REMEMBER TO BREATHE...

It was lovely to revisit The Water this week – such a gorgeous little song, and one that brings back happy memories of that pub get together while I was recovering from my shoulder operation. Next week we'll learn the second section, then we can simply enjoy singing it together and gradually build up all those beautiful layers.
Our Lakeview Grange visit – Wednesday 15th July
We had a chat about our little road trip to Lakeview Grange, where we'll be singing to, and with, the residents. Thank you to everyone who's already put their hand up to come along – I'm really looking forward to it.
I'm setting up a WhatsApp group for everyone who's coming, so if you'd still like to join us and haven't let me know yet, just send me a message on 07983 400653 we could really do with one or two more altos if at all possible.....
Next Monday we'll spend the first half of the session running through our Lakeview songs. Once we've ironed out any little wobbles, it would be really helpful for our smaller "on tour" group to sing them on their own, just to make sure we're completely happy before the performance. If we decide a song isn't quite ready, we can always swap it for another. Those not coming to Lakeview can either sit back and enjoy the performance (constructive cheering is actively encouraged!) or pop outside for a bit of fresh air.
Song roundup
Summertime – We tackled this after our sweetie break. We were missing one of our lovely basses this week, which made things a little trickier, but overall it's sounding beautiful. We just need to feel confident with the ending. If you can have a few sings through with the learning tracks this week, we'll have it polished in no time.
You Are The Reason – We're so close now! We've pretty much learnt the notes for the infamous "boy band" section, so now it's all about softening it and making it really musical. I'm not worried in the slightest – this will definitely be concert-ready by November, and I'm sure it will have a lovely first outing at Lakeview.
Under the Moon of Love – This is coming along really well. We just need to remember to support those notes (engage those diaphragms!) so the pitch doesn't droop, and keep the harmony lines slightly gentler so the melody can shine through.
Where the Sun Don't Shine – This was excellent this week. The only person who needs to remember to keep it nice and slow for our Lakeview singers ... is me! I'll try not to get carried away.
November Concert
We also looked through the full programme for our concert on Saturday 7th November at The Selsey Centre (afternoon performance).
I'll add all the details to the website very soon, along with links to any available learning tracks. Please pop the date in your diary now and encourage family and friends to come along. It would be wonderful to fill the hall for what promises to be a joyful celebration of community singing.
Looking ahead...
We rounded off the evening with Let the Sunshine In. Thank you all for working so hard,
especially on yet another warm Monday evening!
Just one more session before our Summer Party on 20th July. Several choir members who've been missing this term are coming back to say hello, and I'd really love it to be an evening full of smiles, laughter and 100% happy vibes.
Many of us have had our fair share of challenges recently, so let's spend one evening doing what we do best – singing our hearts out, laughing together and lifting each other up.
If you've got any suggestions for fun, feel-good songs, do let me know! The only rule is... no soppy love songs, no miserable ballads and definitely no songs that make us all cry! Just upbeat tunes that leave everyone smiling. They can be songs from our existing repertoire, our karaoke songbook or just a fun song that everyone knows...
Please bring something to drink (and a glass, mug or whatever you'd like to drink it from!), plus a little food to share. If you've made something at home, please could you label the ingredients clearly for those with allergies. If you’ve not attended one of our parties before, I would suggest not eating before coming, as there is always plenty!
Finally... after all the notes, harmonies, words, laughter and sweeties...
Don't forget the most important thing of all... remember to breathe!
Have a lovely week everyone, and I'll see you on Monday. 😊