August 2010

Dear Big Choir,

So here we are in the beginning of August and our thoughts are turning to the new term and we want to let you know what is happening this term ... and beyond.

The Forres Big Choir
Kate and I wrote the piece below with the intention of using it as part of our publicity as we continue to seek to attract new singers and to become a really BIG choir - sometimes I have this crazy idea of thinking what it would be like if we could get together all those people who at one time or another have been regular members of the choir. Quite a big crowd. We know the community round here is to some extent transient and also that people's priorities change so we know that we need to continue to attract new singers ... whilst of course looking after our existing stalwarts!! Anyway, with this in mind I am including this brief note and invite you to send it out to friends and contacts that you might have who you think might be interested. Word of mouth is always the best advert anyway. Thanks.

" The Forres Big Choir is now in its seventh year. We are a community choir based on the ethos that everybody can sing, there are no auditions and participants learn music mostly by ear. We sing a wonderful range of harmony songs and rounds, both sacred and secular , from Scotland, England and Wales but also from as far afield as Africa, Georgia, Israel and beyond. Basically, if we like it we'll sing it. Gospel, pop, folk, contemporary compositions ... we sing a few challenging pieces (recently a great harmony arrangement of Sting's Fields of Gold) but mostly enjoy the simpler songs that we can learn quickly and then just have a good sing. Participants have found the choir liberating and confidence boosting. Above all we aim to have fun and in its 7 years the choir has developed a really strong sense of community. The new term starts at the end of August on the 26th. Do come along and try us out. If you want to see more of what we get up to, have a look at our website www.forresbigchoir.info. "

So as this says the next term starts on Thursday 26 August. It's a seven week term (a bit longer than usual) and prices are £42/£30 (instead of £35/£25 for a six week term). Kate is away just now no doubt collecting more songs from the voice camp fraternity - I have some juicy ones to share with you - as ever, so many songs so little time!! One definite will be a Welsh one we learnt on Eigg this year - Calon Lan - several of you who came to Eigg have requested this. It is a cracker.

We have also accepted an invitation (via Marie Jacques) to sing some seasonal songs at the Transition Towns Community Market on Saturday 27 November. This will be a short slot but provides us with a lovely opportunity to brush up some old and learn some new songs for that time of year as well as supporting a great cause. Put it in your diary now!! (Incidentally I happened across a similar event in Ilkley in Yorkshire whilst on holiday and (along with many others) was welcomed to practice with and then join in and participate in a "Reet Grand Sing" with Moornotes community choir as part of Ilkley festival. An open air event on the street with a good crowd (and sunshine) in attendance. A reminder of the joy of singing and how great these community choirs are.

Carrbridge
We still have three places left for our choir weekend away. It's a great hostel and we are really looking forward to it. The hostel is large and even if "full" will not be crowded as we are not using all the beds (although we have exclusive use of it). We have missed the Iona trips especially seeing the role it played in helping folk in the choir get to know each other. I am reminded especially how great it was for newer people in the choir. Perhaps this is you!! Dates again are Friday 15 till Sunday 17 October. Cost for hostel and singing is £75. We share cooking.

Eigg
Finally, see attached poster for Eigg next year. We already have a third of the spaces booked (all from away) and we haven't started advertising yet! It was lovely to have so many from the choir along with us last year and it would be equally lovely to have some again this year. Again do please feel free to send this out as you see fit.

In the meantime lots of love from us both,

Bill & Kate