QUARTET OF NATIONS NEWSLETTER, REGION 31, SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL
SUMMER 2008
HARMONY RAG THRee Generations of Champagne Cornwall I was very busy at Convention this year, singing with Champagne Cornwall Chorus, the Young Women In Harmony Chorus and the Family Chorus. When I sang with Champagne we had three generations on stage, my Nan who sings baritone, I sing lead and my mum s the musical director. We got our best score, just missing out on most improved chorus by one point so we were all really happy. Then in the family chorus we sang together, it is really great singing with
all of the different chorus members and their families on such a huge stage. The rest of the weekend was fun but very tiring, I stayed up and partied with Champagne until late (or should I say early!!). I had a really good time at convention everyone in Region 31 is so friendly and I can’t wait until Croydon, if my mum will let me go….. Pleeeeeease. Lauren Bailey aged 12
Off to Convention for the First Time Not so very long ago I was asked to ‘go to Convention’. I had no idea of what was involved, but I knew it was something pretty big with all the arrangements, rehearsals and growing excitement. I learnt the songs, passed the tapes,, eventually dropped less clangers in the choreography, and desperately tried to smile with ‘apple cheeks’. Then with only six days to go they added ‘raised eyebrows’ into the mix – or the ‘batter’. Just when I thought I was getting there! Oh my, then it started, the excitement, the nerves and the sheer terror – we were going ON FRIDAY! Everything ran smoothly, travel, hotel, the invaluable check list – thanks Sheila! My room mate Carol and I (and our magic bags) made a good team. The Symphony Hall was something to behold. The Quartets amazing, the scores nerve-wracking.
A late night for me followed by an early 4.00 a.m. morning. So, no panic, tea at 5.35 a.m., plenty of time for breakfast, make-up, (with the odd lippy touch-up, it lasted the day out and almost outdid half a dozen extra strong make-up wipes). Rehearsals, traffic patterns, we made it through. Then that was it, six minutes, we were done! What a six minutes though. WOW! it was something else. (Sorry about the extra six waiting for the lights to go out, just wanted them to appreciate us). Then we were off to enjoy the rest of the entries. Time flew, the moment came, scores, nerves, it was much worse than the performing! Up to then it hadn’t mattered, it had all been so good. All the hard work put in by you all, organising, arranging, finances, gorgeous costumes, make-up, travel, songs, rehearsals,
directing, fund raising, the list is endless. Suddenly, IT MATTERED. The result was incredible, the cheers, applause, screams, tears you all deserved them, every single one. What’s more, we got not six but ten minutes to do it all again! This time with all those people out there. Linda did her stuff brill and we all did ours! So, as an official ‘first timer’, I would like to say congratulations and thanks to you all for all your wonderful support, help and encouragement. It has been fantastic. My first ever performance and gold medal. I’m still grinning! So ladies, here’s to next year when I can do my bit. We will have more ‘first timers’ and maybe a gold in mid-size chorus? OH YES ! Beverley Russell,‘First Timer’ Lincoln Sounds Chorus
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