:30:00.000+01:00

We opened this morning to the whistling, tuba, horns and synthesiser of the German group Haindling. Whistling is a morning kind of sound and it worked well to help us concentrate on posture and breathing before singing some scales to warm up the voices.
Siyahamba always has an energising effect and although we missed the alto part, we drove it along with some rhythm on the small drums.

Following that, we returned to JULIAN OF NORWICH which is a great sing, allowing us first to listen carefully to our own voices and next time through, to be careful to hear the voices around us, and concentrate on the blend.
Next we began ALWAYS THE SINGING, a new song for our group, words and music by Alison Burns, songmaker, music educator, community choir director and workshop leader.

First verse and chorus:

There are twists and turns in every life in the wide roads that lead you from here
But the threads that bind the journey together
Are the songs that weave through the years.

And it’s always the singing and it’s always the song.
In the whole wide world it’s where I belong.
From my heart to my soul, from my feet to my tongue,
It’s always the singing,
It’s always the song.

Moving on to the instruments, we then learned a piece called DECORATION OF THE THIRD -long, slow notes on the glocks accompanied by a moving pattern on the other instruments. As always, this took a while to embed itself but I know that next week we'll be wondering why it seemed so tricky and enjoying hearing the two parts together.

SOME FANTASTIC PHOTOS FROM ICELAND

2010-04-20T14:42:00.001+01:00

Here are some fantastic PHOTOS FROM ICELAND

OUR FOURTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.

2010-03-30T20:40:00.002+01:00

Coming into our fifth year, it's a good time to reflect on how far we've come from when we started _ a group of music enthusiasts, eager to sing, explore instrumental playing and find a way of making music together.

In the course of our meeting we did just that, remembering how hard we found it to hold a part in a round and keep in time with each other when playing an instrumental piece. We still have difficulties of course, but my goodness how we've improved and remarkable now how we approach a new piece with a much more confident attitude. Singing alone was also a complete 'no-no' but remarkable how the good atmosphere within our group has encouraged all of us to have a go.

Hockets, each individual singing a word or phrase of a song in turn round the circle, are now OK and a good way of raising the level of alertness in everyone.

For me, it's been so good to work with people who are prepared to go out of their 'comfort zone' musically and try a new skill, such as playing the xylophones, drumming, improvising vocally and on an instrument. Also, it generates a lot of fun as we don't take ourselves too seriously.
So musically we're on a good track and we decided to enhance our progress by using what money we can afford to bring in occasional visiting tutors, such as drumming and voice tutors.

We're back on 20th April for our summer session which runs till 18th May.

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL.

WE DANCE FOR JULIAN

2010-03-23T08:06:00.000Z

Fats Waller's 'Numb Fumblin' was our opening music today _ the slow stride piano a perfect pace for our focus on posture, warming up movements and breathing awareness.
The voice warm up was next and and after that we were ready to give a full sound in SENJUA, in three parts.

PEACE, SALAAM, SHALOM, handed to me by a member who had carefully written down the music after hearing it sung en masse at a peace demonstration, is a beautiful round with a gently flowing 6/8 pulse which we picked up very quickly and enjoyed singing, hearing the sound of the whole group. We'll get the full effect next week when we'll do it as a round.

Moving on to concentrate on our individual voices, we sat down to sing LOVE IS COME AGAIN, a French hymn for Easter arranged by Martin Shaw. Its steady unhurried notes and open vowels give the opportunity to think about the sound we make with our own voices and to be conscious of that open throat and relaxed jaw, as well, of course, as enjoying the text and the melody.

On the instruments we returned to 'Carillon' in Carl Orff's arrangement, making a lovely sound with the four parts and those with good memories singing along.
Finally, directed by Diana, we achieved that unity of music and movement, joining in a circle dance while singing JULIAN OF NORWICH _ a good ending to our session on a fine spring morning.

HARMONIES AND CHIMES

2010-03-09T23:20:00.003Z

A good warm up of breathing exercises and scales prepared us for the long sweeping phrases of AND THE NIGHT SHALL BE FILLED WITH MUSIC which is now beginning to sound more fluid and delicate as we gain confidence. We sang it today as a two part round but the full effect of the harmonies will come when we sing in three parts.

BEAUTIFUL AFRICA is a great sing but really needs the alto harmony in the chorus. We did learn this some time ago and returned to it this morning, spending some time consolidating what some remembered from the past and giving new members a chance to learn it. We'll return to it next week.

The Sydney Carter song JULIAN OF NORWICH has a chiming accompaniment on glockenspiels which Rosemary and Carol learned quickly while we sang through the verses for the benefit of those who missed it last week. It sounded good but could take another two instruments which we'll add next week.

Remarking on how with all the coughing and tiredness at this time of year, we all really need a week in Majorca, the morning's music certainly helped by getting our energy flowing and we ended, as last week, with SPRING, SPRING, SPRING!

WE DO SPRING

2010-03-02T17:38:00.002Z

It was so good to be back, and many thanks to all for keeping things going in such an inspired way while I was in quarantine.

Our warm up this morning was a revival of the Zulu song of welcome, SENJUA and I was glad to hear that many people remembered the three part harmony, even from quite some time ago, making the full sound that is so attractive in African songs.

Then taking our cue from the brilliantly sunny morning, we learned the Sydney Carters hymn to spring from 1981 JULIAN OF NORWICH, the theme of which is 'All shall be well'. With its references to bells, this song will be effective with accompaniment from our glockenspiels.
As I explained this morning, in our group we enjoy songs that are musically interesting without being too 'wordy' but at this time of year there's one song that's just irresistible because of its playful text, full of joyful rhymes _ from the musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers -- SPRING, SPRING, SPRING. We took some time to read through the three verses before we sang it and I'll be surprised if there are not a few sore jaws tomorrow!

After the break we had a good practice on the instruments, two new members catching on surprisingly well and getting the idea of using both hands to play up and down the scales. We will keep this up and be well prepared when we next start a new Orff piece.

A MIXED MORNING OF MUSIC, SONGS AND POETRY

2010-02-16T15:25:00.019Z

Mairi and Isla (Click to enlarge)

With our leader of the group, Moira, being unwell this week, Isla White took over the proceedings and did exceedingly well on the piano to keep us all in tune!

We started the morning's session by singing 'Love somebody, yes I do' and 'I shall sing, sing my song' - A few of us will be singing these 2 songs at the Hospice next week

Joan played a very interesting piece on her flute called Pastorale by Germaine Tailleferre followed by 3 Scottish tunes: All for Marie's Wedding, Westering Home and Over the Sea to Skye where we all joined in with hearty voices.

