Fifteen valiant SDFS singers came out on a rainy evening to sing Christmassy songs in preparation for the forthcoming SDFS Christmas events.
The evening opened with "Deck The Halls" sung with gusto and enthusiasm and moved on to a suitably seasonal "Poor Froze Out Gardeners" sung by all and not just the men. "The Sussex Mummers’Carol" followed with some discussion about gaps and whether or not to sing the last verse as a round. "The Woodcutters Song" proved a popular next rendition and lead up to trying out one of the newest additions to the repertoire – "When It’s Christmas Time". All agreed that the words of the next song, "Fields Lie Silent Now", were really good, even if now slightly outdated as we seem to have rain rather than frost in December. Which led Steve to observe that the fields round Rogate were covered in redundant Haloween Pumpkins for winter! The "Pentonville" version of While Shepherds Watched came next with the men singing their part well. "Sussex Carol" rounded off the first half after some discussion about men/women parts and what repeats there might be.
As everyone headed off for a well earned break, there was a decision NOT to cancel the December Chichester meet-up on 21 December and Steve checked that the pub were still happy for us to come. Everyone agreed to bring a special Christmas poem/song or even instruments to make it a lively session.
Alan took the opportunity to sing "Field Mice Carol" from the Wind in the Willows and all present thought it should be added to the “Other Songs to Try” page of this Blog.
"Holly and the Ivy (Sans Day Carol)" opened the second half of the evening and was sung so well that Alan decided the group needed a little more of a challenge and the group tried "When It’s Christmas Time" a Brighton Carol introduced relatively recently. Latin was attempted in "Ideo" with Alan making the point to follow the timing used at the recent Worthing practice. "Master’s in This Hall" followed, after comments that it hadn’t gone particularly well when sung last year at Chichester. It was sung really well following a slight lowering of key and there was discussion about the possibility of a drum accompaniment to help keep the song dynamic! "Coppers Christmas Song" and "Moon Shone Bright" followed. The latter possibly being a bit “weaker” as it hadn’t been sung very often, was sung twice for confidence building! "When Stormy Winds Do Blow" was an appropriate comment on the weather outside before the evening finished with "The Parting Song".
Alan complimented all on some very good singing and reminded the group to watch whoever was leading whilst out and be prepared for maybe different keys and timing - and with that, the Chichester branch of the SDFS was launched towards it’s Christmas performances for 2023.
Anne S
For anyone interested in hearing Alan, Anne, and their friends in "Cotillion" sing ....
There will be a Christmas performance with "Cotillion" in Sompting Church on Saturday 9th December. Start Time: 2.00 pm, to run with a break for about 90 minutes.
"A Sussex Christmas" is a combination of seasonal Songs, narration and join in carols. The organisers usually provide some kind of refreshment during the break. Tickets in aid of Sompting Church on the door.
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