16 January Update
- wisken
- Jan 17
- 4 min read
Week 2
This week you can read about:
Rehearsal update
Merchandise: free COTH bag giveaway!
Dates for the diary:
23rd Jan open taster session
15 Feb - Fairfield Halls
'Getting to know you' - COTH Member profile - this week, our marvellous Maz!
Rehearsal
After a very enjoyable warm-up, which saw us screeching 'Hey you, stop there' from high to low octaves, and in the most unflattering but hilarious manner, we focused on practising our new song 'Hallelujah I just love him so.' The sopranos worked on their two part harmonies. The altos have the main melody with this one! We also revisited 'Time After Time' and 'Chiquitita'. There are recordings of all the songs in our Lyric & Audio Library
MERCHANDISE
This week we gave away a free COTH tote bag! There are enough for all members so, if you didn't make it to rehearsal this week, you can still pick one up at a future session. Please do carry yours around in public as much as you can as it's a bit of free promotion for us!
If you 'd like any additional bags, you can order one from Stitch to Stitch (or take in a bag of your own for printing). As a reminder, we now have an account set up and you can also order T-shirts or have the COTH logo printed on a garment of your choice. Click on the link below to order.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
THURSDAY 23rd JANUARY Open Taster Session
We're hoping to build on our recruitment momentum next week - with people looking for choirs to join as part of their New Year's resolutions, or for a personal challenge - by holding an open taster session . We've found in the past that a focused taster session (where everyone is learning something new together) can be an excellent way to bring new people through the door. This will be advertised out to the local Facebook groups over the weekend and into next week so keep any eye out for these ads and share where you can.
SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY Fairfield Halls, Amateur Arts Showcase
Fairfield Halls are hosting an Amateur Arts Showcase in the public open spaces of their venue on Saturday 15 February between 2pm - 7.15pm. We have a 20 minute slot from 14.40-15.00 (TBC). A registration form will be sent out asap.
We took part in their hugely enjoyable Croydon London Borough of Culture event last year and have been asked to participate again. This is to showcase the very best of the local area's talent and, as last year, it's likely to be a mix of song, music and dance acts.
LOCATION
Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Croydon, CR0 1JD
TIMING 14.40 - 15.00 (TBC)
We are yet to fully agree our time slot but are pencilled in for 2.20pm. As soon as we have more details, we will share them. As we've said above, the event is held in their public open spaces - we'll be on a temporary stage in their entrance foyer. This means that along with members of the public, friends and family may come to watch for free.
As this is the day after Valentines ('Gallentines' day) we're going to pull together a love and friendship themed set with a mix of songs from our existing repertoire with some new ones that Elena will introduce this term.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU - COTH Member Profile
Each week we'll be speaking to different members of the choir so you can get to know them a little better. Please speak to Vicky if you'd like to be featured.
Maz Downie , COTH member
Tell us a little bit about yourself - where you're from/where you live now etc.
I am from Boston in Lincolnshire (the original Boston!), went to university in Sheffield and Sweden, and have now lived in London for almost 20 years. A proper Londoner now! I live in Crystal Palace with my husband and two little girls.
What are your favourite songs:
To get you in the mood for a big night out
Love is a Battlefield’ by Pat Benatar
Disco! Such as ’Saturday’ by Norma Jean Wright (Dimitri from Paris remix).
It used to be rock all the way, but my tastes have become more eclectic over the years as my husband runs a record shop...
To lift your spirits when you're feeling blue
See above!
To belt out at the karaoke
‘Borderline’ by Madonna, ‘I wanna be your lover’ by Prince. And the ultimate - ‘Do the Bartman’!!
Are there any types of music you're not keen on and why?
Not really! Very meandering jazz? I like vocals on music too, as I love to sing along!
One of the things I love about my family - if I sing a line of a song, someone always joins in and sings the next line! (usually my eldest daughter).
What brought you to Choir on the Hill and how long have you been singing with us?
My friend Fiona introduced me to it - she’d joined and loved it. And she sold me on the tea and cake! (Not that I often make it to choir early enough to appreciate this). I’ve always loved singing and hadn’t done much since my children were born. I’ve been with the choir for a bit over 2 years.
Which female musical artists do you admire and why?
Kate Bush - so incredibly talented, at such a young age! And very humble. Shows what an introvert can achieve.
Who are your female role models?
My friends! An incredible bunch of women. I feel like I’m really learning the power of female friendship and community. We build each other up and are there for each other when we fall. There are also a few young female writers that I’m obsessed with - I think I want to emulate their lives… (anyone want to commission my novel? I’ve written 2,000 words, ha).
Tell us a surprising or little known fact about yourself.
I took a course in personal styling and am now a volunteer dresser at an amazing charity Smart Works that provides clothing and coaching to women to help them back into employment.
What is your favourite thing about being part of Choir on the Hill?
It’s fun! Even if you’ve had a long, stressful day, you will always feel better for going along to choir.
