newsletter > Winter 2001 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Well, here we are, almost at the end of 2001 and I am sure that many of you, like me, are asking ourselves where has the last year gone. The years do seem to pass quicker the older you get! Kentwood has certainly had another busy and highly successful year beginning with a lovely concert at St Mary’s Church in Purton early in January. Several smaller concerts followed including those at Haydon Wick, Coleview, Lechlade, Bradon Forest School and the Memorial Hall at Wootton Bassett and we had a delightful evening arranged especially for the Kentwood patrons which was held at the Dunbar Club. Sheila really enjoys the music of Stephen Sondheim and she put together an evening of his music at the Arts Centre which was very well received. The Choir’s association with the Army Air Corps Band continued with concerts at Barnstaple, Ross-on-Wye and Cheltenham and the May Concert at the Wyvern Theatre "Swing to Classics" also featured the Band. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the year occurred in June when the Choir were asked to sing at Prince Phillip’s Gala Evening at Windsor and were backed by the Don Shearman Orchestra – a truly memorable evening. Special evenings do seem to be the norm for the Kenwood Choir and yet another one took place in September when the Choir were asked to perform a whole evening at The Stables at Wavenden – a small, but very enthusiastic audience gave the Choir a standing ovation. During the last few years the Kentwood Juniors have come to prominence more and more – I have no idea just how many times they have been asked to sing in the numerous Joseph productions both locally and in London! They have also been used in other professional shows at the Wyvern Theatre and their show at the Arts Centre in September has become a real Kentwood treat featuring some amazing musical talent. Sheila reverted to a more traditional format for her November Show "Hey! Mrs Producer" which proved to be a very slick and professional show with the Choir on top form as usual and backed by an augmented Kentwood Band on stage. And so the year has almost come to an end with the ever popular Christmas Cracker getting us all in the Christmas spirit. On a personal note, having retired from teaching (although not from music Hilary will hastily add!) it has given me more time to enjoy life and music in a more leisurely way. I am proud to have been asked to be Chairman of The Swindon Music Festival and carry on the family tradition – my father was chairman for many years and always seemed to be either competitor’s steward of adjudicator’s steward whenever I visited the festival. My mother was an active committee member for many years and her father, Reginald Choules, was also associated with the Festival in the early years. It goes without saying, of course, that I am very honoured to be President of The Kentwood Choir and trust that ‘the Choir with a difference’ as Sheila so rightly calls it, will continue to produce choral music of the very highest quality and give pleasure to thousands of people far and wide. May I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy New Year. Geoff Walters <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL My dear Friends I cannot really believe that this is our Christmas Newsletter. Where has the year gone? "Hey! Mrs Producer" was a great success. I was personally very pleased with the end result and loved the combination of our new orchestra with the Choir. I hope you all found something to really enjoy. The Choir really enjoyed performing the show and I know they adored wearing their Abba costumes! Sometimes the name Kentwood Choir does not describe Kentwood as it really is. How about "KENTWOOD" (A CHORAL EXPERIENCE). Let me know any ideas you may have. I hope we will all remember the true meaning of Christmas at this time. I am saddened by all the greed, hectic shopping, clicking tills and arguments. Full-blown stress! For me Christmas is singing at the Designer Village and Debenhams. Christmas is giving that extra hug or smile to someone. Christmas is remembering the Christmas story and singing carols. Christmas is meeting and having fun with friends and families. Life is not always easy. We are not meant to understand everything that happens to us. The best things in life are still free. Let us all remember the sick and lonely people – especially at this time. We must also remember and send out good thoughts to the world and world peace. The song says "Let there be Peace on Earth and let it begin with me". Let me join with our President and wish you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy New Year. Much love to you all. Sheila PS: Chris sends warmest Christmas wishes too! <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> KENTWOOD CHOIR ASSOCIATION AGM - SUMMARY The AGM was held on Tuesday 30 October 2001 at the Haydon Centre. The financial position of the Choir remained very sound. About £5,400 was donated to various charities plus we had been advised that almost £21,000 had been raised during the year from concerts at which the Choir either provided its services free of charge or for expenses only. The production of "The Sound of Music" was very expensive to put on but with complete sell-outs at every