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| Esk Community Choir Ensemble Margaret, Judy, Yvonne, Nola, Carolyn, Maree, Bob, Roger, Alexis, Tom, Eric, Di, Marina, Sue, Jo, Kathie |
If
ever there was a fast-track to a reality check for performers of any genre, it
would be entering eisteddfods and this it has been for the handful of entrants
from the Esk Community Choir, along with little Nedi Granzien, following their courageous
performances scattered over 10 days and nights of competition at the 2017
Silkstone Eisteddfod.
In her very first eisteddfod,
there were no jelly-legs for Nedi who completely commanded the stage with solos
in Musical Theatre, Folk, Sacred, Girls Aged 12 years and Girls’ Championship
13 years and under; Four “seconds” and a highly commended or third
placing. Bravo Nedi!!
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| Susan Walker and Eric von Nida |
Equally energetic was our Eric
von Nida who floored most of his competitors in four different solo sections
humbly receiving high praise from both adjudicator and audience with placings
in each, finally to unite in duet with Susie Walker, their Golden Song proving just that when they came away with a first.
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| Di Chaplin |
While placings are gratifying, they can also be subjective in a festival of the vocal arts adjudged by one. Notwithstanding Ms Ireni Utley’s notable accreditation, it is also the commitment to fulfilling personal goals which deserves equal acknowledgement. These were most certainly achieved when Di Chaplin gave her all with Autumn Leaves in the Ballad section and in Musical Theatre, Nola Niemeyer, always brilliant with her Why Am I Always the Bridesmaid, both our ladies receiving encouraging high praise, their joy no less for their efforts.
A learned person once said ‘it
takes a long time to become young’ and in two of the Choral Group sections, the
Esk Choir Ensembles’ were clearly evidence of this when they were able to mix
it with their youthful opposition in both talent and enthusiasm, separated only
by a few energetic dance steps and 50 odd years of maturity. For I Love a Piano, the ladies were awarded
a silver and for their efforts both visually and chorally, the ladies and gents
in the My Fair Lady ensemble brought
home the gold! During her commentary in
the presentation of awards for the Ensembles, Ms Utley stressed the need for the
young school leavers to ‘do it for
yourselves…go find a choir and continue to sing’, her comments clearly
alluding to the obvious enjoyment showcased by our Choir during the
performances.
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| Margaret Philp |
To Margaret, once again for your
unquestioned giving of your spare moments and faultless accompaniment of our
Ensemble songs; and to Alexis, the heart
and soul of our Choir, for a bazillion practices before, after and around choir
rehearsals, for your gifting to all the soloist and dueters your time, teachings, beautiful accompaniment and encouragement without
stopping to take a breath, we give our heartfelt thanks.
By: Susan Walker
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| Nedi Granzien |
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| Nola Niemeyer |
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