30 September 2025

Dear Singers,

EARWORMS

I'd like to talk about earworms. 

Wikipedia advises readers not to confuse the term with 'earwig' - as if anyone would!! I assume we have all experienced earworms - usually after an intensive immersion in a piece of music, or, as is most common for me, after concerts. Search the internet for many articles on the topic, but a basic introduction from Wikipedia is:

An earworm or brainworm, also described as sticky music or stuck song syndrome, is a catchy or memorable piece of music or saying that continuously occupies a person's mind even after it is no longer being played or spoken about. Earworms are considered to be a common type of involuntary cognition. Some of the phrases often used to describe earworms include "musical imagery repetition" and "involuntary musical imagery". 

There is plenty of online advice for ridding yourself of earworms, and examples of people plagued by music in their heads for years, some turning to therapy and CBT counselling to exorcise them. During Wednesday, and again on Thursday I was visited by one - Navidad, page 7,bars 34 to 36, tenor line! It is the phrase featuring the C natural, followed by a C sharp, then the B flat that exercised us somewhat in rehearsal.

I developed a fondness for this awkward little moment, but it really stuck, and I feel totally confident with it now! Also, when I recall it, one of my dwindling number of braincells has retained it. So, I think EARWORMS ARE USEFUL - WE SHOULD WELCOME AND CREATE THEM TO SUPPORT OUR LEARNING.........

Thank you for a limited but useful rehearsal this week, and for attending the AGM, which was a masterclass in efficiency, and positivity, reflecting a thriving and developing organisation which enjoys its work. Thanks to the committee and volunteer 'support staff'.

Important announcement:

FANTASIA ON CHRISMAS CAROLS 

We are not singing this piece in our concert, so won't be rehearsing it or including it in the November workshop. I'm sorry to disappoint anyone. 

Why is this? 

My initial programme plan was for a concert of two halves - Latin America and Great Britain - each featuring choral works inspired by folk/traditional music, plus some trad carols. A brilliant concept, but there is too much music for one term's work and I prefer to give our time and full attention to the Latin set only. Better to do less, with confidence, than too much, potentially under-rehearsed. It's important we enjoy the new experience, which requires us to do it full justice. We are discovering the challenges, and we must use the time to conquer them. I ran this thought by a small group of members in the pub, and they agreed this is sensible and I hope you agree.

MUSIC SCORES: I am grateful to Corinne (Librarian) for her efforts to procure the music. Please return them to her at rehearsal. You were charged £1 for the hire which we are happy to reimburse if you wish. Alternatively, if you can donate your fee to choir funds. N.B. This was not a scam to increase funds. Yvonne will confirm that we are not that desperate!! 

Thank you, and I will consider if we can sing the Fantasia another time. 

WHAT WE DID ON 30.09.25

We warmed up with a round ('London's burning') with the words:

Bienvenido, beinvenido, beinvenido, beinvenido

Hola, hola.

Feliz canto, feliz canto.

It is useful to sing it yourself as part of our practising, focusing on the pronunciation, particularly hard S's.

Navidad Nuestra: No 1 - We spent more time on this than planned, but it was useful. It's short & querky (ref tenors) and needs to sound effortless (like everything eventually!)

No 3 - Sops & Alts worked on page 38, and we got the tuning and balance pretty good. This movement is beginning to 'bed down', and tuning is the biggest challenge. This comes with confidence, but it's important to know what causes FLATNESS. Three things are in play: Vowel sounds - keeping them bright; intervals - going up/down far enough or not too much!;supporting the sound with good breath, not letting it flag.

Knowing the music well helps, and this is improving.

We did not look at No 5, time ran out, sorry. This happens, and your preparation won't be wasted!

WHAT WE WILL DO ON 06.10.25

Criolla No 1 Kyrie  

Navidad 

No 5 with words - s-l-o-w-l-y

No 6 for the first time

Each week from now on, we will end with singing through something we 'know' without stopping, this will keep things on the boil.

WORKSHOPS : There are two this term. October 18 is with Francisco (guitarist) and November 15 to which friends are invited. Both are in The Mint. We have the next two rehearsals to get enough ready to 'workshop' on the 18th

Well done everyone, thank you.

Feliz canto

Peter