BEGORRAH!!! WHAT A TREAT WAS THE "MEET N' GREET"!

Some donned something green to symbolize  the shamrock; a few  leapt across the  lawn looking like leprechauns to the lilting refrain of an Irish folk song;  everyone who came to "Coal Creek" on the morning of February 9th arrived wearing  smiles on their faces,  an Emerald Isle spring in their steps and  music in their hearts for they were all coming for the first of the gatherings before taking off in April 2014  for a  Tour to Ireland, culminating in Cork for  the 60th International Choral Festival.

The Blackbutt 'leprechauns'??

Around Choir Director Alexis's sumptuous table topped with morning tea treats,  our Tour Manager,  Julie Wiegel, was introduced and welcomed into the throng in true Esk Community Choir style  along with some 'old' and newcomers who will be joining the Esk Choir for  this Tour.  Following this prelude, Alexis was able to give snippets of the still to be finalized tour ...just enough to tantalize  a few  touring  taste buds.  Bundles of music were distributed including that precious practice CD...the  anchor that keeps everyone  safe  through the turbulent seas of a brand new repertoire!!   

Lunch followed,  washed down with copious amounts of hot and cold beverages as people took on board the experiences of those who have toured before.  Queries were quashed, roommates recorded and in no time at all, it was departure time, everyone leaving with the excited anticipation of what lies ahead, eager for the first Tour Choir practice on March 5th.

However, it would be remiss of me to not make mention of a very important new addition to our Choir... a bell, or Clarabelle...a tintinnabulum, the tintinnabulation of which should shock the living daylights out of anyone whose constant chatter is greater than that of the Choir Director's  instructions during practices.   Thank you very much Roger!!  

by: Sue Walker

www.eskchoir.webs.com

HARMONY HITS A HIGH NOTE AT OUR OPEN REHEARSAL

Dorothea Moyle and Elaine Browne demonstrating sensational Alto Tones.

The ESK COMMUNITY CHOIR'S first Tuesday night practice in the aptly named  'Lyceum Room' heralded with flare the Choir's 2013 year with a collaboration of the harmonies of song and souls as more than a handful of inspired music lovers joined Choir members at their Open Rehearsal.  So potent was the experience that a handful have decided to embrace  this as a regular occurrence on a Tuesday night.  Under the inspired direction of Choir conductor, Alexis FitzGerald , they will learn and develop their love and performance of choral music and as Choir members, take pleasure in the fellowship and the joy that being a member of the Esk Community Choir can bring. 

Warming up the body and releasing tension. AAHH!

Though age is no barrier to membership,  a thorough knowledge of many of the old time favourites provided on Song Sheets did define the age intervals but the love of music was always the common thread.  

Warm-ups completed, it was down to the serious business of the repertoire for the first of 2013's birthday galas for a Choir which has just turned 35 years old.   On Sunday April 14th at 2pm, 'HIGH TEA AND HARMONY' will be a celebration of  a bygone era when delightful soirees at tea rooms were commonplace.  The Choir, having had homework to heal the hole left by a Choir hiatus over the holidays, the first attempts at some of the melodious baroque compositions by Vavaldi, Gluck and Handel were an indication that High Tea and Harmony is going to be an event not to be missed!!

Following the Open Rehearsal, it was then down to the even more serious business of catching up over a cuppa and at the prospect of another wonderfully musical year ahead, everyone finally left on a lighter step, singing on the inside.

by: Sue Walker

www.eskchoir.webs.com