ANOTHER YEAR JAMMED FULL OF HAPPY MEMORIES TO CELEBRATE!

 

We did it, you guys.  We made it to the end of a seriously amazing year full of events, some challenging, all uplifting, and all of which will now convert to more memories fanning the flames of the 45 recalled moments, contributed by choir members, collated, and recounted by Ruth Sk. at this year’s Choir Christmas break-up, so generously gifted to us by John Cunningham from the Esk Op Shop and his Angels at the Esk Bowls Club.

However, despite a few by now feeling the saturation effects of a busy year, this was not a time to be hitting the snooze button.  As soon as people took to their places around tables decorated equally as tastefully as the delicious Christmas fare served, the joie de vivre was tangible. 

This was an evening with no black folders to organize, no repertoire to remember; just one final time for a choir family to enjoy an evening together; to soak up some mental breathing space along with a glass or two of something stronger than water, the camaraderie that this choir brings to each of us and enjoy the performances from those whom our wonderful emcee de jour, Jessica, called upon to give their all at the microphone.  Christmas cards were exchanged along with hugs, Christmas wishes and thankyous and, rising to a crescendo for a fitting finale, to our cherished Choir Director, Alexis, who, by this time, appeared to be caught between a cry and a smile, a big surprise, flash-mob style final thank you from her entire choir for one more fabulous year… ‘Thank You For the Music’.  

By: Sue Walker

Hanging on the words of the Maestra

A Standing ovation for our Margaret - accompanist extraordinaire

Caught between a cry and a smile

Carolyn, Elizabeth, Eric (with pearls)

Jo, Grace, Patrina 

Kathie and Lloyd, & Maree

Elizabeth 

Sue and Ruth 

Glen Rock Uke Players

Suzanne, Marina, Jessica

THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS MUSIC FROM THE ESK COMMUNITY CHOIR

 

Esk Community Choir - Christmas 2022

Take a bow Esk Community Choir!  By anyone’s definition ‘celebration’ was the word of the day on Sunday December 5^th when the Esk Community Choir presented their Annual Christmas Concert held at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk. 

A concert, many weeks in the making, the choir was well and truly in the zone even before the first notes had been sung.  As the choir men joined with the ladies on stage in a demonstration of some of the key elements of choral singing with a Nativity round, through to the choristers who gave their all in a spectacular finale of Christmas songs which prompted hairs on the backs of necks to give a standing ovation; from the poise and beauty of the Ukrainian Butterfly dancers to a bunch of very cute little elves with a kooky Santa riding the ‘Boogie Woogie Choo Choo Train’, and all performances in between,  this was a Christmas Concert befitting a Choir which has been drawing audiences into the glorious sounds of Christmas for 32 years.

Alexis and Bob 

If an exceptional choir conductor is a strong communicator who has vision, gives clear direction and who engages her choir wholeheartedly, then Alexis FitzGerald O.A.M. who has been fulfilling this role with a passion for the past 44 years has to be pure gold.  On this occasion, it was a case of tag-teaming with the musically gifted Ruth Skippen both as choir conductor and at the piano for the opening chorus of uplifting carols by the Ladies and Men’s Choirs, augmented in duet with the euphonious voices of Alexis and Bob, Eric and Roland alongside Suzanne’s and Ruth’s mellifluous flute accompaniments.

The yuletide gala continued with the choir’s own Glen Rock Uke Players whose rhythmic strumming and singing had the audience completely engaged, many unable to resist the urge to participate in song. There was the Sweethearts of Song’s dazzling harmonies aligned with Alexis’s sublime piano accompaniment of Natalie Sleeth’s ‘Hallelujah Glory Hallelujah’; Mr Smith’s talented little Esk State School Band thrilling Mums and Dads with their little bit of  Christmas magic; Eric, again defying convention with his charming interpretation of Flanders and Swann’s ‘Hippopotamus’;  and what’s not to love about every single performance of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ especially when it’s the tantalizing harmonies of Denis and Roland in collaboration with Ruth and her son Peter Skippen in accompaniment on piano and guitar?