Carol had a go at playing Air Fa La La Lo on her harmonica and everyone sang 2 verses of the song.

Mairi then sang when she borrowed Sheila's scarf -- 'This is no' my plaid' and then we all joined her in her own composition --- the "Croft Song" (Sung to the Road to the Isles)

Chorus
Electricity and Gas we want and water from the mains,
Easy access to the nearest motorway
With connection to the telephone and the sewage drains
And a gaelic name that's not to hard to say

Ruth then read out a very amusing poem called Hamish Hedgehog by John Dennyson from the Scottish Poet Corner of well known newspaper.

Before Coffee we finished off with MANDELA DANCED IN THE SQUARE and SIYAHAMBA

Refreshed after the break Mairi then sang a beautiful song, Vienna, City of my Dreams, and this was followed by Jim who played Macrosty Park on his penny whistle and Sue who read a very moving Ken Stevens poem "The Long Silence"
We then all sang the 1960's song by the Seekers --- A World of Our Own, followed by the Burns song -- Coming through the Rye

Isla then sang a beautiful Irish song called "The Isle of Innisfree" and we all joined in.
(PLAY THE VIDEO BELOW TO HEAR THE LOVELY WORDS)

To finish off the morning we all sang one of our favourites "LAZY" -- Click on picture above to see enlargement of some of the group in full voice

WE ALL WISH MOIRA AND FAMILY A SPEEDY RECOVERY

WE DO BURNS AND KINDNESS

2010-01-26T23:51:00.000Z

Our first song this morning was SIYAHAMBA, and after our altos learned the harmony part we gathered our forces and sang it giving it our best 'Desmond Tutu full African sound'.
Thinking, on the 25th, about Burns songs and after listening to AULD LANG SYNE, it struck me that kindness is a quality Burns mentions frequently in writing about people and I reflected on the fact that relationships can be based on many different qualities but kindness is an essential component in the mix.

We'll tak a cup o kindness yet,
O this is no my ain lassie, fair tho the lassie be,
O this is no my ain lassie, kind love is in her e'e.
I'll meet thee on the lea rig, my ain kind dearie O.

This thought spurred me on to take two of these songs this morning, AULD LANG SYNE, to the older tune, and THE LEA RIG, both of which we enjoyed singing.
Later we learned the AULD LANG SYNE tune, the first part only, on the instruments but enough to hear that it will be effective played this way. Good to take a fresh approach to the lovely old tunes.

CLICK, STAMP, SLAP, CLAP.

2010-01-19T23:44:00.003Z

FIRST YOU MAKE YOUR FINGERS CLICK
THEN YOU STAMP YOUR FEET
BOTH HANDS SLAP YOUR KNEES
AND CLAP ON THE BEAT.

This quickened the reactions this morning, the four part round bringing in a succession of body percussion sounds and all that clapping and stamping was just the thing for a cold morning.

We returned to THE NIGHT SHALL BE FILLED, and are now getting the hang of it, the jumps in the melody and the lovely caressing semitones giving the feel of Arab music.
THE WATER IS WIDE, a call and response song, was another challenge to the listening as well as the breath control, with its long notes which create the harmony.

Improvising on the instruments is flowing much better now as our technique is improving and today we did the rounds with six or seven people taking the plunge, improvising a section.

We're working on the Orff piece:

EVENING RED AND MORNING GREY
HELP THE TRAVELLER ON HIS WAY
EVENING GREY AND MORNING RED
BRING DOWN RAIN UPON HIS HEAD.

This involves flutes, solo and together, and solo singer then chorus with xylos, bells and timpani. Should be fun when we get it up to speed.

WE BID FOR THE BLEND

2010-01-12T23:26:00.000Z

We started this morning by doing some loosening up movements to music from Shaun Davey's piece THE BRENDAN VOYAGE. The track, Water Under the Keel, begins with a melody on the Uilleann pipes and grows to include the full orchestra, giving a wonderful opening up feeling which is exactly what we need to prepare for a good sing.
After some voice warming exercises we then applied ourselves to the Carl Orff piece, Evening Red and Morning Grey.
The four lines of this rhyme are set to a very simple tune which moves stepwise within a small range of notes, allowing us to listen carefully to each other trying for a good blend of the voices. This is a piece to be worked on over a period, involving as it does flutes, xylophones, timpani and sleigh bells as well as the voices.

We then turned to a more challenging sing, a beautiful setting of the last stanza from Longfellow's poem, The Day is Done,

And the night shall be filled with music,
And the cares, that infest the day,
Shall fold their tents, like the Arabs,
And as silently steal away.

The jumps in this melody need careful concentration but express beautifully the sense of the words making it a real pleasure to sing, especially individually, in our quieter moments.

Getting out the instruments after our coffee, we played about with rhythms on the small percussion before lunging into a piece involving improvisation from several members _ an interesting and lively sound as well as good fun.

Finally we gave full voice, again listening as we sang, for a good blend, to GREEN GROW THE RASHES O! (almost, but not quite, from memory).

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR READERS

2010-01-01T01:43:00.000Z

Wishing all our Readers at ENJOY MUSIC a Happy New Year.

Click on the following link to see your --- NEW YEAR CARD

ENJOY MUSIC CHRISTMAS LUNCH

2009-12-08T19:27:00.001Z

Make a Smilebox slideshow

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THE FAIR LADY -- TAKE 2 !

2009-12-08T17:00:00.000Z

THE PENTATONIC SCALE

2009-12-03T10:32:00.003Z

Bobby McFerrin demonstrates the power of the pentatonic scale, using audience participation, at the event "Notes & Neurons: In Search of the Common Chorus", from the 2009 World Science Festival, June 12, 2009.

THE TURNING OF THE YEAR

2009-12-01T23:56:00.002Z

Amid these grim, wet, cold, gloomy days it's good to remember that we're coming up to the shortest day and that's the burden of our new song, words and music by Jan Holdstock.

THE TURNING OF THE YEAR

The leaves are gone, the boughs are black and bare against the sky, _
So bring a branch of evergreen and hang the holly high.
For the darkest days are over_ and the spring will soon be here,
So we sing _ and we celebrate _ the turning of the year.
The days are short, the nights are cold, the sky is dark with rain,
But we can see the sunlight in the candle’s flickery flame.
The wind may blow, the frost may bite, but we will take the time
To cheer our hearts with carolling, with music and with rhyme.

