An RSS feed (or news feed) is a means by which you can stay informed about what's going on at Vocally Wild without having to regularly visit the website.

To make use of an RSS feed, you need some "feed reader" (or "aggregator") software. Most modern web browsers have feed readers built in.

The RSS feeds for Vocally Wild are listed below...

Vocally Wild upcoming events:
https://www.vocallywild.org.au/dbaction.php?action=rss&dbase=events

Vocally Wild news:
https://www.vocallywild.org.au/dbaction.php?action=rss&dbase=uploads
Vocally Wild Vocally Wild Vocally Wild Vocally Wild
  • Home
  • Contact
    • Contact Points
    • Book Us!
    • Visit a Rehearsal
    • Become a Member
    • Sponsorship
  • About
    • About Vocally Wild
    • History
    • Have a Listen!
    • Choir Director
    • Accompanist
    • Officers
    • Sponsors
    • Past Performances
    • Honour Roll
  • News & Events
    • Latest News
    • Upcoming Events
    • Event Calendar
    • Photos
    • Newsletter
  • Other
    • Links
    • Testimonials
    • Merchandise
  • Members
  • Home
  • Contact
    • Contact Points
    • Book Us!
    • Visit a Rehearsal
    • Become a Member
    • Sponsorship
  • About
    • About Vocally Wild
    • History
    • Have a Listen!
    • Choir Director
    • Accompanist
    • Officers
    • Sponsors
    • Past Performances
    • Honour Roll
  • News & Events
    • Latest News
    • Upcoming Events
    • Event Calendar
    • Photos
    • Newsletter
  • Other
    • Links
    • Testimonials
    • Merchandise
  • Members

Our Newsletter



Vocally Wild creates a newsletter periodically to keep our friends, supporters and followers up-to-date with the activities and events of the choir.  It is delivered via our friends email mailing list.

Anyone can subscribe to this mailing list to receive our newsletters as they are released.

To subscribe (or unsubscribe), enter your email address in the box to the right...

Below is a list of all past issues...

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - JULY, 2022

Mon, 11 Jul 2022
Printable version
How quickly the holidays passed and here we are in Term 3.  A 'warm' welcome is extended to you all, especially our recent new members.  We hope you're enjoying choir and looking forward to a stimulating and exciting semester.  It was heartwarming to see so many of you at rehearsal last Tuesday on such a chilly night. 

Vocally Wild is on a 'Membership Drive'!!  To secure the viability of the choir, we need to be proactive in this area.  We are a 'performance choir' receiving excellent direction and musical accompaniment, so if you have friends or acquaintances who love singing, mention that they are welcome to come along for a complimentary visit on a Tuesday night.  Please contact Cherry, or suggest to your contacts that they visit the Vocally Wild Website for further information.

 
FOR YOUR DIARY
 
DATE DETAIL
Friday, 19th August - 1.00 p,m. Sing for Friday Social Club, SandyBeach
Sunday, 11th September - 7.30 to 11.30 a.m. Connor’s Run
Tuesday, 13th September Last Rehearsal for Term 3.
Tuesday, 4th October Term 4 commences
Saturday 8th October Bayside Healthy Ageing Expo
Sunday, 16th October -  3.00 p.m. Annual Concert, Brighton Town Hall,.
Tuesday 1st November No Choir – Melbourne Cup Day
November and December Carols - Saturday rehearsals (TBC)
Tuesday, 6th December Last Rehearsal for Term 4
Tuesday, 13th December ? Carols in the Park (TBC)    

A little more about some of the dates above:

SANDYBEACH CENTRE FRIDAY SOCIAL CLUB - Friday, 19th August.  1.00 p.m.
We are looking for singers to perform to a small group at the Social Club.  As this will be one of our local community offerings, on a smaller than usual scale, we will be unaccompanied and sailing under our own steam!  We'll sing a selection of about 7 or 8 items from our repertoire; hopefully uncomplicated pieces, but we know the Social Club members will love every minute!

So if you're happy to 'give it a go' and join in the fun, please pop your name on the sheet Cherry will place at the rear of the hall.  Thank you!  The sheet will be available each week.


BAYSIDE HEALTHY AGEING EXPO - Saturday, 8th October
This will be at the Brighton Town Hall and Vocally Wild will have an information table.  We we will have more detail closer to the time but we hope that some of our members might like to volunteer to be at the venue to chat to visitors and promote the choir.  Bayside Healthy Ageing are to present many activities during the month of October, so watch out for the information as it appears.

CONNOR'S RUN - Sunday, 11th September

It will be an early start - to catch those quick off the mark runners as they flash past!  7.30 a.m.  We'll be singing on and off during the three hours to 11.30 - the faithful and loyal stragglers need to be seranaded too!!  We are so grateful that Bill and Emma will be directing us.  Taking part in this event is always a rewarding experience, so we hope many of you will be happy to come along.. 

Cherry will have a sheet on a table at the rear of the hall for you to indicate your willingness to take part.  Thank you!  The sheet will be available each week.

VOCALLY WILD'S 'SPRING' CONCERT - BRIGHTON TOWN HALL - Sunday, 16th October. 
We are starting to plan this 'musical treat' for the community!   For those of you who are new to Vocally Wild, we were awarded a small grant by Bayside Council to arrange a 'renewal' event post Covid, and our concert's focus is to 'celebrate the choir's return to singing after a couple of years of disruption and to showcase young, local, and exceptionally talented musicians'.

The 90-minute programme will commence at 3.00 p.m., followed by afternoon tea.  As the full running costs will not be covered by the grant, there will be an entry fee of  $15.00  (Adult) and $8.00 (12-16 yrs), Children free.  The event should conclude before 6.00 p.m.  As the date draws closer we will arrange for most ticket sales via Try Booking but other arrangements will be made for ticketing if necessary.

Further details will emerge in due course.

Cherry will have a sheet on a table at the rear of the hall for you to indicate your willingness to take part.  Thank you!  The sheet will be available each week.


ADMINISTRATION

  • Fees Refund Policy:  With effect from today's date, the Committee regrets to point out that once fees have been paid for the Semester, there will be no refunds given.  We remind members of Vocally Wild's many running costs which are constant and need to be paid in advance and it is not financially viable, these days, for us to return funds.
  • Website:  Please note that the Committee has purchased a SSL Certificate for the Harmony Site (Vocally Wild Website) which makes it a safe and secure https place.  You will see the 'lock' symbol at the top of the page.  By the way, if you are having trouble accessing anything on the website, please contact me on 0437 697 009 and I will try to assist you.
WHAT'S ON AND WHAT'S  BEEN HAPPENING?
Look what Cherry's been up to:  Amazing!!

Rising : 2022 Festival Singing in the Night Chorus – 26 May to 18 June at
The Wilds, Sidney Myer Music Bowl beside the Rinky Dink (ice rink)
by Cherry Tunnock

In March I joined a group of 120 singers from all over Melbourne to rehearse every Saturday at the Australian Institute of Music in King Street.

What a fun challenge to learn ten 80’s & 90’s songs completely by heart with many tricky harmonies and riffs for all three parts – Rolling in the Deep, Time After Time, Don’t Stop Me Now, Dancing Queen, Dancing on My Own, Sweet Dreams, Say My Name, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Rosanna, In Your Eyes – under the enthusiastic instruction of talented music directors, Alex and Elisha.

Our first nervously exciting performance was at St Paul’s Cathedral and it was live streamed to Fed Square. We wore beautiful wool felt costumes designed by RMIT Fashion Design students. Next was a private thank you performance at the Bowl for staff and families of Royal Melbourne Hospital. Then followed 12 more performances at the Music Bowl where, in groups of 25 on each side of the ice rink per night, we belted out and danced our way through each set. This was no standing still choir and I was thrilled to finally be able to move and sing to my heart’s content.

Afterwards a few of us would head to the Up-High Bar for hot Negroni’s, from where this photo was taken, and we’d be mobbed by people overwhelmed with emotion at the joy we had brought to them. Young men were even asking for selfies with us – hilarious! So many laughs, so many steps on my FitBit (between 18,000 – 23,000 per night). This was truly the most enormous and thrilling experience that I’ll never forget.


MORNING MELODIES - VICTORIAN COLLEGE OF THE ARTS -  Monday,1st August.
Some of you may be interested in this.  Graduating V.C.A. students of 2020 to 2022 will explore the great love songs, exciting choruses and powerful ballads that have defined musical theatre over a hundred years.  For further information, and to book, please access www.artscentremelbourne.com.au

 

And finally, what a splendid language we have!!

Kindest regards,
Pat and all the Committee.


Bill Miles (Music Director)

Emma Lippa (Accompanist)
Russel Barnes (President) 

Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  

Pat Lowry (Secretary) 

Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary 

Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 


Kerry Holmquest  
John Barlow  
Geoff Peters  

 




Vocally Wild Choir  proudly acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land, and we pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.


VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - JUNE, 2022

Fri, 17 Jun 2022
Printable version

Firstly, may I give you the great news that Bayside Carols in the Park will be taking place this December and Vocally Wild will be performing?  Heard from Robert (the horse’s mouth) so life as we knew it is starting to return!

Secondly, thank you to Emma who played two wonderful pieces for us on her birthday three weeks ago.  Wow, Emma, we all loved it and appreciate what you did very much.

This Tuesday, 21st June, will be our last rehearsal for this Semester when our plan is to:

1) Finish "Leaps and Bounds"
2) Refresh/rehearse "Bridge Over Troubled Waters"
3) Refresh/rehearse "Long and Winding Road"
4) Refresh/rehearse "House of the Rising Sun"
5) Refresh/rehearse "Lean on Me"
 

Term three commences on Tuesday, 12th July.  (See Diary dates below). Date for the Carols is usually the 2nd Tuesday in December with four weekly rehearsals on Saturday mornings prior to the performance.  All dates/venues to be confirmed of course but this is just to give you very early advice).

Maggie will be away after the holidays until late September, so Cecilia and Teresa will look after the music and visitor/new member folders until she returns.  Thank you Cecilia and Teresa – we know you’ll do a great job!  Russel returns late June.  All the very best to all of you who plan to travel, or are already away.  Enjoy safe and happy journeys.

FOR YOUR DIARIES

DATE DETAIL
Tuesday, 21st June Last Rehearsal for Term 2.
Tuesday, 12th July Term 3 commences
Friday, 19th August Sing for Friday Social Club, SandyBeach
Sunday, 11th September  Connor’s Run
Tuesday, 13th September Last Rehearsal for Term 3.
Tuesday, 4th October Term 4 commences
Sunday, 16th October Annual Concert, Brighton Town Hall, 3 p.m...
Tuesday 1st November No Choir – Melbourne Cup Day
November and December Carols - Saturday rehearsals (TBC)
Tuesday, 6th December Last Rehearsal for Term 4
Possibly Tuesday, 13th December Carols in the Park (TBC)

SANDYBEACH FRIDAY SOCIAL CLUB – Friday, 19th August
Miranda Turner, who used to be a Vocally Wilder, works for SandyBeach and has invited us to sing for the SandyBeach Friday Social Club.  We’re looking for about 15 people to come along to sing about half a dozen songs for this wonderful community group, so if you’re interested, please fill in the form we will have on the table at rehearsals.  It will be there for next Tuesday night and after the holidays.  Our time to sing should be 1.00 p.m., but this will be confirmed.  As a community choir, we like to do some of these events, so hopefully you can join us.

CONNOR’S RUN – Sunday, 11th September - Sth Melbourne Lifesaving Club, Middle Park
During Term 3 will be inviting you to put your names on the list for this amazing event.  Challenging starting time – 7.30 a.m. til 11.30 a.m. and often it’s chilly and windy, but this is a very worthwhile charity to commit to.  For those of you who are not familiar with Connor’s Run, it is a fun run to raise funds for research into brain cancer in children.  Vocally Wild has participated in the entertainment part of this annual event several times now and 2022 will be its 10th Anniversary.  Bill and Emma have very kindly offered to direct and play for us.

VOCALLY WILD ANNUAL CONCERT – Sunday, 16th October.  3.00 p.m.
Next term we will be starting to plan seriously for this event, which promises to be extra-ordinary, what with our singing, of course, but we’re also showcasing some very special young talented guest performers.  We will have much to say about this concert next term, but in the meantime we need to think about our invitation lists, etc. so if you know of someone you feel would like a special invitation, please let me know.  Bayside Council will be directly involved - they have granted us $1,000 towards our ‘recovery’ concert.   We will be able to give you more information shortly. 

Regarding our performance – the programme will be developed next term and the Committee is very keen for us to be able to sing confidently without needing to refer to our music and words, if this is at all possible!  I’ll shortly be sending out the words for all of our repertoire, if this will help.  In the meantime, don’t forget that many of our songs have our ‘parts’ recordings on the Vocally Wild website, which should help us enormously.  Bill suggests we sing along with the recordings, following the music. (Remember that most of the recordings don’t include the piano intro., they begin a few bars before the singing starts).

If you're unfamiliar with the Vocally Wild website, here is how to access the recordings:
 
·Open the website – vocallywild.org.au  
·Sign in with your name and password.
·Go to the Dropdown heading ‘Members’
·Drop down and click on ‘Songs’.
 

You will see them all there either on Page 1 or Page 2 (in alphabetical order).   (If you have a problem with your password, please let Cherry or I know - 


IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM CHERRY (MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY)
It’s nearly our six-monthly membership renewal time.  Watch out for your Invoice for the next Semester, which will be emailed during the last week of June.  Please note that this payment will secure your membership for our very welcome return to singing at Bayside Carols in the Park.

Fees:  I am currently singing in the “Wilds” choir with the membership secretary from Melbourne Singers of Gospel, a very similarly run choir to ourselves, with usually around 100 members …a little less since Covid, also like us.  We’ve had some lovely discussions together.  They also use the Harmony software for their website.  Interestingly, she was shocked that their fees are nearly double ours … $280 per Semester!


See you on Tuesday and we hope you all have a wonderful winter break. 



Kindest regards,

Pat and all the Committee



Bill Miles (Music Director)
Emma Lippa (Accompanist)
Russel Barnes (President)    

Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)   

Pat Lowry (Secretary)    
Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary 

Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
John Barlow  
Geoff Peters  



Vocally Wild Choir  proudly acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land, and we pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.





 

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - MAY, 2022

Sat, 21 May 2022
Printable version
Hello all,
Firstly, many of you will know that we now have a wonderful new piano accompanist – Emma Lippa. 

Emma has played with us for the past two weeks and we are loving the music!!  A huge welcome to Vocally Wild, Emma, from all of us.  Emma and Bill have hit the ground running and, together with our very loyal choir members, they are proving that Vocally Wild has now well and truly bounced back from the past two years or so of uncertainty and is now ‘Up and Singing’ again with joy and confidence.

Emma, who lives locally, has had a stellar career – twenty eight years with the Bolshoi Ballet, twenty years with the Australian Ballet during which times she attained many high awards, travelled extensively and worked with numerous luminaries from the dance world.  Her full Profile is on the Vocally Wild website under the dropdown headings “About” or “Home.”  Please read this impressive resume of her career – Emma has much more, of course, to tell!  There are some delightful photographs there too.

Some flyers will be placed in community areas in the next few days advising that Vocally Wild is well and truly up and singing again and that our membership is currently open for new male and female singers (soprano, alto, tenor, bass/baritone).  (See Cherry’s report below).

We are letting people know how much we are enjoying singing with Bill and Emma; that we have a varied repertoire and how we’re looking forward to our exciting concert in October.  At present there is no waiting list, so we are encouraging past members, those considering returning, or anyone interested, to come along and try us out.  If you would like a flyer to forward on to friends, please let me know on Pat Lowry, or contact Cherry on cherry@cham.com.au

Now here is the latest news.  I won’t repeat the Diary dates at this stage as there is no change, apart from:
  • confirmation that Connor’s Run will be going ahead on Sunday, 22nd September (10th year) and we will be stationed at the South Melbourne Life Saving Club, Middle Park as we have in more recent times..
  • Miranda Turner has confirmed our booking to sing at the SandyBeach Centre during their Friday Afternoon Social Club on 19th August.

However, we do hope soon to be able to put some very special dates in for our Christmas ‘Carols in the Park’ – please all keep your fingers crossed!!

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The A.G.M. went well last Wednesday with a record attendance, as far as I can remember!!!  We even had two members attend via telephone!   Minutes of the Meeting were sent to all present, but if any choir member wishes to receive the Minutes or the Reports attachments, please let me know on.  I’ll send them to you.  The Music Director and Membership Secretary reports are, however, shown below.

Thank you to Russel for chairing the meeting and to Sue Beazley who conducted the Election of Office Bearers.  We now have two new members, John Barnes and Geoff Peters.  Welcome to you both!    Sylvia has resigned from the committee but is happy to continue offering her help with greeting visitors and new members and providing their folders.  Thank you Sylvia.


The new Committee comprises:
Russel Barnes:  President Maggie Cripps:  Music Production & Management
Julie Serglienko:  Treasurer Kerry Holmquest: 
Pat Lowry:  Secretary John Barlow
Cherry Tunnock:  Membership Secretary Geoff Peters

Thank you to you all for being part of this busy yet very worthwhile committee for the year ahead.

If you read the Minutes you will note some timely messages regarding the ANZAC Service and March, the thanks to so many people who have assisted during the past year, some remarks on the general direction of the choir, discussion on fees and how we can keep them at the low rate they currently are, and our beautiful old lady Piano, etc.  This newsletter would be too long if these were printed here, so do read them if you care to

MUSIC DIRECTOR’S REPORT

VOCALLY WILD INC. ~ Annual General Meeting Report from the Music Director
18th May 2022

It is great to be back into it once again. I wish to report that everything is proceeding noticeably well and according to plan.
The 2021 Christmas Choir presented outstanding performances and were emphatically congratulated for each of them by organisers and audiences alike. A hearty well done to all members involved.
The 2022 ANZAC Service Choir did a fine job and were very deserving of the congratulations bestowed upon them by attendees and the Beaumaris RSL.

Once again this year, I commend the membership for their willingness to follow my guidance and suggestions and willingness to learn new material, techniques and perspectives. Thank you to the committee for managing the ensemble with dedication, diligence, persistence and insight during very difficult times. Special thanks are extended to accompanist Sarah Barnett for her hard work and commitment.


Positive development continues to occur in a range of domains, notably


 1) intonation
 2) phrasing
             3) rhythmic accuracy
             4) diction
             5) observation of dynamics/volumes
             6) balance
             7) blend
             8) breath control
             9) breathing & support techniques
10) music-reading skills.

Please bring a pencil to rehearsals for making annotations on music where requested. This should ensure that everyone is doing the same things(s) at the same place(s).
Dr W. E. (Bill) Miles

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY’S REPORT – Cherry Tunnock
Vocally Wild has had another difficult 12 months, due to Covid.  We had one rehearsal in July, 2021, then had to shut down for the rest of the year.  Then we delayed our return in 2022 for one month, which was not ideal, but necessary under the Covid climate.

There are currently 69 fully paid up members.  Sadly, for a wide assortment of reasons, 29 members have left the choir over the last 12 months.  However, we have acquired eight enthusiastic new members, with 3 more about to join.

I have cleared the Waiting List and it’s been quite a treat to say “Yes” whenever someone enquires about joining Vocally Wild.  A first since I became Membership Secretary in 2018. 

There are 13 prospective members who have contacted me, expressing interest in trying us.  Most of these people are yet to visit a rehearsal, due to being away on holidays, work commitments or getting Covid.

I am not disheartened by the lessening of numbers, as there are constant enquiries about joining and I know, as we are settling into singing again, there is still a lot of interest in people joining choirs.

Thank you to all on the Committee who have assisted me in the peripheral needs of the Membership role.

Vocally Wild Facebook
I have also been looking after the V.W. Facebook page since February, 2022 and try to put in an update every week, usually on a Sunday.  I’d be thrilled to receive any ideas or suggestions of content going forward.

FACEBOOK
Reiterating Cherry’s message above - have any of you been viewing Cherry’s Facebook messages lately?  They are original, inspiring messages, giving important information together with delightful photographs, so please take a look.  

WEBSITE

Communication takes many forms these days, so if you want to find out anything about the choir, its leaders, what’s happening currently, songs to be sung, look at photos/videos, if you wish to practise songs via recordings, see profiles, see Cherry’s Facebook posts, refer friends to the choir; etc. please look up the Vocally Wild website – vocallywild.org.au   Years ago Teresa set this website up for us – she did a wonderful job and now we are attempting to make full use of it.. So do give it a go!!  Cherry is happy to assist anyone who has forgotten their password!

SONGS FOR REHEARSAL – TUESDAY, 24TH MAY
This information was forwarded recently, via Bill, but it’s repeated here if anyone missed it.  Our songs for Tuesday will be – Revisit ‘You’re The Voice’, Finish – ‘Don’t Dream it’s Over, Start – ‘Keep a Dream in Your Pocket’ and Start ‘Leaps and Bounds’. 

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
  • I love to mention concerts by people we have sung with in the past!!  David Hobson will be singing with the wonderful Victoria Welsh Choir and Bhan Tre (all female Celtic band) on Sunday, 29th May (2.00 p.m.) at the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, so if you’re interested, please look up melbournerecitalcentre.com.au  Tickets from $80 ($75 concession).
  • Another reminder about ‘Let’s Get Loud’ (Sat. 11th and Sun. 12th June) = Gospel, Contemporary, World, Opera, New Works, Rock and More.  Join Melbourne International Singers’ Festival for a weekend of amazing vocal workshops with Australia’s finest choral conductors.  Enquiries:  0419 337 283 or misf@playitforward.org.au
  • Mairi McIntosh, OAM, wrote to us on behalf of John de C Douglas, OAM, thanking Vocally Wild for taking part in the ANZAC Service Wreath and Book Laying at the Beaumaris R.S.L.  Mairi advised that the book has been donated to St. Leonard’s College.
Kindest regards,
Pat and Committee
Vocally Wild Choir


Bill Miles (Music Director)

Emma Lippa (Accompanist)
Russel Barnes (President) 
Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)   

Pat Lowry (Secretary) 
Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary 

Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
John Barlow  
Geoff Peters  


 

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - APRIL, 2022

Fri, 29 Apr 2022
Printable version

Welcome back! 
Term 2 is now under way and we look forward to much singing and enjoyment.  We warmly welcome two new members, and also we’re pleased that two interested ‘songbirds’ came along to try us out last Tuesday, so we do hope we passed the test!!


Thank you to those of you who attended the Beaumaris RSL ANZAC Parade and Service – it is always an atmospheric and memorable experience and it was so pleasing to see such a huge crowd in attendance, with many young people.  Our male voices were a bit low in number this year, but Bill magically arranged instant ‘ring ins’ - three St. Leonard’s College staff members - to join us, which was wonderful and they certainly boosted the lower voice sounds. 

Many of you will have the pleasure of travelling during June/July this year, so you will be pleased to hear that we have postponed our Annual Concert at Brighton Town Hall from 26th June to the afternoon of Sunday, 16th October. Full details will follow.

We now have a few more Diary Dates for you.  Fingers are crossed that we can soon add our exciting preparation and performance dates regarding the Bayside Carols in the Park, if all our Gods are lined up!

DATE DETAIL
Wednesday, 18th May Vocally Wild Annual General Meeting.
Tuesday, 21st June Last Rehearsal for Term 2.
Tuesday, 12th July Term 3 commences
Friday, 19th August Sing for Friday Social Club, SandyBeach (TBC)
Sunday, 11th September  Connor’s Run (to be confirmed)
Tuesday, 13th September Last Rehearsal for Term 3.
Tuesday, 4th October Term 4 commences
Sunday, 16th October Annual Concert, Brighton Town Hall, afternoon.
Tuesday 1st November No Choir – Melbourne Cup Day
Tuesday, 6th December Last Rehearsal for Term 4

TUESDAY, 3RD MAY - REHEARSAL MUSIC
  • Re-visit "Siyahamba"
  • Tighten "House of the Rising Sun"
  • Start "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy"
  • Start "You're the Voice"
‘You’re The Voice’ - Bill kindly sent us the structural chart and an mp3 recording for you to sing along with.   Note:  the first column shows the bars in the sheet music and the second column depicts the time code for the corresponding place in the recording.  If you haven’t had an opportunity to print the sheet music, Maggie will be bringing supplies on Tuesday.

‘Siyahamba’ - the repeats scheme is repeated below:

Sing anacrusis (the 2 quavers at the very start) followed by bars 1, 2 and 3 (bar 3 is the 1st time ending "1." above the bracket]).
Repeat back and sing bars 1, 2 and 4 (bar 4 is the 2nd time ending ["2." above the bracket]). 
Sing from bars 4 to 7 then repeat back to bar 4 (2nd time ending) and sing bars 4 to 9 (bars 8 and 9 are the final 2 bars of the piece).
(Note: The "oo-oo" in the soprano part in bar 9 [the last bar] shouldn't be there.)

OUR PIANO
Do you realise that our Piano is very much a very respectable elderly lady?  She was built in Sydney by a firm called ‘Beale’ around 1910.  As you know, Russel provided us with this wonderful instrument and we intend to treat her with the care she deserves!

I found out about her history from a very interesting man, Rhys Boak, who is our piano tuner; Rhys has done many things in his lifetime so if you would like to read his story, a Q & A will be forwarded sepately via email which you might find interesting.

OUR PIANO ACCOMPANIST
We are extremely grateful to Sarah for filling in as our accompanist for the past couple of months.  Sarah is unable to continue in the role, so we are now going through the advertising process to employ a permanent person.  If you know of anyone who might be interested, see the advertisement which will be forwarded separately via email, and please forward it on.  Thank you.

THE WILDS – WINTER ARTS FESTIVAL
Let your imagination flourish under the cover of Dark, Light, Music, Food, Love and Art!!

Cherry has been rehearsing madly and will be part of the ‘Wilds Chorus’ which will be singing during the ‘Rising’ Program taking place between 1st and 19th June this year. 

‘Rising’ is an initiative of the Victorian Government, through Creative Victoria and Visit Victoria and is described as: our Night Garden of stimulation – a fluoro fantasy of art, sound, taste and ice.  The Sidney Myer Music Bowl will be transformed into a ‘Rinky Dink’ ice wonderland with performances and DJs getting bodies moving around the ice, whilst the Night Chorus belts out reconstructed ‘80s and ‘90’s hits.

Cherry will be singing almost every night at the early session, between 5.00 and 7.20 p.m.  The second session runs later into the evening.  This promises to be an exciting venture, so we wish Cherry and the organisers well.  Hopefully some of you may be able to attend and take part!  For further information, use this link
https://rising.melbourne/festival-program/the-wilds


BLACK ROCK HOUSE
Congratulations to Black Rock House.  Bayside City Council has announced that they are the winners of the ‘BCC Event of the Year’ for their Black Rock House Christmas Carols community event last December!  Friends of Black Rock House have thanked Vocally Wild for participating and they hope we will be able to sing carols again this Christmas time.

VICTORIAN LAW WEEK – 16th to 22nd May 2022 - www.lawweek.net.au 
Cherry has forwarded this information.  There could be many items of interest to you, so please check it out!

At its heart, Victorian Law Week is a program for everyday Victorians. Find out if the issues you’re facing can be solved legally. Understand your rights, find answers and discover what help is available.  With over 150 FREE events online, in Melbourne and across regional Victoria, there is bound to be a Law Week event near you. 
Use the interactive map or filter events to find a topic that is relevant to you, your needs and your life. 

ISN’T ‘MUSIC’ A WONDERFUL LANGUAGE
?

When Lidia was organising our two trips to Italy some years ago, we were learning a little Italian, but also she wanted us to understand a little music terminology too.  Anyway, I found the Music Terminology sheet which gives a clear definition for some of the more common terms - this will be forwarded separately via email.  You may find it very useful! Thank you Lidia!

Looking forward to seeing you next week, and enjoy the weekend ahead.


Kind regards,
Pat Lowry
0437 697 009
patlow5@bigpond.com
Bill Miles (Music Director)
Sarah Barnett - (Accompanist)
Russel Barnes (President) 
Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  

Pat Lowry (Secretary)
Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary 

Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
Sylvia Ring  

Kerry Holmquest  

Website address:  www.vocallywild.org.au

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - MARCH, 2022

Thu, 17 Mar 2022
Printable version

Hello everyone,
It's so good to be back at choir and a very warm welcome is extended to you all, including our accompanist, Sarah Barnett and three new members.  We hope you have a happy and rewarding time with Vocally Wild. 

Last Tuesday's rehearsal was busy, productive and sounded wonderful by all accounts.  Bill is very pleased with how things are coming along and he thanks everyone for their attentiveness, focus and fine attitude.  Our Covid-safe systems seem to be working and as we navigate the weeks ahead, we trust that everyone remains safe and cared for. 


Sarah's profile is posted on the vocally Wild website, but briefly Sarah is a local from Sandringham, she holds a B.Ed. Music (Piano Major) and has taught piano privately and in classrooms.  Sarah has also spent many years in the U.S.A. and in Caribbean nations.  She performs professionally on the Caribbean Steel Pan and has much experience in this field, founding and directing the Caribbean community of Victoria's Steel Pan Band.  Do read her full and interesting profile on the website.  Go to drop down menu ABOUT and then CHOIR DIRECTOR when you get an opportunity.

We're very happy with our newly acquired piano - soon, thanks to Russel, it will have new wheels, for ease of movement, and have a re-tune (it had one earlier this month, but a second is normal for elderly pianos).  May we also say a big thank you to Rob Tunnock who is our new Choir Roadie!  Rob comes early each week to assist Russel with all our equipment set up.  We are very grateful.  Also, thank you to all of you who help set up and put away the equipment and chairs, at the end of the evening.  It's quite a task.

As you know Term 1 had to be delayed by four weeks, so we wll need our skates on in preparation for the ANZAC commitments.  More on this below.


We have plenty of news, so here goes ... first, some Diary Dates:
DATE DETAIL
Tuesday, 12th April Last rehearsal for Term 1
Sunday, 24th April ANZAC Parade and Service (from 1 p.m.)
Tuesday, 26th April Choir Term 2 commences, normal rehearsal
Wednesday, 18th May Vocally Wild A.G.M.
Tuesday, 21st June Last rehearsal for Term 2
Sunday, 26th June Tentative date for V.W. Concert, B.T. Hall
Tuesday, 12th July Choir Term 3 commences, normal rehearsal
Tuesday, 13th September Last rehearsal for Term 3

ANZAC DAY PARADE AND SERVICE
 
                              BEAUMARIS RSL COMMUNITY ANZAC  COMMEMORATIVE MARCH & SERVICE
SUNDAY,  24TH APRIL, 2022

ASSEMBLY 2:15PM
Beaumaris Concourse Green, Reserve Road, Beaumaris

FALL IN 2:30PM
STEP OFF 2:45PM

SERVICE 3:00PM
BEAUMARIS MEMORIAL COMMUNITY CENTRE, FORECOURT and CENOTAPH
96 Reserve Road, Beaumaris

WET WEATHER ROUTINE
In the event of inclement weather the service will be moved indoors.  Afternoon Tea and Refreshments to follow at Beaumaris Bowls Club

Next week, after the tea break, we will commence rehearsals for this annual event which we always love attending.  Cherry will provide a sheet for names of those who will be singing, so we can ascertain seating numbers, etc.  Please could you complete this in the next two weeks?  Thank you.  If you are not able to attend and don’t want to join in the rehearsals of the songs for the Service, you are of course welcome to leave after or at tea break. 

Hopefully our new members will decide to come along as it is a wonderful community event to take part in.  Maggie will have all the relevant music available.  It is the Army’s turn this year turn to conduct the service - the songs/hymns will be: 


The Recessional (God of our Fathers),

O God Our Help in Ages Past,
I Vow to Thee My Country,
I am Australian
My Country,
N.Z. and Australian National Anthems.


Vocally Wild will donate $60 to Beaumaris RSL for tthe purchhase of book/s for the Wreath - Book Laying Ceremony.  (The books are generally given to local schools.)  Bill or Russel will present the gift on our behalf.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – WEDNESDAY, 18TH MAY
The Vocally Wild AGM will take place in the Beaumaris Tennis Clubrooms (next to our rehearsal hall) at 7.30 p.m. on 18th May when one of the main items on the Agenda will be the election of our choir committee.  There are two extra places vacant, so please give it some thought and consider becoming a member yourself or nominating somebody;  we would be more than pleased to hear from you.  More detail to follow.

BAYSIDE GRANT FOR CONCERT – SUNDAY, 26TH JUNE 
We have received a $1,000 grant from Bayside Council which is to be used to plan and present a community concert to showcase Vocally Wild ‘in recovery’ after Covid and to introduce young local musical talent to the community.

Brighton Town Hall has been tentatively booked for this date  (we’re familiar with this venue for concerts) and an afternoon timeslot, 2.30 p.m. is planned, followed by afternoon tea (and scones?!!)  We have already started learning some of the pieces for our repertoire and we’ll no doubt have the usual fun and excitement during our preparation for this event later in June.  More to follow of course, but it’s wonderful to have something to plan for.

MEMBERSHIP
We have 71 paid up members with up to 7 possible newcomers.  However, we can now open up our ‘Waiting List’ so if you have any friends or family who may wish to join us, do let them know.  They can come along for a ‘visit’ during our Tuesday rehearsals – Maggie has made up Visitor Folders for their use.  Contact is easily made via our Website or via Cherry direct, or any committee member.

Please note Cherry’s item below:
Vocally Wild Choir database information
Have you visited your personal page in the Vocally Wild database lately?  Do any of your details need updating?
We now have a new COVID19 section which we’d appreciate you completing as follows:
Below your name, click on Update member details.
Click the COVID19 tab and enter your vax details.
Then click Save (down the bottom).
If you’ve forgotten your Login or need any further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact Cherry Tunnock at 

Please also check that your email, phone and emergency contact details are correct.  Thank you.  Also, while we are talking about Members:
  • Our good friends and loyal V.W. choristers for many years, now retired, Ken and Heather have sent this message: "Thanks for heartwarming messages.  We are missing the enjoyment of choir and singing with you and want to convey our thanks to all of the choir for over 12 years of singing."
  • Lesley Winning, our tireless and enthusiastic community member, is now on the Board at Pets of the Homeless and a volunteer at the Lort Smith Pet Therapy Programme.  Lesley is no longer a Board Member at Family Life, but continues to support this wonderful organisation.
COVID SAFETY MEASURES
With the likely increase in Covid infections because of a new strain, we feel it important that we continue our vigilance and follow health and safety guidelines as far as possible, for example - doors to be left open, masks optional, bottles of hand sanitiser readily available, distancing re chairs, etc. and we do ask that if you are not well, or have any symptoms at all, in the interests of everyone, please don't attend choir.

