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Although present circumstances mean that Phoenix are unable to meet as a group in the same place, we are continuing to get together each Tuesday evening for a virtual rehearsal.  It’s great to see everyone’s smiling face and to take part in physical and vocal warm-ups from the comfort and safety of our own homes.  All our members look forward to the chance to learn new songs and re-visit old ones both in sections and in full chorus.  The fact that we can’t hear each other singing doesn’t dampen our enthusiasm at all and our emotive faces are getting a real work out!  We also have the opportunity to check in on everyone to make sure that we’re all OK - really the most important reason for meeting up - it’s our togetherness that keeps us all going through the isolation!

Of course, our MD, Lynda plays a kingpin role in any rehearsal, virtual or otherwise and her weekly positivity spot including our latest hatches, matches and dispatches gives us all a boost.  Directing the chorus when she can’t hear us is an almost impossible task that Lynda accepts with relish and she does make us smile when she’s trying!!  The ability to mute and unmute singers and talkers is a button that Lynda might like to keep even after lockdown is over!!!

None of the above could happen without our tech team who have done an amazing job ensuring that even the technophobes among us are equipped to join in our virtual rehearsals - thanks to all of them for their patience and understanding.

Really looking forward to seeing all our members and invited guests Tuesday be it virtually or in person - whenever that may be!

Lots of love
Fiona

How long have you been in Chorus ,what section do you sing and what role/s do you play?
SUE: 27 years! I joined on an open evening, we had a cup of tea while I listened to (and fell in love with) the Barbershop style. Within minutes Lynda told me to put my tea down and join the end of the front row! I auditioned a few weeks later (I sang my audition song twice because I loved doing it so much) and joined the chorus. I’ve sung tenor for about 24 of those years and I have moved across to the lead section now as my voice is changing as I get older.

I’m currently lead section leader which basically means that I manage the section (there are 26 leads at present) and I have 4 team leaders working with me so the section has structure. I’m also on the choreo team, developing presentation and showmanship for Chorus. I’m past President and Chairwoman and I have served on the committee for many years and I have always played a role in the fundraising efforts we do. I’m also a member of the music team.

Other singing activities?
SUE: I love to sing but I also love to learn, improve and stretch myself a bit! So I’m also in a quartet called Capella (I sing tenor in this quartet) and we competed in Ireland in October at our first contest.

What are your Highlight/s of being in Chorus?
SUE: I started singing competitively when I was 6 years old. I had the most wonderful head master, who when it came to music, he put his heart and soul into it. I guess I’ve always wanted to have his passion. What a man! I’ve sung in school choirs, community groups, Police Service choirs (I sang for the Duke of Wellington once!), Stevenage Ladies Choir and for a number of years I sang with the Hatfield Philharmonic (I probably should tell you that I can’t read music!)
I genuinely love my chorus. To me, it’s just like home. I can be whoever I want and the ladies in the chorus just take you for who you are. I’ve never known a nicer bunch of people who I can absolutely count on as dear friends. I do thoroughly enjoy competing and having a goal to work towards and in getting there, no two rehearsals are ever the same!
My favourite song is “Auld Lang Syne” it’s quite a dated piece which you rarely hear these days. Another favourite is “The masquerade is over” - two beautiful ballads. I also love Funky Rudolf, but don’t tell Lynda!

What would you say to anyone thinking of joining Phoenix?
SUE: Why would I join Phoenix? Because it’s a place where I can be me. I love to sing and I love to be with people who like to work hard at something and achieve goals. I’ve never been in a club quite like Phoenix, it’s a very special bunch of ladies indeed!
If you’re thinking of joining, do it! Don’t listen to us and think “crikey, I couldn’t do that” The truth is, you can do it, but like us, you don’t know until you try. You don’t have to be a music reader, you do need to be able to carry a tune, but there are four different voice parts to choose from. It’s quite a commitment to make, but I honestly don’t think you’ll regret it!