We picked it up quickly and were soon carolling away like linties, enjoying the music and the up-beat sentiments.

I'm always happy when it's time to sing the Carol of the Advent, the lovely French tune Besençon, to words by Eleanor Farjeon and we gave it full voice.

The spotlight was on the percussion department today, allowing them some time to concentrate on exactly where and how to hit that drum and cymbal, get the feel of the weight of the beater and also listen to the sounds as the beater hit different parts of the instrument. The result was sensitive playing from both players and now we're ready to film our piece again, first time we have a full turnout.

Last meeting of the year next week followed by the Christmas lunch.

THE FAIR LADY -- TAKE 1 !!!

2009-12-01T17:13:00.005Z

A CHORAL SOUND

2009-11-25T12:41:00.002Z

The Enjoy Music Group - Click to enlarge

Of course we are a music group, exploring and enjoying many aspects of music, but singing is a particular joy and we have been quietly and steadily training ourselves to be better singers and even think about blending our voices. This happens regularly whether we are twelve or twenty but this morning the combination of being twenty, and at last feeling comfortable with GREEN GROW THE RASHES O, was quite special and for the first time I felt we were singing as a choir. Words are almost perfect from memory and the faces are showing real feeling for the song,_a pleasure to see and listen to.

We also spent some time this morning having ourselves filmed singing and playing THE FAIR LADY. It's some time since we made a film and I think we got a good format this time for our position in the room. It went quite well but the results were so close to being good that I've decided we should do it again next week now that we're familiar with the drill and get it right.

We are scheduled to finish this term on 1st December but decided to add a meeting on the 8th after which we'll go for lunch at Douglas Park Golf Club

CALL AND RESPONSE ROUND THE CIRCLE.

2009-11-17T13:04:00.002Z

Call and response is one of the oldest forms of song, found in many parts of the world. It depends on one person with a strong voice who sings a line at a time for the others to echo. We have a number of these in our repertoire and sing them either with one caller or in two groups, _ one group calling and the other responding.
Today we sang WHAT'LL I DO WITH THE BABY-O? with each person taking a turn to 'call' a line of the song, right round the circle. Interesting how the need to sing the line, solo, demonstrated how not everyone was secure in the song and concentrated minds on fixing the melody. By the third time round, all were singing their lines in good, clear, confident voices.
This is a good way to build confidence among singers and also a fun way to sing.

GREEN GROW THE RASHES O we have almost memorised and our challenge now is to begin to enjoy the song and sing it confidently.

We ended the morning with ALEYKUM ASALAAM, Arabic for "Peace be unto you', a four part harmony piece by Nickomo. It's some time since we sang this but after re-learning the parts we achieved a full, close harmony sound which sent us off with a musical warmth inside on a cold morning.

THE FAIR LADY IN BALANCE.

2009-11-10T23:20:00.001Z

For several weeks we've been practising the barred instrument parts of the Orff-Keetman arrangement of the old Scots ghost song, THE FAIR LADY and of course we had to use all the instruments, glocks, xylophones and metallophone, allowing everyone to have a go.
The arrangement, however, calls for only xylophones and metallophone, seven barred instruments in our group, and today we added the bass drum and a cymbal, nine players altogether, leaving the others to sing the song.
This was a good balance of sound. We heard the drum and cymbal to great effect and the voices came over clearly above the gentle rhythmic ostinatos from the xylophones and metallophone. We repeated it many times, enjoying the sound as well as the satisfaction of getting it right, at last.

The success of this may have been due to the good warm up at the beginning when everyone did an improvisation, to be copied by the group. Many of these were snippets of songs learned long ago, and happily revived, giving a lot of laughs, as well as good exercise for the voice.

THE BLACK SOCKS WARM UP

2009-10-27T23:21:00.002Z

Black socks, they never get dirty,
The longer you wear them the stronger they get.
Sometimes I felt I should launder them;
Something keeps telling me: don't wash them yet,
Not yet, not yet, not yet _.

This energetic round started us off on a chilly morning, warming the voices and the spirits. Careful attention to tuning the notes and managing the jumps in the melody paid off as we were soon singing it well. Next week will be the move into three (or four) parts.

Our current Burns song GREEN GROW THE RASHES O was next. We spent some time noting pronunciations and note lengths before launching into the song, the challenge of which, for a group, is to sing the tricky rhythms together and accurately; the words are so good that they sing themselves. The range of this song makes it difficult for a group of mixed voices, and here it is the bases who need to jump octaves to stay with the melody. But ever resourceful, they manage it and our tenor, struggling somewhat in the low notes of the verse, really shines in the chorus.

The scale in the accompaniment of THE FAIR LADY is now a dawdle for us but fitting it in between what comes before and after is still difficult. It's a real joy now to see the agility of everyone crossing the sticks for the notes of the scale and playing with obvious feeling for the pulse of the piece.

We ended the morning with FAREWEEL TAE TARWATHIE, always a favourite

OUR DEFINITIVE VERSION

2009-10-20T19:22:00.000+01:00

Singing a Burns song as a group means deciding on pronunciation and that involves considering all the ways we've heard that song sung, as well as our own individual native dialects of the Scots words. In our group these native dialects include Glasgow/central Scotland, Aberdeen, Stirlingshire and west coast and today we worked on finding a consensus as to what felt right for all of us. So pencils in hand, we read over GREEN GROW THE RASHES O, writing in word by word, directions as to how to pronounce the printed text and ending up with our definitive version.
After that we sang it with good feeling, not quite all together yet, but now at least we know where we're going with it.
The cafe is now open again and we enjoyed the break upstairs.
Afterwards, working on the instruments, we practised fitting in the 'scale' section of THE FAIR LADY, which took some time, but as I see those crossover movements with the sticks looking more agile, it is now beginning to feel more relaxed and truly musical.

WE DO BURNS

2009-10-13T18:31:00.000+01:00

Beginning today with some scat singing in a jazzy round by Orff teacher Woflgang Hartmann, we further warmed up the voices with the round BIRDS FLY SOUTH, in three parts plus bass ostinato. Two whistling improvisers, although soft, gave the piece atmosphere and the ensemble worked well.

After that, we took a fresh look at the Burns song GREEN GROW THE RASHES O! and decided we liked every one of the five verses. There was some discussion of how we should pronounce various words _ we have many different backgrounds, as far as Scots language is concerned _ in our group. Interesting to hear the range of ideas and come to consensus. The range of the tune is a challenge for our mixed voices but we'll work at it and perhaps stretch the range of a few members (in a good way).

