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29 October 2014
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Kevin Gilroy's singing story
Sing Live launch
The Sing Live launch in Jesmond

I thought I might as well start by telling you a bit about myself and how I became part of the new Sing Live North East clan.

I suppose you could say it all started nearly five years ago ...

Find out about
'Sing the Musicals'
at Newcastle City Hall


SING LIVE DIARIES



John Hambling

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Kevin Gilroy
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Lorraine Craig
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Rachel Hill
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Susan Dove
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I went to watch my then girlfriend and now wife Alison (who is also taking part in Sing Live North East) perform in a production of 'Annie Get Your Gun' with the Whitley Bay Operatic Society.

I had previously only sung at karaoke nights and it was the first time I had ever set foot in a theatre, but I was hooked and auditioned to become a member of the society as soon as I could.

Was I a tenor or a bass?

I remember standing in front of the committee unable to read music, not knowing if I was a tenor or a bass or what key I wanted the tune played in, but got through in the end.

I have taken part in several shows now, the most memorable being 'West Side Story', where I had the privilege of playing the male lead, Tony, with Whitley Bay Operatic Society last year.

quotewe could not resist the chance to sing at the Newcastle City Hall, never mind the Royal Albert Hallquote

Well, back to Sing Live North East. My wife, Alison, saw the advert for Sing Live in our local paper and we could not resist the chance to sing at the Newcastle City Hall, never mind the Royal Albert Hall.

We attended the launch in December and, like Lorraine who is also writing for this site, were very impressed with the organisation of it all, especially the health and safety aspect as I am myself a health, safety and environmental officer (yes, my wife agrees with you that's really sad!)

Remarkable progress

After a couple of hours working with Gary, our vocal coach, the sound produced by this group of people who had never sung together (some who had never sung much at all) was remarkable!

Kevin Gilroy
Kevin Gilroy

Alison and I missed the first rehearsal due to prior commitments, so missed being able to spit at each other (see Lorraine's diary, rehearsal one), but we have only been married for six months, so I'm sure there will be plenty of time for that in the future!

We attended the second rehearsal on 19 December and I would pay money to hear us sing now! I wish I was able to see the show - it is going to be fantastic!

The auditions for solo parts are in January, so I will keep you posted at to how we get on.
Off to practice my song, still can't read music, but at least now I know I'm a tenor!

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