It is almost considered un-Australian not to have loved the unique blend of voices created by ‘The Seekers’, the Australian folk-influenced quartet who has been filling the storybook of lives since 1962.  On this day, the tribute to their music by Carolyn, Roland and Denis was truly uplifting, many remembering word for word ‘I’ll Never Find Another You’ and ‘The Carnival is Over’, the prophetic lyrics of two songs reflective of Judith Durham’s death in August for, in the hearts of those who loved her, there will never be another you.

Roland, Carolyn and Denis - Tribute to Judith Durham

Tom Byrne

Many Choir followers will know Tom Byrne who has not only been a valued member of the bass section of the Choir for years but the gifted creator of many of the stunning stage settings for productions the likes of Phantom of the Opera in Concert and Les Miserables in Concert.  Health circumstances have forced Tom to take his leave from the Choir, but his versatility was again on display when the Choir, as part of their spectacular finale, presented Tom’s brilliant musical arrangement of the enduring classic ‘Walking in the Air’.

The tenderness of Robert Burns’ words penned for ‘Auld Lang Syne’ will always be felt, the sentiment expressing nostalgia and hope for the future.  On this day in a perfect collaboration of Choir and audience, the Christmas version was no less meaningful.  Full of the joy that music brings, concert goers trickled to the tables to further fill on kindly conversation and a tantalizing afternoon tea.

For the success of an event such as this there are so many people to thank.  First and foremost, to our marvelous accompanist, Margaret, who found her place at the piano for opening and closing carols.  Her determination to keep on keeping on despite her multitude of mobility concerns is an inspiration to us all;   to Chayne and Jackie Walsh, the terrific team at the audio controls who allowed us to sound so much better than we hoped for; to Councilor Sean Choat, our eloquent host with the most;  to the management team at the Somerset Civic Centre who are a constant source of cooperation; to the Editors of the Somerset Newspaper without whose support my stories and articles would still be just Word documents on my computer;  to a very dedicated Choir Committee who work tirelessly behind the scenes along with a whole host of choir members who oft times go unrecognized for their volunteering roles which make our events flow so smoothly; and to our fans and followers whose smiling faces are constantly a presence at so many choir events and for whom this choir continues to exist.  Finally, to Alexis, without whom this day may not have been.  Your guidance, energy and talents are limitless and for this, your choir and a community are constantly grateful.  

By: Sue Walker  

Pat and Maria - The Butterfly Dance (for Ukraine) 

Santa (Gary) Grace, Jessica, Sienna, Bridie with the Sweethearts of Song 
"Santa Claus is Coming in a Boogie Woogie Choo Choo Train"

Glen Rock Players

Maree, Kathleen, Carolyn and Susan - The Sweethearts of Song

Esk and Toogoolawah School Band  - under the baton of Adam Smith.

Esk Community Choir 

‘THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR’- RAISING FUNDS FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEE CHILDREN

Základní škola Milady Petřkové, Velký Týnec  near Olomouc Czech Republic

While acknowledgments by this writer normally come at the end of a story, in this instance, it seems so much more fitting to be giving recognition to the many who made this event at the Somerset Civic Centre on Sunday 6^th November both the entertaining and financial success that it became.  The ‘Sweethearts of Song’, Kathleen, Susie, Carolyn, and Maree are grateful beyond measure to the amazing friends who pulled together in an enthusiastic gathering of talent and support for a wonderful cause.

The ranking of those names is inconsequential for to find favour would be a daunting task. Accordingly, we are indebted to Chayne and Jackie Walsh and Jackie’s brother, John Caffin who gave so freely of their time and expertise on this and multiple days to set the stage and direct the sound and lighting.  From the outset, we knew we were in good hands.  To ever willing Ruth Skippen, and Suzanne and Jan, the Choir’s treasured treasurers who so ably managed the front of house ticket sales and raffle selling, a task made more efficient thanks to Suzanne’s husband Paul whose command of all things technological was able to set up a system for eftpos.