MUSIC
If you are thinking of rehearsing our songs at home, this is a reminder that practice recordings, in parts and together, of many of our current songs are on the website.  For example, our new song 'A Place in the Choir', plus Bridge Over Troubled Waters', 'Jerusalem Morning', 'Long and Winding Road', etc. are all there.  Go to the website, pull down the Members list, then go to Songs.  Easy, and the recordings are very helpful - just have your folder, look at the words and music and listen and sing along to your part.  Fun too!!

A list of all the songs we are currently learning, plus the ANZAC ones, is posted on the website, under ABOUT, then "Have a Listen"!

MORE MUSIC OUT AND ABOUT
  • Did you happen to read Tony Way's article in the Age on 22nd February, 2022 - entitled "Marvellous Tchaikovsky fundraiser?"  He was referring to the Melbourne Recital Centre's annual Tchaikovsky Marathon.  Bill's daughter Charlotte took part and Tony Way's comments were, "Young cellist,Chalotte Mies, embraced the elegant restraint and good humour of the variations on a Rococo Theme with assured technique and honeyed tone."        Well done to Charlotte, what a brilliant career ahead!.
  • Who could forget MIRUSA and her wonderful rehearsal and performance with us at Carols in the Park?  Under What's On at the Arts Centre you'll find she is performing as Special Guest for Tenor MARK VINCENT's concert at Hamer Hall on 1st May.  They will be performing musical hits from London's West End to Broadway.  Go to www.artscentremelbourne.com.au to book.
  • Also in May, another wonderful artist we have performed with, David Hobson, joins the Victoria Welsh Choir to perform once again at the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, M.R.C. in the St. David's Day Concert on Sunday, 29th May, 2.00 p.m.   For further information contact enews@melbournerecital.com.au or www.melbourner.om.au
  • Janet Bassett-Smith has forwarded information (via her friend and ex-choir member Jennifer Coghlan Bell) about forthcoming concerts at St. Andrew's Church, Brighton,.  The next one will be on 22nd May - Johann Sebastian Bach's Musical and Spiritual Odyssey - Dr. Calvin Bowman, Organ.  A short lecture and complete performance of Bach's great masterpiece which is based on Luther's Catechism.  See more detail regarding this and other concerts throughout the year on - www.standrewsbrighton.org.au
  • MoJo - Mordialloc Jazz Orchestra - Big Band Sunsets.  These have already started!  For further informatiion  contact publicity@mojoswingcom.au  or google Mordialloc Jazz Orchestra.
AND ANOTHER THING!
  • Our choir belongs to A.N.C.A. (Australian National Choral Association). The magazine "Sing Out" is now being delivered on line, so if you are interested, Vol. 39, No. 1 is now available.  If you would like me to forward you a copy, please let me know.  
  • Bayside Healthy Ageing.  Bayside Council is committed to supportting older residents to participate, contribute and connect with a sense of belonging to the Bayside community and their Healthy Ageing Team is undertaking a survey to better understand how to support people 55+ years to 'age well'.  The survey will take about 10 minutes, so if you would like to take part, please contact www.surveymonkey.com/r/HealthyAgeingBayside2022
  • Ukraine and Floods.  The world and local news is so devastating at the moment.  If you feel the need to donate, here are some links to reliable organisations:
    • www.unrefugees.org.au/donate
    • www.redcross.org.au
  • Maggie's Maggie and Moggie!!   If you can, look at this - it's amazing.  VID-20200524-WA0000.mp4

 
Take care everyone.  See you next Tuesday.

Looks as though we'll be rehearsing:

'Jerusalem Morning'
'Lean on Me'
'This Little Light of Mine'
plus a couple of our ANZAC items.
Enjoy!

Pat




 

Bill Miles (Music Director)

Sarah Barnett - (Accompanist)
Russel Barnes (President) 
Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  

Pat Lowry (Secretary)
Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary 

Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
Sylvia Ring
  

Kerry Holmquest  

Website address:  www.vocallywild.org.au

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - FEBRUARY, 2022

Thu, 17 Feb 2022
Printable version
  I can just hear you all singing "HALLELUJAH" when you read this:
Vocally Wild Choir will resume Term 1 on Tuesday, 1st March, 7.30 p.m. at the Beaumaris Community Hall, Reserve Road, Beaumaris.  Wow, what a wait, but now we can all look forward to being together again.   We will need to continue Covid-safe rules, see below, but the obvious joy and delight will be our combined voices in harmony once again!

We will be warmly welcoming Sarah Barnett, our new accompanist, and nine new-comers, some of whom are newly signed up members, and some will be visiting to check us out!  We hope they enjoy their first night, which of course will be a busy one.

So, for the news and please forgive me -there is plenty!!  Much to say, so do read to the end!!!:

FIRST NIGHT OF REHEARAL
  • To give you confidence, Covid-safe practices, as last year, need to be followed.  Unfortunately they are necessary., but hopefully this situation won't last too long:
    • Masks need to be worn whilst indoors and singing.  (Even though some indoor wearing of masks may soon not requiired, we still feel it is important to continue with them initially.)
    • Proof of double vaccination is required.  Boosters of course, are preferred but proof not required to be shown..
    • All safety equipment will be available - masks, shields, gloves, sanitiser, etc. for your use.
    • Your temperature will be taken on arrival by a hands free thermometer.
    • Electric fans will be placed strategically around the room to direct the air flow to the outside.
    • Doors will be open.
    • Chairs will be spaced 1 metre apart. 
  • Timing
    • 7.30 p.m. prompt start.
    • 8.40 p.m. - announcements if there are any.  (Please advise Russel if you have an announcement and try to keep it to 2 minutes if possible).
    • 8.40 to 8.55 p.m. - Tea Break.  (Carolyn McIntyre will bring the usual tea, coffee, milk, but please could you bring your own cup.   Just go into the kitchen and make up your own brew!  Plenty of hot water. Thank you).
    • 9.30 p.m. Close.  (Lock up to be complete by 10.00 p.m.)
  • Chairs
    • Chairs to be placed in same positions, in a semi-circle, as last year.  We plan to publish a chair roster shortly, but on the first night we will endeavour to set out as many chairs as we can;  if you do come early it would be wonderful if you could help.  Chairs will need to be packed away in stacks of 10.  There is a trolley to assist.
  • Music
    • Bill has set out the following songs.  Maggie will provide the music for newcomers and they will be handed a folder.   Some of us may not have all the music, so if you don't have them at home, Maggie will have a sheet on her music table for you to indicate which sheets for the future nights you don't already have.  It is very useful for her to have an idea of how many extra copies will need to be printed.  So, please check your cupboards and files and dig out as many of these as you can and put them in your folders:
                        First 2 or 3 rehearsals
                â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    Bridge Over Troubled Waters
                        House of the Rising Sun
                        Lean on Me
                        Long and Winding Road
                        A Place in the Choir


    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    Second 2 or 3 rehearsals
    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    Goodnight Sweethears
    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    Jerusalem Morning
                        Siyahamba
                        Thank You for the Music
                        This Little Light of Mine

                        
Third 3 or 4 Rehearsals
    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
                        
New Material:
    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹    Don't Dream it's Over
                        Keep a Dream in Your Pocket
                        Leaps and Bounds
                        You're the Voice
  • Badges.  If you can remember where it is, please could you wear your name badge - this will help us all and in particular our new members and visitors.  Thank you.

ANZAC DAY PARADE AND SERVICE
We are once again invited to take part in the Beaumaris RSL ANZAC Day Parade and Service on Sunday, 24th April (ANZAC Day being the next day, the 25th).  Full details will be sent in due course, but choir will be required to attend from 1.00 p.m. for joint rehearsal with the St. Leonard's Band.  The March steps off at 2.45 p.m. and the Service commences at 3.00 p.m.  This year the Army will conduct the Service.  Please put this date in your diary if you enjoy taking part in this, always wonderful, community event.

VOCALLY WILD CONCERT
Bayside Council has awarded us a $1,000 grant.  This is to be used to plan and present a community concert to showcase Vocally Wild in 'recovery' and for us to introduce some young musical talent to the community.  We will confirm the date shortly, but it could be late June/early July, or October.  The venue will be Brighton Town Hall.  This will be an exciting event for us to prepare for.

OTHER MUSICAL EVENTS
We will of course have further news of events for our diaries, but first things first, let's get started and let our voices freely soar!

FACEBOOK - WEBSITE
Cherry is now the Facebook Administrator, and I look after the Website.  We will endeavour to keep both these platforms up to date, so you will know where to look for information if you need it.

If you have any choir photographs you would like to see on either of these sites, please let Cherry or I know.  If you want to read about the Choir's 'glorious'  history, see some recent photographs, listen to recorded practice music, look at staff profiles, look at past music videos of Vocally Wild, etc., do check out the website.  Just go to www.vocallywild.org.au and go to the Home Page.  From there you can look at the various pull down lists.  The website is a work in progress, so any icomments you make will be welcome.  I will endeavour to get round to adding song words, etc.  all good fun and there are endless possibilities!

If you have forgotten your website password, please contact Cherry and she will organise a new one for you.

Cherry would love you to write a 'Post' for Facebook, so do let her know.  It is better to add a photograph to a post - this makes people take notice!  To find Vocally Wild in Facebook, just enter Vocally Wild Choir!

YOUNG, AMAZING TALENT
Bill has a very talented family.  Some of you who sang in the community carols in December will have met Jamie, Bill's son, who plays a magical Viola.  Bill's daughter, Charlotte, is a brilliant Cellist who is constantly in demand with requests to play in various parts of the country.   This weekend, for example, Charlote will be playing Tchaikovsky's 'Variations on a Rococo (Cello Concerto) in the closing concert of the 3MBS Tchaikovsky Marathon at the Melbourne Recital Hall on SATURDAY NIGHT, 19th February, 8.00 p.m.   It is a live concert being streamed through Australian Digital Concert Hall.  Subscription for the 72 hour streamed broadcase (Saturday to Tuesday) can be purchased from ​​​​​​​: https://www.melbournerecital.com.au/events/2022/tchaikovsky-marathon-concert-5/, and tickets for the live performance from this site: https://www.melbournerecital.com.au/events/2022/tchaikovsky-marathon-concert-5/. 

CONNOR'S RUN

Hopefully Vocally Wild will be singing at the annual Connor's Run event later in the year, but Cherry has brought to our attention this news of a very worthy Australia Day Honours recipient.  Many of you will be very interested:

Medal (O.A.M.) of the Order of Australia in the General Division was awarded to Mrs. Mary Elizabeth DAWES, Sandringham, Victoria for her service to the community through charitable organisations.  Mary is the founder (in 2013) and Chief Executive Officer of the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation and funds are raised for The Royal Children's Hospital Foundation.  Mary's other awards and recognition include:  Local Hero, Electoral Division of Goldstein in 2016 and Bayside Citizen of the Year, 2015.

LESLEY COLEMAN (WINNING)'S NEW PROJECT
Lesley is such a community minded and talented person!  Amongst other things, she supports and leads the Family Life Charity, she supports Dogs of the Homeless, and Lesley now has a new project which she thought Vocally Wild might be interested in.   In her words:

I am making a short film about family violence, told from the point of view of the survivors of violent relationships.  We know that family violence has become even worse over the past two years, so this project is both timely and very important.


The film will be accompanied by an eBook that details the psychological underpinnings of the issue and provides advice on where and how to get help. It will include teaching materials.  We have worked with Family Life on the script and counselling psychologist, Meredith Fuller OAM is our associate producer and will write the eBook.

If anyone would like more information, here is the website address:    https://home-truths.com.au
We are running a crowd funding campaign to help us make this film.  If you would like to contribute to this project, please click on this link  https://www.pozible.com/profile/lesley-coleman-4    The funding campaign ends on February 25.  


CHATTY CAFE - Come for a Chat - by Penny Repse
We all know Vocally Wild members love to chat, so this sounds perfect for you.

Chatty Café is a community organisation which is all about helping people connect for a chat. It’s a simple concept which started in the UK in 2017 with the focus on providing ways to bring people together of all ages and from all walks of life.


Bayside locals started the Australian arm a couple of years ago but, unfortunately, the covid lockdown restrictions slowed it down but now it’s up and running again locally. The importance of the program has been recognised with Bayside Council and the State Government’s South East Metro Partnerships supporting Chatty Café as a way of helping the community reconnect.

Bayside’s initiative will be used a model to get the program up and running in other parts of the state.  
Venues as diverse as the Royal Brighton Yacht Club, Éclair, Our Casa and Paperboy cafés in Hampton, Castlefield, Cheltenham, Highett and Hampton Community Centres, Sandringham Library, Bayside Nursery, RAW Garden and Sandy Beach Kiosk are all hosting Chatty Café tables. See below for local venues, days and times, plus new venues and days are being added all the time.
Initially the tables are hosted by volunteers, including Vocally Wild member Penny Repse, who welcome and encourage visitors to get to know each other. Then it’s up to people to chat.

The program has been so successful in the UK that more than 1,400 venues take part around the country,
and it has now spread to Poland and Gibraltar with interest growing the Canada and the US.  You might like to be involved as a volunteer, or just come along for a ‘chat’. Everyone is welcome so tell your friends, family, neighbours, anyone who might like a chat.  Check out the website at chattycafeaustralia.org.au or, if you’re interested in volunteering,  email Helen Boulton, the Volunteer Manager, at helenb@thechattycafe.com.au or talk to Penny Repse on 0439 995 850 to find out more.

Also, calling any cake-makers!  Chatty Cafe like to provide a snack for the 'chatters' at the community centres.  If anyone is willing to make a cake, or similar, for morning teas, on a Roster basis, it would be very much appreciated.  Please contact Penny.on her phone number above or  pennyrepse@gmail.com

Local Chatty Cafes

Monday Cheltenham Community Centre, 8 Chesterville Road, Cheltenham from10.00am
Tuesday  A W Oliver Pavilion, Summit Avenue, Hampton East !0.00am - 11.00am
Highett Neighbourhood House, 2 Livingston St, Highett from 10.00am 
Wednesday Hampton Community Centre, 14 Willis Street, Hampton 11.15am-12noon
Eclair Cafe, 275 Hampton Street, Hampton 10.30am - 12noon
Sandringham Library, 8 Waltham Street, Sandringham 11.30am-12.30pm
Thursday Cheltenham Community Centre, 8 Chesterville Road, Cheltenham from 10.00am
Friday Castlefield Community Centre, 505 Bluff Road, Hampton East 10.00am - 11.30am
Plus extra sessions Monday 28 February: special session at Bay Road Cafe, Bay Road Nursery 112-114 Bay Rd, Sandringham from 10.00am
Early March - Beaumaris Concourse. details TBC
Royal Brighton Yacht Club – weekly sessions coming up, details TBC
Sandy Beach Kiosk – weekly sessions coming up, details TBC

VIDEOS OF CAROLS AT LANDCOX PARK
Last but not at all least, Rob Marshall (Isobel Marshall) has kindly sent a link so you can see videos of the carols group at Landcox Park in December.
Robert advises:  To view the Vocally Wild Landcox Park videos , click this OneDrive link:
https://1drv.ms/f/s!At_eFlBDq-dBgu9I0GZwTTgIpo-Q1w
Thank you Robert and Isobel.
 
NOW, FOR THOSE DOG LOVERS:
 


Kindest regards, and 'See you on the 1st March",
Pat and the Committee.

 
Bill Miles (Music Director)
Sarah Barnett (Accompanist)

Russel Barnes (President) 
 

Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)   

Pat Lowry (Secretary)   
Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary 

Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
Sylvia Ring
  
​​​​​​​


 

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - JANUARY, 2022

Wed, 19 Jan 2022
Printable version
"A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR"
LET’S BE POSITIVE AND HOPE IT IS A GOOD ONE FOR EVERYONE

Some important news to start off with.  Sadly, after deliberating at our Committee Meeting yesterday, and taking into account all opinions and views from many of you, including well respected friends in the medical profession, we have decided to postpone commencement of choir for four weeks.  We plan, at this stage, to start up on Tuesday, 1st March, but will review the situation at a meeting on 16th February.  You will be advised of the decision in good time.  We’re sure most of you will understand this postponement and welcome it!

Some exciting, Hot Off The Press info:  Sarah Barnett will become our new accompanist at start of Term 1, or whenever we do start up!  Happily for us Sarah has agreed to commit to six months with a view to continuing with us into the future.  This is wonderful news and we look forward to welcoming Sarah in our usual way.

There is plenty of other news too, so here goes!  Firstly, though, may I mention here that two of our long-term choir member ‘couples’ have ‘retired’ gracefully – Ken and Heather, Bob and Trish.  Another retiree, Ilse, has penned one of her .gems’ (printed at the end of the Newsletter!)  We will miss you all; your smiling faces, friendliness, kindness, creativity and valuable input into all aspects of Vocally Wild life. 

CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Thank you to all of you who took part in the community carols events during December.  They were joyful experiences.  On one or two occasions our audiences were small, but we did benefit from some delightful dancing from children who twirled and whirled to our stirring offerings!  We received grateful thanks from Black Rock House, the Hampton Cricket Club and Sandringham Hospital.  The hospital staff's Christmas lunch was very much a last minute arrangement, so those who attended at such a busy time a few days prior to Christmas, are to be put on a pedestal.  Cherry commented that ‘choir applauded the staff, the staff applauded the choir’.  Wonderful.

Bill and Jamie were fabulous in their commitment, enthusiasm, energy, performances and professionalism; we are so grateful to them.  It was quite a family affair when Bill's wife Kate sang with us at the Cricket Club!  Bill expressed his thanks to everyone involved and commented on how well we performed! 

I will endeavour to post photographs on the choir website photos page shortly.  If you or your friends/family have any photos of choir you would like to be posted up there, please forward them to me.  


END OF YEAR SOCIAL GATHERING
Our farewell to Patrice was a happy, friendly occasion.  We met outside at the rear of the Beaumaris Hall 'among the gum trees' and it was a very pleasant conclusion to the year.  Patrice and her sister Joan appreciated it very much and we had a bit of fun when Russel took us down ‘memory lane’. Patrice thanked everyone for the special messages and gift.

SAFE SINGING IN 2022
As you are very much aware, we are still mindful of the problems associated with singing in groups, especially indoors.  The following is Vocally Wild’s current policy for safely getting together to sing when the time is right.  Please read, because it affects all of us. 
  • All safety procedures to be carried out, as per advised in 2020 and 21
  • Evidence of Vaccination status (double and booster) required
  • Masks to be worn indoors, including whilst singing
  • Appropriate distancing to be observed. 
  • QR checking to continue
  • Adequate ventilation of the Hall to be strictly observed.
It is acknowledged, and understood, that one or two people have concerns regarding mask wearing and vaccination status.  They have explained their medical problems and exemptions, but we do need to consider the safety and comfort of all, therefore it is important that we adhere to the above policy.

Cherry has written to all returning members regarding our Covid requirements, advising that:

‘There has been a Covid19 tab added within your Member details on the website
www.vocallywild.org.au   To update or enter any new information just click Update
Member Details (under your name) and you’ll see where to, very easily, enter your
information.  If you have any problems, or have forgotten your Password, please
contact Cherry on    and she can reset your LogIn.”

Fees
:  Cherry also advises that, taking into account the delayed start for Term 1, fees will be adjusted accordingly in Semester 2.


MUSIC IN 2022
We’re looking forward to starting off with many of our well-known songs for the first six weeks, so we can sing with joy whilst regaining our singing voices and confidence.  If you would like to dig out your sheet music for any of the following titles, please do so.  Approximately 8 songs will be selected from these and Maggie will advise which ones to put in your folders closer to the start-up date. 

If you have any particular favourites from this list do let either of us know, so we can make sure they are selected!!  If you need emailed copies of music, words or, in some cases, audio recordings, please contact me  , or Maggie on 

Goodnight Sweetheart
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Jerusalem Morning
Long and Winding Road
A Place in the Choir
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
May the Road Rise (Irish Blessing)
Life in a Northern Town
House of the Rising Sun
Thank you for the Music
Rolling in the Deep
People Get Ready
All You Need is Love
We Built this City
This Little Light of Mine
Skyfall
I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing

ROADIE REQUIRED
During 2018 and 2019 Vocally Wild acquired some extra sound equipment for use during rehearsals and performances.  To help Russel set it all up, we were fortunate that Dave Snowdon took on the ‘Chief Roadie’ role, leading his willing band of helpers!  Sadly, Dave is not available now, so we are looking within our membership for a new Roadie in Chief!  (We need the t-shirts!! – design opportunity Penny Wolf!!)  Allan Lowry was temporary Roadie for the Carols events, and did a great job, but ideally we would like someone from Choir. Please contact Russel on  if you would like to become Chief Roadie or commit to being one of the very valuable helpers.  Most of the equipment is stored at the hall now.

FACEBOOK
Jenny Ellison has been the administrator of the Vocally Wild Facebook page, but as Jenny is no longer a V.W. member, we are seeking someone to take on the administration of this page and keep it up to date.  If you love being a Facebook user and are skilled in this area, please contact Cherry on or Sylvia on 

WEBSITE
The Vocally Wild website address is:  www.vocallywild.org.au  It is a mine of information, so please get used to using it and making it your first port of call to update your profile, gain up-to-date choir news, music recordings, photos, videos of performances past, profiles, history, etc.  If you would like to add any of your choir photographs, recent or historic, to the website, please forward them to me.

LASTPASS
Another ‘mine of information’ is Russel!!  He tells us that it is advisable to have a different Log In/Password for all our cyber stuff, and suggests that if we have trouble remembering them all, we should try ‘Lastpass’ which holds all passwords and we need only remember the Grand Master one!!  Good luck – let me know how you go!

FAREWELL FROM ILSE
Here is Ilse’s letter to Cherry (we don’t get many ‘retirement from choir’ communications like this one! 
Bravo Ilse!!


Thank you for inviting me to make up my mind about my position as singer.
Vocally Wild extended my appreciation for the great varieties of songs.
Organised presentations with professional artists joining for general exhibition at 
Dendy Park, and so much more.

Friendships I think of …
Repeat Lockdowns have taken its toll.
A new chapter is on your agenda dear Cherry.
My voice is by now untrained.
I’m waiting for knee repairs.
Chances are slim to be a worthwhile voice.

BUT - lockdowns sped up further studies in historical facts and writing.
I’m part of our forceful group, writing beside diverse eclectic Creatives.
Please let me join your energetic singers by just listening in when invited.
No refund necessary.

I know Vocally Wild will do exceptionally fine!
See you one day again,
Yours,
Ilse ifz

We hope you, too, do ‘exceptionally fine’ Ilse!


Kindest regards to all and watch out for more news in February!  
Pat.
Bill Miles (Music Director)
Sarah Barnett (Accompanist)
Russel Barnes (President) 
Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)   

Pat Lowry (Secretary) 
Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary  

Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management)
Sylvia Ring
  


 

CHRISTMAS 2021

Thu, 16 Dec 2021
Printable version

 

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER, 2021

Wed, 1 Dec 2021
Printable version
This is the last newsletter for 2021, as we gear up for a couple of weeks of busy choral activity!  It seems that in the blink of an eye we’re making up for the past inactive year!  Without our usual wonderful Carols in the Park involvement for yet another year, we’re now ‘Getting in the Mood for Christmas’ with Bayside’s Community Christmas Programme, starting with “Light the Rock at Black Rock’ this Friday and concluding with the Hampton Cricket Club Christmas party on Sat. 18th December!  See below our gig dates. 

If any of you would like to join in the fun, who haven’t already committed, please let me know and come along to sing – you’ll know the carols and a songbook will be provided!  (37 singers will sing at the various gigs, with 27 coming to Black Rock House and 23 to Landcox Park, etc. so you won’t be singing solo at any of them!)  If you can’t commit to any of the dates, but you do happen to hear joyful sounds in the community and see your colourful Vocally Wild choir, wave ‘hello’ and join in anyway!

I assume many of you are now aware that our dear Patrice has resigned from Vocally Wild – I don’t think she will mind me saying that her thumbs and wrists are suffering more with arthritis lately.  Knowing Patrice, she always likes to play at her very best and with such painful hands, it must be so difficult.  We will be saying farewell to her on Sunday, 12th December at our Social gathering.  Details below.  Bill is currently searching for a replacement for Patrice, so that we will be ready for 1st February Term 1 start.

DIARY - DECEMBER
Thur. 2nd 6.00 pm 1st Rehearsal (Use Small St. crossing to be safe!!) Shelter – opp. Small St. Hampton
Fri. 3rd 5.00 pm Black Rock Village - Bluff Road. 
Decision on set up space to be made at 4.45 p.m.
‘Light the Rock at Black Rock’

(Meet near 22A Bluff Road)
Mon. 6th 6.00 pm 2nd Rehearsal Shelter, as 2nd
Wed. 8th 5.45 pm
7.10 pm
Peg Gill/Sue Hardy’s – Warm up.
Black Rock House, Ebden St.
Near Second Street.
 2 & 3/14 Fourth St.
Under Morton Bay Fig Tre
Sat. 11th 5.00 pm Sandringham Foreshore Location, time etc. TBA
Sun. 12th 4.00 pm End of year Social, Beaumaris Hall
Tue. 14th 5.00 pm Landcox Park, East B’ton Off Milroy Location, time etc. TBA
Wed.15th 5.00 pm Black Rock Foreshore Location, time etc. TBA
Sat. 18th 7.30 pm Hampton Cricket Club Party commences earlier

Note: 
A Carols songbook to be distributed to singers for their use at each of the gigs.  If you wish to bring your music sheets, please do so and if you are missing any, let me know so that I can send an email copy.  Maggie will bring a set or two to rehearsals. 

At Black Rock House we sing three items – Mary’s Boy Child, Hark the Herald and Rudolph.

At our other performances, the Carols sets are:   Set 1 - Joy to the World, We Three Kings, Mary’s Boy Child, Deck the Hall, Rudolph, Away in a Manger, Ding Dong.  Set 2 – O Come all ye Faithful, Holly Jolly Christmas, Silent Night, 12 Days of Xmas, The First Nowell, Good King Wenceslas, Santa Clause is coming to Town.  Set 3 - Hark the Herald, God Rest You Merry Gentlemen, Once in Royal David’s City, Jingle Bells, While Shepherds Watched, Angels We Have Heard on High, We Wish You a Merry Christmas.  Bill will advise which sets we will be doing. 

Singers will be advised via email re time-slot and exact location for the Foreshore gigs.

Thanks indeed go to everyone involved in organising these Carols, in particular Bill and his son Jamie, who have put in much preparation and made themselves available for all these events during a very busy time for musicians.  May I also mention that Rod Cripps has come to our rescue (again!); this time re the Carols Songbooks?   One of the printer’s machines wasn’t able to staple them together, so Rod went to his ‘special place’ where he has an industrial sewing machine and we will see the results tomorrow (Thursday)!  Allan Lowry is to be Russel’s ‘roadie’ apprentice for all the gigs, so a big thankyou goes to Allan too!

SOCIAL – SUNDAY, 12TH DECEMBER   - 4.00 to 7.00 p.m.
  • Beaumaris Community Hall.  We will set up under the tree behind the hall - we have access to the hall if weather’s inclement and the kitchen, washrooms etc. are for us to use.
  • Please bring a plate for the share table/drink/glasses/nibbles.  Tea/coffee, etc. will be available, plus a few nibbles to start with.  I will bring some cups, but if you have a keep cup handy, please bring!  (If you prefer not to bring a share plate, due to health concerns, that’s fine – just bring something to nibble anyway for yourselves.)
  • We will use the white chairs belonging to Bayside (from small hall) so you don’t need to bring chairs.  We should be able to carry out some of the larger tables, but if you want to bring your own collapsible table, please do so.  There will be plenty of room.
  • Farewell to Patrice.  We’ll have a card for you to sign when you arrive, if you wish to.  Patrice’s twin sister, Joan, will be joining us too.
  • As per Cherry’s flyer, we will need to safely check in, and follow Covid safety guidelines.  All attending will be double vaxxed, as per regulations.

PATTY CHAPLIN’S UKULELE BAND
Last week four of us sang with Patty’s Ukulele band (led by wonderful Ron Leigh playing brilliantly on his own melodic uke) at Mayflower Aged Care Home’s independent living residents.  It was a happy and exhilarating experience to be singing once again, and by all accounts, the residents thoroughly enjoyed themselves.  They loved all the ‘golden oldies’ and I still can’t get “Pearly Shells” and “Maggie” out of my head!  Thank you indeed Ron, Patty, Pat and June – the ‘best band in the land’, together with singers Carolyn, Sue B, and John B – I feel we did a good job, and oh boy, was it fun to be singing again!

FAMILY LIFE HAMPERS
Christmas is certainly a time for giving, and Family Life were delighted at your generosity!  Maggie and were able to thank most of you, but there was one ‘mystery’ donor who left very yummy looking goodies at my place and I didn’t get chance to see who it was!  Please identify yourself to me, as I would love to say thank you, personally, for your thoughtfulness.  Eight rather large bags were delivered to Family Life for their Hamper campaign.

Zoe from Family Life sent a huge thank you … “for Vocally Wild’s generosity toward our Community Christmas Drive”.  

GIVING DAY FOR PETS OF THE HOMELESS
Lesley says a big ‘thank you’ on behalf of the Pets of the Homeless charity to those of you who donated to this very worthy cause.

MESSAGE FROM SUE BEAZLEY
Our past Alto member of many years Nell
Jackson  has just been awarded has just been
awarded 1st Prize in the Craft Section at the Ballarat Show for her Christmas Tree teapot Class 17000 - Craftwork - Any Article.  Sure still many in choir would remember Nell and would be interested in knowing of her success.  Nell and Ross now live in Ballarat and she is heavily involved in the wonderful Adam Lindsay Gordon Craft Cottage located in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and the Crafts Council of Ballarat.  Nell now has a whole room set up for her craft work at her house, filled with bits of material, ribbons, buttons, dressmaker’s models, etc.  and markets her creations via her business called The Rats Pyjamas.  Very excited for her, she is such a lovely lady.


PLANNING FOR 2022
Term 1 commences Tuesday, 1st February.  It seems a fair way away, but time will fly of course!  We are looking forward to starting off with many of our well-known songs for the first six weeks, so we can sing with fun and joy whilst getting back into the swing of things after such a long break.  So if you want to dig out your sheet music for any of the following titles during the break, please do so.  Songs will be selected from these and we’ll advise during January which ones we’ll need for our folders.
 
Goodnight Sweetheart
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Jerusalem Morning
Long and Winding Road
A Place in the Choir
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
May the Road Rise (Irish Blessing)
Life in a Northern Town
House of the Rising Sun
Thank you for the Music
Rolling in the Deep
People Get Ready
All You Need is Love
We Built this City
This Little Light of Mine
Skyfall
I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing

It will be a busy month ahead for everyone, so enjoy the Christmas festivities and the carol singing if you’re taking part.  Thinking of you all over the festive season, especially some who are coping with health concerns; may the next couple of months be good to you all.  A Very Happy Christmas and let’s hope there is much:









Very best wishes, 
Pat, Bill and Vocally Wild Committee

Bill Miles (Music Director)

Patrice Marshall - (Accompanist)
Russel Barnes (President) 
Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  
j
Pat Lowry (Secretary) 
Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary

Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
Sylvia Ring
  
Kerry Holmquest  h

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - NOVEMBER, 2021

Sat, 6 Nov 2021
Printable version
Bill Miles (Music Director)
Patrice Marshall - (Accompanist)
Russel Barnes (President)   
Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  

Pat Lowry (Secretary) 
Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary

Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
Sylvia Ring
  

Kerry Holmquest 

Hello everyone!


Many of you have probably been wondering if there would be a possibility of choir resuming this year, but Committee has agreed that the best thing to do under the circumstances is to plan a cheerful, happy, safe and joyful singing return for our “recovery choir” in 2022.  Therefore, the start date will be Tuesday, 1st February, 2022 at the Beaumaris Community Hall.  Our decision of course is based on caution, but also guided by the current regulations for the hall which restrict numbers to 55 (one person per 4 sq.m.).


PATRICE
More information is below regarding our safe start up, but our news at this moment is that sadly, but completely understandably, our wonderful Patrice has decided to ‘hang up and rest her twinkling fingers’ and retire from being our accompanist.  Patrice has kindly mentioned that she will be available for us until we find another pianist; a very thoughtful gesture.  We’ll have the opportunity to give her an appropriate ‘farewell’ in the New Year when I know there will be many complimentary words spoken about her.  We will all want to express how much Vocally Wild has benefitted and flourished musically because of her excellent musicianship and beautiful, sunny personality.

RESUMPTION OF CHOIR – REGULATIONS AND PLANNING
When choir resumes on Tuesday, 1st February, in order to protect our choir community and ensure that everyone attending feels comfortable and safe, we will be following the Vic. Government safety guidelines to the letter.   Our activity is regarded as ‘high risk’, so we feel we must ensure the following:
  • On arrival, members will need to show their QR Code with their up-to-date double vaccination certificate. 
  • If proof of vaccination cannot be provided, it will be assumed that you are not double vaccinated and unfortunately won’t be allowed into the hall.
  • Names and vax status will be marked off on our Membership Role and a nominated Covid Marshall will be on hand.
Committee hopes that you will all understand the above directives and realise that they are announced with everyone’s well-being in mind.  (We do acknowledge that there may be an extremely rare medical exemption to the double vax ruling).

END OF 2021 SOCIAL
We have an opportunity to get together for an end of year social for members, partners and children on SUNDAY, 12TH DECEMBER, 4.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.  We will confirm the inside/outside venue shortly, but it will be a BYO plate to add to the ‘share’ table and BYO drinks.  Tea/Coffee and snacks will be provided.  More detail to follow, but put this date in your diaries!!  It will be really good to at least catch up with one another face to face even if we haven't sung a note for months!!!

(Note: to attend this event, all eligible attendees will need to be double vaccinated, as per the information above.)  