We missed the flutes today for the Connemara lullaby but substituted voices before coming in with the words. Wonderful how we can now sing and play at the same time, keeping it all together beautifully.

Finally, we practised the parts for THE FAIR LADY, which we've always found difficult and we'll come back to that next week hoping to get it right next time.

TO GREENLAND AND BACK

2009-10-06T19:20:00.001+01:00

We spent some time and effort today on TARWATHIE, achieving a good blend of the voices and having a try at memorising the words, which one member, who'd visited Greenland, found entirely reminiscent of the landscape there.
LOVE SOMEBODY, in 'call and response' form, always requires sharp attack at the beginning of phrases and this took a little time to establish. Also, more verses would be fun and this was the challenge set to our wordsmiths this week: Write more verses!
By now in good voice, we revived from last spring the Orff piece about the bells of towns in France, CARILLON. The melody is in two voice parts with the bass holding a low, sonorous DIN DONG ostinato.
This is accompanied by our two flutes, glocks, xylophones and metallophone. It lacked good balance since several strong singers were missing today, but it should sound good with our full complement.
We ended the morning with CONNEMARA LULLABY; remarkable to hear how comfortable we now are with this dorian mode melody which at first seemed quite strange to our ears.

A SCALED DOWN (AND UP) DAY.

2009-09-29T20:07:00.000+01:00

For various reasons, to do with The Mod, sunny climes, grandchildren and home maintenance, our group was small in number today: nevertheless we learned a new round _ a "DOO-BE-DOO" by Wolfgang Hartmann, an Orff teacher who worked for many years at the Orff Institute in Salzburg and now travels the world giving seminars.
Moving on to the instruments after that, we had a really good practice, 'crossing over' with the beaters and playing scales, up and down. We did make those xylophones sing!
We followed this with CONNEMARA LULLABY - practising the words to become more comfortable with them and enjoying the repeats: flute-song-flute.
Although the high voices were missing today for SONG OF THE SOUTH, Irving Berlin's arrangement of WAY DOWN UPON THE SWANEE RIVER, we sang the melody which gives scope for concentrating on good, round tone on the long notes.
FAREWEEL TAE TARWATHIE was our final song, started by Don singing verse one in a low key then raising the pitch, all joined in for the rest of the verses.

THE CALL OF THE SOUTH

2009-09-22T21:27:00.001+01:00

Returning to BIRDS FLY SOUTH today, we sang the four part round in perfect togetherness, the bass ostinato giving just that little bounce to keep the birds going so that the soprano improvisation on names of the big, solitary birds _ osprey, eagle, sparrowhawk, falcon_ was able to soar above the music of the flock.
This good ensemble continued in CONNEMARA lullaby, the melody played today on two flutes, an octave apart, which gave a fine, full sound. The original words of this melody being lost in time, we sang a new text written by one of our members which fitted perfectly both the music and the mood of the melody.

CONNEMARA LULLABY
Words: Ruth Mills
Tune: Irish, Traditional

On peaceful shores the waves are lappng
And calling me to tarry awhile.
I walk beside the sparkling water
And all my cares wash away on the tide.

A gentle breeze embraces me softly,
A gentle breeze is leading me on
To tranquil pools I see before me ,
My cares are washing away on the tide.

Next. we sang through THE CALL OF THE SOUTH, an Irving Berlin arrangement of the Stephen Foster song, Way Down Upon A Swanee River, which features a melody for soprano which complements the main tune. This gives scope to the fine soprano voices in our group and will be interesting to hear next week when they've learned it.
We ended the morning with FAREWEEL TAE TARWATHIE, giving the first verse to our bass singer, in a low key, accompanied by quiet humming from the others. Raising the pitch after that, we enjoyed singing the rest of the verses.

ONE FLUTE FOR CONNEMARA

2009-09-15T19:33:00.000+01:00

BIRDS FLY SOUTH was again a good warm up song, now more relaxed and even sounding 'fluttery' in softer voices and four parts.

Moving on to THE CONNEMARA LULLABY, we sang the tune by heart this time before picking up the beaters to play the instrument parts, glocks and upper xylophones playing two note chords. By the time Diana added the flute melody, it was really impressive how everyone was listening intently, slowing or speeding up to follow her and keeping the ensemble intact to give a really sensitive and musical rendering, __ a pleasure for us all. We look forward to hearing this piece next week with the whistle and perhaps another flute.

After the coffee we picked up the golfing song CARMEN ANTISPHAERISTICUM, which we'd promised to help Gordon with, ready to sing the choruses after his three verses. We were completely unprepared and amazed at the lovely tones that flowed and the confident singing Gordon gave us. As a result we sang with gusto and declared him well ready to sing at the golfing dinner in Troon.

FAREWEEL TAE TARWATHIE the song of the Dundee whalers, collected by Ewan McColl with its lovely slow three beat metre, recalling perhaps quiet reflective nights rocking on a calm sea, was our last of the morning __ five verses and a good sing.

OUR NEW SESSION BEGINS.

2009-09-09T22:50:00.000+01:00

The seasonal round, 'Birds Fly South' _four parts with bass ostinato, was a good start, going at a brisk pace and opening up the voices.
But following that burst of energy we could wait no longer to hear from our new member who'd brought along his concertina. To see such an instrument, far less hear it played these days is rare and we appreciated every note of the two tunes, sensitively played.

Lucky then that our next piece was The Connemara Lullaby, arranged by Orff and Keetman for flute and instrumental ensemble. We began by learning the distinctive melody, in Dorian mode, singing it many times until our concertina player declared "I can play this!" and went off to practise in the next room.
Meanwhile, we picked up the sticks to tackle the parts for the barred instruments.

Finally coming together for the whole piece, the Lullaby, played softly on this fine rosewood framed concertina, sounded beautiful accompanied by the xylophones, glocks and metallophone. Next week, we hope to hear it on flutes and tin whistle as well.

'Beautiful Africa' was a good sing to finish off our morning.