To Di Chaplin, who was quick to put up her hand to oversee the raffle of the superb whip, a magnanimous gift by Pat O’Sullivan and along with Di, Judy Seppanen, Jan, Joann, Kerry, Anna, and Caitlin stepped up to undertake the serving of afternoon tea and the following late-hour restoration of the kitchen.  Alexis, thank you too for the array of robust plants assembled by you. While modest in quantity it was prodigious in popularity contributing greatly to the day’s objective…or could it have been the attraction of Eric’s unbridled charm whilst managing the stall?  Could there be anyone as committed as Joann when it comes to following instructions? Thank you, Jo, for being our gun roadie.  

A special thanks to all the donors of raffle prizes including Choir cheerleader, Felice Evans who, though unable to attend the concert, spent a day with Carolyn on the footpath in Toogoolawah selling raffle tickets; to the unwavering support of the Somerset Regional Council and management team at the Somerset Civic Centre; the ever reliable seller of entry tickets, Ann, at Two Galah’s Gallery and the Editors of the Somerset Newspaper who are so good at getting their readers as excited about our events as we are. 

As Master of Ceremonies, Councillor Sean Choat is fast becoming an unofficial member of the Esk Community Choir and again on this day his gift of the gab paved the way from go to whoa - this now a perfect segue to the recounting of the day’s outstanding performances.

How fantastic it is to be surrounded by so many inspiring and talented Choir family and friends.  Often it is that accompanists feel unappreciated but here is public proof, Alexis, that you are not.  As a choir director and, on this day, an accompanist, you are truly gifted, as a friend, unforgettable.  The accumulated hours of practice by the Glen Rock Uke Group, under the polished guidance of Ruth Skippen and Judy Seppanen paid dividends with a wonderfully musical performance.  There was the irrepressible Anna Wheildon’s sassy fun and sparkling stage flamboyance; the swooning crooning Dean Martin doppelganger, Pete ‘the plumber’ Edwards; the euphonious voice of Elaine Coates both in solo and in duet with Kathleen.  Unveiling her versatility, Kathleen turned her tune to Opera, and by the other Sweethearts, Carolyn, Susie, and Maree, duets, and solos.  It was apparent that sound and lighting were not their only strengths when the ‘Chayne Gang’, Chayne, John and Millie Walsh won the rapt attention of the audience with an outstanding vocal and instrumental performance. 

Bookending the day’s entertainment were the harmonious sounds of the ‘Sweethearts of Song’ celebrating, amongst others, the songs of Linda Ronstadt, The Carpenters, Bee Gees, ABBA, Shania Twain, and Maree’s fabulous tribute to the ‘Queen of Soul’, Aretha Franklin. 

The Sweethearts of Song - Kathleen, Susie, Carolyn & Maree

The starting point for this event was the belabouring requests by many Sweethearts’ followers for yet another concert.  Not such a difficult ask for we love what we do.  The motivation to move on this was the idea of making it a fundraiser for a little school in the Czech Republic which has accommodated the needs of numbers of Ukrainian refugee children, then rallying a variety of willing performers and giving it the appropriate title ‘That’s What Friends Are For’. 

The stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius once said ‘What stands in the way becomes the way’.  That this event became the success that it did, overcoming hurdles with the support of so many good people is testament to his assertions. To our friends and supporters both on and off stage who have reminded us how great it feels to have good people by our sides we, the Sweethearts of Song, give our sincere thanks.

For the generous support of so many, we will be gifting $4080 to the Základní škola Milady Petřkové Velký Týnec in the Czech Republic. 

By: Sue Walker  

The Sweethearts of Song - Kathleen, Susie, Carolyn & Maree

"That's What Friends are For"  finale 
Kathie, Jo, Greg, Elaine, Ruth 

Elaine Coates - Skylark 

Chayne Caffin

Millie Walsh

Maree Lansdown - At Last & Crazy

Sue and Carolyn - Tell Him 

Kathleen - O Mio Babbino Caro (Puccini)

Anna Fiorina Wheildon -
All that Jazz & The Lady is a Tramp

The one and only - Sean Choat

Ukulele group

Di, Alexis (behind), Kathie, Elaine, Jo, Susie, Ruth, Carolyn, Greg (behind), Maree,
Anna Fiorina & Judy
THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR

Thank you, Pat O'Sullivan, Whip Maker from Toowoomba, 
for helping us to raise much needed funds for this 
very worthy cause. 

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