The Magnets!

It's not all work, sometimes we get to go out to play too!

On Thursday night Jenny and Teresa did just that...
The Magnets you may recognise from the Comic Relief/Sainsbury's 'Thank You' ad last year!

Yesterday, Jenny sent an email round the choir admitting that her husband had stood her up in favour of a few extra hours' work. Every cloud however... and this meant that I was able to nab the spare ticket she had to see The Magnets at Swindon Arts Centre.

Thank you Jenny! - it was the best evening's entertainment I've had in ages. The Magnets are an a capella group, made up of 4 fabulous singers, an amazing beatboxer / human percussion section and Fraser.... with a singing voice like warm chocolate, the ability to carry a bass line as deep as Barry White (or Paul Robeson for you oldies!), and an eye for the Ladies!

The highlight of the evening was the group serenading Jenny with their unique arrangement of Blondie's 'Call Me'. I still think she was a fool not to take them up on the offer!

The Magnets can sing, dance, and they're cute ! Check them out on Youtube, and make a note to see them next time they come to Swindon (they promised, so it must happen!)

Trees

For more information on The Magnets, visit there own website here!

Your mission, should you choose to accept it...

Calling all Choristers!

It has come to our attention that the Christmas concert is lacking a title!

Last night's discussion prompted a few ideas, along with some really awful (but hilarious!) Christmas puns.

So your challenge is to come up with a snappy title that does some or all of the following:

• Entices people to come along!
• Mentions we have mince pies
• Mentions we have mulled wine
• That there will be carol singing a plenty, but that it IS NOT a Carol service
• That, though there will be mistletoe and wine, we cannot promise Cliff Richard
• Oh and finally, that doesn't involve the phrase 'Yule be crackers to miss it!' 

Post all suggestions below, winning title will be decided by Santa. There may even be a prize for the winner!

That's prize, not pies...

Ready, set - GO!

Choir for Hire!

Last Christmas we sang at Elsie Hazell Court, a sheltered housing accommodation in Freshbrook, and we must have done something right because they asked us to come back again!

A bit about Elsie Hazell Court

 

Elsie Hazell Court is Swindon Borough Council’s only sheltered scheme in the Freshbrook area of the town and contains 34 one bedroom flats. They aim to provide as much independence as possible to their residents whilst providing a safe environment for them.

They boast that they offer regular entertainment for their residents, including coach trips, carpet bowls, coffee mornings and afternoons, bingo, and regular evening entertainment…

Last Thursday we were that entertainment!

Part of what Makin’ MuZic aims to do is to bring music to people who wouldn’t normally get a chance to hear it - those who like the entertainment delivered to their doorstop!

It also gave us a chance to show off our lovely new ‘Makin’ MuZic’ t-shirts!

Don’t we look swish!

Being a bit early for carol singing (yes it is too early for Christmas – don’t believe the shops!) we decided to take our July concert repertoire to Elsie Hazell Court.

This included a couple of folky tunes – The Ashgrove and Lowlands away, along with some bouncier numbers including Daydream Believer, Don’t Stop Believing, Fly Me to The Moon and The Rhythm of life.

The atmosphere was very welcoming, and we found ourselves feeling much more relaxed than we had been at our own concert – so much more relaxed that Soloist Julie decided to try a little freestyling during one number (‘Lonely world’ Julie – LONELY world!) Just Keeping things fresh!

We weren’t the only ones entertaining that night, Elsie Court resident, Henry decided to show us youngsters what he was made of; he gave us a tune or two on his violin, and treated us to a lovely rendition of Danny Boy.

If we hadn’t insisted on taking the floor again I’m sure given he’d have had us all up dancing next.

Afterwards we were invited to share in a spot of supper and a chat with the residents. Here I was once again serenaded by Henry who I think is angling for a spot in the choir... Possibly a solo spot...

Was lovely to hear how much everyone enjoyed the evening, not just the residents but the choir members themselves.

And not only for the cake.

Before we left we found ourselves already planning our next visit – So see you soon Henry – fiddle at the ready!

I believe I promised some jokes...

...And to make sure no one takes it personally, I've made sure to be equally offensive to everyone!

Q: How do you tell when your soloist is at the door?
A: He can't find the key and doesn't know when to come in.

Q: How many soloists does it take to change a light bulb?
A: One. He holds the bulb while the world revolves around him.

Q: What is the missing link between the bass and the ape?
A: The baritone.

Q: How many tenors does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Six. One to do it, and five to say, "It's too high for him."

Q: How many altos does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None. They can't get up that high.
Q: How many basses does it take to change a light bulb?
A: None. They're so macho they prefer to walk in the dark and bang their shins.

Q: Where's a tenor's resonance?
A: Where his brain should be.

Q: What do you call ten baritones at the bottom of the ocean?
A: A good start.

Q: What's the definition of an alto?
A: A soprano who can sightread.

Q: What's the difference between an alto and a tenor?
A: Tenors don't have hair on their backs.

That's all for now folks!

Stay tuned!

Laura