Enjoy Music and Fun at Fintry

2009-05-19T16:20:00.009+01:00

Enjoy Music Group at Fintry -- Click to enlarge

On Moira Perritt's invitation, we held our last meeting of this session at her house in Fintry. The rain poured down all the way but the temperature was up and the coming of summer was confirmed by the many swallows that darted in front of the car as we approached Moira's house. What an inspiring setting for our music,- beautiful views in every direction and a warm welcome as we were ushered in.
Although our group of twenty filled the room we were still able to begin with some fine stretching and opening movements, led by Diana, to a vocalisation by the Swingles Singers of a melody by Bach.
From there on in, there was no stopping us as members one after the other, contributed poems and songs.
With everyone in good voice after that, and with our best Old Norse pronunciation, we returned to the Icelandic folk song about the coming of summer:

NÚ ER VETUR ÚR BÆ --- Icelandic folk song
Nú er vetur úr bæ ---- Now winter has left (the farm)
rann í sefgrænan sæ ---- Has run into the reed green sea
og þar sefur í djúpinu væra ---- And is sleeping there in the calm deep,
en sumarið blítt, ---- But (the) kindly summer
kemur fagurt og frítt ---- Comes, beautiful and mild
meður fjörgjafar ljósinu skæra. ---- Bestowing (the) energising bright light.

Tune, traditional. Text, Jónas Hallgrímsson.

Our call and response song, LOVE SOMEBODY YES I DO was a success as verse after verse was led with confidence, by a new person and spontaneous harmonies sprouted at the end of every chorus.

We ended the musical morning singing ASALAAM in four parts, the harmonies ringing to the rafters in the lovely room.

As Moira invited us to the buffet lunch, we were urged to feel free to spread ourselves around the house and we took full advantage enjoying the space, the views and the garden (when the rain subsided) as we ate and talked together.
This was a great ending to a good year, both musically and socially. This year has been hugely enjoyable for me thanks to the commitment, in every way, of all our members and I look forward to our next session, starting as last year, the second week in September: Tuesday 9th.
HAVE A GOOD SUMMER,

To see a few photos click on the small thumbnail photo

Enjoy Music Group at Fintry

WEATHERING THE BEATS ON THE XYLOPHONES.

2009-05-12T22:54:00.000+01:00

We were small in number today which was an opportunity to have a good practice on the xylophones. Our song THE WEATHER was an exercise in using the beaters and finding the notes and it paid off when by our half way mark we were able to play the piece right through at a good pace. We moved on from there to improvise sections for a rondo using the xylophones and also the temple block and the cymbal. The inspiration was flowing and we made a truly original piece.
After the break we returned to the 'tricky' rhythms of THE FAIR LADY accompanied by Jim on the whistle and Diana on the flute, feeling the delightful effect of the composition when all the instruments are playing accurately and precisely.
Our morning ended with several energetic repeats of the call and response song LOVE SOMEBODY YES I DO, with a different caller each time receiving enthusiastic and musical responses _ a good fun song.

For our final meeting of the 2008-2009 session we are all invited, beginning at 10.00,to Moira Perritt's farm in Fintry, where we'll stay for lunch from 12.00 onwards.

HAVE YOU GOT RHYTHM ?

2009-05-10T22:47:00.004+01:00

A WHISTLE FOR THE FAIR LADY.

2009-05-06T23:06:00.003+01:00

After warming up to the WEATHER song, we moved on to the African WATCHA, picking up the three harmony parts.
Getting down to instrument practice, we worked on the rhythms of THE FAIR LADY, simple but tricky and ultimately very effective in accompanying the song. That rhythm is not yet bedded in and some felt it easier to play while singing the song but the real challenge was when Jim added the tune on the tin whistle, a quiet, clear sound. Real concentration was required on the part of everyone to keep the piece together and we did manage it but perhaps next time we'll be less anxious and begin to enjoy it.
Still working on BEAUTIFUL AFRICA, these words are coming easier now and always uplifting to sing.
As before when I've missed a week the group took over and entertained each other and I think it's time I was in on this, so I'm suggesting that we have a re-run of last week's programme when we meet in Fintry on 19th May. Now that'll be a treat!
In our group of mixed voices we talk a lot about high and low registers in an effort to find a comfortable singing range for everyone.
Here are some musicians who between them cover quite a range, _ and with humour!

Enjoy Music without Moira

2009-04-28T18:04:00.003+01:00

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.

WEATHER WARM UP AND RHYTHMIC LADY

2009-04-22T15:58:00.000+01:00

We opened our morning with swinging energy, listening and moving to FOLIA, based on a European dance form from the renaissance period and played on guitars, lute, psalter and double bass and featuring an improvisation on clarinet piccolo, beautiful open sounds for a sunny day.
Our voice warm up was WHETHER THE WEATHER BE FINE, WHETHER THE WEATHER BE NOT, something of a tongue twister song which really loosens up the facial muscles and gets the deep breathing going.
Now in good voice we returned to the African song which celebrates music and singing,
TINA SINGU LELUVATEO, WATCHA, WATCHA, WATCHA.
This is sung in two basic parts and we quickly added more (as you do) feeling the full sound of the harmonies and we're working on achieving a good blend.
Next after singing through the Scots ghost song about Mary Queen of Scots, THE FAIR LADY, we got out the instruments, ready to work on Carl Orff's arrangement for this song after the coffee.
Duly boosted by coffee and a chat, we picked up the beaters and concentrated on the simple but tricky rhythms of the music on xylophones.
Drums, flute and whistle parts remain to be added. That's for next time.
We ended the morning with BEAUTIFUL AFRICA, it's five verses being quite a sing, but with such uplifting words the energy finds its flow.

Happy Easter from your webmaster to all our readers

2009-04-10T10:25:00.013+01:00

A.G.M. PLUS SONGS PLUS LUNCH

2009-03-31T21:25:00.000+01:00

Anticipation of a good sing, together with careful preparation by our secretary and treasurer ensured that the business was dealt with in the minimum of time and after a cup of coffee and a good chat, we got down to the music.

The four part harmony of ASALAAM is holding up well, even improving, and after a number of weeks getting familiar with the words of BEAUTIFUL AFRICA we are now beginning to sing them with some expression and think about improving our tone.

We lunched in style, in bright spring sunshine, at the Douglas Park Golf Club, - fine view, good food and plenty of talk; a grand finale to our winter term -- click on the photo above to see us all at lunch

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL.

WE REVISIT 'THE FAIR LADY', WITH THE BEATERS.

2009-03-24T23:29:00.001Z

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.

MOVING ON IN HARMONY

2009-03-17T23:16:00.000Z

We began with warm up movements to the Allegro from Bach's Concerto for Oboe d'amore in A major, _ wonderful music for a fresh, sunny morning.
This seemed to encourage good, deep breathing as the long phrases of ONE BY ONE EVERYONE COMES TO REMEMBER sounded controlled and almost effortless, giving the song a lovely lilt as we continued on to sing it as a 4 part round.
ASALAAM, by Nickomo Clarke.
This new song, short, only four phrases, two words, has melody lines for four voices.
The words, 'Aleykum asalaam' in Arabic mean 'Peace be unto you.'
Starting with the basses, we learned one voice at a time until we were able to blend all four melodies in harmony,_ a first for this group and what a good sound it was. Spontaneous applause broke out!!!! That was a good point to stop for the coffee and chat.
A good practice on the instruments followed as we moved on to some different patterns preparing for a new Orff piece next week.

