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.
