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Dear all,
Now that Term 3 is over and as we look forward to the exciting lead up to 'Carols in the Park' in Term 4, may I take this opportunity to say thank you to Diana and Patrice for their energy and expertise during this busy term. Thanks also to Dianne for filling in for Diana so well on the final night and for organising the Open Mic session. See Dianne's report below.
| DIARY |
| TUESDAY, 1ST OCTOBER |
SENIORS' WEEK LAUNCH |
| TUESDAY, 8TH OCTOBER |
TERM 4 COMMENCES. |
SATURDAY, 12TH OCTOBER
SATURDAY, 12TH OCTOBER |
MAGGIE’S CROATIA DINNER (SELL OUT!!) DINNER WITH THE STARS, SSSB |
| SUNDAY, 20TH OCTOBER |
‘CROATIA’ REHEARSALS COMMENCE |
| FRIDAY, 8TH NOVEMBER |
WW11 VETERANS' LUNCH, BM RSL |
| SUNDAY, 10TH NOVEMBER |
BAREFOOT BOWLS, SINGALONG, BBQ |
| TUESDAY, 3RD DECEMBER |
TERM 4 CONCLUDES. 'OPEN MIC' |
| TUESDAY, 10TH DECEMBER |
BAYSIDE CAROLS, PERFORMANCE. |
| DECEMBER: ST. SINGING (CAROLS) |
To be confirmed. |
It's been a busy term with many Vocally Wilders performing in various ways -
- Sea Shanties = a great concert, full house and all reports were very complimentary.;
- Connor's Run - bravo to all 32 singers who coped stoically with early spots of rain, the chilly early morning and sudden gusts of wind, but sang wonderfully as runners and walkers passed by, waving and taking photos! Two of our own members did the run - Judy Snowden and Jennifer Hayes - well done!! We also saw, but passing by, our Federal MP, Tim Wilson, and many other local identities! Thanks go to Diana and Patrice for their enthusiasm, coping with the testing conditions and for sparing their Sunday morning; also to Russel, Richard, Mark and Mill for setting up and pulling down the complex edquipment system we now have. Mr. Trolleyman (Russel) is amazing. He even put up a marquee tent to protect the equipment (and Patrice!). Some of the ladies also helped winding cables at the conclusion - a wonderful team effort. Our website wonder, Robert, was there as always, with his trusty camera and recording equipment. Rob has already updated our website with Connor's Run video compilation of songs and depiction of the scene and atmosphere. Thank you Rob, it's very much appreciated by us all and adds to our great record of Vocally Wild's community involvement. Russel received a highly complimentary email to all from the organisers, which I have forwarded to those who took part. 'Connor's Run' have already sent us the date for September, 2020!
| As setting up equipment for performances, and packing up again, is a time consuming task for a small willing team, we are requesting volunteers (men and women) to come along to choir a little early on a Tuesday and learn how to set up the sound equipment and complete other simple tasks. This would assist Russel and Richard greatly plus give helpers new skills! Please contact Russel if you would like to help. Thank you. |
Mayflower - a small but very willing and colourful group sang and played twenty songs from 'Tennessee Waltz' to 'So Long It's Been Good to Know You' in a unique and cheerful fashion to a very appreciative audience of residents and friends. We started off with "Meetin' at the Lovely Mayflower"!! The wonderful Ukulele trio, Patty, Pat and June (who also played the harmonica) were fabulous and Patty a brilliant compere!
OPEN MIC - TUESDAY LAST NIGHT OF TERM 3 - Dianne Birch
Patrice started off proceedings by playing “Jealousy” on piano, receiving rapturous applause and cries for more, then Richard performed “Misty Moisty Morning” acapella, in his humorous style, complete with an expressive flicking off of his cap for effect.
Penny & Maryann sang a Serbian song called "Zapjevala Sojka Ptica". Russel had a cameo role (complete with wig and wedding bouquet of flowers). “She/He" was a peasant girl who was sad because she was being married off against her will. Dr. Maryann also shared with us the special connection she made through singing this song to a couple she is looking after in her Pracice. She got to the fourth word and the couple joined in - it was a very special moment for all three of them, and to us also hearing about it. The power of music!
