MUSIC DIRECTOR'S Year In Review
SEPTEMBER 2024 – 2025.
September 2024 heralded the start of another busy singing year. Working towards our first concert in aid of the building fund at Flookburgh Church on 20th October 2024. However, before that we mustn’t forget our trip to Kendal Leisure Centre earlier in October to take part in the Age Friendly Festival. This was an interesting experience to sing in such a large venue with a very small audience. Thankfully, the audience at Flookburgh church was large and appreciative and we raised a good sum of money for the church.
The Christmas season approached with carols at Grange Tree Lighting at the end of November on what was an extremely mild weather evening (a welcome contrast from the snow of 2023). This was swiftly followed by two performances the following week. Firstly, a prestigious event at Kendal Parish Church – Carols by Candlelight in aid of the NSPCC and then our annual visit to St Paul’s Church Christmas Tree Festival opening concert. We participated in the URC Carol concert later in December and managed almost an hour of carol singing in Grange before the rain came. Our cuppas and mince pies were very welcome afterwards !
The spring term saw new music to learn and lots of hard work done in preparation for our concert at the beginning of April in St Paul’s Church. This was a combination of the choir performing songs together with some community singing which seemed to go down well. Proceeds from this evening and raffle sales meant we could donate £700 to both St Paul’s Church for their building fund and to Grange Pre-School. Our final concert of the year was later in April at Carver Church in Windermere where we performed alongside South Lakes Acapella.
The summer term was more relaxing although still with new music to learn and fun to be had. Our end of singing year sing and social (plus quizzes) was a very relaxed and enjoyable evening.
Once again, I owe a huge thanks to the committee who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of the group and support me. Also to those of you who help in any small way with the running of rehearsals and concerts. It really is all about teamwork ! Lindsay also needs our thanks for everything she does with ordering, photocopying and collating music – her calm efficiency and patience is to be greatly admired and we really couldn’t do without her. This year we are saying goodbye to three committee members: Pauline, Christine and Sue – they have all worked hard on committee over many years and we are very grateful to them for giving up their time and energy to support us.
Of course, Bay Community Singers wouldn’t be the fantastic group it is without all of you who make it possible. Not just for your hard work in learning music and performing to the highest of standards, but also for the care, compassion and friendship that you show to each other. We really have the most wonderful community group and I am very proud of you all.
Nowhere has your care and compassion been so strongly felt than a few months ago, when we sadly said goodbye to our most dear accompanist, Ray after his sudden and unexpected death. He leaves behind such a huge gap in our group and in the lives of those of us who were lucky enough to call him a friend. Our concert next month will be a fitting musical tribute to him and a time where we can remember him and celebrate his incredible musical talent as well as raising funds for two very worthwhile projects. We miss you Ray.
