There's only been one practice so far so we're still deciding what to sing in the weeks ahead but some ideas include a Mozart opera chorus, a Motown classic, an Albanian song, a Gospel medley, a Somali alphabet song and a Turkish lullaby. The organisers say that "ultimately the repertoire is the choir members’ choice - so if you are desperate to sing a Led Zeppelin cover, Beethoven’s 9th or the Birdie song – come and stake your claim!"

Most of the people at the first practice couldn't read music so word sheets are available. There's lots more information on the Music Platform website.

Speaking for myself, 5.30 would suit me fine. Thank you, Eliz. I looked at the website, and it sounded great. I have rung and left a message, to find out more. See you there - maybe!

No answer to my message, and I couldn't go anyway. Perhaps next week. I wonder how it went? Can you tell us, Liz?

I'm not one of the organisers (it was started by the Music Platform people) but I can pass on comments about the early start. Last week was good but it's still a smaller group than they'd hoped for so hopefully it'll grow as time goes on.
Cjg, I don't think it matters if you can't commit to every week, it seems to be very informal and no one has allocated parts so it shouldn't make a huge difference if you can't make every session.

Brill, I can't come until the 2nd dec, but will be there then!

Sorry to see this thread has dropped to half way down page 2. I am pushing it back up to the top again to remind you that it's tomorrow night at 5.30, and to encourage you to give it a go, even if you have a low opinion of your singing skills.

Will try and find time to tell you more about it later, or tomorrow.

Everybody can sing, Krappy! Although I haven't been there long enough to know how Mark (the gaffer) proposes to help the wobbly ones. I don't think we've got as far as deciding what voice we are, although every now and again someone complains that it's too high, and the poor pianist has to try and transpose the stuff down. I know, because, as from last week, I am the poor pianist!

Why not give it a try? There were about 20+ there last week, and I know 2-3 other friends are interested. Mark and his 3 assistants are lovely, and nothing has been very difficult, so far. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town; a simple little 3-parter from The Magic Flute; another Xmas song; and we started with a kid's round, of the Tony Chestnut type.

As much as anything, I like the community aspect of it. Music Platform is the name of the organisation that organises things, and they are based at Poole's Park School, just off Fonthill Road. They do lots in school as well, and for starters the choir will be joining in with an informal event at the Union Chapel, at 6, on Monday 14/12, I think.

All for now.

See you there!

Mike.

Sorry to drag this thread back up to the top again. Just to remind you that we're off again tomorrow, and that all are welcome - they really are. Note change of time, though: 5.45 - 7.15.

www.musicplatform.co.uk.

...if you want to know more.

there's an edit button

I was a music teacher for 40 years, ADGS. It sometimes took a bit of time, but if a child really wanted to, they ended up singing in tune.

As for adults, I can't tell you the number of times they tell me they are tone deaf. Tone deafness is in fact rarer than colour blindness. Many people have been traumatised by cruel, stupid music teachers, who in the past would put droners in the back row, and tell them to mime, instead of offering them help. Most of the 'tone deaf' I come across turn out to be just fine, if I can persuade them to sing a note or two to me. They have been spooked by what music education used to be , in most schools. Either that, or they had none at all.

Did you hear the Today programme on R4 this morning? There was a discussion about the health-giving properties of singing, which is as effective as going to the gym - and more fun, imo. A lot of research has been done by the Voices Foundation and the London Institute of Education. Try googling, if you'd like to know more.

All I get from that link is a picture. Care to tell us more?

Blimey. I don't know what to make of all that. I found a Guardian article about it, which might interest others:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/jul/25/billdrummond

Hi folks. I shall probably pop along on Weds. I've sung in choirs in the past but am very out of practice, so may just hum quietly at the back!

Brill. I have been wanting to join a choir for a while, and since you are so kindly rehearsing less than a minute's bike ride from my house, it would be rude of me not to join this one!

I hope you enjoyed yourself last night, Mills. Sorry I didn't have time to chat - next time perhaps, if you come again.

