It feels like a very long time ago that Christine and I first discussed the idea of setting up a second choir to complement the Contemporary Choir.  I had loved conducting the Choir in Christine’s absence on maternity leave and was keen to do more, but I also wanted to use my classical music training.  I thought there might be an appetite among local singers for a small choir that would focus on developing musicianship as well as having a good old sing.

In November and December, I auditioned singers.  I wasn’t looking for trained voices or sight-singing skills, just a good ear and bit of knowledge of musical notation so that we could work from scores.  I was pleasantly surprised by how many people wanted to audition, and how many good voices I heard.

The day of the first rehearsal was a little nerve wracking, I confess.  I wondered if anyone would actually turn up, and if they did, would they like what I had planned?  I needn’t have worried.  They were an incredibly game bunch and entered into the rehearsal with gusto.

I was astonished at what a lovely sound the choir made almost immediately.  Maybe it’s something to do with the size of the group (with four or five on a part, everyone has to concentrate like mad) or maybe we were just lucky enough to have a group of voices that blended well straight away.  Whatever the reason, I hope the choir enjoyed the same feeling of achievement that I did and are eager for more.