FAMILY LIFE HAMPERS
Some donations have been received (thank you!!)  If you too would like to join in this drive to assist Family Life in their continuous efforts to help those less fortunate than ourselves, please drop off your offerings before Thursday, 18th November to:

Maggie (60 Herbert Street, Parkdale - )
Pat (178 Were Street, Brighton East - )

Containers are on the front porches to welcome your goodies. Maggie, Sylvia and I will make up the hampers and if necessary add some items not already included, and drop them off to Family Life in good time before the 1st December.  Please select from any of these items, ensuring they are within use by date: 

Pasta/rice/noodle
Long life milk
Spreads (Vegemite, honey)
Pasta sauce
Fruit cake/mince pies
Chocolates/lollies
Sweet/savoury biscuits
Olive Oil

Condiments (mustard/sauce)

Stock/stock cubes

Gravox/gravy

Chips/pretzels/popcorn
Cereal
Tea/coffee/milo

Muesli bars/snack bars

Canned legumes

Canned vegetables

Dried/canned fruit
Hopefully we will be able to provide some wonderful Christmas assistance and cheer.  I am happy to come and collect items if you’re unable to drop them off.

REMEMBRANCE DAY

 
As we approach the 11th hour of the 11th month, many of us will be thinking of those
who died whilst protecting our nations during wars and conflicts. 
Some of you have been knitting poppies to raise funds; look at Lidia’s creative abilities – I think she has since made many more than these! 


Also here is a beautiful poem, (one of many of course which give us much food for thought.) 
 
“Lest We Forget”.



LOCKDOWN ACTION
!

Many other talented Vocally Wilders have been really creative recently.
 
Look at Penny Wolf’s delightful painting of her partner Alan’s ‘Lockdown Hair”! 
Penny now has an online shop featuring her artwork on many products. Here is the Google link:   
PepeWatercolour.redbubble.com
 
Also,have you looked at the V.W. website recently? 
 
Go to Home Page.  Then ‘About Us’ - you’ll see Sue Hardy’s grand-daughter Rosie’s artwork.  Rosie has the right sort of ambitions I feel!


That’s all for now, but more information will follow shortly regarding our Social gathering venue.

Cherry will send round a flyer. 




Also, if 
there is news from Bayside Council about the possibility of us taking part in any local community outside Carol singing, I’ll be in touch with those who have said they’d like to be involved.

Let me know if you want to be added to the list!




Kind regards,
Pat and V.W. Committee.

patlow5@bigpond,.com

 
IF YOU WISH TO RESPOND TO ANY NEWSLETTER ITEMS, PLEASE EMAIL THE COMMITTEE MEMBER DIRECT (ADDRESSES ABOVE) RATHER THAN VIA THE HARMONY WEBSITE.  THANK YOU !

NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER, 2021

Mon, 20 Sep 2021
Printable version
 
Bill Miles (Music Director)
Patrice Marshall - (Accompanist)
Russel Barnes (President) 0409 090448   
Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)   

Pat Lowry (Secretary) 0437 697 009   
Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary

Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 0458 669 883  
Sylvia Ring
  
Kerry Holmquest  

Hello everyone!
This is a 'keeping in touch' newsletter - sorry but that's all we can do at the moment.  News doesn't look too good for choirs in Victoria, alhough the general direction regarding vaccination levels is moving upwards week by week..  Apparently South Australia doesn't permit choirs to sing indoors yet, without a mask, so we still have a little way to go!  Our newly acquired piano is sitting there waiting patiently for Patrice to come along and give it some of her brilliant attention!

Sadly, at the end of August, Bob Adams, a kind, friendly, lovely man, and enthusiastic Broken Voices and Vocally Wild member some years ago, passed away after being unwell for a little while.  Bob was an original chorister with our choirs and so loved singing; he had a beautiful voice.  He actually went on to sing with one of the Melbourne classical choirs and in the early days, when V.W. numbers weren't so large, returned to join us for Carols in the Park on some occasions.  A message of condolence was sent to Wendy and family from us all.

It was disappointing that we couldn't take part in Connor's Run this year - it being cancelled, as we had expected.  However, it should be all systems go for a bigger and better occasion in 2022.  

Did any of you see the recent Bayside Council video about the Thomas Street Park, Hampton?  Our very own John Barlow had a starring role - great John!  What a wonderful asset to the community this park is (and you too of course, John) - there's something for everyone there!

Message from Cherry 
Dear Members,
It's so disappointing that we can't sing our cares away at present.  Fingers crossed we'll be back together again this year.  Please be assured that the time we've missed will be reflected in our fees going forward.  In the meantime, do think of choir and have a bit of a sing to our practice songs.  If you can't access our website for any reason, please don't hesitate to contact me and I'll reset your Login.  
Warmest,
Cherry (Membership Secretary)
cherry@chyam.com.au


Message from Bill and Patrice
Bill and Patrice send their very good wishes, they are thinking of you all and looking forward to returning when possible.  They both say "Stay safe and well."

As spring has arrived, with 'sun and
shower and blossom', let's hope
you are all feeling positive and looking forward to better things. 

Here's a touch of Leunig to add to our spring feelings!

Do keep in touch, hang in there, and enjoy
all the beautiful music around us. 

For example, Marg Brown sent me a
wonderful video of Handel's Hallelujah Choris with a difference.  I'm unable to add it to this Newsletter, but for your enjoyment will send it as an attachment  in an email shortly.

Good  thoughts to you all and if you would like to share any news in a newsletter, do let one of us know..
Pat and the Committee.



 

NEWSLETTER - AUGUST, 2021

Thu, 19 Aug 2021
Printable version
NEWSLETTER - AUGUST, 2021
Bill Miles (Music Director)
Patrice Marshall - (Accompanist)
Russel Barnes (President) 
Julie Sergienko (Treasurer) 

Pat Lowry (Secretary) 
Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary

Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management)
Sylvia Ring
  
Kerry Holmquest  


Hello everyone,
This is a 'keeping in touch' newsletter - sorry I can't announce a 'getting togethre' date yet, but this is to say hope you are all doing ok and making the most of this current situation the best you can!  

We do have some lovely news though!  Let me tell you the "Piano' story!!

"OPTIMISM"
As you know, we haven't had the use of a piano in our Beaumaris venue and Patrice was doing wonderful things with the Yamaha Keyboard.  However, we wanted her to have a piano - Patrice and the Piano just go together, - so, we started planning how we could get one, investigating prices etc. Firstly, we had to receive permission from Bayside Council and, thankfully,they confirmed we could place one in the hall, as long as we agreed to protect it, be responsible for any damage, etc.   Great news!

Second!  Acquiring one!  Russel had said originally that he owned an 'old' piano that he had been given, but he didn't think it was good enough!  So, Maggie nominated her amazing "engineer/musician/organ-fixer extraordinaire/fix everything" Rod (who is a very active member of the Organ Society of Australia, Victorian Branch) to go to Russel's and check the piano out.  He did this and gave it a definite thumbs up!  Next was to ask Patrice to try it out.  This she did, taking along her twin sister Joan.  Russel thoroughly enjoyed their beautiful 'duet' live concert and was thrilled when Patrice and Joan gave their approval!

Third step (amidst lockdown) as you can see 'Optimism' (Russel's name for the piano) was moved to the Beaumaris Hall, and as soon as is safe, we will arrange for a piano tuner.  

Sorry this is becoming the 'dog's tail' story - but then we needed a piano stool for Patrice!  Well, believe it or not, Russel was out on his bike and saw one on a nature strip!  "Ideal." he thought, (mechanics working well, just needed a bit of upholstery work).  So, he took it home!  Voila!  (Upholstery work is now being carried out as we speak!.

In the meantime, Russel had ordered a cover on line, which has now arrived and we 're considering how to secure and label it.    So, all we have left to do is get back to choir and sing!  Perhaps a bottle of champers is needed for Optimism's Christening when the time comes!

CONNOR'S RUN
Susie Forbes, who is organising Connor's Run for 12th September, has been in touch..  The Run hasn't yet been cancelled, but she's not confident that it will go ahead.  However, if it does, she has changed our location to the front of the South Melbourne Life Saving Club, where she thinks we will be better protected from the winds (remember last time?);  More on this in due course.

POPPIES
Rose Olson (Kate's mum) is organising Red or Purple poppies to be sold for 'Remembrance Day'  (11th November) to raise money for Legacy.  Legacy is a wonderful organisation which looks after soldiers and their families.  If you are happy to knit or crochet any poppies, Rose would be so grateful.  She has quite a number of the red now, but is keen to have more purple ones.  The purple poppies represent all the animals that have been slaughtered in all wars - horses, donkeys, dogs, pigeons.  It's a wonderful gesture and if you'd like to help, please contact Rose on rosie@hillgrove.com. (Rose has some purple wool if you need any.  The purple ones usually have a black or green centre;  the red ones have a black centre).  I have a knitting pattern if you would like a copy.

AUSSIE MUSIC
Creative Learning, Arts Centre, Melbourne, have generously provided us with free Aussie music arrangements, which we have gratefully saved for a time when we can sing again!  The songs are:  'Don't Dream it's Over', 'Leaps and Bounds', 'You're the Voice' and 'Keep a Dream in your Pocket'.  Can't wait to exercise our vocal chords again!!

MEETING
The Committee will have a 'zoom' meeting on the 25th August, so if there is anything you'd like to mention or ask, please let one of us know.  We all miss choir and look forward to being together again. 

STAY POSITIVE
Did you happen to hear Dr. Steven (not sure of his surname), Mental Health practitioner last week on the ABC morning radio?  He had some excellent positive messages and did recommend that we try to look on positive side and not to get too bogged down into the negatives.  Pretty sound advice if we can do it.  Penny Wolfe and Sylvia  Ring have wonderful ways of keeping calm and carrying on!  See Penny Wolfe's beautiful gum flower followed by Sylvia's Central Australia painting.  Amazing.


A couple of cartoons to cheer you up, especially if you're dog lover!

TAKE CARE.  
TRY TO KEEP SINGING.

PS - if you want a bit more of a giggle, see the attached "Eating in the Fifties".  I can definitely relate!

Kindest regards,
Pat.



....


VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - JULY, 2021

Sat, 17 Jul 2021
Printable version
 
Bill Miles (Music Director)
Patrice Marshall - (Accompanist)
Russel Barnes (President) 
Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)   

Pat Lowry (Secretary) 
Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary

Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
Sylvia Ring
  

Kerry Holmquest  

As we continue getting used to being 'flexible', none of you will be surprised to hear from me that we can't meet next Tuesday for our choir rehearsal - let's hope there's more positive news for the following week.

There's not a lot of news this month and, as we had our A.G.M. last Monday, Committee decided to skip our regular monthly meeting in July and meet up again in August.  However, as many of you heard from Russel last Tuesday, there are two vacancies on Committee, so if you are at all interested in joining this very amiable and active group, please give it a bit of thought; we’d love to recruit fresh faces bringing new ideas and diversity.  If you are a little uncertain, you would be most welcome to come along to one of our congenial meetings to see what goes on!  Please let one of the Committee members know if you'd like to 'try before you buy'!

A.G.M.
Last Monday the A.G.M. was held in the Beaumaris Tennis Club Rooms - an ideal venue and thank you to Russel for organising it.  Grateful thanks to the small group of non-committee who also ventured out on that wet, chilly night - much appreciated - we were very pleased to achieve a quorum!!  If anyone would like copies of the Minutes or any of the Reports therein, please let me know on Pat@ and I'll forward them on to you.

Thanks are also extended to outgoing Committee members, Edwina and Graham, for their invaluable contributions.  The current 2021/22 Committee members are as printed in the table above.  "Welcome back" to all of the elected members - it is a busy but most enjoyable role endeavouring to care for this large and enthusiastic group of choristers!  Vocally Wild Choir Inc. is a wonderful community group and a joy to belong to!

MEMBERSHIP
Cherry has been very busy lately with membership and fees management - she does a sterling job and is most appreciated.  Last Tuesday Bill warmly welcomed new members, and guests who, hopefully, may soon be members. We do look forward to you all enjoying and sharing the singing, music and companionship!

VACCINATION
This topic is a continuing one, but as we 'journey' on in this Covid world of ours, we are very keen to ensure the safety, confidence and comfort of all our members,  With this in mind, and of course we can't regulate, we strongly encourage vaccination and feel that vaccination of the majority (at least 80 to 90% of us) is highly desirable.

SHEET MUSIC
Maggie reminds us that if we have any unwanted sheet music, doubling up of copies, etc., in particular Christmas carols and songs, please return them to the music table on Tuesday nights.  They get sorted, filed and reused when needed.  This saves a lot of paper and money re printing, so, while we have some lock-down time, perhaps we could check our music drawers, folders, boxes!  Thank you!

Talking of music/folders, etc. ... if you haven't put your name on your music folder, it might be worth doing.  Sometimes folders are left behind and it's so much easier to return them to their owners!!

LOOK WHO'S BEEN BUSY!

Jan Gooding, Alto and long-time member of Vocally
Wild,
is also an artist.  She is a member of the Glen
Eira Cheltenham Art Group which, under normal
circumstances, holds a couple of exhibitions every year, plus they join with other art groups exhibiting
at the Flower and Garden Show. 

Last year the artists were given short notice to include
entries for the Glen Eira Exhibition.  Here are a couple
of Jan's creations, both in pastel - one is in Bayside
Beaumaris and the other is a sunset.  Beautiful! 
Thank you Jan.




















WHAT'S HAPPENING SOON?

 
     Well, it’s difficult to plan ahead at the moment, but 
   Jenny Ellison's group, Kirby JZ and Me
are playing a 'gig' on 
Friday, 30th July, 7.30 p.m. at the
Black Rock Sports Club.
 
"Reinventing the Songs You Love -
With A Touch of Sax!”   


   Do give it a go - there will be food trucks with 'dinner' and drinks at bar prices.


 

Hope to see you all soon - fingers crossed for Tuesday, 27th July!  (If you have any hidden or 'out there' talents you'd like to share, do let me know!!)

Kindest regards,
Pat
 

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - JUNE, 2021

Fri, 25 Jun 2021
Printable version
Bill Miles (Music Director)
Patrice Marshall - (Accompanist)

Russel Barnes (President) 0409 090448   


Julie Sergienko (Treasurer) 

Pat Lowry (Secretary) 0437 697 009  
Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary

 

Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
0458 669 883  

Edwina McLachlan (Music Liaison)  


Sylvia Ring
  0402 217 344
Kerry Holmquest
  

Dear Members,

At the time of writing, and if all our stars are in alignment and Bayside Council’s regulations allow it, we should all be singing again on Tuesday, 13th July for Term 3, at Beaumaris Community Hall, 7.30 p.m.  So, unless you hear from us to the contrary, see you there!  (Bill has some exciting new/old music for us, see details below). 

Don’t forget to bring your keep cup!  Also, Rob Tunnock will be joining us on our first night back to take some photos for our Website, so please wear something bright and cheerful!!


The A.G.M. will be going ahead on Monday, 12th July, 7.30 p.m. at the Beaumaris Community Tennis Clubroom, which is adjacent to the car park.  Please come along if you are able to and if you would like to nominate someone for Committee, this is a good opportunity.

DIARY
TERM 3  
(Tues. 13th Jul. – Tues. 14th Sept).  
Sunday, 12th September Connor’s Run, singing engagement.  Details TBC

I won’t repeat our full Calendar here, but please note that there has been a change to our Concert date.  Unfortunately, we couldn’t book the Brighton Town Hall for Sunday, 29th November (no bookings available there for November or December this year), so our Concert will now be held on our last Tuesday rehearsal night, Tuesday, 7th December, at our rehearsal hall in Beaumaris, 7.30 p.m.  It will be a Christmas theme.  Even if we are hindered because of Covid during the next few months, we will certainly be able to string together some Christmas Carols and Songs and, along with the beautiful songs we are learning at the moment, this should be a joyous ending to the year.


Please note also that the dates mentioned for our Carols in the Park rehearsals and performance are tentative at the moment.  We have had no confirmation yet that Carols will be going ahead at this stage, which is perfectly understandable.  However, we will let you know as soon as there is some news.

FROM OUR MUSIC DIRECTOR
Bill has been busy arranging a ‘Crazy for You’ Medley for us to learn in the coming weeks.  Maggie will bring along the sheet music at the start of term and Bill asks if you could please (particularly Sops 2, Alto and Tenor) bring a highlighter pen with you so that when he explains which pieces of music are relevant for these parts, you can highlight them.  Bill will have created practice recordings too, so this is something else to look forward to.


Bill is also keen to follow up on an offer to us from The Australian Music Vault, who are involved with a project providing free music arrangements for community and school choirs to encourage more people to sing great Australian music.

We will be guided by the songs you would like to sing from the list below, so please let me know which ones appeal to you: 

John Farnham “You’re The Voice”
Drapht “The Magic”
Crowded House “Don’t Dream It’s Over”
Sia “Diamonds”
Emily Wurramara “Black Boy”
The Seekers “Keep a Dream in Your Pocket”
Killing Heidi “Weir”
Paul Kelly “Leaps and Bounds”

MEMBERSHIP (Message from Cherry)
Payment for Semester 2

Invoices for Semester 2 (Terms 3 & 4) will be coming soon.  Since we only attended for half of Term 2, the Committee has decided to charge pro rata fees for this Semester to compensate all those who paid full fees for Term 2. Therefore, instead of $160.00 for the six months, those members will be invoiced $120.00.  If you have any queries about this, please don’t hesitate to contact our Membership Secretary, Cherry Tunnock  

Thanks Cherry.  Not many of you will realise what a busy role Membership Secretary is.  Cherry is very dedicated and does a wonderful job looking after everything to do with membership with everyone’s interests at heart: managing the intricacies of the Waiting List, arranging for new member arrivals, name badges, recording attendances, etc.  Cherry is also in the process of preparing a Vocally Wild archive, both digital and hard copy, covering all relevant documents so that these can be accessed by current and future committees.  Once again, thank you Cherry.



To end on a lighter note:

 

........this is a hoot (for those of us who have
Facebook concerns!!


See you very soon.

Please email me on patlow5@bigpond regarding your Australian song choices!!

Kind regards,
Pat.and the Committee.

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - MAY, 2021

Thu, 20 May 2021
Printable version
Bill Miles (Music Director)
Patrice Marshall (Accompanist)
Russel Barnes (President) 0409 090448   


Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)   

Pat Lowry (Secretary) 0437 697 009  
Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary

Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
0458 669 883  

Edwina McLachlan (Music Liaison)  
Sylvia Ring
  
Kerry Holmquest
  

Dear Members,
What a shame we had to call last Tuesday off - a huge thank you to Cherry who tootled along to put a notice on the door!  Hope most of you received the sms and email messages.  Oh well, a bit more time for us to practise our songs!  Fingers crossed that this is just a slight blip and we'll soon be able to announce our return.  Bill has been working on some terrific music for us - so there's a great deal to look forward to.

Apart from this latest Covid concern, it's been a wonderful start to the term.  We seem to be settling into our new rehearsal space well and most of you will appreciate the safe parking spaces and easy access.  Thank you to all our helpers with setting up and clearing away.  Cherry's start-up chair roster worked well and Russel appears to have a willing band of technical assistants.  Although the chairs are very comfortable, they are a little on the heavy side, so please take care when lifting them; we recommend only lift one at a time.   

Carolyn brings along milk each week; there is a plentiful supply of tea, green tea, coffee, etc. so don't forget to BRING YOUR OWN CUP if you want a cuppa during the break.  We don't want to purchase disposable cups, in our endeavour to save the planet (!), so please try to remember! 

It's always such a pleasure to welcome our new members and we hope that Sandra Busch (alto), Helen Kezilas (alto) and Geoff Peters plus of course our returned members, Sue McBeth (top sop) and Sarah McVeigh (top sop) are all settling in.  We have a healthy 'waiting list' and over a dozen members are on leave of absence this term.  Please see Cherry's report below.

Bill and his son Jamie are very proactive in providing our practice recordings, so hopefully you will all now be able to access them on either the Vocally Wild website (Harmony) or via your emails.  Bill has provided some very useful hints on how to make the most of these recordings (see below).  Please let me know if you are having any access problems.

DIARY
Please note the change of date for our Annual General Meeting - now on Monday, 21st June, 7.30 p.m. to be held at the Beaumaris Community Tennis Club (next to the main Community building).  Nominations are called for regarding Committee positions, so if you would like to nominate someone, on our return, please use one of the nomination slips at the entrance table and place your nominations in the box provided.  Or you can nominate by email if you wish. 

 
Note: Bayside Carols Rehearsals/Event - all TBC and info only at this stage
TERM 2  
Mon. 21st June A.G.M. 7.30.  Beaumaris Community Centre T.Club
Tuesday, 22nd June Last rehearsal for Term 1 – singing and social
TERM 3  
(Tues. 13th Jul. – Tues. 14th Sept).  
Sunday, 12th September Connor’s Run, singing engagement.  Details TBC
TERM 4  
(Tues. 5th Oct. to Tues. 7th Dec.)  
Tues. 2nd November Cup Day, No rehearsal.
Sat. 20th Nov. (Carols reh.) Morning
Sat. 27th  Nov. (Carols reh.) Morning
Sunday, 28th Nov. V.W. Annual Concert, Brighton Town Hall (TBC)
Sat. 4th Dec. (Carols reh.) Morning
Tues. 7th Dec. Last Tues. rehearsal for year.
Sat 11th  Dec. (Carols reh.) Morning.
Sun or Mon 12th/13th Dec. Final full rehearsal.
Tuesday, 14th December Bayside Carols in the Park (Dendy)
Other carols fixtures to be advised.  

FROM OUR MUSIC DIRECTOR
We are extremely fortunate that Bill's teenage son is able to make the recordings for us - thank you from us all to Jamie who really does spend hours working on these pieces.  Bill is very keen for us to make the most of these gems and I'm sure once you have got used to the process, you'll find them so helpful.  Here are Bill's hints:

How to get the most out of the mp3 practice recordings
  1. Listen to the combined recording while following the printed music.
  2. While reading the music, listen to the recording for your part.
  3. Sing along with the recording of your part (while reading the music, of course).
  4. Sing your part with the combined recording.
Advanced work -
  • Play the recording for a part other than your own and sing your part with it.  
  • Consult the printed music with a view to establishing where your “entry note” is ‘coming from’ … the piano, another section (soprano, alto, baritone, tenor or bass), the same note that you sang recently / a specific interval distance away (major 3rd up or down / perfect 4th up or down, etc.) from the last note you sang (if none of the above can be used, that is). Once you work with the rehearsal recordings you will have a pretty good awareness of your part(s) so that when you come to rehearsal, not as much time will be needed for going over the separate parts; you will soon come to appreciate the significant worth of having individualised practice parts, as well as the combined recordings.
MEMBERSHIP (Cherry)
Hi Vocally Wilders,
This is a forewarning of changes coming to how our fees are paid.  Our Choir members are fortunate to belong to such a well-run, professional style choir and due to our membership size, the fees are extremely reasonable.

There is no intention of increasing fees at this present time.  However, the Committee has decided that as from Term 3, 2021 fees will no longer be payable by term and only bi-annual or annual fees will apply.

Therefore, the coming June invoices will cover Term 3 and Term 4 (six months) membership - $160.  Of course, if you paid annually for 2020, you’re still in credit until the end of the year.
Kind regards, Cherry.


WEBSITE
The Vocally Wild website is in the process of having an update.  I’m hoping to upload more photos for the slide show (Home) so if you have any that you’d like to see up there, please send them along.  Thanks.


CREATIVE MEMBERS

Sylvia was following her dreams in the last lockdown and here are two of her many creations.  The parrot has a very cross look in his eyes!  Wonder what Sylvia will come up with next – maybe something new this week?!!



For all you dog lovers and walkers:



Take care during this current lockdown - if you hear of anyone who needs a bit of help, please let one of us know.

Fingers crossed we can return to normal again soon.

Cheers for now,
Pat and all Committee.
(0437 697 009)

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - APRIL 2021

Fri, 23 Apr 2021
Printable version
Bill Miles (Music Director)
Patrice Marshall - (Accompanist)
Russel Barnes (President) 0409 090448   


Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  

Pat Lowry (Secretary) 0437 697 009  

Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary)  
Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
0458 669 883  

Edwina McLachlan (Music Liaison)  
Sylvia Ring
 0402 217 344
Kerry Holmquest
  

What a happy and successful start to Term 2!   67 of us met to sing with gusto!   We were fortunate to have two extremely talented and well qualified aspirants audition for our Music Director role and are now delighted to announce that Dr. Bill Miles was comprehensively selected by you as our new M.D.  If you wish to view Bill’s profile it will be available shortly on the Vocally Wild Website – vocallywild.org.au   

Bill will commence with us next Tuesday, 27th April and we all wish him a long and happy relationship with Vocally Wild.  (See another aspect of Bill’s musical life below - under 3MBS Radio).


We are of course delighted that Patrice will continue as our accompanist and thanks indeed go to Fran for being our excellent M.C. last Tuesday evening.  Fran will surely be called upon again!!!

A very warm welcome is extended to our new and returning members – Sarah McVeigh (1st Sop), Sandra Busch (Alto) and Ian Littlehales.  We hope you enjoy your association with us.  Some additional new members will be announced shortly.

Our new venue, Beaumaris Community Centre, proved to be more than adequate last Tuesday; it’s a warm, inviting hall with good amenities, safe car parking and easy access, so we hope you all find it a good place to be.  The acoustics appear to be fine too.

Please remember to bring your own cup if you want to have a cup of tea or coffee at rehearsals.


HELP NEEDED - Chair Roster Volunteers (from Cherry)
We need volunteers to assist putting out chairs at the beginning of the evening.  Please Contact Cherry – cherry@cham.com.au – ASAP to volunteer.  Hopefully you will only be rostered two or three times per term if plenty of people volunteer.

Whilst being very comfy, the chairs are a little heavy and should only be carried one at a time for safety reasons. So, four volunteers per night will be rostered.  You will need to arrive by 7.10pm at the latest.
Also, please let Cherry know if you want to be rostered on with particular friends.

Thank you, in anticipation.


CALENDAR 2021

Some diary dates to start us off!  At this stage the Bayside Carols in the Park dates are tentative, but the schedule will give you, and especially our newcomers, an idea of some of this year’s commitments.  These will be confirmed in due course.
 
DIARY
TERM 2
Tues 20th April to Tues. 22nd June Bill Miles (M.D.) commences 27th April
Sunday, 25th April B.R.S.C. ANZAC Family Day, 1.00 p.m.
Wed. 23rd June A.G.M.  7.30 p.m. Venue TBA
TERM 3
Tues. 13th July to Tues. 14th Sept.
TERM 4
Tues. 5th Oct. to Tues.7th Dec.
Sun. 12th September Connor’s Run - Choir to Sing
Tues. 2nd November Cup Day, No rehearsal.
Bayside Carols Rehearsals/Event (TBC and info only at this stage)
Sat. 20th Nov. TBC Morning
Sat. 27th  Nov. Morning
Sat. 4th Dec. Morning
Tues. 7th Dec. Last Tues. rehearsal for year.
Sat 11th  Dec. Morning.
Sun or Mon 12th/13th Dec. Final full rehearsal.
Tuesday, 14th December Bayside Carols in the Park (Dendy)
Other carols fixtures to be advised.

BEAUMARIS RSL ANZAC SERVICE
Thank you to the 45 or so Vocally Wilders who marched and sang at the Beaumaris RSL ANZAC Parade and Service.  This was a very successful event with good attendance and much favourable comment was attributed to Vocally Wild and the St. Leonard’s College Band.  Bill’s contribution was immeasurable – he certainly ‘raised us up’ for the occasion. 

Thank you also to Sue Beazley for her liaison with the RSL.  Sue reported that the Beaumaris RSL was very happy with the turnout on Sunday; she also confirmed the many compliments from those in authority, councillors (including The Mayor) and audience members regarding the performance of Vocally Wild, the St. Leonard’s Band and respective leaders Bill Miles and Mark Ford.


Bill, you led us so professionally and enthusiastically; we all appreciate how willingly you made yourself available to us when we were leaderless!!!


The Service was followed by afternoon tea at the Beaumaris Bowls Club, and thanks are sincerely extended to Reg Black and all the helpers from the Beaumaris RSL Ladies Auxiliary.  They are a dedicated and fabulous group who always put on a splendid spread; in fact thanks go to everyone concerned at the Bowls Club.  
Vocally Wild, on your behalf, donated $60 to the Ladies’ Auxiliary - a book was purchased which is to be presented to a local school. 

BLACK ROCK SPORTS CLUB ANZAC DAY – THIS SUNDAY

We have been invited to sing the two National Anthems (Australian and New Zealand) at 1.00 p.m. so if youare available and would like to join in, please come along at 12.30 p.m. for warm up.  Wear black, with poppy if possible.  We will be backed by ‘Harry’ on piano.  There’ll be plenty of food and entertainment throughout the afternoon.  

BILL MILES AND “THE 3MBS FM RADIO STATION
”

Do you listen to 3MBS Radio?  It’s a wonderful ‘community’ classical music station which caters for all types of classical music, including jazz, light classical, easy listening radio music from the 30’s to the 70’s, film music, some live concerts and ‘feature’ programmes.

So, if you would like to hear and enjoy more from Bill, he presents a programme every Sunday night from10.00 til midnight called, not surprisingly, ‘Sunday Night Late’.  His brief is ‘hidden gems’ - lesser known music from known composers, music from lesser-known composers and hidden gem recordings.  Bill includes plenty of music by Australians and performances by Australian musicians.


The program is broadcast on 103.5 FM, 3MBS - Fine Music Melbourne, and is also streamed over the internet.
This is the link to the home page ~ 
https://3mbs.org.au/. Once it opens, right click on the blue box labelled "3MBS 103.5 FM" ("Now Playing" will show "Sunday Night Late" starting from 10pm). The "how-to-play" window will open which instructs one to click on the play button (arrow/triangle) at the bottom and start listening.  If you would like to hear previous programs, here is the direct link ~ https://3mbs.org.au/programs/sunday-night-late/.


MEMBERSHIP – FEES

We don’t like to lose anyone from our V.W. membership, but if it becomes clear that sadly you won’t be able to return to Choir at any stage, please could you advise Cherry so that one of the many very patient people on her waiting list can be offered a place?  Thank you.

Notices

If you don't appear to be receiving notices re fees or any other items recently, please check your Junk Mail or Spam – the inactivity during time out last year may have made your computer forget about us!!

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Now is an opportune time to remind you that V.W. Committee meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, so if you have anything you wish to be discussed, please let a Committee member know.

FOR INTEREST - Free Concert
University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra - 5.00 p.m. 2nd May, Hamer Hall.  Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev and Britten feature in this exciting return to Hamer Hall by the University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, led by world-renowned conductor Associate Professor Richard Davis. For more details contact artscentremelbourne.com.au

TALENTED MEMBERS
We have so many amazing people in our midst – have a look at these paintings by Judy Bellesini!

  













If you would like to share what you’ve been up to during the COVID time-out, do let me know!


And last, but not least, check this wonderful video clip from Rad https://youtu.be/_vvMTlDr7jw This young fellow has definitely been signed up as Bill’s deputy whenever he is needed!!! 

Thank you and see you either on Sunday, or next Tuesday.
Cheers,
Pat Lowry
0437697009






 

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - MARCH, 2021

Fri, 26 Mar 2021
Printable version
Patrice Marshall - (Accompanist)
Russel Barnes (President) 0409 090448  

Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  

Pat Lowry (Secretary) 0437 697 009 
Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary) 
Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
0458 669 883  

Edwina McLachlan  
Sylvia Ring
  
Kerry Holmquest
  

Only a brief Newsletter this month, but this is to say how wonderful it was to return to singing again last Tuesday for our first ANZAC rehearsal and to see so many of you there.  Thank you to Bill who led us so generously and enthusiastically, taking everything in his stride.  It was such fun.  The venue’s acoustics weren’t the best, but at least it is somewhere to meet up for our two rehearsal sessions.

Grateful thanks go to all the Committee and all helpers in preparing for last Tuesday night, in particular Cherry’s merry band of helpers!  It was amazing how quickly and efficiently they cleaned down the chairs, spaced them out and organised the clearing away too.  Fabulous!  We will follow similar safety measures next Wednesday too, just to be on the safe side, but wasn’t it good not to wear a mask for singing?

Sue Beazley has sent the RSL 2021 versions of: the Naval Hymn, I Am Australian words and music and Song of Australia words and music.  I will email these to you separately. You may wish to either print them out or alter your own sheets, so that we are all ‘singing on the same page’ so to speak!  Maggie won’t be copying out any more, so please check your copies against the emailed attachments.  Thank you! 

You will have received the flyer with all details regarding the ANZAC March and Service on the 18th April.  Bill Gleadall, who usually plays the World War 1 melodies on the piano during the singalong at the end of the afternoon, sadly won’t be able to be there this year, so if you are a pianist and can play these oldies, or know someone who can, Sue would be really happy to hear from you.  Please contact her on  If you missed the flyer, please let me know and I will send you one.

Term 2 will commence on Tuesday, 20th April.   We won’t be using the Holloway Road hall but our new venue hasn’t yet been confirmed, so please wait patiently to hear more detail.  You will also soon be hearing about the recruitment process for our Music Director!

Caroline Dunn thought some of you might be interested that the Boite Singers’ Festival returns to the Abbotsford Convent on the first weekend in May.  There will be more than 30 singing workshops and concerts catering for all skill levels and interests.  The festival runs from Friday, 30th April to Sunday 2nd May.  For full programme and ticket prices, etc. visit boite.com.au/2021-singers-festival     bookings - trybooking.com/BPPSX

Looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible on Wednesday, 31st March at Sandringham College Hall, Holloway Road, Sandringham.  7.30 start.  To all Vocally Wild Members, keep a look out for more exciting information about our start-up on 20th April.

Kindest regards,
Pat. 0437 697 009
 

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - FEBRUARY, 2021

Fri, 26 Feb 2021
Printable version
Patrice Marshall - (Accompanist)
Russel Barnes (President) 0409 090448   


Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  

Pat Lowry (Secretary) 0437 697 009   

Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary) 

 
Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
0458 669 883  

Edwina McLachlan  
Sylvia Ring
 0402 217 344
Kerry Holmquest
  h

Hello!
Many of you were disappointed that we couldn’t resume Choir this week, but things are now looking positive for Term 2 and we are very happy to announce that we will be taking our usual part in the Beaumaris RSL ANZAC Parade and Service – see more detail below.

