Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Alfred Lord Tennyson, 6/8/1809 – 6/10/1892
Christmas will have gone by the time you read this and the goose will have got considerably thinner – literally down to skin and bone and in the soup!
But, before I move on to the New Year I just want to add a few words about the Choir’s amazing Christmas performances, culminating in our concert in St. John’s Boxmoor on Tuesday 12th December. A large and enthusiastic audience greeted all our efforts with loud applause, joined in our carols and were a joy to sing with. Thanks to all who took part, members and audience alike!
Our amazing MD, Rufus Frowde, had challenged himself not to repeat any of the programme in any of his Christmas concerts. No mean feat, since his total performances numbered 17 – WOW! (I suspect he may, in contrast to the goose, have got a bit thinner before the feast.)
The new repertoire presented a bit of a challenge for the choir as well as we were introduced to new variations on familiar tunes – a steep learning curve for some of us.
Another first, we welcomed Thomas Dilley, a young organist in his early twenties and at the start of his professional career. Tom was brought up in St Albans and in 2013 he started to study the organ, with Andrew Lucas at the Abbey. We were privileged to be joined by such a talented young man.
If you weren’t able to make it to the concert, you can listen to tracks from the evening on Dacorum Community Choir’s Facebook page.
So that’s 2023, done with – what lies ahead?
More challenges no doubt – a Spring concert in May in one of our favourite venues, Hemel Methodist Church, is already in the programme. More performances, including singing in care homes and clubs, plus a summer tour to Shropshire and of course, Christmas 2024 will be here before we know it – start saving now!
The new year may also be the time when you decide to give choral singing a go. New members are always welcome. We’re rightly known as the friendly choir, so just come along and give us a go. Studies have shown that singing is good for mind and body, and it’s also a great way to make new friends.
Happy New Year!
If you’re interested in joining a fabulous, fun and inclusive choir, with no auditions, check our website www.dacorumcommunitychoir.org or our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/dacorumcommunitychoir
