newsletter > Autumn 2002 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL My Dear Friends As I write my letter to you I can see that Autumn is upon us. The trees are changing and the air seems crisper and cooler. I love the seasons, especially the Spring - the time of re-birth. Kentwood is now coming into their very busy time of the year. The November Show will soon be here and we have already started rehearsals. Our Sunday rehearsals are now at the St Margaret’s Centre, Kenwin Close, Stratton. All other rehearsals are still at Westward Community Centre, Somerset Road. I hope we have another excellent show - I think so! We are all very excited about singing at the Royal Albert Hall, London with John and Cleo on 20 October. We haven’t seen our music for this yet!!! It should be a marvellous evening with Michael Parkinson, Sir George Martin and other guests. I have nearly finished the Cracker which is a lovely start to Christmas (I hope!). Don’t forget the children are doing a show at the Wyvern next year - a date for your diary Saturday 22 February 2003 ‘THOSE KENTWOOD KIDS’. This will be full of surprises. Well, sit back and read the rest of our Newsletter. I think (a little bird told me) that our editor is due to retire from work (not the Choir!) and I’m sure we all wish her every success in the future. Also our very excellent manager, Chris Harrod, finishes work on 4 October so I will be able to look forward to my ironing, shopping, cooking being done!! Just a dream. All the very best Chris – you’ve still got the Choir. I would like to personally thank Chris for all his hard work running the Choir and his ever loving support to me over the years. Not always easy but he has always been there for me. Work calls so I must go back into the Studio. See you all soon. Love, Sheila <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> GOLDEN JUBILEE WEEKEND I have been asked to put a few words together to tell you about my Golden Jubilee Weekend. I was very fortunate to win one of the tickets to the Proms at the Palace. I could not believe my luck as over 2 million applied for 12,000 tickets and I managed to win one. I was allowed to take a guest and after much deliberation I let my parents decide and my Mum won. We arranged to stay in a hotel about 10 minutes walk from the Palace and decided that we would make a weekend of it. The evening before we left the hotel phoned to say that the refurbishment had not been completed, but as we were attending one of the Jubilee events they would move us to a hotel next to Green Park just 5 minutes walk to the Palace; it was perfect. We arrived in London in plenty of time for a quick jaunt to Oxford Street and lunch before returning to the hotel to get ready. We left the hotel about 4.20 pm to walk across the park as the gates were to open at 4.30 pm. When we reached the Palace we found that the queue was stretching right to the top of Constitution Hill. It took about 20 minutes to queue and go through all the security checks but eventually we were standing on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. It was a really odd feeling especially as there must have been a couple of hundred people looking in from the outside. We moved from the forecourt through the archway and into the courtyard area. Here were a couple of rows of market type stalls and at least 20 Waitrose vans all lined up. It was from here we were handed our picnic hampers and as it was so hot they were coming straight from the refrigerated vans to keep them as cool as possible. We then moved through the Palace where we were greeted by footmen and then on into the garden. It was amazing; the huge lawn filled with thousands of people tucking into their picnics and behind was the seating area and stage. The picnic consisted of salmon roulade followed by Jubilee chicken with pasta salad (this was specially created for the event) and finished with strawberries and cream. Also in our hampers were half a bottle of champagne, a box of shortbread biscuits, a small box of Cadbury chocolates and some oat biscuits. Tea, coffee and water were being served around the lawns and everyone was given 3 vouchers for pints of ale. I don’t actually like ale but I managed to drink a pint as it was being served in commemorative glasses. Whilst we were eating entertainment was going on all around. There were circus acts, street theatre and a small stage where groups like Cantabile were performing. After eating we had a wander round the gardens including a 45 minute queue for the toilets (these were portaloos but were posh ones with carpets, wallpaper and paintings) before finding our seats. We were pleasantly surprised that we had fairly good seats not too far back and about a dozen rows in front of the Royal Box. Before the performance we had more entertainment from the Opera Babes and the group Planets. The Royal Party including Prince Charles and the Earl and Countess of Wessex arrived about 8 pm and the concert, which was compared by Michael Parkinson, began after he had introduced the arrival of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. The concert began with the Coronation Anthem from Zadok the Priest and from then on it just got better and better. It included Dame Kiri Te Kanawa whom I have always wanted to hear live, a gospel choir and a 13 year old brilliant clarinettist. There were fireworks to accompany the music for the Royal Fireworks by Handel and an ensemble of 8 cellos led by Mstislav Rostropovick. But for me there were two highlights, the first was the ballet, ‘The Black Swan Pas de deaux, from Swan Lake performed in the ballroom and relayed on screens with the Symphony Orchestra playing outside; it was exquisite. The second was the finale singing of ‘Land of Hope and Glory’. This made an amazing sound especially as there were several thousand people in the Mall and surrounding parks also singing. When the National Anthem was played it appeared that the whole audience turned and