We ended our session this morning with the five verses of BEAUTIFUL AFRICA.

Happy St Patrick's Day to all our readers

2009-03-17T03:00:00.000Z

Click on the picture above to see your card

WE CONSOLIDATE OUR HARMONIES.

2009-03-10T17:59:00.003Z

Working on BEAUTIFUL AFRICA today, we abandoned the usual circle formation in an effort to strengthen our part singing. We closed up into groups enabling much keener listening and this paid off as 'solid' was the word for the alto part after several runs through. This leaves us with something of a 'balance' problem but we can sort that.

After three verses of BEAUTIFUL AFRICA we went on to the two verses of PEOPLE OF AFRICA, the beautiful words of which are always a trial for my composure,_ and looking round it was clear I wasn't the only one to find this a very moving text.

Harmonies came freely again in LOVE SOMEBODY YES I DO; we are getting the hang of this 'on the hoof', or 'pick your part' harmonising.

Carl Orff's CARILLON went well today with Joan and Diana both on flutes blending well together and everybody playing and singing confidently and also bringing the piece to a crisp ending.

To see the slideshow above Click Here

IN HARMONY WITH AFRICA.

2009-03-03T20:54:00.002Z

We were in good voice today, beginning with DAY BY DAY EVERYONE COMES TO REMEMBER and moving on to a spirited singing of LOVE SOMEBODY YES I DO, which inspired us to work out harmonies for the final bar of the song. This made and impressive and even heart warming ending.
Encouraged by this success, and after singing once through BEAUTIFUL AFRICA, we spent some time learning the alto part for the chorus, which seemed to come fairly easily; I do think we're gaining confidence in part singing and what a satisfaction it gives, to hear these harmonies warm up our sound!
With everyone now playing and using the beaters with confidence, we focused today on the dynamic possibilities of these barred instruments, from ppp to fff and amazed ourselves at the range of possibilities.
Following that we picked up our SPRING SONG from last week, this time inserting improvisations, each in turn on the bass xylophone, _ exciting to hear all the variations while Mhairi kept the rhythmic support going on the metallophone.
Finally coming to CARILLON, we decided it's time to hear a recording of this, so that's the plan for nest week.

RONDO À LA SPRING.

2009-02-24T19:30:00.000Z

Inspiration this morning came from the daffodils blooming, the frogs returning to the ponds and the rhythms of all those 'spring' words.
This, in addition to the 3 new instruments, allowing everyone to have a good practice, awoke the creative spirit.

Using that well known rhyme,

Spring is sprung,
The grass is riz,
I wonder where the burdies is.

for rhythmic inspiration, soon we had put together a four bar melody, playing it on the glocks and xylophones accompanied by ostinatos on the bass xylophone and the metallophone, which was a good first part of a rondo.
After all that, the confidence was flowing and a line of volunteers was ready to improvise a section, until every single member had played, - a 'stretched' rondo, for sure!

CARILLON, we played and sang, everyone ready today to give it a good ending.

We continue with Beautiful Africa, looking to begin with a harmony in the chorus, next time.

TOWARDS A GOOD ENDING

2009-02-17T22:31:00.000Z

A new warm up song today was by Michael Stillwater, 'ONE BY ONE EVERYONE COMES TO REMEMBER", _ a lovely slow melody where we can really feel the sound quality of our voices. Moving on to singing this as a round will be for next week.
BRAND NEW DAY gets stronger week by week and we continue to listen hard, keeping the parts firmly together.
DUNCAN GRAY is a very good sing, if we can find a pitch that's comfortable for all of us and in our group which includes trained sopranos, fine tenors as well as deep basses, unison singing is not easy. We'll have to work on this problem.
CARILLON.
After some time spent on instrument technique, as well as practice in singing the song, we put it all together, glocks, metallophone, bass xylophone and this week Joan on flute.
This piece comes to an abrupt end, which is part of its impact. We played and sang it well, but didn't quite make the precision at the end, to get the full effect of that finality. Of course, that's something to work at and as we always say in our group, we WILL get there.

WE REMEMBER BURNS

2009-02-10T18:07:00.001Z

We can't let this 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns pass without singing some of his songs and we began with the comic love story Duncan Gray.
The text with many wonderful old Scots words is set to a lively tune and some time was spent discussing meanings and pronunciation using some detective work based around the rhymes.
One or two of the group had known a completely different text but couldn't remember it exactly, and went away to check that. I've managed to track down this version from 1851, Scottish Parodies (CLICK LINK) included in The Merry Muses of Caledonia, (enough said). Is this the one they've heard? All will be revealed next week!

Having sung the five verses of Duncan Gray, our energy was flowing so that we were ready for the more controlled, refined singing of CARILLON DE VENDÔME, putting in some practice on the parts.

After the break, we got out the instruments, this time using only those, glocks, metallo, and bass, plus flute as in the score and for the first time, put it all together, instruments and singers. We're keeping up the 'togetherness' in this piece and it's getting better week by week.

Beautiful Africa, on a beautiful, sunny morning, ended our session.

TOGETHERNESS

2009-02-03T16:17:00.000Z

After a good warm up, the singing voices in our group can be good, but this morning we showed our listening has improved enormously.

BRAND NEW DAY with its five bar phrases, is quite a challenge to sing as a round but that feeling of togetherness, which comes from listening intently while singing, was there and the parts kept in perfect time with each other. This song will become really enjoyable to sing and to listen to, when that listening habit becomes so embedded that it's effortless.

CARILLON DE VENDÔME
We had a good practice at this, everyone playing the instrument parts. Although we used all the instruments, the score requires only the glockenspiels, soprano and alto. plus metallophone and bass xylophone which leaves a good number of voices for the singing. What was impressive today was exactly that togetherness when Diana added her flute part and everyone was again listening while playing and singing to achieve that good 'ensemble'.

BEAUTIFUL AFRICA. We sang three verses of this and are already beginning to feel comfortable with the tune _ a really good sing!

Thinking of Africa, and good singing, this video seems to fit.

