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Members Update May 2021
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‘Singing in a choir is cheaper than therapy, healthier than drinking,
and more fun than working out!’
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I am not going to argue with the sentiment in this quotation, the author of which remains a mystery, but rather embrace it. Being a member of HTC is a pleasure and being your Chair is a privilege and a position I am proud to hold.
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Of all the choirs in the Harrogate area, HTC has been the one that has continued to rehearse and to produce online content for its fan base and supporters. The current short break from online sessions is affording the committee time to work together on behalf of the wider choir to ensure that when we meet again, we will be able to do so within the current government guidelines and ensure the safety of everyone. This has been at the heart of all the discussions about returning to live rehearsals.
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Hopefully within this newsletter you will discover exactly what we, the committee and Catherine, have been doing and find answers to questions you may have about the shape and form of future rehearsals and how these will affect you.
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Welcome Back
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Whilst a good number of choir members have taken part in Zoom rehearsals over the last 12-14 months, it goes without saying that we are looking forward to seeing those members and friends again who we haven't seen for a long time. We've missed you! Fiona will be emailing separately to find out how many people will be attending the outdoor rehearsals and we look forward to seeing as many members as possible before we take a Summer break.
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Example of the Singers Masks ordered.
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Time for a Voice Workout!
Catherine has put the following new songs on The OneDrive - so there's no excuse for not getting the voice in good shape!
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- Stand by Me (for Making Music Day 21 June 2021)
- Electricity (from Billy Elliott)
- Down in the River to Pray
- Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?
- Plus lots of Men and Women's warm-ups
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Member News
Lots of HTC babies are due to arrive this year:
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- Jen and Will Lindsay
- Emma Dodds (and Harry)
- Jas Hatherly (and Adam)
Congratulations to you all. Sadly, Emma and Harry are relocating in the summer to the Shrewsbury/Telford area. Thank you Emma for the huge contribution you have made on social media/video editing. You've promised to return for a performance - so don't forget!
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Mike Dixon has just celebrated 52 wonderful years of marriage with his wife Brenda - we send you both our best wishes!
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A very warm welcome to those who joined the choir on a permanent basis this year via the DistanSing project: Tina Meadows, Ruth Churchman, Anthony Clarke and Christine Collier.
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Leavers last term: Cathy Bishop
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Return to Live Rehearsals
The Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport issued its latest guidance on 18 May, making it clear that, in respect of amateur choirs, a maximum of 6 people only could meet indoors to sing during this latest phase of the Coronavirus restrictions. This was very disappointing news and it became the focus of the discussions at the committee meeting held later that day. As a result, the main points agreed were:
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- We will not be able to arrange any larger indoor rehearsals until 24 June at the earliest.
- We are still planning to have an outside 'Big Sing' for everyone on 10 and 17 June, weather permitting. More details will follow by email but, for now, get the dates in your diary!
- The logistics of hybrid rehearsals (some joining in person, some online) are proving challenging without a major investment in webcams, microphones, and speakers. We are, therefore, not going to be attempting hybrid rehearsals during June/July.
- We have booked the hall at St Wilfrid's Church, Duchy Road, Harrogate for the 'Big Sing' and for the remaining June/July rehearsals. There is lots of space, inside and outside, and the hall has plenty of ventilation. We may well be back at The Wesley in September, depending on space and ventilation.
- A Risk Assessment is currently being finalised and will be made available to everyone.
- It is recognised that people will have quite different risk thresholds and, with this in mind, a set of "Safe Singing" guidelines have been drawn up. Details will follow.
- The Singers Masks ordered should be with us by 10 June. For those who didn't order a Singers Mask, an alternative face covering must be worn. Whether masks need to be worn outside is still under review.
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If you missed our latest self-isolation music video, 'Knowing Me, Knowing You', here it is!
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