performance meant that a small surplus was achieved. The Choir had recently formed an association with the MHD Partnership who would handle the promotion of the Choir working closely with our own Publicity and Marketing Officer. Our very successful sponsorship by the Royal Bank of Scotland will expire in March 2002. A new sponsorship arrangement had been negotiated with Innogy plc; a company based in Swindon and who are the holding company of "Npower" previously known as National Power. Our Musical Director and Principal, Sheila, said she had decided that the year 2000 was going to be something very special for herself and the Choir. As an innovator and musical gambler, Sheila decided to do something completely different so "The Sound of Music" was staged. Sheila conducted the orchestra for the show; an achievement of a burning ambition. A first for Kentwood was appearing with Dame Cleo Laine and John Dankworth at their Christmas show at the Stables, Wavendon. As always, many concerts were given during the year at various venues both locally and wider afield but the icing on the cake was singing at Prince Phillip’s Gala Evening at Windsor, backed by the Don Shearman Orchestra. Sheila has promised that while she is given the health and strength to be Kentwood’s Musical Director, good choral music will live on. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> THE NOVEMBER SHOW "HEY! MRS PRODUCER" Rehearsal The dictionary definition of rehearsal is a "trial performance" and a trial it certainly is (to me at any rate) at the beginning, when Pollyann set the show. I approach that first Sunday with interest and some excitement and quite a lot of trepidation, wondering what strange and wonderful movements Pollyann’s genius will come up with this time, for genius she certainly is. In ten weeks or there abouts, the spaghetti-like mish-mash of bodies, arms, legs, feet, hands and earnest faces, emerges into a series of wonderful patterns weaving all over the stage to enhance the music. (If only I could see it from the front). After that first Sunday I go home in a bit of a turmoil. I have discovered again, as I do every year, that I cannot sing the words with any sort of expression while at the same time trying to fling an arm in the air, stamp my foot and strike an arrogant gypsy-like pose. Ones mind is busy with thoughts like "Am I next to Sue and behind Jan in this song or am I in the wrong place entirely?" or "Please God, help me to remember to turn my head on the last chord of the music" and even "Oh please Lord, don’t let me be the one plonker who gets the thigh-slapping on the wrong beat of the music". These are genuine prayers believe me, and not an attempt to be blasphemous. Sheila urges each one of us to be mindful only of ourselves and not to worry about what anyone else is doing "don’t rely on anyone else" she says, "just concentrate on what you are doing". In rehearsals I try to listen hard and ‘focus’ on the job in hand. I stand there in the large room at Somerset Road surrounded by my Choir buddies who are furiously scribbling notes with pencils in hand. I stand noteless because my friends (on whom I do rely to a great extent I have to say) will not allow me to write notes any more. Some years ago at an informal rehearsal at Jane’s house, I produced my notes and reduced my friends to helpless giggles bordering on hysterics and bore no resemblance to anyone else’s notes. Where I had "enter stage left" everyone else had "enter stage right" and so on. Everything was back to front. In future, I was told, don’t ever write any more notes, as they are total poop. After each "setting" by Pollyann a few of us meet at Jane’s house to practice one evening each week. Jane is very generous with her time, coffee, lemonade and sometimes wine and I for one would not get by without a little help from my friends. The more practice the better. Six or eight of us are usually there and we stand with our backs to the fireplace with the sofa as the auditorium (we are pretending we are on the Wyvern stage). Quite often the curtains are open and any one walking by must wonder what on earth is going on. Sometimes we are very noisy with the taped music going and us all singing and moving and trying to co-ordinate the two. Usually we are lucky enough to have Jan’s tapes to rehearse by – she is very organised and has the whole show taped in running order. Once in a while a small audience will be there to give encouragement (like Pat) or to make rude comments (like Thomas or Barry). This can be quite helpful. Rehearsing is like learning to drive a car. It requires concentration and practice to co-ordinate voice, arms, legs, feet and hands. When you reach the point where it all gels and become automatic you can relax and enjoy it and perform to your best ability. Here’s to rehearsals – may there be many more of them! Ann Donaldson <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Review from the Evening Advertiser A wonderful open stage set greeted the audience on the first night of Sheila Harrod’s annual show at the Wyvern. The Kentwood Choir, in Hey! Mrs Producer, started the evening’s performance with "Broadway Baby" sung by Tina Bennett. Quite a start. The Choir in an array of costumes then took us along on a roller coaster ride of song from Broadway to Abba. The staging