A CHOIR SANG LIKE NO ONE WAS WATCHING WHICH WAS CLEARLY NOT THE CASE

 

On Friday, October 7th when the eyes of Australia were turned to reports of Putin, pouring rain, politics and property prices, there was a handful of examinees in Esk who could not have given an iota about anything outside that for which they had been practising for weeks and months. There is a phenomenon that occurs prior to sitting examinations when one’s brain goes into detention and this was the case for these steadfast students prior to their St Cecilia School of Music Grade Singing, Concert Performance and Recital examinations under the appraisal of examiner, Mr Matthews Tyson.

Exams completed, each emerged from the St Agnes Hall having shed the veil of fear and replaced it with an air of freedom and an overwhelming feeling of joy for some hitherto inconceivable achievements

Mr Tyson, who hails from Launceston, Tasmania, is the Director and owner of the St Cecilia School of Music, his energy unstoppable, his impetus since the school’s inception in 1974, to provide opportunities for students of varying music developmental levels within Australia and throughout the world, the chance to perform.  How fortunate are we that Esk has become one of Mr Tyson’s preferred destinations; where for several years, singers and instrumentalists have reaped the benefits of his intuitive comments and extensive skills as a teacher, conductor, and music examiner.

It is said that passion takes you to the foot of the mountain; talent takes you up to the top and brilliance takes you to the sky. It was the joy of waking to a brilliant blue sky the very next day which could only have been equaled by the ‘brilliance’ on and off stage at the Somerset Civic Centre when the Esk Community Choir Ensemble presented ‘Brilliance with Brunch’. Under the inspired and masterly direction of Alexis, so ably understudied in places by Kathleen and Ruth, and, despite mobility constraints, accompanist Margaret’s courageous dedication to her craft, the Ensemble’s impassioned performance of sacred songs received standing acclamation and high praise from the small but appreciative audience and importantly, from examiner Matthews Tyson, whose incisive comments and a final mark of 95% were a true reflection of the hard work and commitment by all choir members. Basking in the glow of this inspiring morning of sublime choral singing, those lovely choir followers who came to see a choir sing were equally appreciative of the satisfying brunch which followed.

Hats off to all our all- work- and- no- pay choir volunteers who enable an event such as this to run so smoothly. To Sue, Di and your catering angels for your impeccable presentation of both the delicious brunch and the tables upon which the plates were presented; to Roland who, with gusto and a thirst for thoroughness has fallen into the role of lighting, stage and sound; to our front-of-house ticket sellers who continually put up their hands to help out; to Suzanne and Ruth who are able to push the boundaries of musical expertise with their flute augmentations and to Kathleen and a hardworking Choir Committee for so much unacknowledged activity that goes before. ‘Thanks’ must also be extended to Ann at Two Galah’s Gallery and the editors of the Somerset Newspaper who never blink when called upon for their support of choir events.

However, the final word of thanks must go to Alexis. Too often one can underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word of encouragement, a compliment, or the act of caring and believing, all of which have the potential to turn lives around and all which Alexis brings to the choir she loves. Thank you Alexis for turning our lives around and here’s to the continuation of a beautiful relationship.



By: Sue Walker