30 October Update

wisken
7 days ago
5 min read

Week 1 of 8 (Half Term 2)

In this week's update we have:

A rehearsal recap
A full list of the upcoming dates for the diary
Song facts: Carol of the Bells

☕ Coffee Notices

Lizzy talked through all of the performances we have coming up (see Dates for the Diary below). All the details we currently have are on the Performing page, and we’ll add more information as soon as we receive it.

We have quite a lot to learn in a short space of time, so please make use of both the Music Library and the Christmas Music Library as much as possible. Practice whenever you can - in the car, cooking dinner, even in the bath!

To help us prepare, we’ll also be organising sectional rehearsals - smaller practice sessions focused on specific harmonies or tricky sections. Lizzy has been in touch via the WhatsApp groups to propose dates for when we can meet up.

🎧 New Music Library and Christmas Music Library

There are now two brand-new pages for all lyrics and recordings that are easier to use, searchable, and mobile-friendly!

🔒 Password: COTH1

👉 All Songs Library

👉 Christmas Songs Library

Quick tips:

Reset the player bar before starting a new song
Start typing to search - no need to press return

Rehearsal

Warmup:

Elena introduced us to the term 'vocal fry' - and no, it’s not a singer’s breakfast special!

Vocal fry is the lowest register of the human voice, produced by a slow, relaxed vibration of the vocal cords that creates a crackling or creaky sound (think of the low rumble at the end of a yawn). Used gently, it’s a healthy exercise for warming up and stretching the vocal folds, helping singers achieve a richer tone and better control in the lower range.

Songs we covered: My Favourite Things

We polished this one up, focusing on timing, phrasing, and harmony balance, especially the alto lines and soprano 2 'ahhs' (which have moved from the altos).
There’s now a version of the lyrics specifically marked up for altos, showing the different ways 'favourite things' is harmonised. The Music Library also includes clipped sections of both choruses, each slightly different, so that you can practise them individually.

Carol of the Bells We began by learning the core melody (soprano 1) and explored the structure - how the song builds from piano (soft) to fortissimo (very loud).

Elena also introduced the soprano 2 harmony, before we moved on to the alto line, the most complex of the three parts. Despite its intricacy, everyone made a brilliant start!

We’ve now added clipped recordings to the Carol of the Bells page so you can focus on specific sections, and a musical score is also available to view or print - it’s a great way to see the shape and flow of the piece.

Next week: we’ll finish Carol of the Bells and start Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. The recording for that will be shared early next week.

SONG FACTS

Carol of the Bells

Carol of the Bells is one of the most instantly recognisable Christmas choral pieces, with its hypnotic, cascading melody and driving rhythm that seem to echo the sound of ringing bells.

The song originated in Ukraine and was composed in 1914 by Mykola Leontovych, based on a traditional Ukrainian folk chant called 'Shchedryk'. The original lyrics celebrated the coming of the new year and the promise of prosperity.

In 1936, Peter J. Wilhousky, an American conductor and arranger, wrote the now-familiar English lyrics, transforming the song into a Christmas carol. His version turned the lilting folk rhythm into a festive anthem about bells that 'sweetly ring to say, Christmas is here'.

Over the years, it has become a staple of choirs worldwide, loved for its layered harmonies, dramatic dynamics, and sense of joyful urgency.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

There is still time to register for any of these events via the Performing page on the website.

TUESDAY 18th November - Stanley Arts Community Project (6:30 - 9:00pm)

We’ve been invited to sing at a free intergenerational supper club at Stanley Arts, exploring freedom and community. The event brings people together through food, conversation, and performance and we’ll be closing the evening with a short 15-minute set (4 songs).

Friends and family are invited to attend but will need to book their free ticket here.

TIMING

The event runs from 6:30-9.00 pm and we have been asked to close the evening show at around 8.40pm. Note, if you are coming for the meal, the starters are served from 6:30pm and then the main course will be served around 7:15pm

SETLIST

TBC but likely to include Glorious and Hallelujah I just love him so, You've got a friend, Somewhere only we know

THURSDAY 27th November - Westow House, Crystal Palace Christmas Light Switch-On

Crystal Palace traders will be switching on the Christmas Lights for the town in a ceremony held at Westow House. We’ll be singing inside Westow House on the ground floor in the main space (facing the bar). We are finalising event details (i.e. rehearsal time etc).

TIMING

The lights switch on is at 7 pm, and we will be singing at 7.45.

SETLIST

SATURDAY 29th November - Maple Road Market (Penge)

We will be singing at Maple Road Market* which, for the month of November, will be held in Anerley Town Hall. We will be singing 2 slots with a break in between. Depending on the weather, we may be singing indoors or outdoors.

TIMING

Set 1: 12 - 12.20

Break 12.20 - 13.10Set 2: 13.15 - 13.35

SETLIST (TBC)

*The Maple Road Market is a volunteer led independent local market that was originally started in 1921. It stopped trading in 2010 but was brought back with help from the local community and Bromley council. It's held on the last Saturday of each month and features a mix of vendors and activities, ranging from art & craft to kids activities and hot food to health and wellbeing.

SATURDAY 13 December - Christmas Party at Mozart's

We’re back at Mozart’s in Anerley for our annual Christmas celebration — expect food, singing, fun, and likely a bit of bubbly. More details to come!

(Note: this date has been moved from the 12th to the 13th.)

FRIDAY 19 December - Stanley Arts Christmas Concert

Stanley Arts are hosting a Christmas concert with a mix of local musical talent. We have had great fun singing at this event for the last 2 years so this is a return visit.This is a ticketed event for the public. Friends and family are welcome but will need to purchase a ticket to attend.

We’ll be singing on stage in the main hall at Stanley Arts. As last year, there is a balcony where we can sit to watch the other acts before and after we perform. For those who want to - we will be invited on stage for the joint finale.

TIMING TBC

Concert usually starts around 7.30pm. We don't have our performance slot timing yet.

SETLIST (TBC)