Chair: PV
Venue: Golden Lane Community Centre
Attendees: JB, SC, RM, MR, CS, PS, WT, (PV), LS, MX,
Apologies: RS (sick with flu)
General
This was the first rehearsal this term where every singer was present. It was also the first pre-concert “run-through” of songs 1-6. Unfortunately, Rob S was absent, sick with flu so, no doubt, valuable critical input was missing.
However, this turned out to be a very upbeat evening. Everyone was encouraged to sing off copy as much as possible for the first time this term, and (with some surprise perhaps) the amount of remembered words and the uptake in singing quality was immediately felt by everyone.
The general format was that in the first rehearsal first half, each song was sung twice, with comments and reminders between each attempt. Some of the comments and discussion was of genuine interest. The second half was devoted to Dance singing and dance moves.
Rhythm of Life
Both singing attempts went well. The key changes were managed without issue
PV suggested the Do-bi section should be sung in a “Swingle” relaxed style
Uptown Func
Some confusion in the first attempt
PV suggested (to other basses) that we sing backing quieter during soprano and tenor sections
Second attempt much better, though some use of score/word prompts noted. This song is really coming together now.
Heartbeat Rhythm
Sung 3 times. This song is a favourite for some of us.
We are hesitant coming in on lines beginning vigour, vitality . . . perhaps partly because of p marking. This improved across the 3 sings
During the bass heartbeat repeats, a simpler body- hit by all singers was agreed on.
One for my Baby
First time sung by men to any audience. First few bars were a bit shaky but we did get into our stride. Song sung without any big issues, and women enjoyed it. Comment that song words were not always clear is noted, other comments were about how men communicated well with each other (something we have been working on)
(Men are working on what Jamie called “texture”: singing more softly sometimes to allow the main-tune part {often Robin) to be heard more clearly).
Little Water Sylvie
Generally sung very well, though some use of word prompts noted. Song blended voices well. Comments suggested the song story needed to be brought out more and that perhaps some simple staging might help manage this. Disagreement about tempo needs to be worked through.
Dance
First time that song and dance has come together, and encouraging signs that this song will work well in concert. Singing was good, dance moves make sense and are sharpening. A big thanks to Marcus for directing.
Current approach is that we sing together in a huddle and then spread out into 3 broad lines as we sing bars 29 -32 (“just dance, oh, dance . . . ). This will be tweaked when the stage outlines are firmed out.
After thoughts:
Perhaps the CH-ka sections might be highlighted with castenets?
The Ts sections with small hand bells?
There is still a mix of singing between pronouncing the word “Dance” with a small “a” as in “maths” and a large “a” as in “pa(rr)th” We need to decide . . .
AOB
Concert song Intros: Juliana worked through concert song list asking for volunteers to introduce songs (that are not in part of Robin’s special intros. Juliana will produce an email to confirm her notes.
All Day rehearsal Dates were posted on Signal today by Robin. He is waiting for all votes to be cast
Robin Narratives: were run through. General comments were to speak slower and louder (PV) and to ham it up as much as possible without laughing. When a dialogue finishes on a together word (as in Africa, Route 66 White Winter, It Don’t) make sure it is in unison.
Rhythm of Life Piano accompaniment: PV suggested that the first song of the concert ought to be acapella and not with piano accompaniment. There are practical reasons for doing this. After some discussion, we agreed to swap the order of Java Jive and Rhythm of Life.