V.W. MUSIC DIRECTOR
Firstly, we have commenced our ‘recruitment’ campaign for our new M.D. - you may have seen the advertisement in various places.  The deadline for applications is Friday, 12th March, so hopefully we will have our new Director early in Term 2.

ANZAC PARADE AND SERVICE – SUNDAY, 18TH APRIL
As mentioned, we are thrilled that the Beaumaris ANZAC event will go ahead and we have the privilege, once again, in being asked to take part in this very special and significant community event.

We are particularly pleased that our choir leader for the parade and service, and for the two rehearsals, will be Bill Miles.  Bill is a candidate for the M.D. role and he has kindly agreed to help us out.  This is an ideal opportunity for him to find out a little about us at Vocally Wild, and of course a perfect ‘audition’ opportunity for us all.

Bill will rehearse with us at 7.30 p.m. on:
  • Tuesday, 23rd March, and
  • Wednesday, 31st March (Tuesday 30th not suitable)
The venue will be confirmed shortly.  The songs/hymns for the service are:
  • O God Our Help in Ages Past
  • Eternal Father Strong to Save (Naval Hymn)
  • Song of Australia
  • I Am Australian
  • My Country
  • New Zealand National Anthem
  • Australian National Anthem
so now is a good time to start preparing your folders.  If you haven’t all of the sheet music and words in your stockpile, don’t worry, Maggie will have spares available at our first rehearsal.  Confirmation of the words to ‘Song of Australia’, which were adjusted prior to the unfortunately cancelled event in 2020, will follow soon. 

We will sing most of the songs with the St. Leonard’s School Band, led by Mark Ford.  Patrice will also be accompanying us, so it will be like old times again!

The confirmed programme will be forwarded in due course, but we are likely to meet, as usual, at the Beaumaris Community Centre at approximately 1.45 p.m. for rehearsal with the Band. 

We will ask you to please wear the usual black (long sleeves and skirt/trousers) and if you have a ‘poppy’ it would be very special if you could wear it.  There are many knitted poppy patterns around, if you want to make one.  If you don’t have a pattern, let me know, I have a good, easy one.  (If you really can’t knit and would like one, let me know and I’ll knit it for you, they don’t take long – community service!!!)

The Committee and all concerned hope you will come along to the rehearsals and take part in this community event – it is always a meaningful thing to do.  If you’re unable to attend on the 18th April, but still would like to have a ‘sing’, do come along to the rehearsals anyway. 

A BIT OF OPTIMISM
Reading that we are about to start up again should certainly help with those Covid ‘doldrums’ but if that’s not enough, our wonderful ‘vintage’ Leunig hits the right note here:

Also, along this theme, enjoy the link

https://youtu.be/g9Ujrb7IYSY
provided by Jeannie Marsh, confirming the joy and pleasure for us all in music.  Jeanie is a busy and very talented musician and choir leader.

Please watch out for more information coming to your 'gadget' soon!

Kindest regards,
Pat Lowry


  
 

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - JANUARY, 2021

Sun, 24 Jan 2021
Printable version
 
Patrice Marshall - (Accompanist)
Russel Barnes (President) 0409 090448   


Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  

Pat Lowry (Secretary) 0437 697 009  

Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary) 

 
Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
0458 669 883  

Edwina McLachlan  
Sylvia Ring
   0402 217 344
Kerry Holmquest
  

Dear All,

Today, there's not a great deal to relate, but please keep all your communication channels open as there should be some uplifting news shortly!


In the meantime, please be reassured that the Committee is doing its utmost to work out a safe and secure way for us to return to singing, taking into account the recommendations by appropriate bodies for a choral group of our size.

Our 'Covid Canary', Maggie, has researched at length and put together many documents from the relevant authorities and with this wealth of information, we will create a Vocally Wild Safety Plan for 2021.

BAYSIDE COUNCIL GRANT
Russel submitted an application to Bayside Council for a Re-activation Grant and we are happy to advise that $2,000 has been awarded to us for assistance with re-activation costs.  This will be of great help and we thank Bayside City Council for their generosity and continued interest in Vocally Wild Choir.

Russel was interviewed recently by a reporter from the ‘Bayside News’, so this will be something to watch out for!

SEARCH FOR MUSIC DIRECTOR
An advertisement is currently appearing on the ANCA (Australian National Choral Association) website and a copy has been placed on the Radio 3MBS noticeboard, as we continue our search for a new Music Director.

"A PLACE IN THE CHOIR"
We have now acquired the sheet music for Celtic Thunder's 'A Place in the Choir', which is certain to become our 'signature anthem' for the future.  Once again, thank you to John Smith for his recommendation and enthusiam.  The sheet music will be forwarded as a separate email.  You will be able to access the video on U-tube www..youtube.com - so enjoy familiarising yourself with this delightful song and we can hit the ground running when we resume singing again.

Talking of songs, if any of you have any particular favourites from Vocally Wild's past, please make your list and send it in - we really want to hit the right note and start off singing what we love.

REPORT ON CAROL SINGING AT BLACK ROCK SPORTS CLUB  (Lidia)
Last year, the Black Rock sports club asked me if I could organise a group of singers to sing some Christmas carols at their annual end of year get together.  I was given a week to organise it, so I was very grateful to the dozen or so people who agreed to sing that night.

It was all very impromptu, but I believe very successful. Jenny Ellison came as well and got the party swinging!  She was such an asset and we were all happy she could join us. The audience was so enthusiastic that we sang more than we had planned.

Thank you Black Rock Sports club.  I’m sure we would be happy to perform again for them.


Thanks you Lidia.  It was a fabulous night - just what we needed and the crowd was huge!  

ROTARY IN HARMONY
I'm not sure how many of you tuned in to the 'Rotary in Harmony' Zoom last November, but it was excellent, well produced with plenty of talented performers, including some thoughtful, melodic and beautiful songs from Damien Leith.  For your interest, there was a 'spinning wheel' competition and our Jan Gooding won a prize!  

FOR A BIT OF FUN

Some thoughts about Covid from Shar Hughes (written by her friend’s brother):

Medical experts in Melbourne were asked if it was time to ease the COVID lockdown.

Allergists were in favour of scratching it, but Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves. Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it, but Neurologists thought the government had a lot of nerve.
Obstetricians felt certain everyone was labouring under a misconception, while -
Ophthalmologists considered the idea short-sighted.
Many Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!" while -
Paediatricians said, "Oh, grow up!"
Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while -
Radiologists could see right through it.
Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing and -
Pharmacists claimed it would be a bitter pill to swallow.
Plastic Surgeons opined that this proposal would "put a whole new face on the matter."
Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but -
Urologists were pissed off at the whole idea.
Anaesthetists thought the whole idea was gas, and those lofty -
Cardiologists didn’t have the heart to say no.
Oncologists said this was spreading too fast and had to be better managed.
Orthopaedic Surgeons said to cut out all this silliness and just accept what they say as Gospel.
Psychologists want to say 'there is 'no point in hiding behind a mask' or  -
As Podiatrists would say 'cut to the quick and get on with it'.

In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to the arseholes in politics.

Cheerio for now, but watch out for more news soon!
Best regards,
Pat 
25th January, 2021.


 


VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER, 2020

Sun, 13 Dec 2020
Printable version
 
Patrice Marshall - (Accompanist)
Russel Barnes (President) 0409 090 448   

Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  

Pat Lowry (Secretary) 0437 697 009   

Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary)  
Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
0458 669 883 

Edwina McLachlan  
Graham Mitchell  

Sylvia Ring
  
Kerry Holmquest
  

This is our final newsletter for 2020 and I'm sure most of us will not be saddened by the passing of 2020,  2021 looks hopeful, and by all accounts it seems everyone is keen to resume singing as early as safely possible. Therefore, the Committee is currently checking out suitable premises or locations, bearing in mind the health and safety regulations concerning spacing, airflow, ventilaton, etc., and we are happy to announce it is our intention for Vocally Wild Choir to commence Term 1, 2021 on Tuesday, 2nd February, 2021, 7.30 p.m.   This will be at suitable premises, either inside or outside (whilst weather still good) as long as the Covid health regulations at the time allow it.  The venue will be announced as soon as possible.

An advertisement putting out feelers for our new Choir Director has been created and will be placed in appropriate publications this month, so we look forward to meeting some keen applicants in the new year.  You will, of course, be kept informed of progress in this regard.  All going well, there could be a 'short list' by the start of February, so prior to appointing our new leader, we will most likely start Term 1 with some happy 'sing-alongs' to get us back "in the mood".  In fact, see below what we plan to do with our own, very enthusiastic, John Smith's terrific musical suggestion!!!

Even though most of the year has been all quiet on the Choir front, the last few weeks have had a bit of a buzz about them and we can report on a few of these activities

"ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU' ZOOM CAROLS"
By all accounts, everyone who attended agreed that the Zoom was a great success.  Approximately 52 gadjets tuned in, resulting in an attendance of around 60 to 65 or more.  It was an excellent, cheerful, fun-filled programme and the Committee is so appreciative of Dianne’s excellent planning and co-ordination, enthusiasm, dedication and generous assistance to the guest singers (and from the positive feed back, all who attended feel the same way too).  The Vocally Wild members who sang and presented were amazing;  Dianne, Fran, Lesley, Jenny, Teresa, and of course, our wonderful Robert, glorious Katherine Gale and Diana, who said her farewells to us.  You are all warmly congratulated on your talent, confidence and evident joy at being involved.  Wasn't Fran a wonderful M.C?  (No point in hiding away Fran, all eyes will be on you for future performances!!!???)  Did you spot Pattie and Shirley, our two wonderful ex-Vocally Wilders?  So good to see you there.

To top it all, Robert let it be known that he was already planning the 2021 Carols in the Park!!!  This news was received with great enthusiasm.

SOCIAL GET-TOGETHER, BEAUMARIS SEA SCOUTS HALL
Many thanks to Sylvia and Miranda (and their husbands!!) for organising the venue for this perfect end of year get-together and making it look so festive.  It was a very successful event with an excellent attendance of around 55.  Last Sunday afternoon had been hot, but by the time we gathered with our chairs, picnic tables, bottles, glasses, snacks and Christmas cheer, the golden late sun was warm, the birds were singing and everyone had a very pleasant two and a half hours basking in all this glory!  It was so good to see so many choir faces and enjoy the friendship and congenial atmosphere.

BLACK ROCK SPORTS CLUB CAROLS
Lidia was asked, at short notice, if Vocally Wild could provide a small choir to sing Carols at the Black Rock Sports Club on Friday, 18th December, at their Christmas Party.  In her typical enthusiastic style, Lidia rounded up a group of about 11 or more singers, including Jenny Ellison, who will be doing a couple of solos with her guitar.  This event takes place tomorrow night.  The programme looks interesting, includijg a professional pianist, trumpeters, soloists, and us!!  This should be a fun time for those taking part and, as Black Rock Sports Club has been very accommodating to us in the past, we are very happy to be joining in and supporting them.  

JOHN SMITH - “A PLACE IN THE CHOIR”
Our loyal and enthusiastic John contacted Julie recently with a hope that the Choir might learn to sing a song by Celtic Thunder, “A Place in the Choir” which depicts animals’ places in the choir.  The Committee was very enthusiastic and have decided to adopt this song as our 'Vocally Wild Anthem', which we will learn and sing at rehearsal meetings, concerts, etc. or whenever/wherever the occasion demands it!  The lyrics are printed below. Hopefully we will be able to source the choral sheet music.  It is a delightful, simple, catchy song and we feel it will be perfect for us.  Thank you John, it was a brilliant move on your part! 

So, how about listening to it and starting to sing along, ready for early February?! 

 

A Place in the Choir - YouTube  www.youtube.com › watch).  

A PLACE IN THE CHOIR  (Celtic Thunder)
All God's creatures got a place in the choir
Some sing low and some sing higher,
Some sing out loud on a telephone wire,
Some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they've got now

All God's creatures got a place in the choir
Some sing low and some sing higher,
Some sing out loud on a telephone wire,
Some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they've got now

Listen to the top where the little bird sings
On the melodies and the high notes ringing,
And the hoot owl cries over everything
And the blackbird disagrees

Singing in the night time, singing in the day,
When little duck quacks, and he's on his way
And the otter hasn't got much to say
And the porcupine talks to himself

All God's creatures got a place in the choir
Some sing low and some sing…



 
Not sure if you're going away; but if nothing is planned, how about we all trail along after Leunig's little friends?  Seems to me the perfect destination!!

Kindest regards,
Pat and all the Committee

(0437697 009  patlow5@bigpond.com)

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - NOVEMBER, 2020

Tue, 10 Nov 2020
Printable version
...
Patrice Marshall - Accompanist
Russel Barnes (President) 0409 090 448   

Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  

Pat Lowry (Secretary) 0437 697 009   

Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary)  

Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
0458 669 883  

Edwina McLachlan  
Graham Mitchell 

Sylvia Ring   0402 217 344
Kerry Holmquest
  

Hello everyone,
It was with spring in our steps that the committee met face to face yesterday (the first time without Zoom for months) and as we sat under the beautiful gum trees at Thomas Street Park, sipping coffee together with birdsong in the air, we had much to be optimistic about: relief about news of a certain election result, all these hard earned ‘doughnut’ days, together with the beautiful weather.  There was a collective joy and feeling of relief; plus the optimism that we were about to work on a positive plan for Vocally Wild and 2021!

So, this is the latest from your hard-working committee:

FINANCES
Julie advises us that we are sound financially, with a healthy buffer to protect the choir from any possible ‘knowns or unknowns’!  We are in the process of reviewing the fee structure for 2021 and currently happy to say there no plans to request any fees for the first term/semester 2021 until we are definite about how and when the choir will resume normal functioning.  We are, of course, aware that many of you are in credit for Terms 1/2.  Should we continue with Zoom singing, the costs of this will be covered.

REPLACEMENT OF CHOIR DIRECTOR AND FUTURE PLANS:
  • We will only return to regular Tuesday night meetings when we have been advised that it is safe to do so and when we are totally happy that our venue meets with spacing requirements, air flow and ventilation standards, etc. necessary for a large choir such as ours. 
  • In the meantime, we will be considering all options for 2021 and we feel that by December this year we will be ready to advertise for ‘Expressions of Interest” in the Music Director position.  This will give us time to review our Vocally Wild ‘Aims and Objectives’ and formulate a plan to move forward.  These of course will then be discussed with possible applicants.
  • Since a Tuesday night start in early February is unlikely at this stage, as an interim measure we hope to be able to continue with our Zoom singalongs, similar to the Sing Wine Tea and Chat session Dianne ran so successfully for us in October and anticipate that something can be organised by the end of January or early February.
In the meantime, we hope you will all come along to the following:
 
CHRISTMAS CAROLS ‘ZOOM,’ – TUESDAY, 8TH DECEMBER.  7.30 P.M.
Dianne is well under way with the planning for the Zoom Carols and we are really excited to announce that Katherine Gale will be our headline guest.  You may remember we had the honour of singing with Katherine at the 2019 Bayside Carols in the Park.  Katherine is a recent Bachelor of Music Graduate in Music Theatre; she is well known as an actor, versatile singer and dancer and it will be wonderful to see her again.  But Katherine is not the only special guest!!!  Diana and Dianne will also lead us in a carol or two and although I am not allowed to say at the moment, I know for a fact that many of you will be delighted with another very, extra special guest, who will remain anonymous for now!!

So make sure you’re ready to zoom in at 7.30 p.m. on the 8th December.  We will let you know the link details in due course.
 
VOCALLY WILD END OF YEAR GET-TOGETHER – IN PERSON!!! 
SUNDAY, 13TH DECEMBER.  5.00 P.M. 
Venue yet to be announced.  Because of the safety precautions, we can’t arrange food, drink, or for the venue to be at a certain club venue, so we are looking at finding a suitable space in a park, perhaps with undercover facilities (this will have to be paid for, but costs will be covered by V.W.).  We will all need to bring our own food, drink, nibbles, but it will be wonderful to be able to meet up and celebrate the end of this very challenging year in a much happier frame of mind.  Further details to come.

COMMUNITY CAROL SINGING
Unfortunately, due to the problems with distancing, rules regarding singing in numbers, even outside, and other uncertainties, we are unable to organise any community Carols singing this year as we have done in the past at aged care homes, street venues, seniors groups, etc.  We even sang at the Rotary Market in the past, but due to strict guidelines, this too is not available to us.  However, we thank those of you who have written to us, your suggestions were much appreciated.

Committee will have a final ‘in the park’ meeting on the 15th December and rest assured that we will all be focussed, to the best of our abilities, on how we can plan for a safe and active 2021 when we will hit the ground running with some joyful, happy songs!  If you have any messages, questions, suggestions, please contact one of us prior to the 15th December.

Look forward to seeing as many of you as you possibly can at the Zoom on the 8th.
Kindest regards,
Pat.


NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER, 2020

Wed, 23 Sep 2020
Printable version
 
Diana Clark de-Vries (Director of Music)
Patrice Marshall (Accompanist)
Russel Barnes (President) 

Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  
Pat Lowry (Secretary) 
Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary)  
Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
Edwina McLachlan  
Graham Mitchell  
Sylvia Ring  

Kerry Holmquest  

Hello everyone ......

Let's have a 'Leunig news day' and now that things are iimprovin all our news is positive and kind - from the birds,, ducks, and curly people -
with thoughts of beauty, music, 
flowers and mountains!

To get in the spirit, thank you to so many of you for coming along to our Zoom Annual General Meeting earlier this month; it was wonderful to see so many faces and the meeting went very well.  If you wish to see copies of financials or minutes, please let me know.

A warm welcome goes to our two new Committee Members - Sylvia Ring and Kerry Holmquest, who will be very valued members of the group that's for sure.  A huge thank you goes to Jenny and Dianne, who retired from the Committee this year - they are both terrific Vocally Wild members who contributed enormously to Vocally Wild..

As you can imagine, there's not a lot to pass on at the moment, but we hope to organise some outside singing activities, once we are clearer as to the numbers allowed.  (Watch this space).  You will be aware by now that, sadly, the Bayside Carols in the Park has been cancelled for 2020, but we do hope to be able to get together to sing some form of Carols prior to Christmas, somewhere, somehow!!!

In the meantime, at our recent Committee meeting, after considering feedback from some of you, we thought we would try a Zoom gatheriing:

TEA, WINE, SONG AND CHAT - SUNDAY, 11TH OCTOBER - 3.00 P.M.
The idea is that interested members would join together for an 'Open Mic' style zoom get-together, where members who wish to perform individually (or if as a group, it would need to be using just one computer, tablet or phone). In between the performances, we can have our cup of tea or glass of wine and chat!  Dianne and Russel are happy to be the organisers and help with technical queries, and Dianne would be the host.  To get this on its way, we invite you to:
  • Consider if you would like to perform, as a single act - (it is technically too difficult to have more than one singer/performer at a time from separate equipment), or as a group from one piece of equipment,.  
  • Contact Dianne  and Dianne and Russel will assist in any technical issues or if you require backing tracks, etc.
  • You will all be forwarded the Zoom link once it is organised.
Now, who's going to sing "Little Darlin', it's been a Long and Lonely Winter"??  

DIANA           
Some of our members  zoomed into Diana's GSA online Choir 'Tonic' on four Wednesday evenings recently.  Thank you to Diana who put in a great deal of thought and effort into this.  I am sure everyone who attended enjoyed and benefitted from your 'tonic'.

Diana has kindly forwarded some of her video clips.  She is happy to share these with you as lockdown restrictions begin; she feels the songs will reflect our spirits.  Thank you!

Sunny Daze (as seen on RAGE) https://youtu.be/nrcJGpzJtTo
In Love with Love (recorded at the Bentleigh Ice Cream shop near Ben's Books) https://youtu.be/o-36CH8CcJk
BATUCADA BONDE (the Tram Song) filmed in Ballarat https://youtu.be/3Xmj1wEcFF0

GENEROSITY FROM VIVA MELBOURNE!

It has taken quite some time for Viva Melbourne participants to wind up the trip affairs, i.e. refunds from cancellations, etc.,  but from the group point of view, we are now finalising refunds from the V.M. bank account.  A small amount remained, which was to be shared between the travellers and many kindly decided to donate their share to Vocally Wild.  So, today, we are happy to announce that $410 has been transferred from the Viva Melbourne account into the Vocally Wild coffers.  Thank you to all who donated after this long, untravelled road!!!!

SONGS
As we 'dare to dream' about our future singing together as a large group, (of course this could be a long way off yet), we are starting to consider the 'joyful' songs we might like to open with, after such a long time apart.  


Maggie has delved into her enormous music storage and put together 40 great songs which she feels we really enjoyed and sang well; ones we are able to reproduce..  I have, on file, Toni's amazing page which she produced for Robert's farewell book, covering every song Toni learnt during her time with Robert as M.D.  - 102 of them!!  It's great, nostalgic reading!

If there are any songs covered during your time in Vocally Wild which you would like to nominate as good 'starting back, happy, sing along songs', please let any Committee member know so we can put together a 'favourites' list for when our Tuesday evenings return and we can once again sing with gusto!  

GENERAL CHIT CHAT
  • Elana from SandyBeach Community Centre forwarded some information recently.  They have a number of different online courses available.  If you're interested in finding out what is happening, perhaps you could look up their website - https://sandybeach.org.au  
  • From Church Bulletins.  Have you seen this?  "Thank God for the Church Ladies with Typewriters"?  The following are just a few sentences which actually appeared, or were announced during Church services.  I can forward the whole list if you like - it's very funny!
    • Next Thursday there will be try-outs for the choir.  they need all the help they can get.
    • At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is Hell?"  Come early and listen to our choir practice.
    • The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind.  They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
    • The eighth graders will  be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basemenet on Friday at 7.00 p.m.  The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
    • The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday.  "I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours".
    • Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
Love this Julie put on
Facebook .....



Take care, look after yourselves and don't forget to let us know if you'd like to be a participant in our -

Open Mic  section of "Tea, Wine, Song and Chat". 


Virtual hugs only allowed at this stage !!!!!



Kind regards,
Pat (0437 697 009)


NEWS EXTRA - AUGUST, 2020

Sun, 16 Aug 2020
Printable version
Hello All,
Hope you've been enjoying the wonderful weather of late.  Here are a few Vocally Wilders' messages - I'm sure many of you will be interested, or want to take part in some of these singing activities:

FROM JO MANSUTTI - M.S.O. 'ODE TO MELBOURNE'
I thought you might like to share the email below with our Sops or VW  to see if anyone fancied participating with the MSO in their Ode to Melbourne.  As you know I did the Anzac Day “performance” singing Waltzing Mathilda with them and thoroughly enjoyed it.  You’ll all know this song..?
Stay well - missing our singing girls group! 

Sing Leaps and Bounds with the MSO

Melbourne is in Stage 4 restrictions and we need your help. Join the MSO Chorus and musicians of the MSO to sing an ode to our city, as part of a special video project dedicated to all Melburnians.
Picture the opening salvo of Paul Kelly's Leaps and Bounds, "I'm high on a hill / Looking over the bridge / To the MCG..." delivered by more than 100 voices. It's part of the MSO's commitment to #KeepTheMusicGoing throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and bring a smile to those in our town doing it tough.  
We would love you to be a part of this. Learn more about how to submit your video recording by 21 August at the link below.
MSO’s Leaps and Bounds Virtual Choir will premiere on the MSO’s YouTube channel at 7.30pm on Thursday 17 September.
Learn more

FROM DIANNE BIRCH - 'SOUL CHOIR SINGERS'
This is the group from Ballarat that a few of us recently joined with to perform “Ray of Sunshine”. They are doing a new song so I think it would a lovely opportunity for choir members to consider. Full details below.
Cheers, Dianne

Hello Virtual Soul Choir singers!  

Hope this email finds you all well and bearing up under the various levels of restriction. Fear not though choristers - we may have the antidote for these lockdown blues... the second Virtual Soul Choir project is here! The return. The sequel! Yes I. (not a typo but Caribbean slang!)
 
We have been commissioned by Della Vreeland from the Baha'i community to create an online choir video for our original work, Song of Celebration. You can read more about it online. We would love you to be involved!
 
When you go to the virtualsoulchoir.com website you will find the following:
  • the introduction video explaining what you need to do to get involved
  • conducting videos - choose your vocal range
  • mp3 recording of full arrangement 
  • the lyrics
  • the donation button (to keep us singing!)
  • submissions close Sunday 6 September
Spoiler alert: There will also be a very special element in the video that you won't see or hear until it's launched!!
Also the fortnightly Monday Night Soul Infusion (MNSI) sessions are going really well!  Thanks everyone who has joined us so far. There are two more in this term. 
 
Every 2 weeks on Mon, 7.30pm - Aug 24, Sep 7
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85770452039?pwd=bkpyN1Nqa1orTU80WmcwOHZMdEh3Zz09 
Meeting ID: 857 7045 2039  Passcode: 744201   Donation for MNSI is through the same button on the Virtual Soul Choir website.  If your 2020 is sagging in the middle, come and join us on either or both, we'd love to see you!  George & Geoffrey

FROM CAROLINE DUNN - 'SING IN SEPTEMBER'
Hope you are well. I got this email from the Boite, go to the end to see singing workshops in September that may be of interest to Vocally Wild members.  Choir seems like a distant memory and a long way off in the future.  Keep healthy

SING IN SEPTEMBER

Singers, all over Melbourne, and all over the world, are missing their regular opportunities to connect through song and friendship, in halls and churches.
The Boite has developed an online day of singing to help to fill the gap. Presenters from the UK, Canada and Melbourne will bring their expertise to offer new songs and opportunities to singers here and across the globe in the form of 3x90-minute workshops presented online.
Featuring:
  • Su Hart (UK): Composer, choir leader and a world expert on the singing of the Central African Rainforest People, the Baka. suhart.com
  • Matt Knight (Canada): Contemporary folk songs from North America that nurture the soul, speaking to the rhythms of life.
  • Sue Johnson (Australia): Groove based songs, rhythms and chants immersing the participant in a rich layering of sound. suejohnson.com.au 
From 12:30pm, Sunday September 13th  -  $20 for a single workshop, $50 for a 3-workshop pass
Tickets through trybooking.com/BKPUI


FROM MAGGIE CRIPPS   Look up: YouTube: Longest Time by Phoenix Chamber Choir!!  Also try this  - 6df1703b-377a-4b3e-97dd-550f6e095b55.MP4 (8MB) but you may have to type all this in!!!

Maggie has been fully occupied during lockdown, see her efforts below!  Fabulous, Maggie and Rod! 

You were asking what we were doing to fill our time. As you already know, I have been making masks for friends and neighbours and asking a $5 donation to send to the Alfred hospital for staff welfare during this crisis. I have now made over 90 and have raised over $500, but think I am close to retiring from this project. All the neighbours have turned out their sewing kits and given me reams of stored elastic for this accidental and unplanned project. 
Rod and I have also been trying to create a sourdough starter without much success, so if anyone has a good recipe for it we would love to try it. 
During the first lockdown we went crazy in the garden, tidying and planting veggies, both in the back yard, and in the front yard for the neighbours. The front yard patch is now quite productive and we are receiving lovely responses, ie $5 and a thank you note in the letterbox, a contribution of home made beer on the front door mat, and a beautiful lemon curd tart from next door. 
There are plenty of other projects in this house as we have been here for over 50 years, and there is enormous amounts of accumulated junk (all good according to the engneer I live with!).
I have also learned how to set up Zoom meetings for my book clubs, and kept in touch with friends via Messenger (another first for this teck dinosaur).
Keeps me occupied!!


Maggie has also sent along some insightful tales of engineers - a sample is 'Understanding Engineers, No. 7' - can send you the others if you would like!

An engineer was crossing a road one day, when a frog called out to him and said, "If you kiss me, I'll turn into a beautiful princess."
   He bent over, picked up the frog, and put it in his pocket. 

The frog spoke up again and said, "If you kiss me, I'll turn back into a beautiful princess and stay with you for one week."   The engineer took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it and returned it to the pocket. 

The frog then cried out, "If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess I'll stay with you for one week and do anything you want."   Again, the engineer took the frog out, smiled at it and put it back into his pocket. 

Finally, the frog asked, "What's the matter? I've told you I'm a beautiful princess and that I'll stay with you for one week and do anything you want. Why won't you kiss me?"   The engineer said, "Look, I'm an engineer. I don't have time for a girlfriend. But a talking frog - now that's cool." 


FROM ROSE OLSON - - a wonderful German flashmob - you'll love it!
https://www.facebook.com/389975571194495/posts/1157372267788151/


That's all for now folks, apart from a reminder of the AGM on 2nd September.  
Kind thoughts to you all,

NEWSLETTER - AUGUST, 2020

Sat, 8 Aug 2020
Printable version
Russel Barnes (President) 0409 090 448 

Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)
Pat Lowry (Secretary) 0437 697 009   
Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary)  

 
Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
0458 669 883  
Dianne Birch (Music Adviser)  
Edwina McLachlan  
Graham Mitchell  

Good Morning Vocally Wilders,

On this chilly morning, hope you are all doing ok, keeping well and busy.  Difficult times, but let’s hope we can all think positively - that's the best we can do!

You will have probably received your A.G.M. notice, sent via email, a few minutes ago.  Dianne will be our host for this Zoom meeting and here are the details again - 

Topic:  Vocally Wild AGM.  Date: Sep 2, 2020 Time:  07:30 p.m.  To join the Zoom Meeting click the link or go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87976218616  Meeting ID: 879 7621 8616. 

Please let me know if you didn't receive the AGM Notice and I will forward it again.  Thank you Dianne for offering to host this meeting - let's hope as many of you as possible will be able to attend.  Any nominations for a position on the Committee to be forwarded please to Russel (email above) with details of nominee, yourself as nominator and the name of a seconder by Wednesday, 26th August.  Thank you. 

KATRINA
Katrina sent the email below to Russel and Diana and we are now forwarding it to you, should you be interested in taking part.  

I am hoping this email finds you both well during this tricky time in Melbourne.  I have been making a couple of resources to aid my choir members to sing at home.

Essentially I aim to teach an entire SATB arrangement of a song in a 30 minute video which includes a warm-up, a tutorial for the parts and a multi-tracked video of the song conducted and sung by me and special guests (so far, my husband Tom and Andrew Price from the Kingston Sea Shanties).  The music is also sent as a PDF with the video link.


Cheryl has suggested that this might be a way to teach choral arrangements for the Christmas Concert and I am certainly open to the idea if we are to be involved.


For now I thought I would send you both through the YouTube links to the SATB versions of the two songs I have taught and if you thought members of Vocally Wild might be interested in the videos please feel free to direct them to the courses page on my website: https://katrinawaters-soprano.com/courses/


The videos are not perfect, especially when the Bass in Down to the River (my husband Tom) persisted in singing the wrong words, as we all do from time to time. However, I hope the videos inspire community choristers to put on a pair of headphones and sing like no one is listening!


Best wishes, Katrina  
katrinawaterssoprano@gmail.com

Down in the River to Pray     https://youtu.be/DK7KcwDiUFw
Black is the Colour of My True Love’s Hair     https://youtu.be/IEgzrxOg5LQ


WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING, OR WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING?
Sylvia (2nd Sops) had a great idea - she thought it might be interesting and fun if we shared our ;'lock-down'  activities!  There must be a myriad of ideas and activities out there!  What's the worst thing you've done during the lock down?  Sylvia has been exploring her painting - doing tutorials, trying different skills using loads of colours. (I know there are several other 'artists' in our midst - send me some photos if you want to share your creations).  Sylvia has also been clearing cupboards in the garage - delving into materials from 20 years ago,  half finished paintings and projects, organising Christmas decorations, lovingly sorting tubs of photos and making them into photoboards, enjoying the great memories.  Phew - am exhausted thinking of it all!   The worst thing I have done so far is to half-heartedly clean the oven!  The best is starting to learn to play the pian0 from scratch!  Patrice, there is definitely no threat to your job!!!

Let me know - I am sure people would love to hear what you're doing.or what you promise yourself you'll do!

MORE ITEMS OF INTEREST FROM MEMBERS
Caroline Dunn:  Caroline suggrests contacting The Boite - email boite@boite.com.au and looking into their Singing Workshops: which will take place from: 12:30pm, Sunday September 13th.  $20 for a single workshop, $50 for a 3-workshop pass.  Tickets through trybooking.com/BKPUI


ROSE OLSON has been keeping me entertained with a variety of attachments and emails of amazing music and funnies in the last few weeks.  Here is one of the delightful ones from good old Winnie:

i am sure CHRISTINE MONTGOMERY (Alto) won't mind me mentioning that she will be having a 'special' birthday on the 11th August - Happy Birthday from all of us Christine - thinking of you.  Wish we could be singing to you in our usual raucus way!

Thank you to SUE BEAZLEY for sending her 'keeping in touch' email to the Sopranos! Very interesting and welcome Sue.

Cheerio for now - don't forget the AGM,, plus let me have anything you would like to share with members to keep the communication going!!
Kindest,

Pat. 0437697009.


NEWSLETTER - JULY, 2020

Sat, 11 Jul 2020
Printable version

Russel Barnes (President) 


Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  
Pat Lowry (Secretary) 
Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary)  

Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 


Dianne Birch (Music Adviser)  
Edwina McLachlan  
Graham Mitchell  

 

Hello Vocally Wilders,
Hope you are all coping with what has been thrown at us and, where possible remaining cheerful and positive!!  I know several of you have had some concerns, so thoughts are with you.  The Committee won't be meeting this month, little need at present, but we plan to Zoom together in August and hopefully there will be some brighter news by then.  In the meantime, here is a message and 'pep up' from Diana, a communication from Toni Evans and Carolyn McIntyre, plus some music videos from Ken Walker and Maggie Cripps, (thank you Russel for the technical assistance!!) plus an indulgence from me!

FROM DIANA
Here's a clip I created while lucky enough to have a break in lovely serene South Gippsland last month. 
Aum Shanti - (Peace Chant) sung on a mountain in Foster North overlooking farmland and Wilson's Prom in the distance - this clip is all about the view!! 
Left of screen is melody/low part,  right bottom is middle voice, right top is high - try out all the parts - and see which one your voice feels sweetest in.  Try jumping up or down an octave - play around with singing it when you want some peaceful respite! <3 Diana
https://mixcord.co/acapella/p/Zr0j2tq6YbPK9v4ThP2k8g/
I'd love to see a photo of Judy for her 90th celebrations too if we have one to share - congrats Judy!!!


