Our ‘isolation’ choir song is coming together beautifully with zoom practices, singing along to Matt’s fabulous videos and even the odd socially distant sing in the park.

What is coming up?

This week–

·       Put the music away and practice singing along to Matt’s video of your part using headphones (or at least one so you can hear yourself and Matt). Videos are located under Repertoire tab when you log in.

·       Try videoing yourself singing. Instructions below.

Next zoom rehearsal – Tues 26^th May

·       We will sing through the song then have time to trouble shoot and problem solve queries about recording.

Following week 27^th May -2^nd June 

·       Time to record.

INSTRUCTIONS for recording

1.       Use 2 devices. One – listen, and watch Matt while singing along with headphones. Two – a recording device e.g quality phone.   Don’t forget to clap!

2.       Frame yourself in Landscape. Check you are framed well in the space, not too close/too far away, square on rather than looking up your nose and check what is in the background behind you.

3.       Check your face has light on it. Daytime recordings with extra house/lamp lights on works well.

4.       Check quality of sound on your recording device. If you miss a note or make a mistake that’s fine, but the overall quality of the sound should be clear.

5.       Lastly, be colourful, have fun and smile a lot in this song.

To add a little character to the video you have the option to also send a second very short (5sec) video of yourself outside doing something you love with views of gardens, trees, sky clouds, kids (the audio will not be used but the images may). 

If you haven’t seen our trial video yet – this was a few of us singing Ave Verum working out the process with Matt and our technician Andrew in Sydney who is putting it together.

https://vimeo.com/experiencedna/review/411678823/1dd7896644

Password: Choirbolical

Further instructions re: final recording and submitting videos coming next week. 

Enjoy!! 

p.s. A few Choirbolicals can be spotted in the latest Couch Choir of Love’s in Need of Love Today – a song we sang together not so long ago. Congratulations to Astrid and her team.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=j1OBDTPaIvc

There is still time to register your attendance with Rob who is coordinating with our lovely zoom ‘parts’ coordinators. Please pass on to your singing friends and even get together with someone in your ‘bubble’ to rehearse.
Times:
6.30pm Alto – Susie

7.00pm Men – Michael

7.30pm Sops – Chrissie M

See previous posts for more details about:
1.Our virtual choir project and trial – feel free to join rehearsals even if unsure of being part of the final video project.
2. Matt’s fabulous rehearsal videos (NB click ‘continue to website’ from the link)

cheers, Marion

Missing singing together? Join our Term 2 weekly online rehearsals with Matt through May and June to be part of a virtual choir project to learn and record a song that will put a smile on your face. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzSBaL4ow0c

Most of you will have seen virtual choirs on YouTube. VOCE organised a trial run to work out the process. Many thanks to Matt for guiding us with his recordings of Ave Verum Corpus and to Rob for coordinating the post production. You can see our trial virtual choir here: https://vimeo.com/experiencedna/review/411678823/1dd7896644 Password: Choirbolical

To organise the online rehearsals in S/A/B groups we need you to register your interest by emailing Rob: [email protected] by Sunday May 3rd. Three people will be facilitating rehearsals online through zoom and email you all the details you need to know once you sign up. It will also be a chance to have a chat with people you sing with. Note: Term 2 fees need to be paid up to support funding the project. First rehearsal will be Tuesday May 5th. Times of groups to be advised.

Once again we can make wonderful music together during this isolating time!

Flanders Fields – a song for ANZAC Day

Feeling the isolation this Anzac Day? While you are home this Anzac Day, put your headphones on and sing along to the great recordings Matt has made of Flanders Fields.
We haven’t seen each other for a while and we are keen to re-connect. So where ever you are singing along to Flanders Fields, take a photo – at dawn, with memorabilia, just sitting on your veranda etc and send it to Marion [email protected] and I will attempt to put our photos in a collage to post.

Also coming soon – Choirbolical isolation choir project.

To our dear Choirbolical, 

Sotto Voce! (a spoken remark in a quiet voice)

In these weird isolation times, some might be finding it tough, or enjoying slowing down and for others, not really so different. VOCE has been thinking of you all and working with Matt to find ways we can replicate that good ‘ol Choirbolical joy feeling!!

We’re also mindful these times may be too much and you may not wish to engage so, feel free to withdraw this Term and, if you choose, request a refund for the Term. (contact Rob … [email protected])

However, if you can hold tight and watch this space over the break, you’ll see the little gem ideas coming together, our dreams into reality. BUT, we also need your thoughts so Leave a Reply at https://choirbolical.com/2020/03/27/choirbolical-check-in/ oremail/ phone a VOCE member!   

… read on ….. 

So, where are we up to …1. Well, Matt’s still on the payroll and he has produced some awesome awesome mini YouTube sessions and more on the way.  https://youtu.be/U6BEXBr4o7Y  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LarR5o63yEQ 

Plus the latest one in the post below. Thanks Matt!