Ken, Peter, Mark, John S, John B, Graham, Richard and Russel performed The Beatles' "Ä Hard Day’s Night" and "I Saw Her Standing There" with much energy and charisma, assisted beautifully by many willing dancers.
Guest chorister for the night was local State MP, Brad Rowswell, who performed "Stars" from Les Miserable, beautifully accompanied by Patrice. Brad had played the part of Jean Valjean in his school production at St Bede’s in 2003. He is also a musician having learnt French Horn and I think Trumpet, though he hasn’t done much of any since his school years. I think everyone who was there would agree that Brad gave a beautiful rendition and closed out the evening on a lovely note. Pun intended! ????
Thank you to Patrice, from us all, for her amazing accompaniment supporting the performers - she always stuns us with her ability to adapt to any conditions! Thanks again to the groovy dancers in the Beatles medley.
SENIORS' WEEK LAUNCH - TUESDAY, 1ST OCTOBER
Reminder to meet at Milanos Tavern, The Esplanade, Brighton Beach at 10.15 for warm up with Diana.and Patrice. Practise will be in either the Esplanade Room or the Bayview Room. We have been invited to stay for morning tea afterwards. Please wear our usual black. (Silver scarves will be provided). Diana reminds us of the songs we will be performing: "Lean on Me', 'All You Need is Love' (if we have William/Jenny present to sing solos), 'This Little Light of Mine' (with Dianne and Teresa solo), 'People Get Ready' (Lyn solo). Back up song will be 'House of the Rising Sun'. If our friends/family wish to attend, they are asked to please telephone Bayside Council on 9599 4373..
WWII VETS' LUNCH, BEAUMARIS RSL - FRIDAY, 8TH NOVEMBER
Venue: Beaumaris Lawn Tennis Club, Banksia Reserve (off Balcombe Road). Enter via Oak Street. Time of arrival TBC. Please add your name to the list at Choir if you are willing to take part.
ADMIN MATTERS
- TERM 4. - Please remember that Term commence on Tuesday, 8th October. Cherry will be forwarding Term 4 invoices to the relevant people shortly . Please contact any member of Committee if you have any issues with attendance or you have any other questions about the Choir - we are all there to help.
- FUTURE DIRECTION OF VOCALLY WILD
After almost two years of self-administration, the Committee thought that feedback from all members would be timely, as to how they feel about the Choir and its direction. We thought that a survey given out at the commencement of Term 4 would be the ideal way to gain this important information. Therefore, a Questionnaire will be placed on each seat on the first day of term and we are asking you to please respond within two weeks. You may put your comments on the paper itself, or via your computer. A receptacle will be available at the back of the room for paper returns. There will be a box for comments at the bottom of the sheet and you can add your name if you wish, or reply anonymously, either way is fine. Thank you in anticipation.
CROATIA FESTIVAL 2020 - RAFFLE
Raffle tickets to raise funds to offset costs at the Croatia Festival have been issued to those travelling next year. However, if anyone would like to purchase a ticket or so, or travellers need another book (!), these will be available at the rear of the hall during the coming weeks. The prizes are excellent - a notice will be displayed showing the amazing choices for winners. All tickets sold or unsold, and money, please, to be returned to Maggie or Pat.
MUSICAL ITEMS OF INTEREST
- JOSH PETERMAN. Did you see the full page article about Josh in The Age recently? He has won the Lead Role as The Phantom in 'The Phantom of the Opera', in London, until September, 2020. Wow! Congratulations Josh - can you hear us all cheering?!!! How lucky are we to have sung with him at the Carols last year?
- COMIC OPERA "HMS PINAFORE" Clint Smith, one of our own, is performing in the Chorus of 'HMS Pinafore' on the 4th to 6th October at the Darebin Arts Centre, Corner Bell Street and St. George's Street, Preston. Tickets: Adult $45 (C $39), Student $32. Child $25. Family and Early Bird Specials available. For times and other enquiries: 0490 465 009.