Thank you so much Diana.

MESSAGES FROM OUR CHOIR FRIENDS
Tony:  I hope that you are all well and safe, and hunkered down in your lovely warm homes.  I hope I'm not imposing, but I would love to send a "hello" from me to all our Choir members.  I miss them all, as you would too.  Choir was/is such an important part of our lives and I don't know when I'll see all those lovely smiling faces again.  Sigh !!

Carolyn:  I miss you all, the singing and the camaraderie.

Maggie:  Maggie says you'll enjoy this 'Opera'  and to watch to the end!   Opera with an unusual ending

Ken:   For great music, Ken suggests you go to Google and enter  ‘Wiener Cello Ensemble spiel Bolero’.  He sends a message with it - Always loved the repetitive nature of Bolero....and the comedy routines around the piece. .. a compelling melody to listen to!
Another from Ken - see attachment  "The Good, The Bad, The Ugly' .  The Good, Bad and Ugly


Thanks Toni, Carolyn, Ken and Maggie.  If any one of you would like to send a general message to Choir, or if you have any items of interest, for example what you've been up to in 'lockdown', I'm sure many would LOVE  to hear from you, so please let me know.  (patlow5@bigpond.com)

MARSKE FISHERMEN'S CHOIR
For any of you interested in seeing a wonderful men's choir, attached is a short clip of the Marske Fishermen's Choir (Marske by the Sea, North Yorkshire, near the North York Moors)!  They have been singing all over the UK, for charity, since the late 60's.  This clip is of a small group of them performing a sea shanty amongst the ancient ruins of Whitby Abbey, on a very misty, moisty atmospheric morning!  The video is from my phone and I am sorry that I didn't get the full song, but you can look them up via Mr. Google!  In this clip they're singing about the "black gold (oil) in the dark sea waters Johnny".
Marske Fishermens choir

Leunig as usual hit the nail on its head a couple of days ago - which one will you wear - now they are compulsory!? 
Leunig

Take care, more soon.  Pat.




 

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - MAY, 2020

Mon, 18 May 2020
Printable version
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM RUSSEL, PRESIDENT 
You may be wondering when we can resume choir activities, now that the COVID 19 pandemic numbers are on the wane in Australia.  Your Committee met this week to look at this question and to weigh up the evidence regarding the safety of performing in a choir.

I am sorry to say the prospects of getting back together in 2020 are very bleak.  The main reason is the high infection rate seen overseas in large groups which meet for extended periods, as we do when we rehearse on a Tuesday night.  We are also not expecting the Carols in the Park to go ahead, although Bayside Council has not announced a decision at this stage. 

We may be able to resume meeting if either a vaccine is widely adopted or there is no virus anywhere in Australia for a period of at least a month.

The Committee will meet every two months to review the situation and you will be notified if there is any change.  In the meantime, we wanted you to know that Vocally Wild will be suspended for the rest of the year, unless there is an unexpected end to the COVID 19 pandemic.

 
Best wishes to you all from President Russel and the Vocally Wild Committee
 
Thank you to Russel and the Committee - this was a very sad and energy draining meeting and all of us are extremely sorry that this decision had to be made..  We looked at the plentiful material available to choirs, including experiences of ones from overseas and accepted the solid evidence that choral singing was the most dangerous of group activities.  The Committee feels a huge responsibility towards our 100 members, bearing in mind:  our median age group, the extra social distancing space needed and the technical reasons for it, the fact that choirs have a 70% greater likelihood of spreading infection than other groups, that one person in a room with people singing and expelling the droplets and aerosoles we read about, could create a highly infectious situation, and that air conditioning would certainly aggravate the problem.

As Russel mentions, things may change and we will be alert to any positive information available.  In the meantime, take care everyone!  Here are a few general items of news - hopefully there will be a newsletter after our bi-monthly Committee meetings and of course other information will be emailed if necessary.

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY
It's a shame we couldn't all celebrate Diana's 50th with her - a special milestone - but thank you to all of you from Vocally Wild and Viva Melbourne who sent emails which were 'glued' into two huge cards.  Diana was especially delighted with the surprise visit by the ten, as she describes it, "brave souls" who gathered around her gate with balloons, cards, presents and sang Happy Birthday - still quite illegally at this stage, but don't tell anyone!!  Vocally Wild (thanks to Dianne who organised it) sent her a box of  "beautifully organically grown Holistic essential oil, massage oil and chakra/energy balancing tea" from Wagga Wagga and Viva Melbourne gave her a Voucher which she and Doug spent on some Dr. Dan Murphy 'treatments' of sparkling and red wines'.  Diana sends her sincere thanks to everyone concerned and said that these gestures lifted her spirits!

We have another very special birthday coming up, on the 9th June, when Judy (Alto) will celebrate her 90th birthday.  All the very best to you from us all Judy.

PEP-UPS FROM DIANA
Thank you to Diana for her fortnightly Pep Up emails and attachments.  Hopefully you have enjoyed these during Term 2.  These won't continue for the rest of the year, but Diana hopes that they have assisted some of you to continue to sing a little, listen and reminisce good times in the past.  We have considered Zoom group singing meetings, but decided against it - they present quite a few problems, for example the organisation, technicalities, etc. which for a large group would be quite difficult for us.

VIRTUAL SINGING MESSAGE AND SONG GIFT - Message from Dianne.
Hi Everyone
I really miss seeing you all and especially my aged care residents, where I have been entertaining for the past 8 years. With these fulfilling connections currently unavailable,  I am offering a personalised Virtual Singing Message & Song gift.  The sender lets me know the message they would like their friend/family member to receive and chooses a song from my repertoire of over 100 songs. I then record that message and song and forward it to you by email for you to then onforward to the recipient. There is a fee of course, but feedback is that it is very reasonable. In these times, and especially as a gift for people you can’t readily see (especially overseas), sending a personalised message and chosen song for your loved one is a stand out gift that they will remember. Whether it be in celebration of congratulations, Mother’s/Father’s day, friendship, birthday, wedding, anniversary or departure, there are many occasions for which to show how much you care. Russel gave me this idea and was my first customer. He happily shares his birthday message to his sister Maureen here. Please feel welcome to email me at mazbirch@bigpond.com to discuss and please do share this with your friends and family.
Very best wishes, Dianne Birch - Mezzo Soprano       “Music is the Language of Memory”.


GENERAL NEWS
  • Did anyone see Soprano, Jo Mansutti, singing 'Waltzing Matilda' with the MSO in a wonderful Zoom?
  • Thanks to Cherry for her Law Week information.  It's still on, so if you're interested, have a look - there are so many activities.  On until 24th May.
  • Here's a painting by Jan Gooding of her dog Harvey!!  Isn't he gorgeous?  And next to him is Jan's painting of Minnie!!!

 
  • I can't fit in all the photos, but here is one of Sylvia's 'Sunflowers' - very cheerful and bright.!              



Many of you have sent 'funnies', photos and pictures, but It's difficult to put them all in here.  Thank you anyway!

Finally, I can't resist Leunig's Social Distancing Rules!!!:  Take care, and 'We'll Meet Again"!!!!


Kind regards,
Pat 












 
Diana Clark de-Vries (Musical Director)
Patrice Marshall (Accompanist)

Russel Barnes (President) 
Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  
Pat Lowry (Secretary) 
Cherry Tunnock (MembershipSecretary) 
Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 

Dianne Birch (Music Adviser)  
Edwina McLachlan  
Graham Mitchell  





 

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - APRIL, 2020

Thu, 16 Apr 2020
Printable version
Dear All,
We hope that you are all coping with the changed situation and making the most of the quiet and solitude if you possibly can.  No doubt in the months ahead we will look back and wish that we had completed this job or that while we had the spare time, like the dreaded oven cleaning for example!! 

The Committee met last night, via Hangout.  We are rapidly becoming familiar with Hangout, Zoom and other whiz bang apps to help us with our meeting and socialising.  (See item on Zoom).  There isn't a lot to report in this Newsletter, as far as general items go, but some items of interest are below.

Diana will commence sending 'Pep-Up" packages to you all shortly, on a fornightly basis.  These will include warm-ups, parts recordings, etc. so hopefully you will enjoy these and we will have some continuity when we return to Choir.

There are many ideas for on-line singing and entertainment.  Sue Hardy phoned today with an excellent suggestion - see the details below.  Thank you Sue.  Note - if you wish to see the Australian Ballet's free streaming of 'Sleeping Beauty', this finishes tomorrow  at 5.00 p;.m..

FROM SUE HARDY:: 
I wondered if some of our members might be interested in participating in the following.  Note: the deadline for recordings is April 19th and application for the material can be made now.  The video recording can be done by phone and instructions are in the following link.  It could be fun.
https://www.mso.com.au/education/anzac-day-virtual-choir/

 
ANZAC DAY VIRTUAL CHOIR
This ANZAC Day, we invite you to join musicians of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and MSO Chorus, in a special commemorative video project.  Debuting on ANZAC Day weekend, this performance of Banjo Paterson’s Waltzing Matilda is part of MSO’s commitment to #KeepTheMusicGoing throughout the COVID-19 Global pandemic.

Another item of note the Australian Ballet are streaming their 2020 production of the classic, Sleeping Beauty, free until 5 pm tomorrow Friday.  https://australianballet.com.au/tv/the-sleeping-beauty-by-the-australian-ballet

ZOOM
Committee is looking at possibly taking out a subscription for the online communication tool Zoom.  This would allow members to communicate, socialise and sing together in groups during the isolation period.  Zoom would cater for up to 100 people at the standard package rate, which is reasonably priced.  Hosting this would entail a fair amount of time and commitment:  the host would need to set up meetings, communicate the links, co-ordinate the different devices people use and generally run the programme.  There would be some difficulty with handling a large group at once, so smaller groups could be 'sent' into different 'rooms' and then join together at the end of the session.  Sound and vision quality might vary depending on the types of devices used.  However, we are keen, if you are, and we are now:

 
LOOKING SOMEONE FROM OUR CHOIR COMMUNITY WHO WOULD ENJOY TAKING UP THIS CHALLENGE AND RUNNING THE COMMUNITY ZOOM SESSIONS !!
 
If you are interested or want some further information, please contact Russel or myself (email addresses below).

FREE ON-LINE MUSIC THEORY LESSONS
The Australian Music Examination Board has recently announced that there are free music theory lessons available on line.  Contact:www.ameb.vic.edu

If you have anything to share in our 'Keeping in Touch' emails, please let me know.  Sorry we can't give you any further information about starting up again, diary dates, etc. but please assume that all the dates we have given you so far, i.e. Concert, AGM, etc. have been cancelled or postponed for the time being.

Take care everyone,
Kindest regards,
Pat.

 
Diana Clark de-Vries (Musical Director)
Patrice Marshall (Accompanist)

Russel Barnes (President) 
Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  
Pat Lowry (Secretary) 
Cherry Tunnock (MembershipSecretary) 
Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
Dianne Birch (Music Adviser)  
Edwina McLachlan  
Graham Mitchell  



VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETER - MARCH, 2020

Thu, 12 Mar 2020
Printable version

Dear Vocally Wild and Friends,

This will, sadly, be a short Newsletter.and even though some of you might think "thank goodness" (!!!) I know I would prefer be able to 'waffle on' and give you too much news!!! 

In this current climate, you would all have probably anticipated that changes were inevitable regarding how we conduct choir and so, to get straight to the point, Committee has decided unanimously that the best and safest decision is that we cancel Term 2.

Russel will be in touch with you all about our plans as far as Diana and Patrice are concerned and Cherry will write to you all about membership fees and our decisions in this area.. 

Consequently, many of our planned activities have been cancelled, for example the ANZAC Parade/Service. The Annual General Meeting has been deferred to later in the year and our Concert will probably be cancelled, or deferred to much later in the year;.

You will have received today the message from Cecilia that the Hobart Festival of Voices has just been cancelled for 2020, but we have a date for the 2021 Festival in our diaries already, so that is something to be optimistic about!

So that we can maintain our connection during our time away from rehearsals, we are wondering if you have any suggestions as how to do this.  For example these amazing creations such as Zoom, Chat Rooms, Facebook come to mind.  We would be happy to hear your ideas.  In the meantime, do watch out for each other and if there is anyone who is alone and needing help, please make contact with anyone from our committee - Vocally Wild has a large membership and there is sure to be someone who could help.

A message, sent to me by Rose Olson, is printed below.  It is a copy of an internal email from the Royal Brisbane Hospital sent to their staff, dated 17th March, 2020.  Their explanations and recommendations about the coronavirus may avert some possible fear or uncertainty.

"Hey Mr. Trolleyman, sing a song for me ....."  Has anyone else seen him? 

Ilse looked out for Mr Trollyman - "thought it was him humming away, bare feet. along Sandy beach". 
Keep me posted if you spot him during your social distancing - he seems to be adrift with his friend Mr. Curly, so watch out for him!  Would love to hear what he's up to!

Kindest regards and we will be in touch.
Pat

Virus Detection:

The simplest way to distinguish Coronavirus from a Common Cold is that the COVID-19 infection does not cause a cold nose or cough with cold, but it does create a dry and rough cough.
The virus is typically first installed in the throat causing inflammation and a feeling of dryness. This symptom can last between 3 and 4 days.

 
The virus typically then travels through the moisture present in the airways, goes down to the trachea and installs in the lungs, causing pneumonia that lasts about 5 or 6 days.
Pneumonia manifests with a high fever and difficulty breathing. The Common Cold is not accompanied, but there may be a choking sensation. In this case, the doctor should be called immediately.

Experts suggest doing this simple verification every morning: Breathe in deeply and hold your breath for 10 seconds. If this can be done without coughing, without difficulty, this shows that there is no fibrosis in the lungs, indicating the absence of infection. It is recommended to do this control every morning to help detect infection.

Prevention:


The virus hates heat and dies if it is exposed to temperatures greater than 80°F (27°C). Therefore hot drinks such as infusions, broths or simply hot water should be consumed abundantly during the day. These hot liquids kill the virus and are easy to ingest.
Avoid drinking ice water or drinks with ice cubes.

Ensure that your mouth and throat are always wet, never DRY. You should drink a sip of water at least every 15 minutes. WHY? Even when the virus enters water or other liquids through the mouth, it will get flushed through the oesophagus directly into the stomach where gastric acids destroy the virus. If there is not enough water, the virus can pass into the trachea and from there to the lungs, where it is very dangerous.

For those who can, sunbathe. The Sun's UV rays kill the virus and 
the vitamin D is good for you.
The Coronavirus has a large size (diameter of 400-500 nanometers) so face masks can stop it, no special face masks are needed in daily life.


If an infected person sneezes near us, stay 10 feet (3.3 meters) away to allow the virus fall to the ground and prevent it from falling on you.
When the virus is on hard surfaces, it survives about 12 hours, therefore when hard surfaces such as doors, appliances, railings, etc. are touched, hands should be washed thoroughly and/or disinfected with alcoholic gel
.


The virus can live nested in clothes and tissues between 6 and 12 hours. Common detergents can kill it. Things that cannot be washed should be exposed to the Sun and the virus will die. The transmission of the virus usually occurs by direct infection, touching fabrics, tissues or materials on which the virus is present.

Washing your hands is essential.
The virus survives on our hands for only about 10 minutes. In that time many things can happen, rubbing the eyes, touching the nose or lips. This allows the virus to enter your throat. Therefore, for your good and the good of all, wash your hands very often and disinfect them.  You can gargle with disinfectant solutions (i.e. Listerine or Hydrogen Peroxide) that eliminate or minimize the amount of virus that can enter the throat. Doing so removes the virus before it goes down to the trachea and then to the lungs.

 
Disinfect things touched often: phone, keyboard, mouse, car steering wheel, door handles, etc.

Diana Clark de-Vries (Musical Director)
Patrice Marshall (Accompanist)

Russel Barnes (President) 
Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  
Pat Lowry (Secretary) 0437697009 
Cherry Tunnock (MembershipSecretary) 
Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
Dianne Birch (Music Adviser)  
Edwina McLachlan  
Graham Mitchell  


VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - FEBRUARY, 2020

Sun, 26 Jan 2020
Printable version
Hello everyone.  
This year promises to be another busy and exciting one.   A warm welcome to you all and to our new members:  Don Cox (Tenor), Nicole Jacobsen (Alto - new to Melbourne from Interstate), Cate Howells-Ridoutt and Tanya de Jong Curtain (past Sops members and we’re thrilled to see them again) and it's lovely to see Anne Browne back in the 2nd Sopranos - Anne had time out last year.  We hope you all have a very happy, musical term.  I understand one or two of you weren't well over the summer break, so hopefully you are fully recovered now.

Considering security during our rehearsals, we will be locking the main door at 7.45 p.m.  A white bell will be placed on the door, so please ring this if you arrive late and the duty 'bell-hops' will let you in!  Don't worry, the sound shouldn't alert the whole choir!  

Lidia is still looking for someone to stay at her home and look after her beautiful cat while she is away on the Croatia trip.  Please contact Lidia if you have any suggestions.

For your diaries so far:
    
                               TUESDAY, 24TH FEB.               CROATIA FESTIVAL INVOICE DUE                 
FRIDAY, 28TH FEB.             HOBART FEE DUE
SUNDAY, 15TH MARCH VIVA MELBOURNE CONCERT
TUESDAY, 24TH MARCH TERM 1 CONCLUDES – Open Mic
SATURDAY, 28TH MARCH VIVA MELBOURNE DEPART
TUESDAY, 14TH APRIL TERM 2 COMMENCES
SUNDAY, 19TH APRIL ANZAC PARADE, BEAUMARIS
WEDNESDAY, 3RD JUNE A.G.M.
TUESDAY, 23RD JUNE TERM 2 CONCLUDES – Open Mic.
SAT. 4TH TO WED. 8TH JULY FESTIVAL OF VOICES, HOBART
TUES. 14TH JULY TERM 3 COMMENCES
SUNDAY, 30TH AUGUST V.W. CONCERT,  2 P.M, B.T.HALL
TUES. 15TH SEPTEMBER TERM 3 CONCLUDES – Open Mic.
TUES. 6TH OCTOBER TERM 4 COMMENCES
TUES. (1ST/8TH DEC, TBC) TERM 4 CONCLUDES – Open Mic.

Please note that there will be no Newsletter in April, but we will ensure as much information necessary will be given to you during the March edition and normal service will be resumed in May!  Diana will be away most of April, Maggie and Pat for all of April and first week of May; Russel all of May.  Cherry will communicate via Harmony and Maggie will organise a willing helper to keep that music coming!!  Please don't hesitate to contact any Committee Member if you have any queries.

MUSIC DIRECTOR
Diana will be absent from Choir on the following dates.  We are very happy that her replacements have been arranged, as below: 
  • Tuesdays, 10th and 17th March - Replacement -Caren ten Kate 
  • Tuesday, 24th March & 14th April - Dianne Birch and Patrice Marshall
  • Sunday, 19th April - Dianne and Patrice co-leading the ANZAC Parade
  • Tuesday, 21st  April - not confirmed
  • Tuesday, 12th May - not confirmed
BUSHFIRE CONCERT REPORT
On Sunday last, nine Vocally Wilders joined Cadence choir to sing ‘Sweet Mother Earth’ with Diana and Doug at Deakin Edge, Federation Square in the wonderful Bushfire Appeal Concert.  This classical music programme featured a variety of wonderful performances from international and local musicians and singers, including Trio Anima Mundi, Australian Welsh Male Choir (50 strong), Miranda Brockman (cellist), Collide Ensemble (sax, cello, piano), Ensemble Francaix (oboe, bassoon, piano) and so many more, too many to mention here.  Please ask to see the programme if you’re interested.  The final set featured our own Diana and Doug de Vries, who were stunning, followed by Diana and Doug with Cadence and Vocally Wild, then One World Voices choir!  It was an amazing music marathon presented by the International Academy of Music Arts and Trio Anima Mundi. Hopefully all the efforts of these generous musicians who donated their brilliance and time, plus all the volunteers, friends, supporters, raised a good sum towards those who have lost so much in this tragedy.

Thank you to the Vocally Wild singers, to our members who came along to be in the audience and a very special thank you to Diana and Doug for inviting us to be part of this day.  As a community choir we are so fortunate to be have these opportunities available to us.  Let’s keep them coming!  (We even had a chance to pop into the Ian Potter gallery, which was an added bonus!!

CROATIA – FESTIVAL OF CHOIRS AND ORCHESTRAS
Plans are going well for this exciting trip.  The majority of participants are to depart on 28th March.  On Sunday, 15th March, ‘Viva Melbourne’ will hold an Up, Up and Away Concert at the Black Rock Sports Club, Fern Street, commencing at 3.30 p.m. followed by afternoon tea.  This will be an opportunity for Viva Melbourne to sing in public prior to the off!  We are very pleased that, along with other VIP guests, our ‘singing’ State MP for Sandringham, Brad Rowswell, and Mayor of Sandringham City Council, Clarke Martin, have both very happily accepted our invitation to attend.  A flyer has already been sent to you for forwarding to friends and family; some spares will be at the rear of the hall.  Entry is $10, children free.  Please add your name and numbers to the sheet at Choir if you would like to attend - this will help re catering.  Thank you.

HOBART – FESTIVAL OF VOICES
This is to confirm Cecilia’s recent email which gave a brief description of timing, known costs at this stage, etc.  Please contact Cecilia, Maggie, Cherry or Pat if you have any queries.  Remember to pay your Festival participation fee of $140 by 28th February into the Bendigo Bank, Vocally Wild Account – BSB 633 Account Number 143856581 and complete your details on to the website.  Some information from last year’s Festival will be at the rear of the room at Choir, for your interest.  More detail of dates and times of performances, activities, will be available once we know our participation numbers and have registered with the organisation.

A.G.M.
The Vocally Wild Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday, 3rd June at SandyBeach Centre.  Time to be confirmed.  Positions will be available on the Committee, so expressions of interest are to be called for.  If there are too many people interested, an election will take place in the usual way.  The appropriate notices will be forwarded in due course, but some of you may wish to consider joining our busy and proactive Vocally Wild Committee either this year, or at some time in the future.

VOCALLY WILD ANNUAL CONCERT
Brighton Town Hall has been booked for our Annual Concert, on Sunday, 30th August.  We are changing to an afternoon event this year and it will commence at 2.00 p.m. followed by afternoon tea.  This may be a welcome time for those who don't like going out on winter evenings and to members who would like to bring children or grand-children.  

LOCK UP ROSTER
We are looking for volunteers to assist with 'Lock Up' on Tuesday nights.  It is usually a 4 week commitment.  All Tuesdays for this year have been allocated to Committee members, so we are now asking for people to offer to keep them company!  It's not an arduous task, especially if the cleaners are present, as then we don't have to physically switch off the lights and lock up, but we do need to understand what is required should the cleaners not be there.  Our main role is to ensure that chairs are stacked properly, the piano is put away, etc.  and importantly all Vocally Wild Members are safely off the premises!  A full description of what's necessary will be forward to those who volunteer.  Please contact Dianne Birch  if you would like to help.

OPEN MIC - Tuesday, 24th March
Dianne is organising our end of term 'Open Mic' session, so if you would like to take part and 'strut your stuff' in this great fun end of term activity, please contact her.


PRISCILLA – QUEEN OF THE DESERT
Peg Gill has booked tickets for Priscilla Queen of the Desert at The National Theatre, St. Kilda, for Opening Night – Friday, 8th May, commencing 8.00 p.m. with Champagne Supper afterwards.  I think all the tickets have now gone, but if you are keen to go, check with Peg anyway (Second Soprano).

The musical is based on the iconic Oscar-winning 1994 Australian film, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, and is the hilarious adventure of three very different friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for the outback to put on the show of a lifetime!  Along the way, they strut, dance, sing, laugh, cry and learn more about themselves, while singing up a storm to a non-stop parade of dance-floor classics, including “It’s Raining Men”, ‘Hot Stuff”, ‘I Will Survive”, ‘I Love the Nightlife”, “Go West”, “Colour My World”, “Boogie Wonderland”, “Shake your Groove Thing” and more!!

DOLLY 9 - 5, THE MUSICAL
Rose Olson, Kate's Mum, has tickets for "The Musical: Dolly 9 to 5".  Date:  Wed 29th July. Time: 1.00 p.m.  Cost:  $70 pp.  Venue:  Her Majesty’s Theatre.  Stars are:  Erin Clare, Marina Prior and Caroline O’Connor
Storyline: 
9 to 5 is based on the 1980 movie of the same name, and features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. It centres on the down-trodden working lives of three women, Violet, Judy and Doralee. They all work at Consolidated Industries, which is presided over by the sexist, lecherous, and pompous, Franklin Hart, who they decide should go .  See Peg or Kate if you’d like tickets.

FRED SMITH
Fred Smith, Australia’s Singing Soldier and of 'Sea Shanties' fame, performed recently at the Albert Park Yacht Club Port Lounge, launching his CD ‘Domestic’.  I understand this Melbourne show was completely booked out!  If you were hoping to go, it would have been disappointing to miss out; however, for your interest, here is the Sydney Morning Herald’s wonderful review by Bruce Elder, of Fred's launch in Canberra.   How lucky were some of us to be able to sing with him last year!


Fred Smith is simply the best folk/country musician working in this country in 2020. Beyond writing some of the finest songs about Australians at war (Dust of Uruzgan), he's created a repertoire that is wry, literate, witty, powerfully emotional and insightful. On this remarkable album – with his palette impressively broad in both lyrical and musical stylings – he ranges through country, folk and faux-cabaret. He includes suitably sharp and savage commentary on our recent political history (Musical Chairs) where, hilariously, he rhymes “prime ministerial” with “venereal”; a haunting duet with Liz Frencham, Four Strong Hands, about the hardship of rural life during drought where men are suicidal and women are caring and rock-solid in their love; and a quasi-rockabilly backing for an amusing satire on modern life in Sydney (Brand New Page). But at the album's heart lies a stunning cycle of deeply personal songs about marriage, babies, love, tolerance, decency and the complexity of modern life (Maryanne, Turn Around, There I Go, Staying Up Late, Beautiful Girl, Certain Things). A sublime study in tenderness and vulnerability. BRUCE ELDER, SMH

FROM OUR 'RESIDENT' POET ILSE ZIPFEL 
Ilse wrote “ROADs" about her son’s involvement in clearing roads in Gippsland as a Reserve Soldier.
She will submit it to her EMBERS ANTHOLOGY.  Thank you Ilse.

Late spring
bush fires sprang up in worrying speed
witnessed by us over the ether

A war against massive flames could no longer be beaten
by brave and exhausted fire fighters
in many States

My son mentions reserve soldiers might be called
he better be ready
leaving civil life and family behind

Military support was ascertained
to organise land, air and sea operations
while civic leaders stammer in credo linguistics
 
Here in Melbourne
we are hit by foul air sweeping through streets
and worry for the many people losing homes and possessions

My son had the call for duty
his company’s undertaking is to clear highways, roads and streets
along burned-out Gippsland sites

All are well-trained engineers ready to defend
but here they fell marked trees with heavy chainsaw gear
with logistic needs in armoured juggernauts

Day-in and day-out until scheduled work is done
the group messages of busy days and short nights
during military precision tasks

I ask shyly of fauna amongst burned trees
next day a photo appears of a sprightly spider
crawling between blackened sheaths


ifz
Feb 2020

Kind regards to you all.
PS - don't forget to check the sheets at the back of the hall, so you can add your name if you're taking part in activities.

 
Diana Clark de-Vries (Musical Director)
Patrice Marshall (Accompanist)

Russel Barnes (President) 
Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  
Pat Lowry (Secretary)  
Cherry Tunnock (MembershipSecretary) 
Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
Dianne Birch (Music Adviser)  
Edwina McLachlan  
Graham Mitchell  

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER, 2019

Thu, 12 Dec 2019
Printable version
DIARY
FRIDAY, 13TH DEC: 
SATURDAY, 14TH DEC:
SATURDAY, 21ST DEC:
SUNDAY, 22ND DEC:
TUESDAY, 4TH FEB:
CAROLS AT MAYFLOWER 2.30 P.M.
CAROLS WITH MOSAIC, MYER S’LAND 1 PM & 2 PM
CAROLS, HAMPTON CRICKET CLUB 7.30 PM
CAROLS WITH MOSAIC, MYER S’LAND 1 PM & 2 PM
TERM 1, 2020 COMMENCES

What a wonderful Bayside Carols in the Park last Tuesday. I hope you are still feeling the joyful afterglow!!  Thank you to Robert, Diana, Katrina, Andrew and his wonderful Band for the huge effort in preparing us all, and how lucky were we to have Dave with his sound equipment skills at the Town Hall rehearsals?  It was such a happy night and the enormous crowd seemed to enjoy it all!  Thank you Diana for your smiles and enthusiasm up there on the podium – you are a joy to follow.  We are well and truly programmed with “All I Want for Christmas is You’ (Robert! – I do those actions in my sleep!) and how proud we were of William and Jenny who led us so beautifully with ‘War is Over’ – fabulous. The soloists were wonderful and wasn’t the snow a great hit; it seems everyone enjoyed the singing Santa?  We are fortunate indeed to be part of this Bayside extravaganza.  And we’re not finished yet either – there are still more Carols to come!

From Diana:
It was truly a wonderful success on Tuesday night - the Choir sounded robust and warm. A beautiful blend could be heard from conductors’ podium - as well as out front (I went into audience near the sound desk for March of the Kings).  Congratulations and thanks to all for the countless hours of practice, rehearsals, memorising, morning teas, standing-sitting-standing, etc.  I really think it was a top shelf result from our combined choirs (and conductors :) along with Andrew Mathers' relaxed style and Rob's master-minding from Brisbane to Bayside. What fun! 

Note:  Helen Ambler reminds us that Southern FM Radio broadcast the Carols and a podcast is available on https://www.southernfm.com.au/show/special-events/bayside-carols-in-the-park-2019-podcast/  

Talking of Carols, did you know that our second soprano, Peg Gill, has a great, great, great grandfather, on her Scottish side, John T McFarland, who wrote the third verse to ‘Away in a Manger’?!!!  Apparently Queen Victoria loved this song so much (written by William James Kirkpatrick) and, as it only had two verses, decreed that a third verse be written!  How amazing – it’s probably one of the world’s most well-known songs/carols, together with Silent Night of course (see the story below)!


CAROLS AT HAMPTON CRICKET CLUB – Saturday, 21st December, 7.30 p.m.
From Diana:  I warmly encourage & invite all available Vocally Wild singers to come along and sing out the year at our Hampton Cricket Club event - (it's fine if you haven't put your name on the list, you're welcome).  Bring your folders - we'll sing from our music.  Vocal warm up at 6:45 p.m. for 2 sets – Set 1 at 7:30 & Set 2 at 8:30 (with drinks in interval and afterwards).  Wear your own Christmassy colours - anything goes!
Set 1
Joy to the World - 4 verses.  While Shepherds Watched - 6 v.  Hark!  The Herald Angels Sing = 2 v.  Away in a Manger - 3 v.  The First Nowell = 3 v.  Getting in the Mood for Christmas.  Happy Christmas/War is Over.  Angels We Have Heard on High - 3 v.  Silent Night - 3 v.
Set 2
Rudolph.  Santa Claus is Coming to Town.  Jingle Bells - 2 v.  March of the Kings.  We Three Kings - 5 v.  This Little Light of Mine.  Hallelujah Chorus.  All You Need is Love.  O Come All Ye Faithful - 4 v.  Ding Dong Merrily - 3 v.  We Wish You a Merry Christmas - 5 v.
Here are a couple of reports on our activities over the last busy month:

FAMILY LIFE CAROLS
Dianne Birch kindly offered to lead us in the Carols at Family Life on 27th November.  We were very fortunate and she did a great job, bringing her backing tracks, speaker, etc., preparing us for it so well.  Family Life were thrilled and it was a happy, friendly occasion. Lesley Winning introduced us, relating some interesting ‘Carols’ information (see below) -that was when we learnt about Peg’s forebear.  The audience joined in with the singing.  And Family Life treated us to a delicious morning tea afterwards.  Wonderful.  Thank you to our happy band of singers for sparing the time to come at this busy period – it was a much appreciated event indeed.

OPEN MIC AND END OF TERM (by Dianne Birch)
Last night's Open Mic session went off really well. The proceedings started with a Melodrama written by Russel recognising Diana as our choir leader extraordinaire and sharing our desire to learn and create magical, melodic, musical memories under her expert guidance. Diana was dressed in a red robe (thanks Pat), and attired in Queenly slippers (thanks Lyn), tiara and staff and seated upon a throne (thanks Edwina). All a totally hammed up event, as melodrama’s are, but a fun way to show that we really appreciate everything that Diana has done for us in improving our beautiful sound and what we anticipate in the future. Thank you Diana ????.
I thanked everyone for their support and participation in the Open Mic sessions, whether as a supportive audience member or a “what the heck – I’m in” performer. The next Open Mic will be on 24th March. As Open Mic takes planning from the start of term, please let me know a.s.a.p. if you would like a spot to have some fun. I’m very happy to arrange and guide rehearsals before choir from 7pm and its best to start early on in the term. I will need notice for that so we can book the Sims room.

Patrice was sensational in her beautifully played piece titled ‘Rustle of Spring’ by Christian Sinding. Richard educated and entertained us with some history and song of ‘Barretts Privateers’. William Mulholland, stripped down to his Freddie Mercury “replica” singlet and belted out Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’. His up-close attention to some of the audience during the song got a lot of laughs. Lesley Coleman and her acting partner, Fiona, presented an excerpt from a comedic play called ‘The Roommate’ by Jen Silverman. It is a 90 minute two person play that they will be performing. Stay tuned for details. The play tells the story of a 50 year old woman, who, whilst having given up on life, takes in a roommate of questionable repute. She then becomes a very easily influenced student of the roommate and gets herself into a new business of a herbal and cookie variety. Lesley played the homeowner and did it with a real zest and passion for her new business and Fiona played the roommate who had to curtail her landlord’s penchant for business expansion via underage clientele. Tsk, tsk!

