After a whirlwind term, I took my choir and orchestra to perform at The Royal Albert Hall and finished the term with my year 5s experiencing a Magic Flute workshop with the Royal Opera House. We did a lower school Nativity performance and an upper school festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, so as you can imagine, it was a demanding schedule.
I must apologise for not being as active on my blog and within the online community in recent weeks. On top of my school commitments, I have started my postgraduate education qualification, which has absorbed all my spare time.
To cap off the year, I performed three concerts with the Dore Male Voice Choir in Dore, near Sheffield. With 65 strong voices, it was a superb evening of song. Several of the men from Tideswell Male Voice Choir had recommended me as their soloist this year. Each concert was an evening of choral ensemble, operatic solos, and Christmas favourites from myself, plus two accompanied songs with the choir.
I highly recommend joining this choir if you are male and in this area. Their Chairman, David Heslop, has high expectations, and all the men memorise and perform songs and carols from a wide variety of genres in four parts to capacity audiences. The choir celebrated their 60th Anniversary this year, and for just a couple of pounds per week, you will enjoy the camaraderie and fun these men have. Even if you’ve never sung before, they will welcome you aboard on Thursdays at 19:15 at The Christ Church Dore Community Centre, Townhead Rd., Dore, Sheffield, S17 3GA, usually finishing at 21:30; there is a regular bus service from Sheffield City Centre and a car park nearby.
Can you sing? This BBC site might be helpful for those new to singing; try it. Tips on singing
Following the concerts, George and I flew to Romania to spend time with George’s family, returning to the U.K. to spend Christmas with my parents and brother. It was a great way to unwind and recharge my batteries.
I am looking forward to 2025 and all that it has to offer. I wish you all an amazing year and hope that it is filled with new adventures and happy times with those you love.