PHOENIX SINGERS NEWSLETTER – AUGUST
Lots to report this month as we prepare to recommence in September --
First a message from Ashley -
I’m aware that we have pencilled in 6th September as a start date. However, I have some news that makes this difficult…
From September I will be Director of Music at Ranby House, the prep school to Worksop College. 6th September will be my first Monday in school and so it would not be sensible to plan a rehearsal then. This means that our first rehearsal will be Monday 13th September - and I am very much looking forward to resuming singing and music-making with renewed vigour!
For better or worse, the staff at Ranby House are aware that I have a regular rehearsal on Monday evenings and we agreed that this should continue as a condition of me taking up the role - so don’t imagine that I’m thinking of vanishing!
I trust that you are enjoying the summer and I look forward to seeing you on 13th September. Ashley.
So as you can see - we are starting back at East Street on 13th September, 7:30 prompt.
As some members may be wary about returning to singing in a group, we will be socially distanced, the hall is well ventilated and hand sanitiser etc. will be available. Both the School and the Choir have done risk assessments to make sure all is in place, to safeguard both us and them. We also ask that having taken your seat, you remain there and do not socialise until the end of rehearsal, and, preferably do it outside. Masks are not mandatory, and very hard to sing in, but if you feel more comfortable then please do wear one. It is imperative that you take responsibility for ensuring your safety, and follow the advice given.
We held our first committee meeting “in person” last week – you will have seen the minutes. So these are the main points discussed, and pertinent to resuming our activities.
As our finances have been hit by lack of income Brian has suggested that we should ask choir members for half a year + £10, i.e .£50. We now have £3997 in the bank. We hope this will be acceptable to everyone but if you have any questions, please ask your rep.
I am very proud to say that Ashley has been shortlisted for a Making Music award for “Best music creator for a leisure time music group”. The award event will be a virtual one which choir members will be able to access. It is to be held on 8th September, starts at 7:00p.m. Free tickets to the Awards and AGM are now available, and can be accessed on the Making Music website using the following link - https://www.makingmusic.org.uk/event/making-music-awards-agm
The Young Phoenix is undergoing a transition. Sally reported that Stewart has stepped down as musical director, and he will be replaced by Dan Williams. Young Phoenix will start rehearsals on September 27th with three open fun workshops. The subs will be raised to £2 per week per child. The YP committee are in the process of applying for grants to help the financial situation. Thanks to Sally and Rosemary for their work in effecting this changeover.
Dates for your diary -
6th September – 7:30 p.m. virtual Quiz to start our activities. Rosemary and Eddie to host
13th September – re-start rehearsals
11th October - Choir AGM
4th December – possible visit to Blists Hill
11th December – Christmas Concert – subject to a suitable venue
14th December – Concert at Chatsworth
Best wishes,
Lesley
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