CARILLON WITH FLUTE

2009-01-27T19:32:00.001Z

We began with BRAND NEW DAY, singing it many times, getting the feeling of Time's never ending flow. Long notes in this song allow us to feel our own voices strengthening with each repeat.

The beaters were bouncing today as we rehearsed the instrument parts for CARILLON DE VENDÔME and it was
quite special to have Diana playing the flute, completing the ensemble. The basses on the DIN DON worked on blending their bell sound and it gave a good support to the upper register voices in two parts.

BEAUTIFUL AFRICA, a song from the musical AFRICAN JIGSAW was our final song of the morning. In the news we see so much sadness and suffering in Africa that it's easy to forget what a beautiful country it is, rich in so many wonderful ways, and that not all Africans are 'victims'. This is a song about that. I know we will enjoy it in the coming weeks.

OUR MUSIC FOR WARM UP MOVEMENTS

2009-01-21T21:29:00.001Z

Lucilla Galleazzi sings Voglio Una Casa, with the instrumental group L'Arpeggiata, led by Christine Pluhar.

INSPIRATIONAL SONG FOR OBAMA DAY

We warmed up the voices with the call and response: LOVE SOMEBODY YES I DO eventually producing the good strong sound, needed for our next song.

Having introduced it last week, we worked at the song of celebration 'BRAND NEW DAY' which turned out to be completely appropriate with respect to the Inauguration Ceremony taking place across the Atlantic later that day.

Tides of time and rivers of song _ legends that whisper from days long gone _
Rocks of ages make us strong _ as the years go rolling away _
Celebrate the power they bring _ turn to welcome strangers in _
Coast to coast the bells they ring _ to mark a brand new day _ .

Paul Wilson and Marilyn Tucker.

After coffee, we returned to the Orff's CARILLON DE VENDÔME, the two voice parts blending nicely together over the basses intoning the DIN DON. Some practice on the instruments followed leading to making a start on the instrumental parts for the piece. Flutes (or glasses, as in the score) will be added next week.

ITALIAN HOUSE AND FRENCH CHURCHES.

2009-01-13T18:09:00.006Z

Our warm up music this morning was the Italian song Voglio Una Casa _ I Want a House _ composed by Lucilla Galleazzi, and sung by her in an arrangement by Christine Pluhar with the ensemble Arpeggiata.

The gentle but intense 3 beat metre suited our movements but it wasn’t until we sat down to listen again while following the text that the song could be fully appreciated. Beautiful voice and tender sentiments.

Awakening our voices after the long break we tackled some scales and breathing exercises before launching into the new song ‘Brand New Day”, written by Paul Wilson and Marilyn Tucker for the Milennium but definitely a good sing at any time. This piece will take some time to bed in but it will be worth the effort. (Don’t I always say that?)

The noisy as ever coffee break was followed by some practice on the instruments, up and down scales, stoating the sticks.

Then, continuing on the ‘new’ theme, we began a new Orff piece with French text, Carillon de Vendôme, arranged for 3 part voice ensemble with glockenspiels, metallophone and flute. We made a good start, singing the 3 parts.

I didn’t interrupt the flow of my blog to mention the fire drill which came smack in the middle of our listening to ‘I Want a House”. Suffice it to say that we all made a quick exit, out beside the pond, on a lovely morning, happy there was no real fire in our house (pictured above)

Happy New Year to all at Enjoy Music

2009-01-01T00:05:00.002Z

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Merry Christmas to all our Readers

2008-12-18T16:33:00.001Z

A CAROLLING MORNING

2008-12-09T22:14:00.012Z

Somehow these icy days made me think of the Russian winter, reminding me of the lovely sound of the balalaika orchestra and this morning we warmed up to the music of Russian folk dance.

We were a big group today, with only two members absent so that standing close together and becoming aware of the blend of the voices we made a good sound, opening on THE CAROL OF THE ADVENT.

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? gives the opportunity for single voices to sing in 'call and response' style. Mairi, Jim, Isla and John each took a verse and backed by Irene on the drum, this song sounded effective.

We sang through THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS and repeated it, groups of 1, 2, or 3 singing each verse.

Rounding up after coffee took some doing as the talk was going strong but when we finally settled down we gave good energy to 'It Came Upon the Midnight Clear", a thoughtful carol and antidote to the pre-Christmas, buying babble.
Thinking back to THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS we decided the text was somewhat out of date and gave it our new 2008 RECESSION VERSION, to much hilarity.
Our Christmas lunch, organised by Carol and Gordon at the Douglas Park Golf Club, was a real joy - good food, wine and company. And of course we raised the rafters with our songs. Mairi, after some persuasion and reluctantly after eating so well, delighted us all with some 'joining in' songs.

My thanks to all for making this such a successful and happy session. ------------------

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
Looking forward to seeing everyone back on 13th January.
With every good wish, Moira.

Click on the picture below to see the days events. Unfortunately you need about 15 minutes to watch it. There are a few videos in the presentation and depending on your broadband connection these take a bit of time to load. There are 34 slides to see and if you get a black screen when a video is loading just give it time and you will then see and hear us singing . Please make sure your sound it turned up. To see an alternative presentation for the photos only click on the small Christmas tree at the bottom of this post -- Cheers and Merry Christmas from Carol your webmaster

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Enjoy Music_ Christmas 2008

ADVENT CAROL FOR THE CAFE STAFF.

2008-12-02T20:57:00.004Z

We opened today with harp music by Alison Kinnaird _ Balfour Village and Shapinsay Polka, using its 8 beat phrases to pace our breathing and develop breath control.
Not quite hyperventilated, but certainly buoyed up on this intake of air, we then managed a good full sound in the 3 part harmonies of SENJUA.
SIYAHAMBA also needs good secure harmony and to this end we spent some time working on the second part, sung by the lower voices. Next week should see a big improvement on this.
Moving on to the instruments, we then built up the four ostinatos, underpinned by Carol on the drum with Moira Perritt making a magnificent effort on the bass xylophone, for I SHALL SING, before starting the song. Keeping all this together is demanding of everyone but well worth striving for as it's hugely satisfying to achieve that feeling of ensemble, plus - it's a good song.
THE CAROL OF THE ADVENT was our seasonal piece today and what a pleasure that is to sing!
Having been told by the cafe staff that they'd been listening to it from the balcony above us, we decided to wish them a good Christmas break by giving them a performance in the cafe at the end of the morning: a small, but appreciative audience.
Click on the picture below to see more -- Please allow time to load

Make a Smilebox slideshow

SOME MORE FUN FROM ENJOY MUSIC

2008-11-25T19:58:00.009Z

In the absence Moira (hope she is enjoying Berlin and Venice) we had another DIY session, in the spirit of "Have a go and have fun!" Isla very ably organised the proceedings and all 17 of us had a very enjoyable morning.

