Sunday, September 29, 2013

ESK CHOIR CREATES A SCENE AT THE SOMERSET BUSINESS ALLIANCE FESTIVAL:

Flash Mob 2013

Throughout the morning of Saturday 28th September when grey clouds  teased with some slight but welcomed rain, though not enough to deter,  flocks of Somerset locals made their way to the Somerset Civic Centre for a taste of the sights, sounds and surprises at the SOMERSET LIVE, LOVE, BUY LOCAL Festival.  

The plethora of displays presented in the Auditorium and outside areas were surely a testament  to the successes of so many Somerset community organizations, businesses and individuals as those holding the reins demonstrated and delivered much of that country bonhomie along with their products,  treats and talents to the inquisitive crowds.



At the stroke of 11.00 am, when the interested onlookers were beginning to disperse from the Martial Arts display, when the tipplers were done tasting their  Woongooroo wines and were wending their way towards the feast of foods on offer, when Anna at the Open Air broadcast box was beginning her break, when the grey clouds began to dissipate as if right on queue,  the dulcet sounds of voices singing  "Blue Skies" could be heard.  From somewhere in the midst of the unsuspecting wanderers around the Auditorium,  members of the ESK COMMUNITY CHOIR morphed from interested onlookers to entertainers.  It's called a "Flash Mob".  The Choir began to gradually come together as a group of people singing spontaneously in this public space but clearly separating those "in the know" from the clueless onlookers.  It truly was a thrill for the unwitting public who gathered to deliver a cheer as Alexis and the Choir finished appropriately with "I Am Australian".  And as quickly as they had come together in song,  they melted away into the appreciative throng. 

by: Sue Walker
Lloyd King leading the choir into "I Am Australian"


Joining in:  Valerie Turner and Anna Whieldon from Valley FM

Jan, Christine, Gail, Lloyd, Roger, Alan, Robert ...'one voice, we are Australian'
Our magnificent accompanist, Margaret Philp, played from
the back of the hall and hidden by the gathering crowd. 


Always looking on the bright side of life
Joan Grimsley and Christine Caldwell


A hat , my kingdom for a hat - but which one. 



The 'Coolana Olives' proved popular. 


Martial Arts demonstration
Amazing floral displays
Celtic Music 
A familiar happy face in the crowd. 
Are these three planning some mischief?







Tuesday, September 10, 2013

THE SEMITONES "SING INTO SPRING"




The Semitones Singing into Spring


On Sunday, September 8th, it was not just the flush of perfect weather which brought friends and families out and about in Esk but the songs of The Semitones and featured guests whose warmth of sound provided a joyful entrée to the season with their "Sing Into Spring" held in the Joan Burke Room, the backdrop and splendour of which spoke of the spectacle about to unfold at the Somerset Civic Centre.
It is a true measure of her love and passion for music, singing and the continuum of the music culture in the Somerset Region, the genesis of which began 35 years ago with the formation of her Esk Community Choir, that Alexis has devoted her time and talents to nurture and polish the musical skills of this new generation of little songsters to a place and time which has allowed them the performance discipline and talents to shine in their own rite... And on this day, along with the always alluring piano accompaniment by Margaret, shine they certainly did!! The joyous energy and enthusiasm for singing was tangible as these 12 little Semitones began by taking their audience back through many of their performance songs that have been thrilling concert goers since their formation as a Choral Ensemble  five years ago.


Excerpts from "Oliver" were sprinkled with sublime solos and duets from Ticky, Joshua, Carley, Nedi, Jessica and Seth as were they later from Layla, Sophie and Kaitlin through their delightful performance of "The Alphabet Song".   









Katie, the cutest little Bird Lady to hit the stage,  with her rendition of "Feed the Birds" from Mary Poppins,  left the audience in no doubt of the depth of the musical talent that trickles through her veins. 














From members of the Esk Choir, some upbeat "Courtin'" advice in a solo from Sue Walker and Esk's very own 'Frankie and Bing' in the form of Graeme Lynch and Bob Hardy with "High Society"'s irrepressible duet "Well Did You Evah!" both adding another dimension to the quality entertainment, while the 2013 Esk Ensemble made their debut with some exhilarating harmonies to the obvious enjoyment of the audience.  




The "Scherzi" ladies with their lively and colourful interpretation of "All That Jazz" proved there is never an age limit to unadulterated enjoyment of song and dance and then it was back to some sanity with the mellifluous new sounds from The Semitones.   


Aydan's growing stage confidence and vocal talents were truly evident during his sterling performance of "Les Poissons" from the Little Mermaid.  From Emily's faultless pianoforte performance at the outset through the purity of her voice in "A Bushbird in a Blue Gum Tree" to her polished characterisation of "Bustopher Jones" from Cats and her heart-warming duet performance of "I Praise You Lord" with sister Katie, she is already a star whose brilliance will continue to inspire her generation and light up audiences for a very long time.
"Pass Me By" from Father Goose heralded the Finalé to this captivating afternoon of singing but a title of mere words when it relates to The Semitones' next appearance, for no one will be wanting to pass by when these 13 little stars perform alongside Esk Community Choir as well as some amazing guest Choirs at this year's best ever Annual Christmas Concert on December 8th.


by: Sue Walker