2. We know these practices are different on ya lonesome. How do you finding these? Can these be improved or modified to keep you singing in the shower? Let us know, check in… https://choirbolical.com/2020/03/27/choirbolical-check-in/or email/ phone

3. Don’t forget your music and parts for all our songs are in the Repertoire … https://choirbolical.com/repertoire/

4. Most of us have viewed virtual choirs (featuring our own Astrid); ABC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY_tl-N93AY&feature=youtu.be
Virtual Choirs  https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-23/pub-choir-coronavirus-inspired-couch-event-draws-1000-singers/12080702  

look at this one too…Camden Choir https://youtu.be/lqWQCWc_zCc

5. VOCE is exploring our own virtual choir … Could be feasible! We’ll be putting together a trial next week with AveVerumCorpus – watch this space.
6. Can you think of other ways we can connect with each other? 
7. We’ll sing and virtually record easier known songs from our repertoire, such as ……?  using those excellent parts recordings AND/OR ask Matt to look for simpler pieces that would suit a virtual choir hook up? 

8. Members reported they luv Matt’s warm ups and chatter. What are your thoughts?

9. Please also be encouraged to join one of Astrid’s couch choir sessions to enjoy (and let us know how her recording process goes) Spot the choir members here
https://youtu.be/RY_tl-N93AY

What’s next …1. Be encouraged to Practice with Matt. https://youtu.be/U6BEXBr4o7Y  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LarR5o63yEQ
2. Feedback to Matt, remember he’s smiling into a lens

3.View other current virtual choirs And beautiful music. Add a link to a post… here’s one from Loretto of the first piece ever sung by Choirbolical https://www.facebook.com/80753646336/posts/10163367129861337/

try Corona Rhapsody: https://youtu.be/9Eo9M4-BrJA

4.Check in, ramble on … https://choirbolical.com/2020/03/27/choirbolical-check-in/

5.Call a choir friend, see how they’re going, dream up ideas, give VOCE a boost!

all the best from VOCE folk

Hope this update finds all our choir members well and happily enjoying some home time. Following is the minutes summary.
VOCE Teleconference – The following members called Rob to join the group:

Present: Pam Wilson, Marion Elvery, Matt Collins, Rob Sandison,

Minutes: Rob Sandison?

Apologies: Chris Rattray, Michael Murtagh, Gail, & Stewart, Linda Rother, Catherine Dyson. 

Agenda Items:

Financials: Rob Presented the Financials for the first quarter. Hall Hire – Pam advised that the Hall Hire has been cancelled during the current crisis and that no fees will be charged. VOCE is grateful for the offer by DeMoloy House. Membership fees paid to date will enable us to continue to to pay Matt to be our musical director and facilitate singing.

Rehearsals and Performances Schedules

Live Rehearsals and all performances are cancelled until end of Term 2 (June 26th) VOCE will advise members at the earliest possible time of an extension to this date or, resumption of rehearsals. VOCE’s decision is based on Govt./Health advise. Regrettably, no future plans for performances or rehearsals can be made at this time. It is hoped that performances will resume in the 2nd half of 2020.

Proposed alternatives to Rehearsals and Performances – in the mean time ….

1. Matt has gratefully received all Choirbolical members ideas and has had discussions with Astrid and others in teaching/music circles of options.1. Feedback on Matt’s first YouTube practice video was unanimously and enthusiastically positive! VOCE requested that Matt continue creating practice videos to guide mini individual/x2 rehearsals and will include links to other practice YouTube videos. VOCE encourages all Choirbolical members to access practice videos and provide feedback to Matt. https://youtu.be/U6BEXBr4o7Y

2. Matt advises that connect en-mass via Zoom or other platforms is problematic, requires a lot of work, technical expertise and costs. There may be possibilities of small group ‘Zoom’ groups getting together to rehearse.

3. Matt will explore in consultation with Astrid and others in his field the possibility of some kind of on-line performance medium similar to Couch Choir/ABC Everybody Choir, with perhaps to a YouTube concert thereby providing a motivation goal for Choirbolical members.

4. Matt will outline a plan for the frequency and content/nature of YouTube posts and potential performance platforms before the next VOCE meeting in 3 weeks.

5. VOCE is keen for feedback from Choirbolical participants inAstrid’s ABC Everybody Choir event. Some members have communicated to Astrid their enjoyment of her segment in Australian Story on Monday night and encourage all Choirbolicals to watch.

https://iview.abc.net.au/show/australian-story/series/2020/video/NC2002Q008S00

Director’s Fees

Rob moved the following Proposal: Based on the successful implementation of a variety of strategies approved by VOCE and implemented by Matt …

That Matt be retained on his normal fortnightly rehearsal fee for three months. That VOCE review this arrangement early in June. That Matt’s normal rehearsal fee includes all preparation and posting of music parts in audio/video formats (excluding mass performances) and consultations with his music network colleagues, Choirbolical membersand VOCE. Passed unanimously.