faced the Queen to sing it and I felt very privileged to be there. As we were there for the weekend we decided we would try to do as many Jubilee events as possible but Sunday was quiet so we decided just to wander around. This turned out to have its advantages wandering down to the Royal Mews we were able to listen to Tom Jones rehearsing for Monday’s Concert and during the afternoon after Dad had joined us we were able to listen to Paul McCartney rehearsing Hey Jude. Tea-time saw us dining at the Ritz. This was a surprise arranged by my brother and myself for my Mum’s birthday that week. It was wonderful with non-stop sandwiches, cakes and tea accompanied by a harpist. Later on while walking to Hyde Park we saw everyone being removed from Green Park and surrounding area but didn’t know why until later when we heard about the fire at Buckingham Palace. This interrupted the rehearsal for Monday’s concert which resumed quite late at night and I don’t think I shall ever forget being woken up at 1 am in the morning by Queen rehearsing ‘We are the Champions’; it was bliss. The Monday concert started about 7.30 pm. We could not see at first because of everyone standing in front, but later we were able to move to get a better view. The atmosphere was electric for the whole show, people singing and just having a good time. There was Tom Jones, Atomic Kitten, Dame Shirley Bassey, Phil Collins and many more but for me the best was Paul McCartney, and I have to say that singing ‘Hey Jude’ with over a million people was an unforgettable experience. We watched the Queen light the beacon and then the fireworks started. We could see the ones on the Victoria Monument and the ones at the Palace, but those in the Park were going off right above our heads. Great we thought, until the shells started landing on our heads, but nonetheless they were spectacular. Tuesday morning saw us getting up early to join the crowds along the Mall to watch the procession. Again we were lucky as we found a spot opposite a screen and next to a camera stand so we could look through the scaffolding and see what was happening down at the Palace. It was quite a long wait but it was worth it to see, first Princes William and Harry and the others go by (some in private hired coaches!) and eventually the Queen in the Gold State Coach. We watched the service on the screen in Green Park and then joined the masses outside the Palace to watch the Parades. We could not see everything but it was still great just to be there. We left before it finished to catch the train home, which was a shame, but it was still one of the most memorable weekends I have ever had. Nicola Parsons <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> THE COURTYARD, HEREFORD, 27 JULY 2002 From the opening “Let the Earth Resound” to a rousing “Alexander’s Ragtime Band”, Swindon’s Kentwood Choir swept a Courtyard audience along on a wave of song. Musical director and founder Sheila Harrod led the Choir with a Dawn French-like energy throughout Saturday’s charity event, staged by City of Hereford Rotary Club. As a whole, and as divisible parts, the Kentwood singers demonstrated intricate teamwork, control and versatility. In a 40-year tradition of promoting home-grown talent, youthful soloists Abigail Bean, Carly Pethick and Stephen Lockhard gave confident performances. Two highlights of the show were “Mr Cellophane” performed by Robert Harman and mother and daughter Sharon and Louise Lloyd’s renditions of “Moonlight in Vermont”, “Waltz of my Heart” and in duet the “Tritch, Tratch Polka”. The Hereford Times <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> AN E-MAIL FROM A NEW FAN! Thank you for visiting Hereford. My wife and I took her Mum out for her birthday with a meal beforehand in the Courtyard restaurant. We all thoroughly enjoyed your performance as we did 2 years ago in the Hereford Leisure Centre. We all look forward to your return. I personally listen to Led Jepelin, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd etc (well I am 50) but your singing has a special place, I love it but that’s probably because you do it so well! Thank you very much and come again. Ken Hughes <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> NEWS FROM CORNWALL Greetings, everyone, from the South-western tip of England, this glorious patch of seagull-spattered land they call Kernow. My little bungalow overlooks the valley of the Hayle estuary across to the sand dunes which hide the beach and the sea from my window, but a short rabbity walk over the top of the grassy towans brings you to a long, wide sandy beach with Godrevy Island at one end and the estuary at the other. Across the bay is St Ives, lovely cobbled streets, places full of artists, nice restaurants, good shops, many people and five beautiful beaches. Around us all the time is the sea – wherever we go we are near it. The sound and smell of it is everywhere here. Between houses you can suddenly see it, over rooftops and there it is again. Walking over the dunes you can hear the roar of the waves before you can see them. People are drawn to the sea somehow. It exerts an invisible pull. Cornwall wrapped its magic around us three years ago and gradually pulled Tom and me away from Swindon. We could not resist. (I personally blame Jane Shrimpton for introducing us to Cornwall in the first place!) I can’t say we have had time to settle yet because since moving we have spent a month in Canada and a week in Wales, but finally we have our feet on Cornish soil and looked forward to coming HOME ready to welcome the first of many visitors. Whilst in Wales (the Land of my Father) I found a stonemason to make me a Welsh slate name plate for the front of my house saying “Kentwood”. (I had Sheila’s permission before I left Swindon). This will replace the present name “Pond View” which puzzled us when we arrived here as there was no pond to view anymore only rooftops. I send much love to all of you and know it won’t be