The summer choir weekend in Seddin is always one of the highlights of the choir’s calendar. This year, Mother Nature did everything she could to ensure there was never a dull moment: we sang our way through warm downpours, glorious sunshine, wind and the gentle rumble of thunder. Unfortunately, the mosquitoes were just as drawn to us as the fireflies were when we sat together in the evenings. We were woken by the sonorous cooing of wood pigeons, repeatedly drowned out by the ‘jazz singers’ among the birds – the blackbirds. In between, there were a few cuckoo improvisations. We couldn’t have wished for a better setting to put the finishing touches to our nature programme.
There was plenty of blending and singing the same song in a range of emotions (angry, hopeful, etc.), but we also worked on our choir director’s aim: to decouple volume and tempo in our minds and voices whilst singing. The expressive singing circle was also a new experience for many – the whole choir harmonises in improvised songs, but you also move in time with the rhythm or melody you are currently contributing. A very lively and immediate experience of singing.
For our ‘Fun Evening’, where choir members showcase their favourite music, two small ensembles, each comprising four singers from the choir, had come together to perform specially rehearsed pieces. Everyone was absolutely delighted with the performances – which included sacred music, Beatles songs and a Spanish ballad.
Likewise, everyone was delighted with the excellent meals at our Seddin venue and how everything was organised, which was made possible by so many wonderful people.
Our choir director received a special round of applause for his 10 years with the CIP. A musical adventure that always feels as though it’s only just beginning. And this was celebrated with a very special final Singing Circle by those who weren’t put off by the approaching rain and stayed on after the official end – a singing circle in Lake Seddin!
