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This
week the rehearsal was taken by John. It was interesting to listen
and follow someone else’s interpretation of the songs. After
a sing through of ‘Starlight Express’ and ‘Anthem’
(both without books I hasten to add!) we practised West Side Story’s
‘Tonight’.
We
spent time working on the actual words and diction. We were told
it is essential that we get the words out crisp clear (and with
feeling). Only then we can concentrate on getting our heads turning
at the right time and in the right place!
After being told to have perfect diction
‘at all times’, suddenly we had to sound like Eliza
Dolittle!  |
After
working on ‘Ragtime’, we then moved on to ‘At the
End of The Day’ (Les Miserables). We sang this right to the
end this time and started to work on our ‘French/cockney’
accents with hilarious results.
Apples
and pears and all that
After
being told to have perfect diction ‘at all times’, suddenly
we had to sound like Eliza Dolittle! We started off by sounding
Yorkshire (!), but we gradually moved down south and found cockney
voices we never knew we had. (I will certainly be paying more attention
to Eastenders in future!).
We
finished the afternoon by starting ‘Forward Together’,
a powerful song about the Luddite movement. However, before that,
we had a real treat and got to listen to one of the soloists. Kevin
Gilroy sang ‘Gethsemane ‘ from Jesus Christ Superstar.
It was a superb and very moving performance (and quite fitting that
it was sung in a church). Well done!
Check
out Kevin's
diary
to find out how he felt
about his first performance.
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Not
mad, just practicing
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I’m sure people think I’m mad
stuck in traffic and singing songs from the shows at the top
of my voice! |
With
the show getting nearer, practising at home is now essential. The
rehearsal CD that is provided by Sing Live is an invaluable aid.
Every spare minute, the music is playing in my house and I’m
singing my heart out. I tell you, the housework has never been so
enjoyable! I’ve also got the tape playing in the car. I’m
sure people think I’m mad stuck in traffic and singing songs
from the shows at the top of my voice!
The
excitement's building up!
I think
as the show gets nearer the exhilaration and excitement is beginning
to build up within the group. I’m certainly very excited!
The
soloists have now started rehearsing and all the pieces are coming
steadily together. There’s still a lot to do, but we were told
yesterday that it is important not to peak too soon. I know that
under the guidance and experience of Gary and John, it’ll all
come together just at the right time – 8 March!
And
after that? Royal Albert Hall here I come! These are certainly very
exciting times!
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