Posted on

So how was your first rehearsal?

We started back to rehearsals last Wednesday and it all went very well, or at least that’s what it felt like to me! But to all the new members who maybe felt a little overwhelmed, I want to remind you that we all felt that on our first night. Looking at the reams of music to learn, the strange harmonies, the really high notes, you would be forgiven for thinking that there’s no way you can learn it all, no way that it can ever come together. But you can and it does! No one expects you to learn every piece in your first term, some will take a while, some will come really quickly. I always say to focus on your favourites because above all else, singing in a choir is supposed to be fun and enjoyable. So don’t stress if there are bits you’re unsure of, the rest of the choir will carry you until you are ready to carry them! And when Sharon says put your music away, she’s not talking to you!

Meanwhile here’s a link to some videos from our Christmas concert. Let me tell you, there are some pieces in there we were all unsure about when we started them, but it all came good in the end!

Posted on

Look to the future now, it’s only just begun

Ok, look, where would we even start when it comes to 2020? What can be said that hasn’t been said, what can be said that would make it better? Some had an awful year, some had great joy during the year and most of us just put our heads down and ploughed on. As a I write this, news is coming through of another lockdown, albeit one fuelled by Irish coffees, tins of roses, Christmas cake and more food than anyone would know what to do with. Let’s just call it festive hibernating and leave it at that.

2021 is looking promising at least. With vaccines on the way, a much hoped for return to singing seems all the more plausible and when we do start getting back to a more familiar way of living, I think we can rely on strong audiences. Sure won’t we all be chomping at the bit to see live performances ourselves? Last Sunday night’s video had nearly 6000 views between St. John’s website, their facebook page and our own, which is no small number. Hopefully in the New Year we will be able to get some of those to come and see us in person, won’t that be lovely – singing together and performing for an audience. To quote the great Noddy Holder of Slade:

Look to the future now
It’s only just begun.

A Merry Christmas to you all and a very Happy New Year!


Posted on

Easter 2020

Much as the phrase “in these challenging/worrying/dark/etc. times” is starting to grate, it really is the strangest of times. A time when we are discovering plenty about ourselves, our communities and our country. A time when we have been forced to slow down and step away from a busy world with all the benefits and the downsides that brings. A time when it has become clear that the ability to connect technologically is fantastic but really doesn’t replace being able to walk into your parents’ house and hug them without fear of harming their health.

Thank God for music, and books, and art and purely escapist movies and good TV (and bad TV too – no judgement!). Thank God for our front-line workers, those caring for our sick, those keeping the country fed and watered and those keeping us all safe.

Our country may be a very different place post-coronavirus, but it won’t necessarily be a worse place, as we all remember what it is to think and act for the greater good. And that is surely the Easter message in a nutshell.

Happy Easter!

 

Posted on

A Wednesday Evening in April

I hope everyone is well and taking care of themselves. I’ve been waiting since this time last year to post this video, so here it is on the 1st of the month no less.

Continue to take all the necessary precautions and keep your spirits up. This too shall pass.

Posted on

Beannachtaí Nollaig na mBan oraibh uilig!

To mark Women’s Christmas, I am posting a video of one of the ladies only songs that we do in the choir. I would like to wish all the ladies of Kerry Choral Union and all your family and friends and all those who support our choir and our concerts the very best for the coming year. Gentlemen of the choir, remember you have to wait hand and foot on the ladies in your life today!

The Famous Nuns’ Chorus from ‘Casanova’ (Johann Strauss). Performed by Kerry Choral Union in April 2019. St. Brendan’s Church. In aid of Recovery Haven. Soloists: Iris Barry & Charlotte Calleja O’Halloran. Accompanist: Aine Murray (Piano). Director: Sharon Reidy. Filmed by: EmmaJude Lyons & Malachy Scanlon