Lots of people were busy doing other things, but Music Saturday seems to work however many people can make it.
Sight Reading
We reviewed key signatures, and did very well coping with rests in 6/8 time. And then we sang by reading a carol in 3 parts from Poland. We'll warm up with rests in January, and then do some more reading for singing with our ever-cheery Irish Folk Songs!
Confident Singing
Since most of the sight readers stayed on and more joined us, we completed work on the Polish carol – singing our lines very confidently and quite impressing ourselves. We added two more points to the Confident Singing Promise – externally rotated shoulders and audibility. Want to find out how to rotate your shoulders externally and why doing so helps you to sing? We'll revisit our shoulders in January, and have another straightforward part song to learn and perform for ourselves.
A Cappella
Since we were a smallish group we all stayed together, working on the Lassus Sancti Dei, Clemens Sanctus and Praetorius Jubilate Deo. We did a lot of walking around to relax and keep the beat. It was a fun session with fine singing. Who knows what we'll do in January. It all depends on who comes along and what you fancy!
Fret Group
We were Christmassy, exploring different aspects of carols on our Ukuleles. In January, there'll be the usual mix of technique, singing a few songs, playing from tab and exploring.
Slow Tunes
Lots of tunes in December: Skye Boat Song, Wild Rose of the Mountain, Elsey's Waltz, Inisheer, Balqhuidder Lasses, Cold and Frosty Morn and Floating from Skerry. Midway we played carol tunes, some using books and some by ear. Another good, fun session. We spent some time getting well in tune and enjoyed the results – collectively we're good enough now for that to make a great difference. So then we focussed on playing more beautifully, and smoothly where the music called for it. And we even practised getting our dotted crotchet quaver rhythms in ¾ time absolutely perfect. Lots more tunes, in-tuneness, beauty and precision in January!
Music Saturdays are monthly workshops for singers and players. Everyone is welcome to come to one or more sessions as often as they want. See the Music Saturdays Page for more general information and plans for the next session.
Cost of Confident Singing is just 50p. For everything else, it's £1.50 for each session to cover room hire, refreshments and materials.