and choreography by Pollyann Tanner was rehearsed to perfection. To say this was entertainment at its best is an understatement. From the smallest in the baby class to the eldest on stage everyone performed their numbers as only Kentwood can with a professionalism others might envy. There were some excellent solos throughout, I wish I could mention you all, as well as the full Choir’s resounding sound. The youngsters looked charming in their King and I section with a beautiful solo from Louise Lloyd, "Something Wonderful"; very apt. Newcomer to the Choir Hannah Kilminster is a young lady with a beautiful voice; this is one to look out for in the future. The musicians were on stage for this production. Under the direction of the Choir President, Geoff Walters, they added to the powerful sound of the voices. I must confess that I did feel at times that they were a little loud. That’s just me being picky, balance is sometimes difficult. Graham Davidson-Smith with the "Toreador’s Song", nearly brought the house down, and Terri Rind with the "Habenera" made for a wonderful Carmen section; not forgetting the Tanwood Dancers. Bohemian Rhapsody, Clary Bean and the ladies was quite beautiful. Well it is my favourite piece. Choir Principal Sheila Harrod took to the piano in the Stephen Sondheim section, some excellent, difficult solos here, especially Christine Bean with "That Old Piano Roll". Excellent Kathy Hobson’s "Not While I’m Around" had me spellbound. I could go on. Suffice to say the talent in this Choir knows no bounds. Sheila’s choice for the finale section was the Magic of Manilow. That’s just what it was, magic. Take the song "One Voice", Sheila’s, add the Choir ladies, the men and the band and what have you got. The sound that is The Kentwood Choir. Sheila’s favourite quote is, "Music is a fair and glorious gift from God". How true that is. Ros Hollands - Evening Advertiser <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Various Comments from ‘Fans’ of the Choir Wow, Fantastic! Wonderful! Came away absolutely knocked out! Such energy, vitality and drive sustained all through. Too many highlights to try to mention them all, but for me the two special things I appreciated were: one, that all your singers sang with proper musical voice production and not the pop "con belto" breathless distortions we often are subjected to; and secondly, the excellent arrangements of the music. You have researched all this marvellously and Paul Maguire and Gordon Talbot are both VERY gifted. I loved "Fascination Rhythm" and "Alexander’s Ragtime Band". Wondered if they were published? (And didn’t you do Bob Chilcott proud! By the way, did you buy the "Spiritual" book or get separate copies of "Spirit"?) And all the movements were carried out so easily and professionally that one was able to relax and wallow in it all. My friend, an old trooper who has sung Don Jose in Carmen, enjoyed the Carmen selection and thought your Escamillo was great. I am absolutely sure that there is not another choir in the country which can mount anything comparable. I admire so much people who do their own thing and make such a success of it. You should feel thrilled to be the centre of a whole universe with so many satellites circling around. Long may you continue to give so much joy to so many. Norman Morris - Musical Director - Reading Phoneix Choir After seeing "Hey! Mrs Producer" every night at the Wyvern, I just want to say congratulations to Sheila and the Kentwood Choir on another fantastic show. Now looking forward to seeing what Sheila has in store for next year. See you all at future concerts. May God bless you all. Ricky Legg - Patron I just must tell you how much I enjoyed Saturday night at the Wyvern. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I had a wonderful time. I thought the show was fabulous, and I enjoyed it immensely. I just wish I had discovered this before ……. Gina Miller - First time attendee! <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> CHRISTMAS CRACKER Yet again our Christmas Cracker played to full houses at both performances on Sunday 9 December at the Wyvern Theatre. The Choir was on top form throughout performing the usual favourites "Saviour’s Day", "The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy", a selection from "Scrooge", "Joy to the World", John Dankworth’s arrangement of "The Coventry Carol" and the "Red, Red, Robin" to name but a few. Of course, the Junior Choir was not forgotten and they worked their magic in their own spot. The comedy this year came from John Marshall as ‘Joey the Kangaroo’ and a ring of the most outlandish fairies ever seen, even one on crutches, led by the wellington boots clad Kathy Hobson. Sheila rang the changes this year and we were enthralled by the performance of the ‘Rainbow Steel Band’ from Bath. Christmas is never the same without a brass band/ensemble so Sheila did not disappoint and the Collegium Brass ably fitted the bill. We also had the privilege of witnessing the first public performance of the new Swindon Boy Band – Esteem. With Sheila as their voice coach they cannot fail! The concert ended with the "Holy City" sung by six of the girls and then the auditorium was filled with the performers and audience singing that wonderful carol "Oh Come All Ye Faithful". What a night to remember.