So in festive mood, the evening began with a cheerful rendition of "Holly and the Ivy" plus some debate as to whether to start with the word “Oh”. "The Angel Gabriel" followed and then "The Sugar Wassail" which as Alan explained would be familiar to all as it is sung to the tune of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. A rousing rendition of "Hark The Herald Angels" followed and then on to a new addition to SDFS repertoire, introduced previously by Amaryllis at the Worthing Carol sessions. Alan led the group through "The Friendly Beasts" which all agreed was best sung in a jazzy fashion and with careful watching of the conductor to keep in time with each other. The song was tried through several times – possibly the favourite version being a Disney style production including the animal sounds. Some effort may be required now not to do this whilst performing out! "While Shepherds Watched (Pentonville)" returned the group to a more sensible mood, being sung particularly well possibly as there were an equal number of men and women present. Another relatively new edition to the set list "The Field Mouse Carol" was tried next with Alan explaining how an easy harmony could be achieved in the repeating lines. To round off the first half, all verses of "The Falmer Carol" brought everyone to a well-earned break.
The second half of the session began with another fairly new addition to the set – "Now Christmas is Come". There was some discussion about whether or not it should be sung with syncopation but all agreed that singing with gusto enhanced it greatly. Alan introduced and led "The Ditchling Carol" for those that had not heard it and a couple of verses were tried, probably for a 2025 launch. Reverting to more well-known material, "Fields Lie Silent" and "The Woodcutter" followed with Alan agreeing to work actively to keep everyone up to the pace. Although not part of the “Christmas Set”, the group had another go at "Rambling Comber" with Alan determined to get part of the group singing base harmony. The final three songs of the evening and which were requested by the group – "Ideo", "The Boars Head" and "Gaudete" – were all sung with enthusiasm and rounded off a busy and enjoyable evening in Chichester.
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