Rudsamblog

Well we started with a warmup that included seals, gorillas and JS Bach. Bet you weren't expecting that on a Wed night! Cheers Arno.

Cloudburst...we spent a good long time on this last night. We did the first few pages.

• watch whether you are singing llu via or just a - that's you vee-are not loo vee-are btw. Apparently there aren't any lls. Try it in Welsh..that makes it jolly.
• keep an eye on pitch in these opening bars
• take a big breath at the start and don't let it escape...well do let it escape otherwise combustion might be a problem but only let it escape in a note.
• you can take a breath on this first page (phew!) but listen to what other people in your group are doing.
• bar 4 we are singing sentences (Ooo) at random...which shouldn't make any real difference to normal conversation in Rudsambee.
• look up from where the tenors come in so you know when to sing gua
• big f at the end of bar 7
• from bar 8 to 9 there shouldn't be any breath as you are crescendo-ing
• the men only bit on page four should be flowing.
• it is not hay but hi [ eye is more like it - Ed. ] which makes a big difference to the meaning of course
• drive forward on the triplets

LOOK UP FOR PHRASING AND TAKE BREATH MARKS

From Behind a Caravan
Now from what I remember from family holidays what my father said when stuck behind a caravan on a boiling hot day on a country road in Wales should probably not be repeated much less sung about. However this wee piece from Betinis (just for the ladies don't you know) was great fun.
There are lots of parts so for any who weren't with us it would probably be best to ask Ol. On the opening lines the huh is attached to the previous word rather than standing alone which sounds a bit weird...or like the gorilla warmup.

O Bone Jesu
I was concentrating so hard on not messing this up (a fruitless endeavour I might add) that I didn't write many notes. I think probably the sentence 'practice at home on your own' might help. There is a rehearsal on Monday night for anyone who wants to do some extra practice. Just let Ollie know if you want to come.

We discussed the visit from the Finnish choirs and have decided that a musical extravaganza is beyond all of us except Jenny so although we will support them by attending the concert we won't be singing along...unless we know the words and then hell nor high water will stop us singing along from the stalls.

I hope everyone has a very happy day especially Rach who we hope to see next week :-) . Hugs lovely lady.