Choir members connecting during isolation Comments can be left on the website. Marion will check if comments can be made private for log-in users only. VOCE will review of Choirbolical Facebook Pages shortly.

Next Meeting: 21 April Rob (0422543804) to join the group

Meeting Closed: 6:53pm.  

This Tuesday 4th Feb will be our first rehearsal for 2020. Time : 6.45 @ DeMolay for a 7pm start. See repertoire tab for new music to download.

Coming up WORKSHOP- Saturday 15th February

a good way to start the year for new comers. All Welcome. Cost is $20. Bring a sweet or savoury plate to share for morning tea. BBQ lunch supplied.
Coming? – let us know at the first rehearsal or reply to this post.
marion.

Choirbolical Workshop – Welcome to 2020!

Conductor: Matt Collins.

Venue: Philharmonic Hall

                7 Matthews St., Harristown.

Registration:      8.30am

Session 1:            9.00 – 10.30am

Morning Tea:     10.30 – 11.00am

Session 2:            11.00 – 12.30pm

BBQ Lunch:         12.30 – 1.30pm

A BIG WELCOME to Matt Collins who will be our Music Director for 2020.
At the VOCE meeting held Dec 10th we were please to talk with Matt who is looking forward to being back in Toowoomba this year and able to bring his considerable musical skills to lead us in another year of wonderful music making.

COMING UP:

Feb 4th – first Tuesday evening rehearsal at DeMolay. 6.45 for 7pm start. See all dates under Rehearsal tab

Feb 15th – full day workshop to start our year. A great opportunity to invite new members and share a day of singing and laughter. Details to follow. (Weekend workshops away cancelled at this stage due to short notice)

May 5th – Community Concert Fundraiser for HOSPICE.

Next VOCE meeting Jan 21st. – 6pm at DeMolay Hall followed by food after at Parkhouse. VOCE is a group who help with the smooth running of our community choir and events throughout the year. What to help? Come along – all welcome.

Tuesday 3rd will be our final rehearsal for the year. Usual time and place. 7pm start at DeMolay.
Susie and Josh will run through the Christmas Lights performance repertoire.
All welcome to the Sunday evening 8/12/19 – pre-performance gathering at the Parkhouse 6pm – singers/families and hanger ons who might join in over at the Christmas lights at 8.30 pm.

Here is a summary of the VOCE meeting this past week noting up-coming events and looking ahead to 2020

Present: Susie, Pam, Chris R, Gail, Rob, Stuart (Minutes), Leslie, Marion

Apologies: Eileen Munro, Kent

Minutes

Minutes as amended be accepted – carried 

Matters Arising – Nil

Financial Report: presented by Rob to be accepted -carried. De Molay House fees: Fees to increase (still very reasonable and accommodating). Rob will confirm booking dates for 2020.

Reports:

Downs Syndrome Support Concert • Concert was a great success• Team worked well• Good feedback from Downs Syndrome society• Diversity of performance• Food and Drink worked well• Organisation of the Raffle should be streamlined• Need to be sure to acknowledge donorso Certificates for Sponsors • Support from Downs Syndrome community was valuable to success.o Performers received gifts on the night• Action – Collate information on the organisation of concert for future reference (organisation committee)• Future reference: Theme for night, limit number of songs/activities per group.• Potential for next year (2020) – two concerts in May (Hospice) and November (Refugee groups).
• Donation to Downs Syndrome for our recent concert = $2,100.

Christmas Performance

Sunday 8th December at 8:30 pm

Susie together with Josh Duffield and Melinda Burke will lead the choir for Christmas Wonderland performance.

On 19th Nov and 3rd December team will lead rehearsals.

• Social event for Choir prior to Christmas Concert at Park House, 6 pm.• Pay your own way. • Choirbolical and partners.• Numbers at 19th of November rehearsal. • Chris R to have form and make announcement. Note parking available behind historical society for performers. free Entry for performers – not before 7pm and preferably numbers given to gate attendant by one person as group goes through.

Conductor for 2020 Susie has volunteered to start Choirbolical off at the beginning of the year.

Alternative Conductors are being approached and any interest welcome.

Weekend Workshop in 2020• Suggestion is to go to Staceys Cunningham’s Gap for weekend workshop early in 2020• Include guest conductors• Drumming workshop• Gail to confirm booking still available and lock in one date. Details at next two rehearsals for feedback of interest.

Copyright Be sure to cover costs for use of music going forward.Susie to look into interesting Australian composers.

Web Site Leslie to be backup to Marion

Other Matters• Need to recruit more VOCE members.  Seek new members at beginning of 2020

• Choir to commence 4th February 2020