Diana started us off with warm-up exercises " (Yoga Style) followed by some unusual but very effective vocal exercises from Mairi.

We all then joined in to sing "The Lights of Lochindaal"

Next on the agenda was Joan who played a very difficult flute piece called " Morcaeu de Concours", which she played beautifully, accompanied by Isla on the keyboard.

This was the followed by us all singing "The Bonnie Lass o'Fyvie"

Gordon then sang "Carmen Antisphearisticum " as a rehearsal for his duties next spring as "Deputy Cantor" after the Aberdeen Glasgow Annual Senate University Golf Match. Again Isla played the keyboard for him.

This was next followed by Sue who read out 2 very nice poems by Kenneth Steven called " Trust" and "Gathering Sloes". Jim then played 4 pieces on his "whistle" alernating slow melodies with faster tunes.

We then all sang "Chevalier de la table ronde" and Mairi finished off with the Song - "Over the Mountain " before we all had a deserved cup of coffee or tea.

Isla then got us all singing "There was an Auld Seceder Cat" before her departure and we were then entertained by Mairi again with some "Strathspey, Reel and Jig " Gaelic songs.

To round off the morning we sang "The Wee Room" and "Wee Kirkcudburgh" followed by Irene leading the group in a couple songs sung in two part harmony. --- which she rated as "Coming Along !" in the best traditions of Moira Jakobbson

Well done to all who "had a go " and thanks to Isla for her organisation

WE SHALL SING.

2008-11-18T22:50:00.003Z

Van Morisson's 'I Shall Sing' was the high point of our morning.
For starters, we resonated with:
'Spinnn lassie spinnn, an even thread and thinnn.
From this fleecy coat of thine
I will make a plaidy fine;
Spin lassie spinnn.'
After this, the African songs, Senjua and Sijahamba resounded wonderfully, Senjua in 3-part harmony.

Moving on to Scottish songs, we sang The Fair Lady, followed by Air Falalalo, by which point the jaws were truly well exercised.

Introducing the beautiful Carol of the Advent, to the French tune Besancon, words by Eleanor Farjeon, to new members, we sang it straight through today, in preparation for the start of December.

Coming back refreshed from the coffee break, we picked up the Van Morisson song, which we haven't sung since last spring. Although we know it well I Shall Sing has always been tricky for us when it comes to fitting the four ostinatos together with the voices.
Perhaps it was the six month rest, but for the first time, everyone was switched on to that beat, listening, playing and singing. Quite a thrill, for me, at least.

I'll be away next week but I can hear from the various conversations, that preparations are afoot for a good programme. Have a good morning and I'll be back on 1st December.

p.s. Here's an ORFFY diversion with thanks to Hollywood, Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor -- Click on the play button to get the movie going !!

AN IMPROVISING DAY.

2008-11-11T16:28:00.000Z

Today we resurrected many percussion instruments which have spent a long time in the cupboard.
Maracas, claves, small drums, chicken shakers, triangle, indian bells and temple blocks all came out and building on last week's practice we continued with LOVE SOMEBODY, singing the call & response.
Then the tune was played on the instruments, followed by a group improvisations section accompanied by a bass ostinato. Having got a feel for the instruments each person then chose one on which to make an individual improvisation. This was a mesmeric multi repetition of the tune with a different percussion interlude each time. A second go showed how quickly we can get the hang of both the instruments, and doing an improvisation; some very interesting passages ensued.
After making a big sound in the cafe, all 22 of us then made an even better sound with I SHALL SING, MANDELA and LAZY.

LOVE SOMEBODY YES I DO!

2008-11-04T15:52:00.007Z

LOVE SOMEBODY YES I DO!
(American folk song of Scandinavian descent)
We worked on this song today _ body percussion and call and response with voices, which were further exercised in a good sing through Air Fal al al O.
Returning to LOVE SOMEBODY, after some practice we played the tune on the instruments - a delightful sound which we'll make more of next week.

Angus McTavish we kept going, singing through the verses for the benefit of new members.

Our final song was MANDELA DANCED IN THE SQUARE - always uplifting.

Before next week:
Have a listen to 'A Dram Before Breakfast' and make up some body percussion to its rhythms.

The picture above is called " Seagulls on Ice " --- They were listening to all our music - A real cold morning in Milngavie but plenty of warmth inside at "Enjoy Music" ! --- click on the photo for an enlargement

HEARTY WARM UP ON A COLD MORNING

2008-10-28T18:25:00.006Z

The Icelandic ' South River Band' gave us our warm up music this morning -- A Dram Before Breakfast, which inspired energetic arm stretches and feisty foot stamping -- Click on the "Play" Button above to hear this great tune --- give it time to load
Working on the voices, we moved on to singing 'Kumula Vista' in hocket, each person following the previous with a short phrase and this is beginning to show up some fine, if under confident, singers.
Concentrated practice on Old Angus followed, with xylophone & glock players learning their parts separately while the others, supported by Kate and Moira on the bass, put together the song and other percussion parts. Playing, singing and listening so that all the parts keep in time together is quite a skill and week by week we are improving at it, mainly by getting the 'feel' of the music.
We ended the morning with the beautiful harmonies of 'Banua". Three part close harmony was complemented by Mairi and Isla's 4th part soaring above the melody. This was repeated many times, as we settled into hearing our own sound - a lovely, warm feeling.

INVISIBLE VISITORS.

2008-10-21T18:03:00.002+01:00

"A Dram Before Breakfast" by the Icelandic group South River Band was the warm up music for our group of 18 today and after opening up the vocal chords and mobilising the facial muscles, we learned a new song "Love Somebody, Yes I Do!" a folk song of Scandinavian origins and well suited to call and response treatment.
Getting on to the instruments, we revisited White Swans, singing and playing it in 4-part round, which went remarkably well considering that several people were learning it on the hoof.
After coffee we made a start on learning to play the tune "Love Somebody" - a good training for the musical ear.
Finally we spent some time on Angus, singing the verses and fitting in the side drum, timpani, bells and bass xylophone. This is coming along nicely and believe me, one day soon, will all fit beautifully together.
As we ended the session, there was a 'happening'! The fire doors suddenly flew open letting in brilliant rays of sunshine - the 'six golden angels' had come to join us!