- MSO ORCHESTRA CHORUS - SAT. 26TH OCTOBER. (Part of the series MSO 2019), Brahms 'Ein Deutches Requiem" - recognised as one of the greatest choral works ever written. Accompanied by piano. 100 choristers - Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, MRC, 7.30 p.m. Tickets: lA Reserve $99 (C $94), B Reserve $79 (C $74), C Reserve $65 (C $60). Contact: www.melbournerecital.com.au
- DINNER WITH THE STARS - SATURDAY, 12TH OCTOBER. Dine and Dance with the Southern Stars Stage Band, 7.00 to 11.00 p.m. at the Southern Golf Club. Tickets: trybooking.com/BBYTP or 0430 366 617.
FAMILY LIFE
Thank you also to those who donated clothing, bags, etc. for Family Life's 'Spring Carnival' - the organisers were absolutely delighted with the response. All their hard work paid off as by all accounts the event was a sell out and hugely successful.. Family Life perform a wonderful and necessary role in the community. See below another of their initiatives.
FAMILY LIFE - "CATCH UP 4 WOMEN"
Family Life have introduced a new programme. If you can relate to this or know someone who may benefit by being involved, please make contact - details are on the website.
‘BEING A 50+ WOMAN IS A RISKY BUSINESS’
On 15 August, 2019, Family Life officially launched the “Catch Up 4 Women” programme at Cheltenham Op Shop. Close to 70 guests attended the launch where they enjoyed a wonderful high tea, mingled with other community members and heard from Family Life CEO, Jo Cavanagh, as well as volunteer participants and staff working on the project.
Catch Up 4 Women has been developed in response to increasing evidence that women over 50 years of age are facing unique risks to their financial security and general wellbeing. The programme seeks to educate women about what they need to know and be prepared for, in order to age well and in control of their circumstances.
“A growing number of older women are often not prepared for the economic insecurity that can occur later in life,” Family Life CEO, Jo Cavanagh said:
“Being forced out of the workforce early, insufficient superannuation, the death of an income earning spouse or escaping family violence are just a few of the scenarios facing more and more older women.” “Catch Up for Women brings women together to learn, socialise and support each other and connect them with specialist advice and resources.” “Helping women to be in control of their circumstances as they age is more imperative than ever before.”
How you can get involved:
- think about your family and friendship circle, is someone isolated or had a recent life-shock?
- check in with them to see if they have people to talk to
- invite them to attend a Catch Up 4 Women event or activity, encourage them to drop into a Family Life Community Store or to give Family Life a call, to find out what is involved
Up-coming Catch Up 4 Women Activities
Mentor Training will be held throughout October and December. Please contact Deb Donaldson to participate. Welcome Wednesday is a morning tea each week with special focus on areas of interest. These free events are to be held every Wednesday at the Cheltenham Op shop from 10:00 am -11.30am. No need to book, just turn up.
To find out more visit our website to watch a short video, or register your interest to become a mentor at familylife.com.au/catchup4women
Here are Ilse's delightful words:
VOCALLY WILD CHOIR HERE IN SANDRINGHAM (ifz 3/9/19)
our voices follow Diana’s forte
from softest strokes for radiant songs
to shelter lofty soprano ranges
above us diligent alto virtues
we’ve got the swing to honour
tricky lines
holding any melody in place
her masterly voice
glides away from upper d-f-g
to tenor strides
then lowers
leaving baritone and bass singers surprised
by her body swings like no tomorrow
pushing their voices to swell
in unison to energetic harmony
and Patrice controls
repeat after repeats
sometimes I venture
will Cio da Terra translate
from piano text toward her classic retreat
we choir singers are made of willing temper
our souls are discovered while we extend
free will of unique complexion in spirit
creating harmonious ambience
PS: I HAVE A BAG OF PURPLE AND GREEN GLITTER MATERIAL (EX PERFORMANCE SCARVES - BUT TOO PRICKLY TO WEAR COMFORTABLY!!). I'LL TAKE IT TO A LOCAL KINDERGARTEN OR PLAY CENTRE, BUT IF YOU WOULD LIKE SOME PIECES FOR CRAFTWORK, ETC. PLEASE LET ME KNOW. BY EARLY NEXT TERM.
Enjoy your holidays everyone, wherever you may be!
(We are fortunate to be able to show you some wonderful Leunigs with his blessing).
Kindest regards,
Pat Lowry.
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