28 November Update

In this week's Bulletin you can read about:

• Crystal Palace Christmas Light switch-on - our performance

• 12 Dec: BBC Radio London recording

• 20 Dec: Christmas performance update

• 'Getting to know you - COTH Member profile' - get to know your fellow COTH members with this fun Q&A. This week, our Choir Coordinator, Lizzy!

Week 12

This week we sang at Westow House as part of the Crystal Palace Christmas light switch-on ceremony. We had a lovely, warm welcome from our audience and enjoyed singing a mixture of group songs and some wonderful solos in between. In spite of the low level lighting, some forgotten glasses (see Ivonne in the pic below😂) and a few issues being able to hear the music - we created a beautiful sound! The feedback from the Westow event organisers was really positive - they loved it - and we handed out leaflets to lots of enthusiastic women audience members who will hopefully join us for a taster in the near future.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER - singing for BBC Radio London

This week we also shared the exciting news that we have been contacted by BBC Radio London to take part in a feature they're doing on local choirs at Christmas. Representatives from the BBC Radio London will come to us on Thursday 12th Dec. From around 9am they will let us do a warm up then record the Christmas song of our choosing. After that they will interview a few members live on air then play the recorded song.

We are also really pleased to confirm that Elena is free that morning and able to support us - it's also her birthday that day too!

We shared a poll for anyone wanting/able to take part. If you would like to be involved but didn't vote in the poll, please speak to Lizzy.

LOCATION

Vicky's house: Flat 4, 66 Thicket Road, Anerley, SE20 8DR

TIMING (AM)

We recommend you arrive at 8.30am so that we are all ready and assembled for 9am.

This will take part between 9-11 am (warm-up, song recording, interviews on air for those happy to do it)

14 December COTH Christmas Party at Mozart's, Penge

COTH’s CHRISTMASSY SOCIAL🍷🧑🏻‍🎄👯‍♀🎄🧀🥂🍾🎟🎤🎁

When: Saturday 14 Dec 2024

Starts: 19:00

Ends: 23:00

Where: Mozart Cafe, Anerley Rd, SE19 2AS

There will be a Secret Santa (organised by Nomi) and we'll be in touch closer to the time about food etc.

FRIDAY 20 DECEMBER Stanley Arts Christmas Concert

Last year we had a great time singing as part of the Stanley Arts Christmas Concert. We've been invited back again this year!

An event plan, set list and performance notes etc will be shared next week.

LOCATION

Stanley Arts, 12 South Norwood Hill, SE25 6AB

TIMING (PM)

6.00 - There will be a sound check for anyone who can make it.

7.30 - Concert starts

8.20-8.45 - We will be singing in the final act of the first half

10.15 - Concert ends

We are invited to watch the rest of the concert from the balcony as we did last year and then go on stage for the joint finale (with all the other performers) of 'All I Want for Christmas is You'.

Friends and family can purchase tickets from Stanley Arts:

https://stanleyarts.org/event/stanleys-christmas-concert/

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.

Lizzy Deans, Choir Coordinator

Tell us a little bit about yourself - where you're from/where you live now etc.

I was born in Sittingbourne in Kent and then moved to Romney Marsh when I was 6. It was very quiet and remote and I actually used to travel into school on a little steam train (the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway). I moved to London when I was 17 to study to be a nurse and have been living in various parts of South London ever since. I have a son, Jack, who is 22 and a step-daughter, Millie, 11. I currently live in Beckenham with my fiancé and 2 spoilt cats. 

What are your favourite songs:

• To get you in the mood for a big night out

  I like something that I can really belt out a song to but it depends of the kind of night. My favourites are Pendulum - The Tempest and Rage Against the Machine - Killing in The Name Of. Sometimes I like something more 'pop', like Blinding Lights - The Weekend, Beautiful Monster - Neo, Give me Everything - Pitbull, Afrojack, Neo

  and Chandelier- Sia.

• To lift your spirits when you're feeling blue

  90s Britpop such as Manson- Wide Open Space, Seahorses - Blinded by the Sun, Semiotic- Closing Time and The Stone Roses - I am the Resurrection 

• To belt out at the karaoke

  Carley Simon - The Spy who Loved Me, Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart and Kelly Clarkson - Because of You 

Are there any types of music you're not keen on and why?

Jazz, jazz and jazz! For me, it just sounds awful, makes me feel unwell and angry and like I want to kill people! It sounds like someone has thrown a load of notes in the air and then played them backwards.

What brought you to Choir on the Hill and how long have you been singing with us?

I came to Choir on the Hill with my sister, Vicky, as something to get us out of the house and with other people following the loss of her husband (who was also my best friend) in 2020. I have been singing with the choir for 3 years.

Which female musical artists do you admire and why?

Beyoncé - not many artists can break away from a group and be successful let alone become a megastar that is as influential worldwide as she is. Beyond her music though, she's a cultural icon, advocating for racial equality and women's empowerment, celebrating women whenever she can. I also admire Tina Turner who managed to rise from very humble beginnings to become a star. She also tried to advocate for empowerment whilst enduring abuse behind the scenes. 

Who are your female role models?

My sister. She has had to endure a great deal of pain and loss in life but has come out stronger and more amazing. She is always there for me, fighting my corner, looking after me when I need her, and being my cheerleader when it matters. She's my inspiration.

Tell us a surprising or little known fact about yourself.

I have never eaten a kebab or a McDonald's burger.

What is your favourite thing about being part of Choir on the Hill?

The joy of seeing how much it means to all the ladies that come and the fun we all have together. 

Dates for the diary

The information below will be added to our Calendar and details will be shared on our Performing pages as and when we know more.

Click on the arrows to expand for more information