We've had a mini-holiday from choir with the string of school and public holidays! Never fear, we're on the road to rehearsal soon. In the meantime though....

Baby News!


Congratulations to alto Rhiannon Sparks and partner Charles, who welcomed to the world little Quinn Amelia Elsey Catt on 17th April! Quinn weighed in at 7 pound 12 ounces and mum and baby are doing well. May you enjoy this time with your new daughter and recover well.



Choir Jackets!

Ahead of the FOV trip to chilly Hobart, we're looking into the option of choir jackets, available to all Vocalize members who are interested. Soprano section leader Renie Walker is coordinating this and has done some great research on our behalf - thank you, Renie! We've shortlisted 4 styles to choose from, each featuring the Vocalize Choir logo embroidered on the left hand side.

Please note this is not a mandatory part of the choir uniform, simply something members may be interested in. Personally I'll be looking for the warmest one possible so I can also don it to the footy! 
Click here to access the jacket info from EmbroideMe Prospect, including sizes, fabrics and cost list.

There will be a meeting after rehearsal on 10th May, where Renie will provide some garment samples and answer any questions you may have. Payment will be required upon placement of your order.


First Performance coming up!

After 17 months hiatus, we have our first public performance on Sunday 30th May. Adelaide Sings is a community choir concert hosted by ANCA, 2pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, Pasadena. Audience ticketing and call times will be announced soon. To the right is a photo of our first performance there in 2013.



Movie screening this Monday 26th



If anyone is interested, there's a small group of choir members going to see The United States vs. Billie Holliday this Monday at 10:15am. Please join us if you're free! (Purchase your own tickets online)



Member Microphone - Hans van de Water



As part of our newsletters we'll be including a short get-to-know you of various members of our choir. If you'd like to participate in this please let Jen Burford know (jezloy50@gmail.com). Thank you to Jen for conducting the following interview of one of our Section Leaders!

Name Hans van de Water
What year did you join Vocalize? 2018 
Vocal Part Bass (Section Leader)
 
1. Why did you join Vocalize? 
I was introduced to Vocalize in 2018 by Carmel Ferme when I was looking for a choir to join.
 
2. Have you had any previous musical activity in the past? 
I come from a family of singers (never trained) and have been involved in choirs and musical theatre since the age of 15. I've never played a musical instrument but a wise old man once told me that the voice is the best instrument you can ever play.
 
3. Favourite group or artist? 
I enjoy all music but especially enjoy the more melodious/harmonising music/singing, e.g. The Seekers, Simon and Garfunkel etc.
 
4. What's the best concert you've seen? 
John Farnham and Leo Sayer concerts.
 
5. Your favourite book and TV show? 
Bargain Hunt. I tend to fall asleep reading books.

6. What's your favourite food?
Probably roasts but generally a food lover!
 
7. Do you have a hobby or play a sport? 
I enjoy woodworking, table tennis, and bike riding.
 
8. Do you have, or have had, a special pet?  
I haven't had any pets since retirement, but I used to enjoy cats. (Does my wife count as a pet?)
 
9. Do you have a previous choir song that you would love to rehash? 
I love Fields of Gold.
 
10. Is there a song that you would like to try one day? 
Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Nubacco.


ANZAC Song - Here You Lie


As we draw close to ANZAC Day I would like to take this opportunity to honour all generations of soldiers and their families. My father Gary was a Navy seal and this is always very meaningful time of remembrance.

I leave you with this recording of Here You Lie by Australian composer Mark Puddy - the video isn't perfect but the choral sound is rich and heartfelt. The song is based on a speech by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, a WWI commander and first president of Turkey: "Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives...You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore, rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side, here in this country of ours. You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries....wipe away your tears. Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land, they have become our sons as well."

In the still of the night
Gripping knuckles turning white
As you're drawn t'wards the unknown
Like a moth to the light
Shattered peace in the night
Cannons roaring, blinding bright
Being pulled t'wards the battle
By whose side will you fight?

Here you lie, side by side
Here you fight, but not for glory
Here you lie, side by side
Here you lie, here you fight side by side

As the sun fades away
In the distance all is grey
Earth and sky heave no more
All is done, end of day
Wipe away every tear
For your children have no fear
For your sons and daughters
Have become family here

Here you lie, side by side
Not to die, but live forever
Here you lie, side by side
Here you lie, here you fight side by side
Here you lie, here you died side by side


Kerrie