This week the rehearsal was taken by John. It was interesting to listen and follow someone elses interpretation of the songs. After a sing through of Starlight Express and Anthem (both without books I hasten to add!) we practised West Side Storys Tonight. We spent time working on the actual words and diction. We were told it is essential that we get the words out crisp clear (and with feeling). Only then we can concentrate on getting our heads turning at the right time and in the right place!  After being told to have perfect diction at all times, suddenly we had to sound like Eliza Dolittle! |
After working on Ragtime, we then moved on to At the End of The Day (Les Miserables). We sang this right to the end this time and started to work on our French/cockney accents with hilarious results. Apples and pears and all that After being told to have perfect diction at all times, suddenly we had to sound like Eliza Dolittle! We started off by sounding Yorkshire (!), but we gradually moved down south and found cockney voices we never knew we had. (I will certainly be paying more attention to Eastenders in future!). We finished the afternoon by starting Forward Together, a powerful song about the Luddite movement. However, before that, we had a real treat and got to listen to one of the soloists. Kevin Gilroy sang Gethsemane from Jesus Christ Superstar. It was a superb and very moving performance (and quite fitting that it was sung in a church). Well done! Check out Kevin's diary
to find out how he felt
about his first performance. |
Not mad, just practicing | Im sure people think Im mad stuck in traffic and singing songs from the shows at the top of my voice! |
With the show getting nearer, practising at home is now essential. The rehearsal CD that is provided by Sing Live is an invaluable aid. Every spare minute, the music is playing in my house and Im singing my heart out. I tell you, the housework has never been so enjoyable! Ive also got the tape playing in the car. Im sure people think Im mad stuck in traffic and singing songs from the shows at the top of my voice! The excitement's building up! I think as the show gets nearer the exhilaration and excitement is beginning to build up within the group. Im certainly very excited! The soloists have now started rehearsing and all the pieces are coming steadily together. Theres still a lot to do, but we were told yesterday that it is important not to peak too soon. I know that under the guidance and experience of Gary and John, itll all come together just at the right time 8 March! And after that? Royal Albert Hall here I come! These are certainly very exciting times! | 