I am loving the diversity of talent that we are seeing. Bring it on and thank you for entertaining us so very well.      Dianne.
Thank you indeed, Dianne!  Note: Rod Winning’s video of the Open Mic is available on the secure section of the Vocally Wild website.  Thank you Rod for coming along and doing this, it was much appreciated.
AND MORE THINGS ‘CAROLS’
As you will see in our Diary, above, there's still some more carolling to come!  A happy band will be at ‘Mayflower’ on Friday, 13th December (meet at 2.15 p.m. at the main Centre Road entrance.  Don’t worry if you’re not on the list, just arrive!  Patty has plenty of folders with all the words, so you don’t need to bring anything). 

A small group of Vocally Wilders will join Mosaic in sessions at Myer Southland this Saturday and the following Sunday, during which some of us will be tackling the interesting challenges of ‘barbershop’.  (There may be some ‘barbershop’ training sessions in 2020, so watch this space!!) 

Also, a sizeable group of Vocally Wilders will sing Carols at the Hampton Cricket Club on Saturday, the 21st, (see below), so thank you everyone for sparing your precious time.  Also thank you indeed to Diana and Patrice for making themselves available for the Cricket Club ‘gig’ and to Russel, Dave, Richard and all the merry men who will set up the choir risers and sound equipment. It’s a huge job.


While you’re in ‘Carols’ mode, here’s a little more interesting information, thanks to Dianne.

‘We Three Kings’
In 1857, John Henry Hopkins Junior assembled an elaborate Christmas pageant for which he wrote both words and music for the General Theological Seminary in New York City.  The Three Kings, Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar, brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  Gold is traditionally the metal of royalty.  Frankincense is an aromatic bark, the smoke was thought to reach the gates of heaven, and Myrrh is an ointment used in the preparation of bodies for burial.  These gifts thus signified Jesus’ kinship, his oneness with God and his eventual death on the cross.

‘Silent Night’
On the afternoon of Christmas Eve, in 1818, in a tiny village high in the Austrian Alps, Joseph Mohr, the local Catholic Priest, wrote some appropriate stanzas for the season.  The church pipe organ had given out and could not be repaired in time for that evening, so the Church Organist, Franz Gruber, wrote a simple tune, setting the words for a Tenor, a Bass and two guitars.  That very evening, at the midnight service, ‘Silent Night’ was heard for the first time.  The song soon made its way beyond the town of Oberdorf, but anonymously, without mention of composer or poet.  Until the 1850’s, neither Gruber nor Mohr, living in their remote village, knew that their song was rapidly becoming the most beloved piece of Christmas music ever written, nor did the world know of Gruber and Mohr.

HOBART ‘FESTIVAL OF VOICES’ 2020
General information was sent in our email on 15th November – if you didn’t receive this, let me know and I can forward a copy.  Organisation in earnest begins in January when invoices will be sent to those on our list with a request for the cost for the Festival ($140, plus our Music Director’s costs, yet to be confirmed).  This to be paid in early February.  Our minimum commitment, as a choir, will be from Saturday, 4th July to Wednesday, 8th July, but of course many of you may wish to spend longer as the Festival runs from Wednesday, 1st to Sunday, 12th July.

CROATIA 2020
Plans are going along well for the Festival of Choirs and Orchestras in early April.  Thank you to Lidia and the small committee for all the planning and hard work and to Diana and Doug for their huge input so far.  Rehearsals will resume as planned early in the new year.

ADMINISTRATION
Cherry will be sending invoices out for 2020 in mid-January.  If you have not received yours by the 30th January, please contact Cherry on her email address below.  Thank you.

THE SECRET VEIL
The following information about a Choral Workshop was received by Cherry from Michelle Tseng, Marketing & Development Co-ordinator, Monash Academy of Performing Arts.  Some of Vocally Wild will be away in Croatia during this period, but many of you could well be interested.

We are writing to invite Vocally Wild to join us for an exciting opportunity to work with Grammy award winner Eric Whitacre.  Eric Whitacre is one of the most popular musicians of his generation. His music has been performed throughout the world by millions of amateur and professional musicians alike, while his ground-breaking Virtual Choirs have united singers from over 120 different countries.

In April 2020, MLIVE is presenting Eric's Australian exclusive The Sacred Veil at the Alexander Theatre at Monash University (Clayton campus). On top of his concert, Eric will also lead a choral workshop to provide an opportunity for singers to rehearse and work with him on some of his most-loved works. Repertoire will include A Boy and a Girl, The Seal Lullaby (with piano) and Child of Wonder (from The Sacred Veil). Music will be provided upon arrival on the day.  We believe the members of Vocally Wild will enjoy the workshop and have a wonderful time with Eric.  Tickets to the workshop are now on sale. If you wish to make a booking, please see below for the event details.

Don't forget, we have a special offer of $35 for a group of 10 - that's $5 off for each person from the standard price.

Event:  Eric Whitacre Choral Workshop
Date:  Tuesday 7 April 2020
Time:  7.00pm
Venue:  Alexander Theatre
Duration: 1 hour workshop + 30 minute Q&A session
To book tickets/for further details: http://bit.ly/ChoralWorkshop

WHAT’S ALSO HAPPENING?
  • Cadence Concert – ‘I Heard the Bells’ -  Sunday, 15th December, 5.30 to 6.30 p.m. St. Agnes Church, 35 Arkaringa Crescent, Black Rock.
  • ‘Songs for Nobodies’ – Bernadette Robinson will be presenting her one woman play with songs (written by Joanna Murray-Smith) about great mid-20th century performers and ordinary women at the Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio from 18th December til 5th January.  I saw this a few years ago and it is fabulous – highly recommended!  Further details contact  artcentremelbourne.com.au
This is our final communication for the year, so we are signing off now.  However, Christmas isn't Christmas without a joke and I can't let Mark Larkan's on Tuesday night be forgotten!  You may cringe, but the grandies will enjoy it - "Why do Elves go to school?  To learn the Elfabet!  Boom boom.

May I say a huge thank you to Diana and Patrice for a busy and successful year and wish you all a
Wonderful Christmas and a Happy, Safe and Musical 2020. 

We’re looking forward to seeing you all again in February, welcoming back our recent new members and some familiar faces from previous years!  2020 promises to be an exciting and stimulating year! 

 

Kind regards,
Pat Lowry
 
Diana Clark de-Vries (Musical Director)
Patrice Marshall (Accompanist)

Russel Barnes (President) 0409 090 448
Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  
Pat Lowry (Secretary) 0437697009 
Cherry Tunnock (MembershipSecretary) 
Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
0458 669 883  
Dianne Birch (Music Adviser)  
Edwina McLachlan  
Graham Mitchell  
Jenny Ellison  

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - NOVEMBER, 2019

Sat, 2 Nov 2019
Printable version

.Hello everyone,
There is much happening as we approach the end of Term and Christmas so plenty to report; please bear with me if this newsletter appears a little long!  Apart from our usual news, there have been some other interesting developments, so look out for the item on Russel’s company’s success, read the latest from Nepal from Malcolm, see what Lesley Winning is involved with, as well as her connection with Family Life, and check out the busy music scene, one item involving another Vocally Wilder, Jenny Ellison, plus many more items of interest!
 
DIARY
SATURDAY, 23RD NOVEMBER BAYSIDE CAROLS REHEARSAl, 10.20.
WEDNESDAY, 27TH NOVEMBER CAROLS AT FAMILY LIFE 10.30 A.M.
SATURDAY, 30TH NOVEMBER BAYSIDE CAROLS REHEARSAL
TUESDAY, 3RD DECEMBER TERM 4 CONCLUDES.  'OPEN MIC'
SATURDAY, 7TH DECEMBER BAYSIDE CAROLS REHEARSAL
SUNDAY, 8TH DECEMBER FINAL CAROLS REHEARSAL, 7.30
TUESDAY, 10TH DECEMBER BAYSIDE CAROLS IN THE PARK
FRIDAY, 13TH DECEMBER  CAROLS AT MAYFLOWER 2.30 P.M.
SATURDAY, 14TH DECEMBER &
SUNDAY, 22ND DECEMBER
CAROLS WITH MOSAIC AT MYER SOUTHLAND (A SMALL GROUP OF V.W. BARBERSHOP SINGERS)
SATURDAY, 21ST DECEMBER CAROLS AT HAMPTON CRICKET CLUB

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS
STOP PRESS: 
MAGGIE HAS SOME MORE BAYSIDE CHRISTMAS CAROLS MUSIC FOR DISTRIBUTION, SO SHE WILL HAND THEM OUT AS YOU ARRIVE IN THE MORNING!
BAYSIDE CAROLS – first rehearsal this Saturday, 23rd November.  Please be ready at the Brighton Town Hall for warm up at 10.20 a.m.  Vocally Wild to provide food for morning tea break on 23rd November and 7th December.   The next rehearsal dates are:
  • Saturday, 30th November – 10.30am – 1.00 p.m.
  • Saturday, 7th December – 10.30am – 1.00 p.m.
  • Sunday, 8th December – 7.00pm – 10.00 p.m.  (Sausage sizzle will commence at 5.30 p.m.)
  • Bayside Carols - Tuesday, 10th December - 7.30 p.m. – 9.30 p.m. (call time is 6.30 p.m.
FAMILY LIFE CAROLS - Wednesday, 27th November at the Cheltenham Op Shop, Nepean Highway.  Information has been sent to those on the list, but please let me know if you would like to come along.

CAROLS AT MAYFLOWER
– Friday, 13th December, 2.30 p.m.  If you haven’t already, please add your name to the list at Tuesday night rehearsals if you would like to join us.  You will be contacted shortly with details.  This will be a fun, relaxed and very satisfying event.
CAROLS AT HAMPTON CRICKET CLUB – Saturday, 21st December.  Performance commences at 7.30 p.m.  Choir to arrive at 6.30 p.m.  Edwina will forward further information shortly.
OPEN MIC SESSIONS AT REHEARSALS
Everyone is welcome and invited to participate in the Open Mic session that runs for the last half hour of each term. There is one 3 minute spot left for this term, so hop in quickly if you would like it. Please have a chat to Dianne (2nd Soprano) to express interest and let her know what song/which term you would like to perform or if you want suggestions or guidance. Dianne is happy to arrange rehearsals for items either before choir or at another time if you feel it would be useful. It is necessary to book your spot early in the term so we can have a fun, flowing night of entertainment. Dianne’s contact details are at the top of the newsletter.

WWII VETS' LUNCH, BEAUMARIS RSL – FRI. 8TH NOV.  Sue Beazley’s Report
Thank you to those who gave their time to share this Remembrance Day celebration with the Beaumaris RSL World War II veterans.  What good voice we were in under the leadership of our Choir Director for the day Patrice, who made sure we never missed a beat as the running order went out the door we just kept adding songs as necessary.

Lots of good feedback from our audience of around 90 including local State MP for Sandringham, Brad Rowswell, who we managed to coerce into singing Waltzing Matilda with us.  It was interesting to see people singing along to our unofficial anthem, they all knew the words. Beaumaris RSL President, Clarke Martin passed on his thanks to Vocally Wild for their support over the years adding that everyone always enjoyed having the choir perform at their events.  Cr Martin was last week elected the new Mayor of Bayside.  Also pleased to report that our Anzac Day Parade Convenor, John Douglas was awarded Life Membership of the RSL in recognition of his 20 years of organising the Beaumaris RSL Anzac Day Parade and Service.  

Sue also wishes to say ‘thank you’ to the Choir and Committee for the Arts Centre voucher given to her earlier this year marking her 20 years with the choir.  She said that on the 8th of February she will be front row of the Dress Circle to see Gladys Knight, her favourite female singer of all time…..”Midnight Train to Georgia”  here she comes!  Sue is very excited to be able to get such great tickets.

VOCALLY WILD END OF YEAR SOCIAL - SUNDAY, 10TH NOVEMBER
Approximately 75 people came along to the Social/Barefoot Bowling afternoon and evening.  It was a great success - a cheerful, happy end of year occasion and a great opportunity for members to socialise in a friendly environment.  


Thanks go to all who helped - the Committee of course, but there were many other willing
volunteers, in particular our four fabulous gourmet chefs, Claude, Clint, Richard and Robert.  

Must say the hamburgers,
bangers, rissoles and chicken wings were beautifully cooked.  Don’t the aprons
look great?!

Thank you also to Maggie for conducting the entertaining ‘Raffle’ draw and, for your interest, winners were:  
Raffle Winners of the day raffle - Richard, Jenny and Maggie
Winners of the main raffle - Caroline Dunn, Justin Cleaver, Joan Marshall, Robyn Stevens, Stratis Arranitakis, Andrea B, Helen Ambler, Liz Duell, Maryann Spottiswood, Kate Olsen, Tony Stone, Alison Bell, Lara Srour, Louise Jarvis, Kate Jarvis.


MESSAGE FROM EDWINA
Changes to message giving before break time.

In the past we have noticed there have been numerous people popping up to give messages to the choir prior to the break and often many have been committee member.  You will have noticed that we have made some changes!  We have been allocating the message giving task on behalf of the committee to Edwina.

If you want information read out, email me your info or talk to me on the night and preferably give me the written info as the committee will also do, and I will gladly read it out on your behalf. If you feel strongly that you would like to give the information yourself, let me know so I can try to co-ordinate the amount of people getting up.  Hopefully, this will speed up the process of information giving so that we can move onto the social part of the evening, catching up with friends, which is really important to us all.

Returning to seats quickly following the break
Rather than Diana singing us back to our seats, Patrice has been playing loud, rousing music, which heralds break time over!  Patrice starts playing around 12 mins into the break knowing that it will take people some minutes to return to their seats.

Getting in touch with the Committee
If you have questions/comments that you would like addressed by the committee, you are so welcome to email these to any one of us on the committee and we will discuss it at the next meeting.   Edwina McLachlan  edwinamclachlan@hotmail.com


PEOPLE’S CHAMPION AWARD!
WELL DONE RUSSEL, BRODIE AND COLLEAGUES
 Russel’s telco company, Better Life,  recently won the 
  ACCAN People's Champion Award, 2019.
   The People's Champion Award recognises the telco that has demonstrated a strong social conscience
through the creation of a product or service that is designed for those on limited incomes. 'The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is Australia’s peak communications consumer organisation that works to empower consumers to make good choices about products and service
Better Life’s other awards were:
    Finalist in the Telstra Business Awards in Social Change Maker category
    And Finder.com gave Better Life first place for "Best prepaid plan under $40"
 
These are amazing results for a local company that started 7 years ago as a small project to help people stay connected, and now they have been recognised as Australia's People's Champion for Mobile Plans.  Russel reminds us that anyone can arrange a mobile phone plan with his company, it is not just for those on limited incomes, and may I say, the fees are extremely competitive.  Contact Russel if you’re interested or www.betterlifemobile.com.au

CAKES, PUDDINGS, SHORTBREADS
Yes, the cooks are at it again.  Maggie (Christmas Puddings), Toni (Christmas Cakes) and Pat (Shortbreads) will have their produce for sale at the second Bayside Carols rehearsal at Brighton Town Hall, on Saturday, 30th November.  Maggie also has a pre-order sheet available at Tuesday rehearsals.  Any profits will go towards the Festival of Voices Hobart trip in 2020.

MESSAGES FROM LESLEY WINNING & FAMILY LIFE 
Lesley would like to thank the Vocally Wild members who supported her at Family Life’s Drop In Wednesday (for the Catch Up program) on the 23rd October.  The play reading, “The Way of All Fish” by Elaine May, was a great success and everyone who attended enjoyed a good laugh.  Many stayed for a cuppa and a shop at the Op Shop.  One V.W. member, who shall remain nameless, (Edwina!), went home laden down with goodies.  A very successful morning all round! 

Lesley is looking forward to joining those of you who have offered to sing Carols at the Family Life Cheltenham Op Shop on Wednesday November 27.  (Further details later). 

Lesley writes:  I am helping the Victorian Women’s Trust sell a book, which is about periods, called About Bloody Time, an important topic and the book is a great Christmas present for members’ daughters or grand-daughters.  We all know how difficult a topic it is, and how we might feel shame around this natural function of our bodies.  Wouldn’t it be great to have that stigma and taboo lifted?  That’s what the book is about and is based on a survey and discussions with more than 3,500 girls and women about the negative emotions they feel about this part of life which is, after all, the key building block of human life.  It offers a positive way to look at this issue, and is a tool for helping young girls and women to feel good about themselves.  You can purchase the book at https://www.vwt.org.au/projects/about-bloody-time/ or call Lesley on 0411486837 for a wholesale price on multiple copies. 

You might also be interested in a web series that Lesley produces.  It’s an interview series called Tete-a-Tete.  She interviews people making a living – or trying to – in the entertainment industry.  There are about 25 interviews online already, and the interviewees range from an actor starring in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to the 50 year old Miss Burlesque Australia.  There are interviews with actors, producers, directors, music and acting teachers, and a psychologist who was a professional child actor.  If you are interested in the industry, or just like to hear people’s stories, you might enjoy this series, which is a cross between One Plus One and Julia Zamiro’s Home Delivery.  You can find Tete-a-Tete at https://mysticaldog.com/TeteATete/.

MALCOLM IN NEPAL
Malcolm Peck’s support for his Nepal communities continues apace.  He has given us the following link which takes you to a drone shot video taken last November of Sildu primary school, Nepal, his latest project.  The school is getting a complete renovation inside and out that will be finished shortly.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwVqPqWArrI
If you are interested, Malcolm would be very happy to discuss these projects with you.  Tel: 0438 887 689. 

SINGING LESSONS
Katrina (Mosaic’s M.D.) is offering singing lessons in her private studio during January, 2020. There will be an opportunity for one-off lessons, or a discounted rate for blocks of four.  If you are interested, please contact Katrina on her email address:

THE LOCAL AND CHORAL MUSIC SCENE!
  • Jenny Ellison will be singing with the Jazz Trio “Jumbalumba’ on Friday, 20th December at Hobsons, Sandringham.  You may wish to book a table for a meal and enjoy some Jazz, Blues and Latin from the 50’s to the 70’s.  Bookings and further detail contact 95210370.
  • Diana’s Chantsong Singing Circle continues on Sunday, 24th November, 2.00 p.m. at the Castlefield Community Centre, Hampton.  Contact:  trybooking.com
  • The Australian Chamber Choir will present “Keys to Heaven’ directed by Douglas Lawrence at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Middle Park, 3.00 p.m. on Sunday, 24th November performing  Gregorio Allegri Miserere, Christus Resurgens, Josquin des Prez Ave Maria, Tomás Luis de Victoria O magnum mysterium, Luca Marenzio Crudel, perché mi fuggi? (1587) Scaldava il sol (1582), Non vidi mai dopo notturna pioggia (1585), Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina Tu es Petrus (Delivery of the Keys), Missa Aeterna Christi Munera  Bookings : https://www.auschoir.org/whats-on/keys-to-heaven/   They need people for the following tasks if you are happy to volunteer:  putting out chairs - setting out glasses and pouring drinks at the post-concert reception - packing away chairs - washing glasses and clearing up after the reception.  And, it's usually lots of fun!  Please contact Eleanor Bridger if you have any preference for tasks.  
  • Kingston Arts – ‘Kings of Queen’ will be championing the music of Queen in ‘A Queen Extravaganza’ for one night only on Friday, 29th November at the Kingston City Hall.  Cost:  $35/Concession $30.  Bookings and further detail:  kingstonarts.com.au
  • Christmas with the National Boys Choir of Australia.  Saturday, 21st December, 7.30 p.m. This concert will feature the 180 voice Boys’ and Men’s Choir, with orchestra at Hamer Hall.  Tickets:  $61.20/Concession $51/Children $27.50.  Bookings and further detail contact artcentremelbourne.com.au
    Singing Soldier – Fred Smith.  A note for your diary next year – Fred will be getting together with Liz Frencham in February, 2020, to play songs from their new records.  Fred's new record is called "Domestic".  Date:  Saturday, 22nd
  • February, at The Spotted Mallard, 314 Sydney Road, Brunswick, Doors open at 7 p.m. Music starts at 8 p.m.  If you’re interested, Fred has his Christmas CD offer – due early December.  melbourne@fredsmith.com.au

    Enjoy all the rehearsals and events leading up to Christmas. 
    Love this vintage Leunig:
Best regards, Pat.






 

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER, 2019

Sat, 19 Oct 2019
Printable version

Dear All, 
Welcome to our new members this term – Una and Rosanne (2nd Sopranos), Irena, Pauline, Rebecca and Sheila - who will commence shortly (Altos), plus Brendan who joined us late last term.  Also, a warm welcome back to many of you who had time out last term – the Christmas period is always such a busy and happy one, so let’s enjoy every minute!

Thank you all 79 of you who responded to our Questionnaire –your input is much appreciated.  A summary will be issued shortly.  Don’t forget to bring your blue raffle tickets on Tuesday! 

Well done to Diana and the performers at Seniors’ Week Launch – see Edwina’s report below. Hopefully we will get another good turnout for the WWII Vets’ Lunch next month and some extra performances just announced below.. 
DIARY
FRIDAY, 8TH NOVEMBER WW11 VETERANS' LUNCH
SUNDAY, 10TH NOVEMBER BAREFOOT BOWLS SOCIAL
SATURDAY, 23RD NOVEMBER BAYSIDE CAROLS REHEARSAL
WEDNESDAY, 27TH NOVEMBER CAROLS AT FAMILY LIFE (TBC)
SATURDAY, 30TH NOVEMBER BAYSIDE CAROLS REHEARSAL
TUESDAY, 3RD DECEMBER TERM 4 CONCLUDES.  'OPEN MIC'
SATURDAY, 7TH DECEMBER BAYSIDE CAROLS REHEARSAL
SUNDAY, 8TH DECEMBER FINAL CAROLS REHEARSAL, 7.30
TUESDAY, 10TH DECEMBER BAYSIDE CAROLS IN THE PARK
FRIDAY, 13TH DECEMBER:  CAROLS AT MAYFLOWER (TBC)

SENIORS' WEEK BAYSIDE LAUNCH - Edwina McLachlan
The 1st October marked the start of Seniors week and as you know Vocally Wild was invited to sing at the Bayside Launch.  It was a beautiful day, warm and sunny and we had 35 choristers arrive to sing! It was a wonderful performance to a packed house at Milano’s Tavern in the Terminus room, and we sounded fabulous!  We sang ‘Lean on Me’, ‘People Get Ready’, ‘House of the Rising Sun’ and finished with ‘This Little Light of Mine’.

Vocally Wild received rave reviews from many in the audience, which included Bayside Councillors and the Bayside Mayor and who knows .... perhaps this will lead to further invitations!

Thank you to all those who participated in the middle of a working day and during school holidays.   Special thanks go to Diana and Patrice for giving of their time and also to David and Russel who spent yet again many hours, pre and post the performance, setting up so that our superb sound was heard by all!
 

 
VIVA MELBOURNE FUNDRAISING DINNER – Maggie Cripps
Close friends, great neighbours and a few trusty Croatia bound helpers filled our home to bursting point for a wonderful night of food and entertainment.

We were fortunate indeed to have Patrice, Diana and Doug accept the invitation to do cameo performances. Thank you to all those who helped make it a success. We achieved our aim of raising over $700 on the night for the Viva Melbourne trip to Croatia next year.
  



SINGING LESSONS – Dianne Birch.  
“Music is the Language of Memory”

If you would like to enhance your vocal

range and confidence with singing, having one on one singing lessons is a great way to achieve that.  If this is something you are interested in please be in touch with
Dianne Birch
    M: 0410 583 496


 











VOCALLY WILD WEBSITE
Robert and Cherry have organised a link for Vocally Wild members to enable access to our Open Mic recordings, so follow the instructions below.  Access is for Members only.
  • Go to our Vocally Wild website.
  • Members’ Home.
  • Within Members’ Options click:
    • REHEARSAL RECORDINGS button
    • The title (in blue) that you wish to see.
  • Then, depending on your computer’s software:
    • Click the diagonal arrows to expand (bottom right hand corner of picture) OR
    • Right click and select Full Page.
Good luck – if I can do it, anyone can!!  Thank you Cherry and Robert.

WWII VETS' LUNCH, BEAUMARIS RSL - FRIDAY, 8TH NOVEMBER
  • Venue:  Beaumaris Lawn Tennis Club, Banksia Reserve (off Balcombe Rd).  Enter via Oak St.
  • Time of arrival - Club will be open at 11.15 a.m. for Choir set up. 
  • 12.00 noon – welcome songs in the foyer to greet guests.
  • 1.00 p.m. -  Entrée served.  Songs between Entree and Main course.
  • 2.30 p.m. – Songs after Main course.
  • 3.00 p.m. – Function concludes.
Choir members are welcome have lunch - cost is $30.00 per head.  Please add your name to the list at Choir if you are willing to take part in the singing.  Patrice will accompany us and extra song sheets will be available on Tuesday at rehearsal. 

VOCALLY WILD END OF YEAR SOCIAL -  SUNDAY, 10TH NOVEMBER, 2019
Our final social occasion for the year is at the Black Rock Bowls Club, Fern Street, Black Rock, from 3.00 til 8.00 p.m.  Please come along, bring your family and enjoy this fun afternoon/evening.  Remember, bowling isn’t compulsory – just a bit of fun if you want to take part.  The main objective is getting together as it will be close to the end of our year. There is no charge.  Barbecue food will be provided, for example:  Sausages (variety), Hamburgers, Chicken, Salads, etc. However, if you wish to bring along some more ‘sophisticated’ barbecue fayre, you are welcome to do so.  Please purchase your drinks, alcohol and soft drinks at the Club bar.  The kitchen will be open for us to use.  The Mega Raffle, in aid of Viva Melbourne’s choral trip to Croatia, will be drawn on this day.  The prizes are amazing.  A flyer is attached with full details and hard copy flyers will also be available. 

If you decide to join in the fun and ‘challenge’ of bowling, to respect the integrity of the greens, we do ask that if your shoes aren’t completely flat soled, you bowl with bare feet.  Thank you.
 
BAYSIDE CAROLS IN THE PARK
Please put the following dates and times in your diary!  All rehearsals will be at the Brighton Town Hall.
  • Saturday, 23rd November – 10.30am – 1.00 p.m.
  • Saturday, 30th November – 10.30am – 1.00 p.m.
  • Saturday, 7th December – 10.30am – 1.00 p.m.
  • Sunday, 8th December – 7.00pm – 10.00 p.m.  (Sausage sizzle will commence at 5.30 p.m.)
  • Bayside Carols - Tuesday, 10th December - 7.30 p.m. – 9.30 p.m. (call time is 6.30 p.m.)
CROATIA FESTIVAL 2020 UPDATE
Some of you have asked to hear about the Viva Melbourne choir trip to Croatia in late March/early April, 2020.  (Viva Melbourne is the name Vocally Wild use when singing away from Australia). There will be 36 people travelling, 28 singers (22 women, 6 men), 6 partners and 2 professionals.  Most will be departing on 28th March to fly to Venice where the group will stay for 3 days and hopefully rehearse in one of the wonderful old Venetian churches.  On the 1st April we will travel by bus to Porec in Istria.  The International Festival of Choirs and Orchestras takes place from 1st to 5th April in Porec.  Rehearsals commence on Sunday, 20th November – 2 this year and 6 more prior to departure.  There will be a Concert on the 15th March when everyone will be invited.  Thank you to all of you who have purchased Raffle tickets in aid of the Croatia trip.  The prizes are amazing so good luck!!

HOBART 2020 UPDATE
We are about to formulate plans for our proposed Vocally Wild trip to the Festival of Voices in Hobart during July, 2020, so if you are interested, and you haven’t already got your name on the Expressions of Interest list, it will be at Choir on Tuesday.  All people on the list will be contacted as soon as more information is available.

Our new members have been forwarded some information about these exciting choir trips and if anyone else is interested in either, please contact Lidia Maslin  (Croatia) or Cecilia Stone  (Hobart) or me 

FAMILY LIFE
Family Life is a wonderful organisation, which runs amazing programmes in the local community.  Two of our Vocally Wild members are extremely active in this charity and Lesley, who spoke to us last week at rehearsal, has brought to our attention a couple of interesting activities:
  • “The Way of All Fish” - Wednesday, 23rd October   Catch Up 4 Women – Drop In Wednesdays.  Lesley has invited us to attend this rehearsed reading – a comedy by Elaine May, from 10.00 to 11.30 a.m. at the Family Life’s Cheltenham Op Shop, 1297 Nepean Highway.  Lesley is part of this production which is presented by Two Mans Theatre in association with Mystical Dog Productions.  Hopefully some of you will be able to attend and support Family Life with their Family Life Catch Up programme.
  • Sing Carols - Wednesday, 27th November.  Lesley has also invited a group from Vocally Wild to sing Carols at the Drop In as part of the Catch Up programme.  If you can come along to the Cheltenham Op Shop for half an hour or so, they would be delighted.  I will put a sheet at the back of the room at Choir on Tuesday for names of those interested in singing. They would be delighted if a group of about 15 could sing.
MAYFLOWER – Friday, 13th December
A short while ago a very cheerful group of Vocally Wilders sang with Patty Chaplin’s Ukulele group at Mayflower in Centre Road, Brighton.  Patty and Mayflower have invited us to return to sing Carols to the residents and friends.  I will put a sheet at the back of Choir on Tuesday night for you to add your name if you’re interested and able to come along.  Time to be confirmed, but it is likely to be about 10.30 a.m.

CHICAGO – THE MUSICAL
Rose Olsen has asked me to remind you that she has a number of tickets left for “Chicago” at the Art Centre on 29th January, 2020, at 1.00 p.m.  The price is excellent - $70 pp.  Rose mentions that these would be wonderful Christmas gifts, or just a treat for yourselves!   Payment is required by early November, so please contact Rose on 0401 277 815 or Kate at choir.  Thank you.

MORE MUSICAL ITEMS OF INTEREST
  • SINGING MEDITATION CIRCLE – Sunday, 24th November.  2.00 to 3.30 p.m. at Castlefield Community Centre.  A relaxing session of Chant Songs.  Tickets #20/$15 prebooked, or $25/$20 at the door.  Contact:  9598 0662 or www.trybooking.com/BFLAW.
  • LOCAL MUSIC - The Kingston Centre is very proactive with bringing live entertainment back to Moorabbin.  A variety of concerts and band performances are planned for the next few months, so if you want to learn more, contact kingstonarts.com.au
  • ST. DAVID’S DAY WELSH CONCERT – Friday, 28th February, 2020.  The Victoria Welsh Choir returns to Elisabeth Murdoch Hall in 2020 to celebrate the rich Welsh musical tradition.  Now in its 40th year, Victoria Welsh is a traditional Welsh male choir, singing in four part harmony.  They perform hymns, ballads, show tunes, arias and Celtic favourites raising the roof in concert halls from Bangor to Bairnsdale.  This is a night of great entertainment for all lovers of Wales’ musical heritage.  The Choir’s conductor, Faleiry Koezkar, OAM, will share the podium with a visiting conductor from Wales.  Tickets are on sale now.  Time:  7.30 p.m.  Price:  from $30.  For more details contact melbournerecitalcentre.com.au 
ANOTHER INTERESTING TITBIT
It’s always good to read about interesting people.  Our ex-Vocally Wilder, Patty Chaplin, has a famous cousin - Judy Nunn, the best-selling author who has recently released her new novel “Khaki Town’.  You may have read some of her earlier novels.  Judy and Patty originally hailed from Western Australia.  Judy Nunn, you may remember, is also a well-known actor who appeared in ‘The Box’ in the 70’s who also spent 13 years in ‘Home and Away’.  Judy is also married to an actor!  Apparently a hilarious household.  What fun. 

Kindest regards,
Pat Lowry

 
 
 
 









 

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - SEPTEMBER, 2019

Mon, 23 Sep 2019
Printable version

Dear all, 
Now that Term 3 is over and as we look forward to the exciting lead up to 'Carols in the Park' in Term 4, may I take this opportunity to say thank you to Diana and Patrice for their energy and expertise during this busy term.  Thanks also to Dianne for filling in for Diana so well on the final night and for organising the Open Mic session.  See Dianne's report below.

    DIARY
TUESDAY, 1ST OCTOBER     SENIORS' WEEK LAUNCH 
TUESDAY, 8TH OCTOBER TERM 4 COMMENCES.
SATURDAY, 12TH OCTOBER
SATURDAY, 12TH OCTOBER
MAGGIE’S CROATIA DINNER (SELL OUT!!) DINNER WITH THE STARS, SSSB
SUNDAY, 20TH OCTOBER ‘CROATIA’ REHEARSALS COMMENCE
FRIDAY, 8TH NOVEMBER WW11 VETERANS' LUNCH, BM RSL
SUNDAY, 10TH NOVEMBER BAREFOOT BOWLS, SINGALONG, BBQ 
TUESDAY, 3RD DECEMBER  TERM 4 CONCLUDES.  'OPEN MIC' 
TUESDAY, 10TH DECEMBER  BAYSIDE CAROLS, PERFORMANCE.
DECEMBER:  ST. SINGING (CAROLS) To be confirmed.

It's been a busy term with many Vocally Wilders performing in various ways -

  • Sea Shanties =  a great concert, full house and all reports were very complimentary.;
  • Connor's Run - bravo to all 32 singers who coped stoically with early spots of rain, the chilly early morning and sudden gusts of wind, but sang wonderfully as runners and walkers passed by, waving and taking photos!  Two of our own members did the run - Judy Snowden and Jennifer Hayes - well done!!  We also saw, but passing by, our Federal MP, Tim Wilson, and many other local identities!  Thanks go to Diana and Patrice for their enthusiasm, coping with the testing conditions and for sparing their Sunday morning; also to Russel, Richard, Mark and Mill for setting up and pulling down the complex edquipment system we now have.  Mr. Trolleyman (Russel) is amazing.  He even put up a marquee tent to protect the equipment (and Patrice!).  Some of the ladies also helped winding cables at the conclusion - a wonderful team effort.   Our website wonder, Robert, was there as always, with his trusty camera and recording equipment.  Rob has already updated our website with Connor's Run video compilation of songs and depiction of the scene and atmosphere.  Thank you Rob, it's very much appreciated by us all and adds to our great record of Vocally Wild's community involvement.  Russel received a highly complimentary email to all from the organisers, which I have forwarded to those who took part.  'Connor's Run'  have already sent us the date for September, 2020!
As setting up equipment for performances, and packing up again, is a time consuming task for a small willing team, we are requesting volunteers (men and women) to come along to choir a little early on a Tuesday and learn how to set up the sound equipment and complete other simple tasks.  This would assist Russel and Richard greatly plus give helpers new skills!  Please contact Russel if you would like to help.  Thank you. 

