A Summer Cocktail of Song ☀️🍹🎶

 

After our wonderfully daft tropical warm-up (which felt entirely appropriate given the weather we've all been either enjoying or merely surviving this past week!), we revisited an old favourite, As I Sing, chosen by our very own alto, Liz, who celebrated her birthday last week. Happy Birthday again, Liz! 🥳

It was amazing how much of the song came back to us considering how long it's been since we last sang it. I really love dipping back into our older repertoire—it's so easy to forget just how many lovely songs we now have. They deserve to be dusted off, sung again and, most importantly, heard.

We then chatted about Open Door Choir's very first road trip, which is now set for Wednesday 15th July, 2.30–3.30(ish), at Lakeview Grange.

We'll finalise the set list next week, but Summertime will definitely be our opener, and it seems only right that we finish with Where the Sun Don't Shine, as Lakeview Grange Choir also entered that song into the Staysure Competition, which is the lovely reason this little choir get-together has come about.

I also think this could be the perfect opportunity to debut You Are the Reason. Other contenders are Forever Country, Harbour, and Under the Moon of Love.

We could do with one or two more altos to complete the group, so if you're available we'd love to have you. We'll also sort out car sharing and chat about an informal dress code. I rather like our usual colour scheme:

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• Basses – Blue 💙

• Tenors – Purple 💜

• Altos – Green 💚

• Sopranos – Red ❤️

            It always looks so lovely.

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Next came another little adventure into Conga Rhythm. After a few wobbles (mostly from me, I hasten to add!) we actually managed to find a bit of a groove. Progress! More to come on that one...

We then revisited the middle and ending sections of Summertime, before giving it a full sing-through—and wow, we sounded fabulous! Do have a listen to the recording. We just need to keep one eye on me to make sure we don't accidentally speed up and spoil that gorgeous slow, bluesy feel.

A special mention to our newer members, who have picked this one up so quickly. It's such a beautiful arrangement and an absolute joy to sing.

We then spent some time working on Harbour. For quite a few of you this was your first time singing it, so we focused on building those lovely harmonies. If you'd like a bit more practice, the learning tracks are available HERE.

This song, along with Summertime, really shows off our choir sound so beautifully—thank you, Anna Tabbush, for two gorgeous arrangements.

The final line, "When you need a place to shelter, we're a harbour in the storm," always feels especially meaningful. To anyone going through a difficult time at the moment—we see you, we're thinking of you, and we're here for you. And to those who haven't been able to come along recently because of illness, caring responsibilities or life's many curveballs, we miss you and we'll be ready with a warm welcome whenever you're able to return.

Once the hard work was done, we dedicated a full sing-through to our lovely Sue, as I know it's one of her absolute favourites. I hope you enjoy listening, Sue. ❤️

After a very important sweetie break (fuel is essential!), we tackled that tricky middle section of You Are the Reason again. I really think we're nearly there—what do you think? If next week isn't quite so tropical, I'd love us to try singing it while walking around the room, it can really help consolidate those harmonies and timings as we hear the other parts singing around us.

We finished with Under the Moon of Love, full of great energy. Apologies once again for the rather feeble efforts of my little speaker... bless him, he really did give it his all!

Next week looks as though it could be another warm one, so please bring plenty of water, wear something cool and comfortable... and if anyone knows where Diane bought that fabulous fan, I think we all need one! 😄

Hasta luego, amigos! ☀️🎶

See you next week! xx