The New Normal

We’re now most of the way through our second remote term, and we’ve gotten used to it for the most part. I really appreciate how our membership have adapted and kept a smile on their faces throughout this unpredictable and often trying year. I think one of the hardest things is the uncertainty, not knowing exactly how much longer we’ll need to do things this way, and not being able to reassure our members accordingly.

We have done our best to make the most of remote rehearsals. We have made our way through Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb this term – an eccentric piece which we’ve delighted in getting to know, particularly Christopher Smart’s idiosyncratic poetry. I think my favourite line has to be ‘the mouse is a creature of great personal valour,’ though I also love the bit where he onomatopoetically describes what instruments sound like with rhyming words.

In addition to the Britten, we have also started to participate in some workshops to deepen our understanding and learn some new techniques. First up we had a fascinating session with James Slimings, where alongside vocal techniques we learned about the physiological aspects of singing. Some of us got our first look at human vocal chords in action…it felt quite graphic – gruesome even! – but very interesting to see.

We spent a lot of time focussing on the body in this session, including tips for warming up and on how to stand – essentially everything you can do to maximise efficiency when singing. Thanks to James for joining us, we enjoyed ourselves and learned a lot!

Our AGM, which typically takes place in November, was held slightly earlier in October this year and it became an opportunity to consider our position as a choir. Sentiments we’ve expressed here before were echoed by our members during this session, namely that we’re very grateful to the community for continuing to come together and that these remote sessions have provided a vital moment of connection during a bleak period.

There was a more sobering side to the conversation when we spent a few moments considering our position and what it will look like when we finally can come together again. We know it will take some time to get our sea legs back, and we probably won’t be able to commit to giving a concert right away. Additionally, it may be that some members will have moved out of London or in other ways feel unable to participate as actively as they once did, which will mean we need to work even harder to recruit new members. But the landscape has shifted so much since our last steadfast recruitment drive that it’s possible this may prove an entirely different task than it was previously.

It’s hard to speculate exactly when we’ll be able to convene in person, and what it will look like when we do. But we remain optimistic, and we’re so grateful to our members for their commitment and also for being candid with us during this discussion.