Mayflower - a small but very willing and colourful group sang and played twenty songs from 'Tennessee Waltz' to 'So Long It's Been Good to Know You' in a unique and cheerful fashion to a very appreciative audience of residents and friends.  We started off with "Meetin' at the Lovely Mayflower"!!  The wonderful Ukulele trio, Patty, Pat and June (who also played the harmonica) were fabulous and Patty a brilliant compere! 

OPEN MIC - TUESDAY LAST NIGHT OF TERM 3 - Dianne Birch
Patrice started off proceedings by playing “Jealousy” on piano, receiving rapturous applause and cries for more, then Richard performed “Misty Moisty Morning” acapella, in his humorous style, complete with an expressive flicking off of his cap for effect. 

Penny & Maryann sang a Serbian song called "Zapjevala Sojka Ptica".  Russel had a cameo role (complete with wig and wedding bouquet of flowers). “She/He" was a peasant girl who was sad because she was being married off against her will.  Dr. Maryann also shared with us the special connection she made through singing this song to a couple she is looking after in her Pracice.  She got to the fourth word and the couple joined in - it was a very special moment for all three of them, and to us also hearing about it.  The power of music!

Ken, Peter, Mark, John S, John B, Graham, Richard and Russel performed The Beatles' "Ä Hard Day’s Night" and "I Saw Her Standing There" with much energy and charisma, assisted beautifully by many willing dancers.

Guest chorister for the night was local State MP, Brad Rowswell, who performed "Stars" from Les Miserable, beautifully accompanied by Patrice.  Brad had played the part of Jean Valjean in his school production at St Bede’s in 2003.   He is also a musician having learnt French Horn and I think Trumpet, though he hasn’t done much of any since his school years.  I think everyone who was there would agree that Brad gave a beautiful rendition and closed out the evening on a lovely note. Pun intended! ????


Thank you to Patrice, from us all, for her amazing accompaniment supporting the performers - she always stuns us with her ability to adapt to any conditions!  Thanks again to the groovy dancers in the Beatles medley.

SENIORS' WEEK LAUNCH - TUESDAY, 1ST OCTOBER
Reminder to meet at Milanos Tavern, The Esplanade, Brighton Beach at 10.15 for warm up with Diana.and Patrice.  Practise will be in either the Esplanade Room or the Bayview Room.  We have been invited to stay for morning tea afterwards.  Please wear our usual black.  (Silver scarves will be provided).  Diana reminds us of the songs we will be performing:  "Lean on Me', 'All You Need is Love' (if we have William/Jenny present to sing solos), 'This Little Light of Mine' (with Dianne and Teresa solo),  'People Get Ready' (Lyn solo).  Back up song will be 'House of the Rising Sun'.  If our friends/family wish to attend, they are asked to please telephone Bayside Council on 9599 4373..

WWII VETS' LUNCH, BEAUMARIS RSL - FRIDAY, 8TH NOVEMBER
Venue:  Beaumaris Lawn Tennis Club, Banksia Reserve (off Balcombe Road).  Enter via Oak Street.  Time of arrival TBC.  Please add your name to the list at Choir if you are willing to take part.

ADMIN MATTERS
  • TERM 4. -  Please remember that Term commence on Tuesday, 8th October.  Cherry will be forwarding Term 4 invoices to the relevant people shortly .  Please contact any member of Committee if you have any issues with attendance or you have any other questions about the Choir - we are all there to help.
  • FUTURE DIRECTION OF VOCALLY WILD
    After almost two years of self-administration, the Committee thought that feedback from all members would be timely, as to how they feel about the Choir and its direction. We thought that a survey given out at the commencement of Term 4 would be the ideal way to gain this important information.  Therefore, a Questionnaire will be placed on each seat on the first day of term and we are asking you to please respond within two weeks.  You may put your comments on the paper itself, or via your computer.  A receptacle will be available at the back of the room for paper returns. There will be a box for comments at the bottom of the sheet and you can add your name if you wish, or reply anonymously, either way is fine. Thank you in anticipation. 
CROATIA FESTIVAL 2020 - RAFFLE
Raffle tickets to raise funds to offset costs at the Croatia Festival have been issued to those travelling next year.  However, if anyone would like to purchase a ticket or so, or travellers need another book (!), these will be available at the rear of the hall during the coming weeks.  The prizes are excellent - a notice will be displayed showing the amazing choices for winners.  All tickets sold or unsold, and money, please, to be returned to Maggie or Pat.

MUSICAL ITEMS OF INTEREST

  • JOSH PETERMAN.  Did you see the full page article about Josh in The Age recently?  He has won the Lead Role as The Phantom in 'The Phantom of the Opera', in London, until September, 2020.  Wow!  Congratulations Josh - can you hear us all cheering?!!!  How lucky are we to have sung with him at the Carols last year?
  • COMIC OPERA "HMS PINAFORE"  Clint Smith, one of our own, is performing in the Chorus of 'HMS Pinafore' on the 4th to 6th October at the Darebin Arts Centre, Corner Bell Street and St. George's Street, Preston.  Tickets:  Adult $45 (C $39), Student $32.  Child $25.  Family and Early Bird Specials available.  For times and other enquiries:  0490 465 009.  
  • MSO ORCHESTRA CHORUS - SAT. 26TH OCTOBER. (Part of the series MSO 2019), Brahms 'Ein Deutches Requiem" - recognised as one of the greatest choral works ever written.  Accompanied by piano.  100 choristers - Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, MRC, 7.30 p.m.  Tickets:  lA Reserve $99 (C $94), B Reserve $79 (C $74), C Reserve $65 (C $60).  Contact: www.melbournerecital.com.au
  • DINNER WITH THE STARS - SATURDAY, 12TH OCTOBER.   Dine and Dance with the Southern Stars Stage Band, 7.00 to 11.00 p.m. at the Southern Golf Club.  Tickets:  trybooking.com/BBYTP or 0430 366 617.

FAMILY LIFE
Thank you also to those who donated clothing, bags, etc. for Family Life's 'Spring Carnival' - the organisers were absolutely delighted with the response.  All their hard work paid off as by all accounts the event was a sell out and hugely successful.. Family Life perform a wonderful and necessary role in the community.  See below another of their initiatives.

FAMILY LIFE -  "CATCH UP 4 WOMEN"

Family Life have introduced a new programme.  If you can relate to this or know someone who may benefit by being involved, please make contact - details are on the website.

‘BEING A 50+ WOMAN IS A RISKY BUSINESS’ 

On 15 August, 2019, Family Life officially launched the “Catch Up 4 Women” programme at Cheltenham Op Shop.  Close to 70 guests attended the launch where they enjoyed a wonderful high tea, mingled with other community members and heard from Family Life CEO, Jo Cavanagh, as well as volunteer participants and staff working on the project.

Catch Up 4 Women has been developed in response to increasing evidence that women over 50 years of age are facing unique risks to their financial security and general wellbeing. The programme seeks to educate women about what they need to know and be prepared for, in order to age well and in control of their circumstances.

“A growing number of older women are often not prepared for the economic insecurity that can occur later in life,” Family Life CEO, Jo Cavanagh said:
“Being forced out of the workforce early, insufficient superannuation, the death of an income earning spouse or escaping family violence are just a few of the scenarios facing more and more older women.”  “Catch Up for Women brings women together to learn, socialise and support each other and connect them with specialist advice and resources.”  “Helping women to be in control of their circumstances as they age is more imperative than ever before.”

How you can get involved:

  • think about your family and friendship circle, is someone isolated or had a recent life-shock?
  • check in with them to see if they have people to talk to
  • invite them to attend a Catch Up 4 Women event or activity, encourage them to drop into a Family Life Community Store or to give Family Life a call, to find out what is involved

Up-coming Catch Up 4 Women Activities
Mentor Training will be held throughout October and December. Please contact Deb Donaldson to participate.  Welcome Wednesday is a morning tea each week with special focus on areas of interest. These free events are to be held every Wednesday at the Cheltenham Op shop from 10:00 am -11.30am. No need to book, just turn up.

To find out more visit our website to watch a short video, or register your interest to become a mentor at familylife.com.au/catchup4women


Here are Ilse's delightful words:

VOCALLY WILD CHOIR HERE IN SANDRINGHAM  (ifz 3/9/19)
our voices follow Diana’s forte
from softest strokes for radiant songs
to shelter lofty soprano ranges
above us diligent alto virtues
we’ve got the swing to honour
tricky lines
holding any melody in place

her masterly voice
glides away from upper d-f-g
to tenor strides
then lowers
leaving baritone and bass singers surprised
by her body swings like no tomorrow
pushing their voices to swell
in unison to energetic harmony

and Patrice controls
repeat after repeats
sometimes I venture
will Cio da Terra translate
from piano text toward her classic retreat

we choir singers are made of willing temper
our souls are discovered while we extend
free will of unique complexion in spirit
creating harmonious ambience

PS:  I HAVE A BAG OF PURPLE AND GREEN GLITTER MATERIAL (EX PERFORMANCE SCARVES - BUT TOO PRICKLY TO WEAR COMFORTABLY!!).  I'LL TAKE IT TO A LOCAL KINDERGARTEN OR PLAY CENTRE, BUT IF YOU WOULD LIKE SOME PIECES FOR CRAFTWORK, ETC. PLEASE LET ME KNOW. BY EARLY NEXT TERM.    

Enjoy your holidays everyone, wherever you may be!

(We are fortunate to be able to show you some wonderful Leunigs with his blessing).

Kindest regards,
Pat Lowry.

 

 

 
 

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - AUGUST, 2019

Fri, 23 Aug 2019
Printable version


THANK YOU ROD!                                                                                                                   
Rod Cripps (Maggie's husband) has come to the rescue again. 

The trolley used to transport the audio equipment to choir broke a weld where the front wheels pivot - Rod was able to weld up the faulty part and add a brace, so its even stronger.  If you ever want to see a workshop which has every piece of equipment a man or woman could wish for, visit his premises in Keysborough. 

The photo shows Rod using a MIG welder on our trolley axle.  Rod, you're a hero!
(Technical info provided by Russel!!)

THANK YOU ALSO TO EDWINA AND ROB
What a pleasant Sunday afternoon it was at Edwina and Rob's place on the 4th August.  Over 30 people enjoyed a friendly get-together, wine, nibbles and on-screen performances by Vocally Wild!!  We very much appreciate your opening your home to us, Edwina and Rob - it was a lot of fun and a lovely social occasion.

 
DIARY DATES
TUESDAY, 27TH AUGUST:  SMALL GROUP PERFORMANCE - MAYFLOWER, 1.30 P.M.
SATURDAY, 7TH SEPT:  KINGSTON SEA SHANTIES CHOIR WITH FRED SMITH & HIS BAND, CITYHALL,7.30 P.M.
SUNDAY, 15TH SEPT:  CONNOR'S RUN, PERFORMANCE.
TUESDAY, 17TH SEPT:  TERM 3 CONCLUDES.  'OPEN MIC.' SESSION.
TUESDAY, 1ST OCT:  SENIORS' WEEK LAUNCH, PERFORMANCE AT MILANOS.
TUESDAY, 8TH OCT:  TERM 4 COMMENCES.
SATURDAY, 12TH OCT:  MAGGIE'S DINNER (FUNDRAISER FOR CROATIA TRIP)
SUNDAY, 27TH OCT:  SANDRINGHAM VILLAGE FESTIVAL, PERFORMANCE (TBC)
FRIDAY, 8TH NOV:  WWII VETERANS' LUNCH, BEAUMARIS RSL - PERFORMANCE
SUNDAY, 10TH NOV:  BAREFOOT BOWLS SOCIAL, B.R.B.C.
TUESDAY, 3RD DEC:  TERM 4 CONCLUDES.  'OPEN MIC' SESSION.
TUESDAY, 10TH DEC:  BAYSIDE CAROLS, PERFORMANCE.
DECEMBER:  STREET SINGING (CAROLS)
WEBSITE
Rob Tunnock has been weaving his special 'magic' with our Website.  Do check it out (www.vocallywild.org.au) and follow the arrow to Videos.  Rob is in the process of creating a visual history of Vocally Wild and it's wonderful to see what he has done so far.  You will be able to view many past and present singers, particularly our sadly missed Gloria, who was a member for many years and travelled to Italy in 2012.  There is much more to come, but enjoy what is there already!  If you feel you would like to contribute some visuals, either video or photographs, please let Rob, Cherry or I know - alternatively, if you wish something to be deleted, do advise us!  We are indebted to Teresa, who set the website up originally, and Rob, Russel and John for continuing with this technical wizardry!

MUSIC
Plenty of preparation going on for our end of term Open Mic session on 17th September.  We're hoping that an entertaining guest will be joining us to!

PERFORMANCES & EVENTS
  • MAYFLOWER -  Patty Chaplin, much loved and long time member, now retired from choir but amazingly busy with her music and many other activities, will be playing with her Ukulele group to the residents of Mayflower, Centre Road, Brighton, on Tuesday, 27th August at 1.30 p.m..  Patty asked if a small group of Vocally Wild singers would care to join them in this relaxed entertainment.. The songs include some wonderful oldies, plus popular fairly newies!!  This should be a fun and rewarding afternoon.
  •  
  • CONNOR'S RUN - We have around 30 names on the list for Sunday, 15th September, so if you would like to join us, please pop your name down.  We meet at the Angling Club, Kerferd Road (Beaconsfield Parade), Albert Park, where Russel and team will set up the choiir risers.  Times and further details to be confirmed, but we will be singing from 8.30 a;m. and will be on hand for two hours.  Good news - some cafes for coffee are nearby!!  Songs as per list sent on 12th August:  Siyahamba, All You Need is Love, Lean on Me, Soon I will be Done, This Little Light of Mine, People Get Ready, House of the Rising Sun, Goodnight Sweetheart, Higher and Higherr, Lingmarra, Meetin' Today, Innaney, Thuma Mina.
  • SENIORS' WEEK:  Vocally Wild to perform at the opening day of Seniors' Week on Tuesday, 1st October.  Venue:  Milano's, Beach Road, Brighton.  11.15 a.m. start, so please could all choir be there by 10.30 a.m. for warm up with Diana.  Performance lasts for 15 minutes.  A sheet will be at Choir on Tuesday to ascertain numbers.  Please note that this date is during school holidays.  Song list - same as per Connor's Run.  
  • VETERANS' LUNCH:  Friday, 8th November.  Further details of venue and times will follow.  We are very fortunate that Patrice has kindly agreed to be our pianist.  
  • ANNUAL CONCERT, 2020.  This is early notice that a booking has been made at the Brighton Town Hall for our Annual Concert on Sunday, 30th August, 2020, from 2.00 p.m.  This will be a pleasant Sunday afternoon followed by afternoon tea and refreshments, allowing all age groups to come along, especially younger family members who might otherwise have to be in bed!
BAREFOOT BOWLS - SUNDAY, 10TH NOVEMBER
Venue:  Black Rock Bowls Club.  Time:  3.00 to 8.00 p.m.  Barbecue, Bowls, Singing, Fun!  Sausages (vegetarian and meat), Bread, Meatballs and Marinaded Chicken Legs to be provided, but if you prefer other barbecue meat, you are asked to bring this along.  Drinks to be purchased at the bar, at bar prices.    Bare feet are usually recoimmended for the Bowls, but if you wish to wear shoes, in order to protect the greens, please ensure they have completely flat soles.  Thank you.  A Mega Raffle will be drawn during this event.  The Raffle is being organised to raise funds for the travelling Viva Melbourne choir to Croatia.  Further details available shortly.

This will be the last social event of the year for Vocally Wild and everyone is encouraged to come along and bring family and friends..  We won't be having any function later in December, as in previous years.  Our Christmas get-together will be the one we attend immediately after the Fireworks at the Carols in the Park, together with the other performers, and seems a very appropriate occasion for our final break up.  

HOBART FESTIVAL OF VOICES 2020
Thank you for your keen interest.  Planning is about to begin, once dates and times are cleared.  Watch this space!

CROATIA 2020
Plans are going well.  Thank you to Lidia for all her hard work so far.  You may have noticed a bit of activity on Tuesday nights regarding jackets and other items - all these things take time and her efforts are much appreciated.  We hope it hasn't inconvenienced anyone during rehearsal nights. 

As mentioned earlier, a Mega Raffle is being organised to raise funds to go towards some travel expenses.  The Vocally Wild Committee, after taking into account historical fundraising relating to 'travel funds', is very happy to offer 2 prizes for this Mega Raffle - each a Semester (half year) Free Membership to Vocally Wild - to be taken up by the end of 2020.  More detail of the Raffle to follow.

UP-COMING MUSICAL EVENTS:

                                KINGSTON SEA SHANTIES
featuring Fred Smith with his band and the Kingston Sea Shanties Community Choir. Also featuring members of Men in Suits Choir. 
Date:  Saturday, 7th September. 
Time:  7.30 p.m. 
Venue:  Kingston City Hall, 985 Nepean HIghway, Moorabbin.  Tickets:  Full $25, Concession/Seniors:  $15.  Group:  6 plus $20.  Booking:  9556 4440 or kingstonarts.com.au 

The Vocally Wild members taking part are enjoying this experience very much - the choir also includes singers from other local choirs including Mosaic.

TRIO CORTA-JACA - FRIDAY, 30TH AUGUST.  Time: 8.00 p.m.  Three of Australia's top choro exponents, together with Doug de Vries (7 string guitar), Josh Bridges (Cello) and Asha Henfry (Flute) will present an intimate concert of fabulous Brazilian music as part of the 'Jazz in the Salon' series at the Melbourne Recital Centre.  Bookings:  melbournerecital.com.au 

BOITE MILLENIUM CHORUS - "So Far So Close".  The Chorus will be celebrating 21 years of singing in grand concert on SUNDAY, 1ST SEPTEMBER, 2.30 p.m.  also included will be Melbourne Indie Voices, Melbourne Georgian Choir, Voices Unbound and Sedyanka Women's Bulgarian Choir.   Venue:  Meat Market, 3 Blackwood Street, North Melbourne, 3051.  Cost:  Full Price $43, Concession $37, Under 25 $32.  Bookings contact trybooking.com

CHANT SONG SINGING CIRCLE - Sunday, 8th September.  Castlefield Community Centre, 505 Bluff Road, Hampton. 2.00 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. (arrive 10 minutes early).  Cost: $20 ($15 Concession).  Contact:  dmc@dianaclark.com.au

Phew - now let's go and enjoy a nice cup of tea!
Kind regards, Pat.


















 

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - JULY, 2019

Fri, 19 Jul 2019
Printable version
 

Trust your break was enjoyable, restful and refreshing!  Welcome everyone, especially our five new members - Julie Binstead, Rachel Patterson, Joan and John Downie and Bill Stubbs, we hope you enjoy being part of Vocally Wild.  To those of you who have been unwell, we hope that you are much improved. There seems to be a busy semester ahead, so here is the Diary page again in case anyone missed it last month:

DIARY DATES
SUNDAY, 4TH AUG:  SOCIAL GET-TOGETHER AT EDWINA AND ROB'S HOME
SATURDAY, 7TH SEPT:  KINGSTON SEA SHANTIES CHOIR WITH FRED SMITH AND HIS BAND, CITYHALL,7.30 P.M.
SUNDAY, 15TH SEPT:  CONNOR'S RUN, PERFORMANCE.
TUESDAY, 17TH SEPT:  TERM 3 CONCLUDES.  'OPEN MIC.' SESSION.
TUESDAY, 1ST OCT:  SENIORS' WEEK LAUNCH, PERFORMANCE AT MILANOS. 
TUESDAY, 8TH OCT:  TERM 4 COMMENCES.
SATURDAY, 12TH OCT:  SACB DINNER WITH THE STARS
SUNDAY, 27TH OCT:  SANDRINGHAM VILLAGE FESTIVAL, PERFORMANCE (TBC)
FRIDAY, 8TH NOV:  WW11 VETERANS' LUNCH, BEAUMARIS RSL 
SUNDAY, 10TH NOV:  BAREFOOT BOWLS, SINGALONG, BBQ 
TUESDAY, 3RD DEC:  TERM 4 CONCLUDES.  'OPEN MIC' SESSION.
TUESDAY, 10TH DEC:  BAYSIDE CAROLS, PERFORMANCE.
DECEMBER:  STREET SINGING (CAROLS)
MUSIC
Diana mentioned at our last rehearsal that she was very happy with Dianne's initiative - our end of term 'Open Mic' sessions - and looks forward to their continuation.  Already some slots for the 17th September have been requested, so please contact Dianne if you wish to 'strut your stuff!!'  Graham will put any recordings of these sessions on a USB stick', so if you have any, please contact Graham.


BAREFOOT BOWLS – SINGALONG – BARBECUE.  SUNDAY, 10TH NOVEMBER
Following a recent survey as to choice of activity for our end of year function, it was evident that Barefoot Bowls was the most preferred.  As a result, the Black Rock Bowls Club, Fern Street, Black Rock, has been booked for Sunday, 10th November, from 3.00 to 8.00 p.m. There will be no cost to members - barbecue food and salads wlll be provided.  The bar will be available to us, so we just ask that your drinks be purchased at the bar (at bar prices).  Bare feet are usually recommended, but if you wish to wear shoes, in order to protect the greens, they need to have completely flat soles.  There is a piano too, so singing might just also be on the menu!  More detail to follow closer to the time.


SOCIAL GET-TOGETHER
Edwina and Rob have kindly offered their home for a social catch up on Sunday, 4th August, 4.00 to 6.00 p.m. at 106 Male Street, Brighton.  All drinks provided by the V.W. Committee - there will be some nibbles but you may wish to bring a plate to share.  Partners welcome.  Video of the recent Annual Concert to be on view for added entertainment!.

LOCK UP ROSTER

Thank you to all who have volunteered to be on Dianne's SandyBeach Lock up Roster for this semester.  Dianne sent the roster out via Harmony on the 18th July explaining the reason we need to do this, together with the simple instructions.  Let me know if you would like me to forward the roster to you.

PERFORMANCES

CONNOR'S RUN
  • We are happy to be arranging a group to sing at the 'Connor's Run' on Sunday, 15th September.  A sheet willl be placed on a table at the back of the hall next Tuesday, so please add your name of you are willing to take part.  More detail will be available shortly, as to time, location, etc.
SENIORS' WEEK LAUNCH
  • Vocally Wild Choir has been asked to sing at the Opening Day of Seniors’ Week – Tuesday, 1st October, prior to lunch – time to be arranged.  Venue:  Milano’s, Brighton.  A sheet will be available shortly at the back of the hall, to ascertain numbers available to sing, bearing in mind that this is during the school holidays.
WWII  VETERAN'S LUNCH
  • A request has been received from the Beaumaris RSL for Vocally Wild to sing a few songs on Friday, 8th November at their Veteran's Lunch.  This has been willingly agreed to.  Further details will follow.  Thank you to Sue Beazley for her involvement.
UPDATE ON CROATIA TRIP, 2020
Lidia and the team's plans are going well for the 'Viva Melbourne' choir trip to Croatia. The group will depart on 28th March, stay three nights in Venice prior to the 5-Day Festival which commences in Porec on 1st April. There are 37 travellers at this stage, including Diana and Doug, 22 women, 6 men and 7 partners.  Rehearsals begin with a Workshop in October and two more rehearsals this year, followed by 7 rehearsals in February and March, culminating with an afternoon Concert on Sunday, 15th March at the Black Rock Bowls Club.

REPORT ON FESTIVAL OF VOICES, HOBART, 2019
Cecilia, Cherry, Maggie and Pat attended the 2019 festival for 4 days, 3 nights recently, to check on the viability of organising Vocally Wild’s participation in the 2020 Festival.  This visit was a huge success, with many highlights, and we were all convinced that this would be a perfect opportunity for the choir to attend an Australian choral festival next year.  Details to be available at the back of the hall in two weeks’ time and during Announcements, Cecilia, Cherry, Maggie and Pat will give a brief description.  Pat will put a sheet on the table for expressions of interest.

FROM PEG GILL:
Mamma Mia tickets:
I’ve booked 60 tix for CLOC’s performance of Mamma Mia at the National Theatre, St Kilda,  for Friday Oct 11, 8pm (opening night + Chicken and Champagne supper).  COST: $48 (conc) and $36 (U16). Payment is not necessary for some time: but if you’d like one or more of these reserved tickets please let me know asap, as I’m sure they’ll go quickly.

OTHER MUSICAL EVENTS COMING UP

'SOUND OF MUSIC' Sing-along
  • (tomorrow) Sunday, 21st July, Hamer Hall, 1.00 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.  Details:  artscentremelbourne.com.au
CHOIR OF KING'S COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE
  • Saturday, 27th July.  Hamer Hall,  7.00 p.m. Details: artscentremelbourne.com.au  Another concert will be on Tuesday, 6th August, 7.00 p.m. at the Melbourne Recital Centre.  Details:  musicaviva.com.au/kings

JULIE ANDREWS
The Sound of Music Sing-along at Hamer Hall is tomorrow, 21st July, so a bit late to be mentioning it above, I suspect, but as a co-incidence, the following popped up on Facebook, as things tend to do (!).  I’m not sure if it’s genuine, but it’s pretty clever, so I hope it is true.  Here it is:

To commemorate her 79th birthday, actress/vocalist, Julie Andrews made a special appearance at Manhattan's Radio City Music Hall for the benefit of the AARP.  One of the musical numbers she performed was "My Favourite Things" from the legendary movie "The Sound Of Music".  Here are the lyrics she used:
 
(Sing It!) - If you sing it, it’s especially hysterical!!! 

Botox and nose drops and needles for knitting,

Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favourite things.
 
Cadillacs and cataracts, hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favourite things.
 
When the pipes leak, When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favourite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.
 
Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favourite things.
 
Back pains, confused brains and no need for sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favourite things.
 
When the joints ache, When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad.
 
(Ms. Andrews apparently received a standing ovation from the crowd that lasted over four minutes and repeated encores.


Kind regards,
Pat.



 

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - JUNE, 2019

Sat, 22 Jun 2019
Printable version
Russel Barnes (President) 0409 090 448 
russelbarnes@gmail.com
Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  pjserge@bigpond.com
Pat Lowry (Secretary) 0437 697 009   patlow5@bigpond.com
Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary)  
cherry@cham.com.au
Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
0458 669 883  crippsrm@bigpond.com
Dianne Birch (Music Adviser)  mazbirch@bigpond.com
Edwina McLachlan  edwinamclachlan@hotmail.com
Graham Mitchell  grahammitchell@gmail.com
Jenny Ellison  jennyellisonentertainment@gmail.co

What a great concert!  It was a pleasure to be in the audience to see and listen to your wonderful sound.  You really nailed ‘Skyfall’!!  Thank you to everyone concerned: Diana and Patrice of course, the tireless Committee, Dave our wonder-man and his team, all the generous helpers and everyone who brought the delicious refreshments.  Thank you also to the full-house audience who braved the chilly winter’s night to be there.

As we did on the night, we also wish to mention here Sue Beazley’s incredible commitment to the choir.  Sue has been a member since pretty much the very beginning – the days of The Cantata’s and Broken Voices.  She now has 20 years under her belt and has been the ‘engine room’ of this choir since the beginning!  Sue has been totally committed to Vocally Wild, from when she was our link with Sandybeach, during the changeover from being under Sandbeach’s wings, to becoming a fully independent choir.  Sue is truly a walking encyclopaedia on all things ‘choir’ and has always been an enthusiastic, loyal and unwaivering embassador for us.  It would take too long to describe all of her endeavours, but her efforts over the years are well and truly appreciated by us all.  She is having a break from the Committee now, but is still an active Section Leader for the Sop 1’s, keeping us all informed and up to date with our songs and words!  Thank you Sue.

Thank you also to Shirley Bean for making two more brilliant certificates – this time, one for Sue and one for Dave Snowden!


MESSAGE FROM SUE
My thanks to the committee and all the choir for the acknowledgement of my 20 years on Friday night and the kind words, you caught me by surprise.    Thank you also for the generous gift, which given my love of theatre will be put to good use very soon.   The certificate is already up on my office wall to remind me how lucky I was to join The Cantartas all those years ago.  
The joy of singing, so many amazing performances, challenges and so much fun along the way.   I have met so many beautiful people over the years and made so many friends.   Vocally Wild has been such an important part of my life and anything I have done for our wonderful choir has been given back to me in spades.     Fabulous concert, think the best performance we have done, so thank you Diana for making sure we were so well-prepared.  Alan said the harmonies were amazing and the light and shade took us to a new level.

DIARY DATES
TUESDAY, 25TH JUNE:  TERM 1 CONCLUDES.  'OPEN MIC.' SESSION.
TUESDAY, 16TH JULY:  TERM 3 COMMENCES.
SUNDAY, 4TH AUG:  SOCIAL GET-TOGETHER AT EDWINA AND ROB'S HOME
SATURDAY, 7TH SEPT:  KINGSTON SEA SHANTIES CHOIR WITH FRED SMITH AND HIS BAND, CITYHALL,7.30 P.M.
SUNDAY, 15TH SEPT:  CONNOR'S RUN, PERFORMANCE.
TUESDAY, 17TH SEPT:  TERM 3 CONCLUDES.  'OPEN MIC.' SESSION.
TUESDAY, 1ST OCT:  SENIORS' WEEK LAUNCH, PERFORMANCE AT MILANOS. (TBC)
TUESDAY, 8TH OCT:  TERM 4 COMMENCES.
SATURDAY, 12TH OCT:  SACB DINNER WITH THE STARS
SUNDAY, 27TH OCT:  SANDRINGHAM VILLAGE FESTIVAL, PERFORMANCE (TBC)
TUESDAY, 3RD DEC:  TERM 4 CONCLUDES.  'OPEN MIC' SESSION.
TUESDAY, 10TH DEC:  BAYSIDE CAROLS, PERFORMANCE.
DECEMBER:  STREET SINGING (CAROLS)
WATCH OUT DANIEL CRAIG !!
We have many talented people in Vocally Wild - read below about William, one of our relatively new recruits!

LAST CHOIR NIGHT, TERM 2 ON TUESDAY

Our Term 2 break up is next Tuesday, 25th June, and Dianne has organised another fun 'Open Mic' session to take place during our 9.00 to 9.30 p.m. refreshments.  Four 'acts' are already on the 'bill' and there are a couple of spots left, if you feel like giving it a go.  As this is a light-hearted occasion, there is no need for perfection but Dianne would be only too happy to give you a hand if you feel you need it - 0410 583 496.  Diana will be arriving at 8.00 p.m., so Patrice will help us with a 'warm up' singalong.  If you can find the words of 'Getting to Know You' and 'Oh! What a Beautiful Morning' on your phones, that would be perfect.   Please also bring your music for "It's a Wonderful World'.

MUSIC
Diana has selected our Semester 2 repertoire for your folders, see below.  Many of you will have some of the words/music already and of course Maggie will work her usual wonders in the printing department!  I will send this list separately for you to print out if you wish, together with Diana's O 'Cio da Terra' (Sweet Mother Earth) audio and  lyrics attachments.

Wonderful World
Siyahamba
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
Walking Song
Tune of the Moon (Aum Ay Om Chant)
One More River (Sam Cooke)
O Cio da Terra (Sweet Mother Earth)
Crazy little thing called Love (Queen)
River of Dreams (Billy Joel)
You Are My Sunshine
And possibly:
Friday On My Mind
Hallelujah (re-visit)
I Dreamed a Dream (re-visit)


Please keep the following Standards in a spare folder to grab when asked to bring them:
Skyfall
House of Rising Sun
Higher and Higher
People Get Ready
This little Light of Mine
Goodnight Sweetheart
Total Eclipse

Lean On Me
Black is the Colour
All You Need is Love
Day by Day
Life in a Northern Town

(Songs to be memorized:  Bring me little Water - Lingmarra - Soon I will Be Done - Meetin Tonight - Inaney).


FEES AND MEMBERSHIP 
Fees: 
Cherry will be forwarding Invoices for Terms 3/4 next week, probably by Thursday.  If you will not be returning to Choir for Term 3, please advise Cherry before next Wednesday.  If you are taking leave of absence during any term, but you decide to return for a week or two using our 'Casual' arrangement, the Committee would be grateful if payment could be made promptly.  Thank you.

Membership:  Please see Russel's letter below:
Boosting numbers in Winter
Vocally Wild is sounding terrific. We heard many compliments after the concert on our blending and harmonies.  We need sufficient numbers to achieve the sound Diana is training us for, and you will have noticed how attendance on Tuesday nights falls off during the cold winter months.  Some weeks we see less than 60 and the hall feels a bit empty.  So we have decided to invite a further 10 people to join from the waiting list, so the numbers don't get too low on any rehearsal night. There will be some nights when we have close to a full hall, especially in summer, but Diana is very comfortable with this.

You may be wondering if this will affect your chances of performing on stage at the Bayside Carols. Members are chosen to perform based on the length of time in the choir, so new members will have no effect.


Plase let me know if you have any concerns about this change, or speak to a Committee member
Best wishes, President Russel


SOCIAL GET-TOGETHER
(from Edwina)

It's time for a social catch up!

Sunday, 4th August, 2019
4.00 to 6.00 p.m.
at Edwina and Rob McLachlan's home
106 Male Street
Brighton.

All drink is provided by the Vocally Wild Committee.  Some nibbles provided, bring a plate to share - only if you wish to.
Bring your partners.  The video of our recent wonderful concert performance will be on view!

ROSTERS

Dianne is collating a monthly 'Lock-up' Roster of people willing to assist Committee members in locking up after Tuesday rehearsals.  Not an arduous task, but important.  Please could you contact Dianne if you are able to help.  Usually the roster is for a month, so we need people for July to September and November/December.  Thank you.

MESSAGE FROM PEG GILL
This would make a great Christmas present for you and/or someone else (if you’re thinking that far ahead!) -
CHICAGO, THE MUSICAL playing at The Arts Centre, State Theatre. $70 tickets for the 1pm matinee on Wed 29th January
CHICAGO, starring Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Alinta Chidzey and Casey Donovan, has everything to make it great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another; and the slickest dancing in town. CHICAGO's sexy, sassy score includes "All That Jazz" and "Razzle Dazzle".

