14 May Update

Week 5 of 6 (Half Term 1)

In this week's bulletin, we have:

• Coffee Notices

• A rehearsal recap

• Registration reminder - 7th June Winsford Gardens

☕ Coffee Notices

There are some weeks when you wonder whether it’s worth leaving the house and heading to choir - this was one of those weeks. The weather has been unpredictable, with more rain than sunshine, hailstones and a strong breeze thrown in too! We battled transport issues, tech issues, and plenty of ‘where did I put that?’ moments. Still, we prevailed – and we’re very glad we did. We all came away with a boost to our confidence and a lovely reminder of the warmth and friendship this choir brings.

Payment

On the subject of 'where did I put that?' moments (Vicky forgot her phone so was unable to take PAYG payments), we have noted who has paid online and who has chosen to pay next week. If you would like to pay online, the link is here.

Winsford Gardens performance

Our performance at Winsford Gardens is fast approaching. There is still time to register (see the Performing page for more details). Please sign up for the event as soon as you can.

If you’re new and worried you won’t know all the songs, don’t be – you’re always welcome to join in with the ones you do know. We also have our Music Library, where you can practise any of our back catalogue (password is COTH1). More details on the event will be shared soon.

🎤 Rehearsal Recap

Warmup

Elena took us through a four-note arpeggio using a minor-major 7th to create an eerily suspenseful ‘siren’ sound. In simple terms, we slid up through three notes of a chord before holding a fourth note that created a tense, mournful feeling, then glided back down again.

We worked all the way up the keyboard before returning to the middle and descending into the lower range. Elena explained that higher notes can sometimes feel easier to sustain because the vocal folds tilt and thin out, allowing them to vibrate more freely with less pressure. As we descend, the folds become thicker and require more airflow and support to resonate fully.

She also demonstrated what happens when too much pressure is applied to a high note. The sound becomes pinched and strained, restricting the vibration and resonance needed for a free, open tone.

Exercises like these help develop both vocal technique and musical understanding, while also stretching and warming the voice so we can sing with a clearer, more supported sound.

Songs

Walking on Sunshine

See the revised lyric sheet here.

Notes for all

This is a rock song, so aim for sharp, crisp diction that really makes the words ‘pop’.

• ‘Now I know’ should follow a train-track rhythm: da da duh

• ‘And I don’t want to’ should flow in the same way: da da da duh – ‘An’ I Don’ Wan Ta’

Sopranos

• When the line is just ‘Alright now’ (both times on page 1), there is a two-beat pause after the line 'And don't it feel good'.

• This is the same for when the line is ‘Hey yeah yeh’ - there is also a two-beat pause after 'And don't it feel good'

• ‘Hey yeah yeh’ should be sung more like ‘hay yay yeh’

• When singing ‘Hey, alright now’ (on page 2) there is no pause

Altos

• When singing ‘I’m walking on sunshine…’, place emphasis on the ‘I’M’

What Happens When a Woman

Notes for all

Take your cues from the conductor and resist the urge to rush. This is a march and a protest song – not something soft or soothing. It needs to be sung with conviction, strength and feeling.

This song is a statement of frustration, resilience and determination. Sing forward and allow your full sound to come through. Use crisp, clear diction so every word can be heard, and don’t be afraid to commit to the emotion behind it.

We want the audience to feel the message behind the song. We want to share the idea that women have been silenced for too long – and make it clear that we will be heard.

Dates for the diary

7th June - Winsford Garden Party

We have also been invited to sing at the Winsford Garden party - an event that will include other vocalists and musicians. Our performance will be sometime between 12.15 -1.30pm. Here is the poster advertising the event from the organisers.