Sight Reading
On February 1st we tackled the time signature 5/4 and did impressively well. It's no longer scary territory! Then we read and sang the first three Irish folk songs rather tidily. People's ability to predict the pitch of jumps and count accurately is improving. On the 29th, we'll explore changing time signatures and complete the Irish songs.
Confident Singing
We enjoyed learning the first half of a Sanctus by Cimarosa. We'll complete that on the 29th – singing it confidently, of course, and explore our muscles a bit more too!
A Cappella
Again we stayed in one group, warming up with the Clemens Sanctus. Being able to keep the beat steady when singing overlapping parts is a challenge for some – it was fun holding hands to feel the pulse together, and helpful to most. After that we learned “Ad Te Perenne Gaudium” by Lassus, and revisited “Quand je bois du vin claret” at a rollicking pace. What we do depends on who comes along – so turn up for pot luck!
Fret Group
We played around with 3 chords, C, F and G7 exploring different songs and strumming patterns. There may be a calypso pack on its way.
Slow Tunes
Another full session. We played Skye Boat Song as a warm up, with lots of peope doing it without the sheet music. Then each person picked a tune: Elsey's Waltz, Jimmy Allen / Winster Gallop, Salmon Tails, Dark Island, Planxty Fanny Powers, Arisdale Burn, Hornpipes – all three, Da Slockit Light, Ashoken Farewell, Wild Rose of the Mountain, Proudlock's Hornpipe. The choices showed how many in the group really enjoy the more lyrical, slow ones.
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.