CHICAGO has been honoured with 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy® and thousands of standing ovations. It would be a crime to miss it!
You can sign up for tickets with Kate Olson(alto) or Peg Gill (2nd Sop).

MESSAGE FROM ROSE OLSEN
On Friday, 30th August the SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR will bring its "Freedom" concert to the Frankston Art Centre,  7.30 p.m,.start.  There is only one show and unfortunately there will be no discount for groups.  The theatre is already half booked but all the seats are well positioned.  Prices are:  Concession:  $84.90c.  'B' Reserve:  $77.90c.  Kate and I will  be going and I am happy to book seats, so if you are interested and didn't put your name on the sheet at choir last Tuesday, please contact Peg Gill (2nd Sop) or me on 0-401 277 815 at your earliest.  Thank you, R

LOOK WHO'S PERFORMING IN MELBOURNE - AND YES WE'VE SUNG WITH MOST OF THEM!!
  • MELBOURNE WELSH MALE VOICE CHOIR WITH SYLVIE PALADINO AND ROY BEST - SAT. 22ND JUNE, 2.00 p.,m. at Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, M.R.C.  Bookings:  Melbourne Recital Centre - .melbournerecital.com.au
  • KATE CEBERANO & PAUL GRABOWSKY - SAT. 21ST SEPT.  7.30 p.m. Hamer Hall - with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra - Bookings:  artscentremelbourne.com.au
  • MIRUSA AND THE ORIGINAL SEEKERS.  SAT. 2ND NOVEMBER, 1.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.  Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre.  Mirusa with Athol Guy, Keith Potger and Bruce Woodley, together with (guitarist Michael Cristiano.  Bookings - melbournerecital.com.au
(A little late perhaps now to tell you that JOSH PITERMAN will be performing in his show at The Alex Theatre, 135 Fitzroy Street, St. Kilda, tomorrow (Saturday, 23rd June) at 2.00 p.m. and 8.00 p.m.  Contact Ticketek.)

You may also be interested in:
  • MoJO (Mordialloc Jazz Orchestra) - JAZZAOKE - WED. 3RD JULY, 7.30 to 9.45.  $10, Youth $5. Kingston City Hall, Lounge Bar, Level 2, Nepean Highway, Moorabbin.  Contact:  publicity@mojnoswing.com.au
  • TRIO CORTA-JACA.  FRIDAY, 30TH AUG, 8.00 p.m.  3 of Australia's top choro exponents will present an intimate concert as part of the 'Jazz in the Salon' series at the Melbourne Recital Centre.  Also featuring Doug de Vries (7 string guitar), Josh Bridges (cello) and Asha Henfry (Flute).  melbournerecital.com.au
  • THE SWINGLES.  FRIDAY, 6TH SEPT. 7.30 p.m.  M.R.C.  For.over 50 years, The Swingles has pushed the boundaries of vocal music. The seven young singers that make up today’s London-based group are driven by the same innovative spirit that has defined the five-time Grammy winning choral ensemble since it first made waves in the 1960s. Bookings:  melbournerecital.com.au 
  • SPINIFEX GUM.  FRIDAY, 13TH SEPT.  8.00 p.m.  M.R.C.   Spinifex Gum is an Australian made collaboration of voice, sound, movement and change. Blending voices, languages and the sounds of the Pilbara region, Spinifex Gum is an experience like no other.  Bookings:  melbournerecital.com.au
  • KINGSTON CHOIR - SEA SHANTIES - SATURDAY, 7TH SEPT. 7.30 p.m. at Kingston City Hall.  Come to hear the  Kingston choir community, along with members of Men in Suits, supporting acclaimed Australian singer/songwriter FRED SMITH  (the 'singing soldier') and his band in a performance that will move the heart, uplift the soul and tickle the funnybone - all at the same time!  Put this in your diary - some members of Vocally Wild and Mosaic and other local choirs make up this interesting group.  Katrina (Mosaic) is the Musical Director.  Bookings may be made on www.kingstonarts.com.au (9556 4440).
  • LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS.  Hamer Hall,  7.30 p.m. SATURDAY, 13TH JULY.  This will be the last time Sir Andrew Davis conducts the Last Night of the Proms.  Soprano -  Greta Bradman (Sir Donald Bradman's granddaughter), Lu Siquin, Violin and the MSO Chorus.  Bookings:  www.mso.com.au
WILLIAM 
We're fortunate that William Mulholland has chosen to be part of Vocally Wild - he certainly adds to the colour and energy of our group and how we love that voice!   Keep watching those James Bond films too!   Here's a brief paragraph on what he's been up to:

William is a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts (School of Dance) and works as a commercial lawyer by day and moonlights as a professional Master of Ceremonies.  He has performed extensively in music theatre including the 1988 professional production of Cats at Her Majesty’s Theatre as well as appearances with the Canberra Dance Ensemble, Victorian State Opera and Australian Ballet.  He has performed with Encore Theatre Inc in Life After George and Daylight Saving and Brighton Theatre Company in Calendar Girls and their most recent 2019 production of I Hate Hamlet, as well as Malvern Theatre Company’s productions of Julius Caesar, Nuts, and Key for Two.   His other credits include Godspell, Annie, JC Superstar, Half a Sixpence and Oh What a Lovely War in Canberra as well as Barnum, A Chorus Line and The Scarlet Pimpernel for CLOC and MLOC’s Irene.  He was previously a member of Melbourne Sings (choir) as part of the With One Voice choir program for nearly 3 years under the direction of Shaun Islip and Tania de Jong with appearances at the Melbourne Town Hall and Melbourne Recital Centre.  William is thrilled to have joined Vocally Wild as the next step in his singing pursuits and has secret ambitions of one day being in a James Bond film.

Apologies for the length of this newsletter!!  Promise shorter next time, but I thought you might be interested in all of this!!
Happy singing and have a safe holiday break. 
Good t
houghts to those of you who are in hospital or about to be, and best wishes to many of you who will be travelling overseas.
Kind regards, Pat.
 

VOCALL WILD NEWSLETTER - MAY 2019

Wed, 15 May 2019
Printable version
Russel Barnes (President) 0409 090 448 
russelbarnes@gmail.com
Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  pjserge@bigpond.com
Pat Lowry (Secretary) 0437 697 009   patlow5@bigpond.com
Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary)  
cherry@cham.com.au
Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management) 
0458 669 883  crippsrm@bigpond.com
Dianne Birch (Music Adviser)  mazbirch@bigpond.com
Edwina McLachlan  edwinamclachlan@hotmail.com
Graham Mitchell  grahammitchell@gmail.com
Jenny Ellison  jennyellisonentertainment@gmail.com

VOCALLY WILD CONCERT 
Friday, 14th June is approaching rapidly, so let's invite as many friends and family as we can to come along to enjoy the event; pass on some flyers to your neighbours, your local shop keepers, community centres; place one on the noticeboard at a supermarkets near you or shout from the rooftops that an incredible choir will be performing an amazing concert on:
  • Friday, 14th June
  • Venue:  Brighton Town Hall
  • Time:  8.00 p.m.
  • Tickets:  trybooking.com  or at the door
  • Cost:  $20 (includes supper and drinks).  
  • Programme provided.
Naturally, this is our major activity for this term, but here are a few other messages and points of interest:

TEA LADY/GENT DUTIES !
Carolyn, who brings the tea/coffee supplies each week, will be on holiday from early June for about 6 weeks and again in August, so if anyone wishes to volunteer to take over for these periods, please contact Carolyn, back row Sopranos, or anyone on the Committee.  It's a simple, but very important task!

SEA SHANTIES
Sean Kavanagh, Performing Arts Co-ordinator, Kingston, was delighted with the turnout at the recent Saturday 'sign on' workshop and thrilled with the enthusiasm of all concerned and the resulting sound.  He is excited at the prospect of the final results in September.

Sean is in the process of working out a rehearsal schedule and all who are registered will be advised of the outcome.  I am sure that if you are keen to take part in this exciting choral adventure, and you're not already enrolled, you would be very welcome.  You can contact Sean on sean.kavanagh@kingston.vic.gov.au or Phone 9556 4468/0447 616 989.

CADENCE 'TUNE OF THE MOON'
Cadence will present their harmonious a capella World music, chants, sing along and more on Sunday, 2nd June at St. Agnes Church, 35 Arkaringa Crescent, Black Rock, from 5.00 to 6.30 p.m., followed by light refreshments.  Cost:  Adults $15, Conc. $10, Student $5 (under 5 free).  Tickets available at the door.  Enquiries - Rosemary, 0407 332 725.

CHANT SONG CIRCLE
Diana's next singing meditation session will be on Sunday, 26th May, from 2.00 to 3.30 p.m (slightly later time).  Venue:  Castlefield Community Centre, 505 Bluff Road, Hampton.  Enquiries:  Diana sms 0433 855 580, email: dmc@dianaclark.com.au or www.trybooking.com

CHORAL EVENTS
  • Jazz Assembly - Thursday, 30th May.  Melbourne International Jazz Festival is holding a Jazz Vocal engagement singing 'flash mob' for massed voices, conducted by vocalist Gian Slater, at Federation Square Atrium.  Jazz Assembly are to premier a new piece of music commissioned for a chorus of voices. All choirs and individual singers of all ages and levels are welcome.  This is a community event.  Arrive early - 5.00 pm. for a spot rehearsal.  The event commences at 6.00 p.m.  Enquiries - melbournejazz.com
  • Melbourne International Singer's Festival - Thursday, 6th June,  Rock Choir.  Free 'Flash Mob' Choir Event -  Deakin Edge Theatre, Federation Square, 6.00 to 7.00 p.m.  Sing your heart out for just an hour, after work or shopping, with a live band led by two of Australia's music industry legends:  Grace Knight (Eurogliders) and Jonathon Welch (Choir of Hard Knocks).  Register: www.playitforward.org.au/events/rockchoirisf19.  Enquiries:  misf@playitforward.org.au
  • Melbourne Symphony Orchestra - Mozart's Requim Chorus Offer.  MSO will feature the powerful MSO Chorus, alongside international vocalists and the full symphony,orchestra in its performances of Mozart's Requim in late June at the Arts Centre, Hamer Hall.  The MSO is offering Victorian choir members a special ticket offer of $65 for any reserve (save up to $84!)  To claim this offer use the promotional code:  CHORAL when booking.  This offer is available until 31st May.  Performance dates/times are: Thursday, 20th June, 7.30 p.m. and Saturday, 22nd June, 2.00 p.m.  www.mso.com.au  Ticket price for any reserve - $65 (currently priced at #149 for premium seats).
MUSICALS:  Peg Gill/ Kate Olsen
Tickets are available for The Musical: Come from Away, playing at the Comedy Theatre. $75pp Dress Circle 1pm Wed 9th October.  You may have read the book, ‘The Day the World came to Town’; this musical is also based on the true events that occurred due to 9/11, when International flights had to be diverted to an old US WW2 airfield at Gander, Newfoundland, Canada, because of The Twin Towers collapse and the immediate closure of JFK airport.  COME FROM AWAY tells the remarkable true story of how the residents of small town Gander, rallied together to welcome some 6,132 stranded passengers from all round the world.  This musical is the Winner of 2019 Olivier Award for best new Musical.
If you’re interested in these discount tickets contact me, by email, sms or leave a message on my mobile, as I’ll be absent for a couple of weeks or speak to Kate Olsen (alto’s). We do need to know if you want tickets this early, as I need to secure the discount price. Payment is needed by early August. Thanks  Note: no transport provided, but the train to Parliament Station gets you one block away  Peg: 0408 539 687 or pandigill@iinet.net.au

FROM BEAUMARIS R.S.L. ANZAC ORGANISERS
Below is a letter to Russel from Mairi McIntosh regarding the ANZAC Day commemmorations:

Good Morning Russell
Thank you to the Vocally Wild Choir for taking part in our annual Community ANZAC Commemorative March and Service on 21 April.  The book laid on the Cenotaph by Diana has been donated to Beaumaris Secondary College.
Kind regards
Mairi McIntoshMcIntosh
Assisting John de C. Douglas, Convenor ANZAC Commemorations.

FISH AND SHIPS FESTIVAL
On Saturday, 18th May, instead of having the famous 'fish and chips' at Whitby, North Yorkshire, I'll be attending the 'Fish and Ships' Festival there, with everything to do with fish and ships being celebrated.  The replica of Cook's 'Endeavour', from Australia, will feature in this historic and scenic harbour town and the Marske Fishermen's Choir will be one of the many choirs and other acts to perform in various venues, including Whitby Abbey, on the 'Endeavour', on the harbour, Cook's Monument, etc.  It will be a fun occasion in a fabulous setting; even the 'goths' come out in huge numbers in this quirky town, as those who are acquainted with Bram Stoker and 'Dracula' will understand!  I'll be there to cheer on the singing fishermen, of course, and hope to get an interesting photo to post.  It's sea shanty year this year, it seems!

All the best, happy singing, and see you at the Concert, lads and lasses!
Pat Lowry.




 

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - APRIL/MAY, 2019

Wed, 24 Apr 2019
Printable version
Welcome back!  Trust you had a good break and hope Term 2 will be enjoyable and stimulating - it will be a busy one certainly. 

This Newsletter will be brief, as yours truly is in the UK, but some information is still able to be sent out, particularly the song titles for the Concert, see below.  Diana and many others were really happy with how the choir performed at the ANZAC service.  Thank you to all who attended on Easter Sunday and, of course, Diana and Patrice..

You will be delighted to hear that the Southern Area Concert Band now has a new Musical Director, Dr. Andrew Mathers, who will commence officially on 27th May.  It will be wonderful for us all to meet him and sing with the band, in due course.

Thank you Sue Beazley, and the Committee, from us all, for arranging the beautiful floral tribute to Gloria Holmes.  Gloria was a unique person and will be remembered fondly by so many of us.  Thank you also to John Barlow who is going through the fairly complicated process of updating our VW website.  More to come of course, but don't forget to check it out - www.vocallywild.org.au

CONCERT
Diana has given us the song list, (order to be confirmed):
  • BRING ME LITTLE WATER SILVY
  • BLACK IS THE COLOUR
  • HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN
  • PEOPLE GET READY
  • LINGMARRA
  • LIFE IN A NORTHERN TOWN
  • SKYFALL
  • THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE
  • ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE
  • YOUR LOVE KEEPS LIFTING ME HIGHER
  • GOODNIGHT SWEETHEART
  • SOON I WILL BE DONE.
There may be a couple of extras - Let it Be/Crazy Little Thing Called Love. - https:Uribe.be/DJGI31BBQ0w

Cherry and Maggie will organise delivery of the Concert flyer shortly so that you can start encouraging family and friends to come along to the Brighton Town Hall on Friday, 14th June, 8.00 p.m start.  Further details, cost, etc on the flyer.

Song selection:  Diana, of course, decides on music selection, based on quality of arrangement, learnability, suitability and timeline, but if you have a strong desire to sing a particular favourite, Diana reminds us that it is preferable that you search out a SAB version of sheet music (or SATB as a last resort).

GENERAL
Please check your Diary Dates from the last Newsletter, and if you have any queries please contact any of the Committee members.  It is difficult for me to add all the information from this little gadget, so please check the top of the last Newsletter for details.

DIANA CLARK-DE VRIES & CADENCE "SING IN THE TUNE OF THE MOON" - SUNDAY, 2ND JUNE
Diana will be singing some of her new works, together with classics from earlier albums, in a sunset concert with Cadence, at 5.00 p.m on Sunday, 2nd June at St. Agnes Anglican Church, 35 Arkaringa Crescent, Black Rock.  Cost:  Adults $15, Concession $10, Children under 12 free..

Diana will be holding two more of her Song Circles Singing/Meditation sessions on Sunday, 28th April  and Sunday, 26th May at the Castlefield Commumity Centre, 505 Bluff Road, Hampton, from 1.30 to 3.00 p.m.  Tickets:  $20/$15 pre booked.  Https:/trybooking.com or Phone 9598 0662, or pay at the door, $25/20.

Note:  Doug de Varies will have some exciting concert events from August.  He is currently playing guitar and mandolin in the Opera Australia production of West Side Story at the State Theatre (until 28th April).

Some information passed on by Russel:

DHUNGALA CHORAL CONNECTION
An amazing workshop opportunity for people working with children - a day of professional development for teachers.  Date: 28th April. Cost: $60.  Location VCA Federation Hall, Grant Street, South Melbourne.  Join Deborah Cheetham AO and Jessica Hitchcock as they guide you through cultural stories and songs suitable for Primary age children.  The workshop is a collaboration between Short Black Opera and the Boite Schools Chorus 2019.  If interested please register on the link - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/personal-development-day-for-teachers-tickets-59096458097

THE POWER OF HARMONY WORKSHOP
Workshop led by Naomi Crellin and Nick Begbie.  Nick is the Leader and Naomi is the Musical Director of Australia's longest running and most awarded a cappella group The Idea of North.  They will lead participants through the emotive and expressive power of harmony singing.  This all takes place during the Festival of Voices Tasmania, 2019.  (We will be getting a group together next year to this Festival and will be able to have similar experiences).  For those interested in the 2019 Festival and wish to travel independently, contact https://festivalofvoices.com

I think that's enuf folks for now.  I hope you are enjoying being back at choir and getting used to all those songs!! Have you been asked to "Learn Zee Words" yet? 

Cheerio from Marske by the Sea, on the coast just off the North Yorks Moors.  Beautiful - my little corner of the world.  The Marske Fisherman's Choir is celebrating its 50th year this summer.  They will be taking part in many events in Whitby.  Duncan Vickers, Allan and my Best Man,  was the founder of this wonderful bunch of Yorkshiremen.  They sing for charity all over Britain, mainly for the RNLI and Cheshire Homes and have recorded many albums over the years.  They're the tops in my opinion!!  Our dear best man, Duncan, has passed on now, but the lads still sing their sea shanties sporting their navy guernsies!   Our 3 grandchildren started school in the local primary yesterday for a term - wonderful experience for them.  The twins went on an excursion today (their 2nd day) to climb Roseberry Topping - our local 'mountain'!!  Great fun.  Lovely weather for "Up North" !!
Kindest regards,
Pat

 

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - APRIL, 2019

Thu, 4 Apr 2019
Printable version
VOCALLY WILD COMMITTEE - 2019
Russel Barnes (President) 0409 090 448
russelbarnes@gmail.com
Julie Sergienko (Treasurer)  pjserge@bigpond.com
Pat Lowry (Secretary) 0437 697 009   patlow5@bigpond.com
Cherry Tunnock (Membership Secretary) 
cherry@cham.com.au
Maggie Cripps (Music Production & Management)
0458 669 883  crippsrm@bigpond.com
Dianne Birch (Music Adviser)  mazbirch@bigpond.com
Edwina McLachlan  edwinamclachlan@hotmail.com
Graham Mitchell  grahammitchell@gmail.com
Jenny Ellison  jennyellisonentertainment@gmail.com

Hello!  Hopefully you are enjoying your break and that you have a safe, happy Easter.  What a great 'Open Mic' session we had on the last night of Term 1.  Well done to all who took part, it was wonderful; It was so  obvious that everyone loved it!  Thank you to Ilse who read her two beautiful poems - 'Season's Lesson' and 'Cantaloupes Sound So Frenchy Chic', Graham, Peter and John performed a splendid version of 'Swell Party' with much energy and fun, William Mulholland's 'Tenterfield Saddler' and 'Love is in the Air' were stunning with everyone dancing and singing and wasn't Patrice brilliant with her performance of 'Dream of Olwen'?   To finish off the night, everyone bopped and sang along with Dianne's beautiful voice to 'Sweet Caroline' and 'Hit the Road Jack'.  What a happy, cheerful and very pleasant ending to the term.
 
I trust the ANZAC Parade on Easter Sunday will be a huge success with much interest from the community, as always, and that the Vocally Wild group to sing at the WWII Veterans's Lunch on Friday, 12th April bring much joy to those present and stir many good memories.                    
                                                               

DIARY DATES
Event Date Comments
Term 2 commences Tues. 23rd April  
Kingston Sea Shanties Sat. 4th May
9.30 – 12.00 
Registrationn & Singing Workshop  
Vocally Wild Annual Concert Fri. 14th June Brighton T.H.  8.00 p.m.
Term 2 concludes Tues. 25th June ‘Open Mic’
Term 3 commences Tues. 16th July  
Kingston Sea Shanties Sat. 7th Sept. Public Performance
Connor’s Run Sun.15th Sept.  
Term 3 concludes Tues. 17th Sept. ‘Open Mic’
Term 4 commences Tues. 8th Oct.  
Dinner with the Stars/SACB Sat. 12th Oct. Detail to follow
Sandringham Festival Sun. 27th Oct. TBC 
Term 4 concludes
Bayside Carols
Street Singing (Carols)
Year end Christmas function
Tues. 3rd Dec.
Tues. 10th Dec.
December

 
‘Open Mic’
TBC
TBC

TBC


A.G.M. 3RD APRIL

You will notice at the top of this Newsletter the names and email addresses of the 2019 Vocally Wild Committee, so if you have any queries or just wish to put forward an idea, or need some help with anything to do with Choir, please make contact.  Thank you to all those who attended the A.G.M;  and welcome to the elected members for 2019.  The 2018 year was a good one for the choir.  If anyone wishes to view the year's results and read the Minutes, please advise a Committee member. This is a good opportunity to reiterate that if you have a wish for us to rehearse a  favourite song, it would be ideal if you could first attempt to acquire the music arrangements for the four parts (SCAB version).

I will be off to Yorkshire on Sunday, so perhaps the next newsletter will come from there!!
Kindest regards,

Pat Lowry.

 
     
     
     

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - MARCH, 2019 (Draft)

Thu, 21 Mar 2019
Printable version
As you will see from the Diary dates below, it will be Vocally Wild's Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 3rd April, 7.30 p.m. in the Players' Room, Sandybeach.  All are welcome to come along.  It is usually a short meeting, about one hour, but you will be able to hear how your choir has been functioning and where your money goes.  This is the day following the last Tuesday of Term 1.  For those coming along to the ANZAC Day March and Ceremony, song list and time details are given below.
 
DIARY DATES
TUESDAY, 2ND APRIL:  TERM 1 CONCLUDES - OPEN MIC SESSION
WEDNESDAY, 3RD APRIL:  VOCALLY WILD A.G.M.  7.30 P.M. SANDYBEACH CENTRE
SUNDAY, 21ST APRIL:  ANZAC DAY PARADE, BEAUMARIS
TUESDAY, 23RD APRIL:  TERM 2 COMMENCES
SATURDAY, 4TH MAY:  KINGSTON CENTRE CHORAL ACTIVITY REGISTRATION DAY
FRIDAY, 14TH JUNE:  V.,W. ANNUAL CONCERT, BRIGHTON TOWN HALL, 8.00 P.M.
TUESDAY, 25TH JUNE:  TERM 2 CONCLUDES
Hopefully you all enjoyed the recent long weekend.  On the Sunday, Fran Ponsonby, Cherry Tunnock, Heather Spooner and Cecilia Stone had a particularly good day witnessing the superb performance of Doug de Vries.  Here is Fran's brilliant description of their joyful experience:

HOW TO SPEND MONDAY AFTERNOON OF THE LABOUR DAY WEEKEND  by Fran Ponsonby.
On Monday afternoon we were treated to a musical feast at the Conservatorium of Music’s Melba Hall, as part of the Monday Lunch Hour Concert Series. The program was titled Jobiniana, a homage to Antonio Carlos Jobim.  Widely considered as one of the great exponents of Brazilian music, Jobim is the artist who internationalised Bossa Nova.  Diana’s husband, Doug de Vries, is one of Australia’s foremost guitarists and composers who excels in many musical genres with a particular love and passion for Brazilian music.  In collaboration with two other wonderful guitarists, Dr Ken Murray and Rose Gonzalez, Doug adapted and arranged this program of Brazilian music for two and three guitars.  Doug’s passion and versatility in arrangement and performance were evident in the balance and harmony exhibited by all three guitarist, evoking the sounds and senses of Brazil.  It has left us feeling inspired to further explore not only the music of Brazil but the food and culture.
Thank you Doug for this veritable feast.


SONG LIST AND ORDER FOR ANZAC DAY, EASTER SUNDAY
Please meet at the rear of the Beaumaris Community Centre, at the rear of Bayside Library, Reserve Road, Beaumaris, at 1.00 p.m. on Sunday, 21st April, for rehearsal of the songs for the march and ceremony.  Assemble for March - 2.15 p.m, into line for March by 2.30 p.m.  The March begins at 2.45 p.m. and the Service commences at 3.00 p.m. 

The song list is:

Marching songs:  Bye By Blackbird and Wish Me Luck as you Wave Me Goodbye.
Ceremony songs:  The Recessional, O God Our Help in Ages Past, World War 1 Medley, I am Australian, My Country, New Zealand National Anthem (God Defend New Zealand, 1st verse in Maori) and the Australian National Anthem (Advance Australia Fair).


Music, please, in your black folder.  A programme will be provided, so you can follow the Service.  Please wear Black - long sleeves, long pants/skirt and black shoes, and a touch of red (Poppy) or sprig of Rosemary.

OPEN MIC NIGHT
Dianne is organising another Open Mic session for the end of this term, Tuesday, 2nd April, during the second half of the night, during refreshments.  So if you wish to take part, please contact Dianne on 0410 583 496 or mazbirch@bigpond.com  Patrice has kindly agreed to play piano for those who require accompaniment (please bring your music to Patrice next Tuesday).  Talents in the areas of poetry, drama, recitation, monologues, comedy, playing musical instruments as well as vocal, will be most welcome.  We hope that this will be a regular feature for our end of term evenings, so if you feel you're not ready this term, do mention to Dianne that you're interested in a future Open Mic night.


MUSICAL TERMINOLOGY    
Lidia kindly supplied some very helpful music terminology interpretations, as we learn to read the written music.  These were sent by email last week, but let me know if you need a copy forwarding.  


SOCIAL MESSAGE FROM EDWINA
Hello Choristers,

It was great to see so many people at the Sandy pub on the 24th February.  It was pleasing that so many friends and their partners and newcomers came along too, some for a short while and others stayed for dinner!  It was an easy and enjoyable evening!
Best wishes,
Edwina.

DISCOUNT MEMBERSHIP
The Committee has decided to offer a percentage discount to those members who are Disability Pensioner recipients.  If this applies to you, do contact Russel by Sunday, 24th March, via email  russel@lexic.com.au or mobile 0409 090 448.


KINGSTON ARTS CENTRE - CHORAL ACTIVITY REGISTRATION DAY
Kingston Arts are hoping to capitalise on the wealth of choral groups in Kingston and surrounds and provide an opportunity for keen choristers to diversify their practice and collaborate with members of other choirs on a large, innovative project.  Sean Kavanagh, who is employed by K.A.C., has been working with singer-songwriter Fred Smith and Andrew Price from ‘Men in Suits’ to develop an idea that they hope to see culminate in a major performance at Kingston City Hall in September this year..  Registration Day has been scheduled for Saturday, 4th May.  Most will remember Sean who came to Choir last year to explain more about the initiative, pointing out, of course, that the success of the project depends on the enthusiastic involvement of members of the choral community.  This isn't a Vocally Wild planned event, but it sounds as though it will be a very worthwhile thing to do, and fun too.  More detail to follow.


MUSIC MAKING WITH CHILDREN  - SATURDAY, 30TH MARCH – 10.00 A.M. TO 4.30 P.M.
Community Music Victoria, with Ruth McKittrick Chambers and Alena Schneider, is excited to offer a training day for Music Making and Singing with Children.  This is for adults only and suited to anyone working with young people, aged 0 to 10 in early years settings, library staff, home school parents and primary school teachers.  The aim is to offer participants an experience in taking the first steps in leading singing and music together with more advanced skills, a fun repertoire, games and tips.  For further information please contact me and I can forward the full details, including bios on Alena Schneider and Ruth McKittrick-Chambers, or access information via info@cmvic.org.au  t:  03 9662 1162  Web: www.cmvic.org.au  Blog: https://cmvicblog.wordpress.com  Facebook: www.facebook.com/cmv.music  Twitter: www.twitter.com/CMV_music  The training day takes place at Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.

A REMINDER FROM RUSSEL RE DEALING WITH V.W. MAILING
A number of people have said they don't get emails from Vocally Wild.  We found that people with Bigpond accounts or Hotmail accounts may be effected by the way Bigpond and Hotmail deal with emails, which seem like spam.  So for Bigpond or Hotmail users, I am letting you know how to ensure you always get emails from VW.  If you normally use webmail (i.e. you use a browser to view your emails), check the junk folder and mark emails from VW as Not Junk.  Doing this "whitelists" VW, and subsequent emails are more likely to be delivered  If you use Outlook to view your emails, you need to use webmail to have a look at your junk folder to fix this problem.  This is because Bigpond and Hotmail do not deliver emails which are considered to be spam to your Outlook junk folder.  You need to mark emails from VW as Not Junk.  Doing this "whitelists" VW, and subsequent emails are more likely to be delivered.  

CHOIR TRIP TO CROATIA (ISTRIA) APRIL, 2020
The first meeting took place last Tuesday and this was really well attended.  Lidia briefly described the history of Istria, together with plans so far for the trip, and the approximate costing.  Notes from this meeting will be sent to those who attended shortly.


CHOIR TRIP TO HOBART - JULY 2020
Plans are afoot for a trip to the Hobart Festival in July 2020, so pop a note in your diary.  More detail shortly.

CHELSEA PLUMLEY IN 'MURIEL'S WEDDING - THE MUSICAL'
Many of you will remember singing with Chelsea Plumley a few years ago!  The local paper's recent article, with the headline "Hampton Mum from Fairy Queen to Bill's Mistress" caught Sue's eye!  Yes, Chelsea is now an award winning musical theatre and cabaret performer and has the honour of joining the all new cast in Muriel's Wedding the Musical as Deirdre Chambers, the memorable beautician and mistress of Muriel's dad, Bill.  All the very best to Chelsea, as she struts her stuff in this newly made-over version especially reworked  for Melbourne.  Cast members also include Natalie Abbott (Muriel) and Stefanie Jones (Rhonda).  Director is Simon Phillips.  The show opens on the 23rd March.

MO JO - MORDIALLOC JAZZ ORCHESTRA'S "JAZZAOKE"
The Autumn 2019 series of Jazzaoke, a family friendly event, kicks off at the Kingston City Hall Lounge Bar on Wednesday, 3rd April, 7.30 to 9.45 p.m.  So give it a try, go along and enjoy local jazz and swing, sing too if you want.  Cost:  Adults $10, Youth $5 and Under 12 free.  Tickets at the door or book via www.trybooking.com
Drinks and Snacks at Bar Prices.


Hope those attending the ANZAC; March and Service on Easter Sunday enjoy this very special experience, and for all the budding Open Mic-ers, can't wait to enjoy your performances!
Kind regards,
Pat Lowry,
21st March, 2019.

patlow5@bigpond.com

 

VOCALLY WILD NEWSLETTER - FEBRUARY, 2019

Fri, 22 Feb 2019
Printable version

Hello all,
Hope you are able to receive our communications satisfactorily.  If you are reading this, then there may not be a problem, but it seems that some mail from Harmony is going into our Spam or Junk folders - this may happen intermittently or continually. 
Russel advises that the solution is:  Right Click on the email in the Junk folder and mark it "Not junk" or "Not spam" and your computer should acknowledge this and allow mail through and hopefully remember for next time!  We will endeavour to head our communications with "Vocally Wild" so that this name is recognizable and accepted by the cyber warriors!  However, we are advised to check our Junk Mail on a regular basis to be on the safe side.
If you plough through this newsletter, and are still focussing, you will enjoy Malcolm's follow up 'blog' on his experiences in Nepal.  Amazing stuff.

PARKING AT SANDY BEACH
Finding a car parking space is a nightmare at the best of times these days, wherever we go, so parking near SandyBeach is no exception as we all know..  So bearing this in mind, when we come to choir, if you need to park in Sims Street please do so further up the street - please don't use the 15 minute parking areas, or the Church car park.  Some of the streets adjacent to Sims Street may have spaces.  The car park on the opposite side of Beach Road always has plenty of spots; however, do be careful crossing Beach Road.  Please speak out if you are nervous about walking to your car at the end of the night, someone would be happy to walk with you.
More news:  We are now the owners of two new outside 'Vocally Wild' banners, so everyone will know who we are!!

CASUAL ATTENDANCE AT CHOIR
Most members pay their full term fees at the start of each term, half year, or annually and this certainty enables the Committee to plan and fulfil its many financial commitments.  However, situations may arise where members are sick or absent for many weeks, but may wish to come along to a few rehearsals in a specific term.  Also, an ex-member may be keen to come back to pay us a ‘singing’ visit.  In these cases the Committee feels that a casual rate of $10 for each attendance is appropriate.  Cherry is happy to look after this.


DIARY
See below an updated Performances and Events dates.  Note a couple of changes - the V.W. A,G,M. is now to be held on Wednesday, 3rd April and the Kingston Choral Activity Registration Day has changed to Saturday, 4th May.  The proposed combined concert with Mosaic and SACB has been cancelled for this year as the band is currently seeking a band leader and the timing is not right at the moment.

Event Date Comments
Social Gathering
Term 1 concludes
Sun. 24th Feb.
Tues. 2nd April
S'ham Pub, 5.30 p.m.
V.W. Annual General Meeting Wed. 3rd April Open to all members.
ANZAC DAY Pde, Beaumaris Sun. 21st April Easter Sunday
Term 2 commences Tues. 23rd April
ANZAC DAY Thur. 25th April
Kingston Choral Activity Reg. Sat. 4th May Reg’n for interested. 
Vocally Wild Annual Concert Fri. 14th June Brighton T.H.  7.30 p.m.
Term 2 concludes Tues. 25th June
Term 3 commences Tues. 16th July
Kingston Choral Performance Sat. 7th Sept. Combined choir activity
Connor’s Run Sun.15th Sept.
Term 3 concludes Tues. 17th Sept.
Term 4 commences Tues. 8th Oct.
Sandringham Festival Sun. 27th Oct. TBC 
Term 4 concludes
Bayside Carols
Street Singing (Carols)
End of year Christmas function
Tues. 3rd Dec.
Tues. 10th Dec.
December