Wise words from our Bob (the tenor)

Well another good rehearsal with Merel and the choir; we worked hard on Tomorrow shall be my dancing day. Merel concentrated on the rhythm of the piece and getting us used to the words being not always on the beat.  I must say after a while we really seemed to have started to make a reasonable sound in this piece, still work to go but sounding good.  We also spent time on the Crown of Roses where again Merel took us through the rhythm of the piece and also getting us to be quieter than we think we should be in the quiet parts which really helps us to get the louder parts and so gives a much greater contrast in the music.  In St Martins we don’t have to sing out forcefully to make an impression - sometimes it’s good to make the congregation have to listen. Merel did mention a few times that our diction needs to be clearer and more precise, this will help with telling the story in the carols.
 
For those of you in TfL, please do remember to get the books from the library, even though I have made you up a pack; this helps the library justify having the copies and also means should we go elsewhere to sing we have a wider choice.
 
Just a brief update on the St Martin's carol service: there is a small group of people working hard behind the scenes organising the service, gathering readers, stewards, looking at risk assessments etc.  I am pleased to say that everything seems to be on track and looking in fine shape. And Michael tells me that Porterbrook have already passed on the sponsorship money they've collected from national rail organisations for the Railstaff service.
 
My apologies I shan’t be at the next rehearsal as I am at the dentist, I’m sure you know where I’d rather be. Sing well and clearly and I’ll see you all at the rehearsal after next.