long before I see you again, but on the other side of the footlights this time. I can’t imagine what that will feel like. Take care everyone and God bless. Ann Donaldson Ex-Member <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> MACMILLAN CONCERT AT THE HILTON HOTEL August 4th this year was a “Red Letter” Day for the Swindon Committee! Once again we were delighted to have the Kenwood Choir for our fundraising concert. It was a sell out! It is hard to believe that the concert was the eighth time Sheila and the Choir have given us this wonderful evening and what an evening it was. Each year we have been saying that it cannot get better – but it does. This year’s show was hugely enjoyed by a very appreciative audience and there was a very special atmosphere in the Lydiard Suite. It is impossible to pick out any special moments as Sheila, the Choir, soloists and the duet were superb. I really do hope Kathy Hobson manages a Covent Garden audition. To be able to sing like that is so difficult and I am sure the audience appreciated the skill shown. Everyone appreciated Paul Maguire’s superb solo spot and we are indebted to him for finding the time to support this special fundraising concert. The evening raised £2,507 which was marvellous. The final total was reached after Sheila’s appeal and we are so grateful to her for her efforts. We could not present this evening without the generosity of The Hilton, David Wicks and all those who support us. Once again W. H Smith Community Links sponsored the band and so many generously donated raffle prizes. All the money raised will be used to improve and expand Macmillan services in the area. The Macmillan nurses are the “public” face of MCR but we now have Macmillan doctors as well. Our patient grants help those who need assistance at a time of great pressure and special holiday homes provide the opportunity for patients and their families to have a break and know all the medical care is at hand. The charity funds partly or wholly the building of a wide variety of cancer care facilities nationwide. In fact, MCR hopes that there will be “.. a time when every person in the land has equal and ready access to the best information and care for cancer and where unnecessary levels of fear are set aside. Macmillan Cancer Relief dedicates itself to working with others to turn this vision into everyone’s reality”. Our very special thanks to Sheila, the Choir and everyone who supported the fundraising concert. We are indebted to you all for your kindness and generosity and thank you for helping us to help those living with cancer. Gillian Thornton Chairperson MCR <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> ABCD CONVENTION 2002 The Association of British Choral Directors Annual Convention 2002 took place at York University from Friday 23 - Sunday 25 August. Sheila and I could only attend the sessions on Saturday due to other commitments. We set off at 11 am on the Friday knowing that the journey could be somewhat fraught because it was the holiday weekend but we did not expect it would take 7 hours to get there through sheer volume of traffic and an accident on one of the A roads off the M1. However, we made it safe and sound. Saturday’s session commenced at 9 am with a warm up and an hour of ‘Open Singing’ lead by Bob Chilcott. Among the songs chosen was his new song ‘For him all stars have shone’ – very moving and I am sure Sheila will find a place for it in our repertoire. For the rest of the day we had a choice of subjects so we decided to try ‘Gesture and Blend’ presented by Dr John Dickson, Director of Choral Studies and Chair of the Conducting Division at Texas Tech University, USA. His lecture and demonstrations were done with the assistance of his university choir. After coffee we chose a session entitled ‘Repertoire with drama & movement’ presented by Mari Koistinen and her choir from Finland. Of course, this session was teaching ‘Grandmother to suck eggs’!! but for the majority of the delegates a very useful session and does this mean more choirs trying movement? After lunch we decided to forgo the next session and visit the exhibition of trade stands etc. An hour well spent for Sheila as she found a very interesting work for the Junior Choir. Come along to their concert at the Wyvern in February for a surprise! The last session of the day was presented by Mark Meylen, a West End voice coach, on ‘How to sing a pop song safely’. A very interesting hour which for me demonstrated fully how to move from one register to another without that dreaded break (or blip which it is now called). The evening Gala Concert was held in the Central Hall at York University most ably compared by the co-organiser of the convention, Vivien Pike, one of the adjudicators at this year’s Swindon Festival. The concert was possibly one of the highest standards that we have had the privilege to attend. It consisted of the 120 strong Scunthorpe Co-operative Junior Choir aged between 10 and 20 years; The Clerks’ Group founded at Oxford University, a flexible vocal ensemble (including 1 lady) of between 5 and 9 members singing Renaissance vocal music and contemporary works; The Finnish Female Choir Association who sang mainly folk type music incorporating the movement which we had learnt in the morning session; The Estonian United Boys’ Choir (no, not a football team) and didn’t they bring the house down with their encore of ‘Lucky Lips’ and finally the Texas Tech University Choir under the direction of John Dickson which was truly the ‘icing on the cake’. We had just one criticism - why do choirs use their music? It does take away from the performance. Sheila tries to attend as many of these conventions as she can to keep Kentwood on the map. Many of the Musical Directors are still talking about our show-stopping performance at Oxford and it was heart-warming to know that Sheila had been missed in recent years by her colleagues. Yvonne Walker PS: We made it home in under 4 hours!