As for performances, Miss Annie: we haven't been going very long, so I imagine concerts/performances will be for the future. Will certainly let you all know if we get that far - not that it's up to me - I'm only the piano-player!

Yup, it's free - and still very enjoyable, I find. So does one of the regulars, who last week said that singing the chords at the end of Any Dream Will Do was the highlight of her week! I think Mark was rather chuffed.

Mills was there again, and seemed to be enjoying herself. She said she was going to come back here and tell you all, but she must be busy, so I have beaten her to it.

See original post for details, Lottie. Only change: start time now 5.45, and finish at 7.15. Yes, it's on this Wed. See you there!

The choir now has its own website:

http://www.poolesparkcommunitychoir.org.uk.

Tonight, 5.45 - 7.15.

All welcome.

Yes, the concert is on next Tuesday 23rd (at 5.45pm in the usual place) even though the choir usually meets on a Wednesday. The children from the Poole's Park School choir will be singing as well so it's not just the adult choir this time.

Unfortunately we have to cancel the community choir rehearsal today.
We're really sorry but we're extremely overwhelmed preparing for a big concert tomorrow at Royal Albert Hall.

Mark&Aneta

3 wonderful new singers have joined the choir, and 2 of them expressed an interest in SG.org, so I thought I'd revive this thread.

Last night we had a look at Summertime, and a beautiful Cole Porter number, but for most of the session we are hard at work on 3 numbers from Carmen. Great stuff.

All welcome. See above, for details.

Hello, Miriam. Good to hear from you, and to see such a wholehearted recommendation of the choir. I enjoy playing the piano for it too, and generally being one of the gang. They're a great crowd.

Has Mark (the gaffer) got your email address? He usually lets us know at the last minute. The school reopens on 6/9, if that's any guidance. If you want to contact Mark, go to the choir's website (see above).

Calling all Islington Singers!

Come and join us - to sing in exciting World Premiere performances taking place in heart of Islington 21^st 22^nd July. It will be a fantastic event to launch and celebrate the new Platform - the new Performing Arts Centre (on Hornsey Road). You will be singing with ...

S t u d e n t s   o f   t h e   R o y a l   C o l l e g e   o f   M u s i c

S c a r a b e u s   A e r i a l   T h e a t r e

C a n d o c o   D a n c e   C o m p a n y

P o o l e s   P a r k   C h i l d r e n ’ s   C h o i r

P o o l e s   P a r k   C o m m u n i t y   C h o i r

M o u n t   C a r m e l   S c h o o l   C h o i r

Rehearsal/Performance Schedule

Wed 6th July 5.45 – 7.15pm Rehearsal

Wed 13th July 5.45 – 7.15pm Rehearsal

Tues 19th July 6.00 – 7.15pm Rehearsal

Thurs 21st July 6.00 – 7.15pm Rehearsal

Thurs 21st July 8.30 – 9.30pm Full Dress Rehearsal

Fri 22nd July 8.30 – 9.30pm Performance 1

Sat 23rd July 8.30 – 9.30pm Performance 2


For sheet music and a ‘karaoke’ (minus the vocal parts) orchestral click here

For more info on the festival go to:

http://www.islington.gov.uk/leisure/ArtsAndEntertainment/arts-projects/platform.asp

Autumn 2011

Come and join for another exciting term of singing. We had a very exciting year last year with carol concerts, a new commission (click on the photo below to see more images), and debut concert at St. Mellitus Church.

As ever we welcome everyone regardless of ability or age – we just get together and have a good sing-song! Membership is free.

Rehearsals: 5.45pm – 7.15pm Wednesdays during term-time: Sept 14, 21, 28; Oct 5, 12; Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Dec 7, 14. Please note - no rehearsal on Oct 19.

Pooles Park Primary School, Lennox Road, Finsbury Park N4 3NW.  For more details call Aneta on 020 7281 4015. Come to main gate, ring the bell and ask for Debbie.