Chichester Local Group Report - Thursday October 19th 2023

Fourteen stalwart singers came out on a rainy evening to a fairly quiet venue, where we entertained and probably surprised those that passed through the bar, with a selection of Christmas songs and carols which as Alan explained, was in preparation for the forthcoming SDFS Christmas events.
 
The evening opened with "Coppers Christmas Song" – a good rendition, familiar to all.   There was some discussion at the end about the last few words, were we wishing everyone a Happy Christmas, New Year or Winter? The  "Pentonville"  version of While Shepherds Watched followed, well sung by all.  Having confidently started, the group tackled a new offering from the Lewes Group –  "Now Christmas is Come".  Dave G was enthusiastic about the new possibilities and confidently led the group through this and followed it with  "When It’s Christmas Time (Ring Bells Ring)".  The group were not keen on the latter but nevertheless tackled it under Dave’s excellent tutelage.  Again there was some discussion about line scanning in some verses.  "In The Bleak Mid-Winter"  followed with the group confidently singing this well known carol where it was felt that harmonies were definitely required to enhance and liven it up.  The group sang with equal confidence "The Angel Gabriel"  to conclude the first half of the evening.
 
The second half opened with  "Ideo", well sung and remembered by all with a discussion about the best speed it should be sung and Alan reminded all to watch the conductor whilst singing out!  This was followed by a song from the “to try” list  "The Boar’s Head Carol"  which was much enjoyed by all.  Steve A had amazingly found a link to Sussex in a Roman reference in the song!  To continue the Latin theme, Dave G was prompted to sing "Gaudete" which was quickly enhanced in the chorus by the group who added top and bottom harmonies to rousing effect!
 
Alan then invited suggestions from the floor as we had tried all the potential new material.  This resulted in  "Deck the Halls"  sung with gusto and a rendition of  "Sussex Mummers Carol"  after discussion about which verses to sing and an excellent round in three parts on the last verse. Henny had found an older version which was interesting.  Dave G requested "Falmer Carol", so he could try out the bass harmony and after discussions, the group settled on singing four verses with chorus between each, to which the base harmony by the men went well.  Henny had found references to other local carols and suggested it would be very appropriate for the SDFS to try and sing them. "The Ditchling Carol"  was one such example and all listened to a couple of versions via Steve’s mobile!  
 
To round off a very productive evening, the two new carols from Lewes were tried once more with increasing confidence ready for the Christmas season!
 
Anne S