NOTES FROM SMALL GROUP REHEARSAL 22 OCTOBER 2013
ATTENDEES: LS,JB,SS,SL,JL,WT,KM,DD,SE,MM,RM
APOLOGIES: JP
CHAIR: Robin
A few words from the chair:
It has been noted that this ‘term’ we have progressed much more slowly than previously. Resulting in having a much smaller body of work currently advanced enough ready for the coming gigs.
There appear to be several factors;
- We have a larger number of more complex songs than in previous gigs
- We had agreed last year that over the holiday period when people are away that we wouldn’t introduce new songs as it would be difficult to progress full group songs without all the parts available- we did introduce new songs and several rehearsals were frustrated by insufficient people available.
- There has been a notable of lack of preparedness for the ‘rehearsals’, by a number of people. This is frustrating for those who have made the effort to prepare in advance.
Point 1 will need to be dealt with by the gig gang to look at where we are with the currently well advanced songs and adjust the rehearsal schedule and the programme for the upcoming gigs.
Point 2 can be accommodated next summer, now that the lesson has been learned.
Point 3 is, in the first instance, down to individuals to come prepared. i.e.
1st outing of song – your part, musically, learnt
2nd outing of song – words learnt/if song complex work on melody again
3rd outing of song – if required -refinement to be able to move on to next song.
The rehearsals are not the place for learning the songs, there is not the time to do this, as has proved to be the case by our current position.
Several people work hard on the schedule and updating the website with parts and recordings. It is our responsibility to download parts and song sheets, ideally as soon as schedule goes up. This will allow each of to see if the allocated part or even the song is something we want to sing. We can then feedback early on the songmeister if we have a strong dislike to part or song. This would help individuals if they have other external pressures that prevent taking on the all of the songs. This would also be respectful to the songmeister who has taken on the responsibility of a song. Some have done this already.
I am in Wrablers because I love to sing with you all and I personally enjoy the rehearsals much better when I have done my ‘homework’, and am sure others feel the same.
FEEDBACK:
- Sally suggested a buddy system where two/more people team up to support each other between current rehearsals – I recommend that if this may help that the individual takes the initiative and invite another/others to meet.
- Someone else suggested meeting weekly instead of every other week – TBC
HERE ENDETH THE RAVE
SONGS REHEARSED
INTRO TO BLACK IS THE COLOUR – Not bad for first try out , Daniel seemed fairly happy with result.
O JAK – GIRLS ONLY – It was clear some folks had not looked at part much or at all, so progress was slow . –
AND SO IT GOES – BOYS ONLY – Parts learned quite well, just need to learn words and refine delivery. Definitely ready for 1st gig, if required.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE WASSAIL – QUARTET – Musical parts learned OK, phrasing needs refining and words need learning. Matt, [song meister] confirmed 4 verses to learn and will send out crib notes.
WINTER WONDERLAND – reprise by original members from last year, did seem to be any problems.
GOOD KING WENCESLAS – not looked at