Singing With The Old Boys

Cold must be on the way out as I did not feel the strain so much at last weeks practice but I am getting a sinking feeling that I will never learn the songs both lyrics and tune in order to take part in a concert.

As top tenor you usually get the melody of a song so it should be a lot easier than 2nd tenor (which is the toughest part in my opinion) but even the top tenor part has nuances and does not always follow the tune.

Then theres the lyrics! Lots to learn in both English and Welsh … I guess practice will make perfect.

The other night I found myself struggling to sing the notes of a few songs which I had sung with ease the previous session. I think I have  a cold coming and my throat could be affected. It could also be that I am not yet accustomed to singing quite as much as I am now. I might only practice with the choir once a week but having their CD in the car is 1.5hrs of extra singing every day… croak.

CD is worth a listen and is under a tenor (sorry really bad attempt at humor). Get it from the Chepstow MVC website linked on this blog.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/6248012.stm

Such a shame, if the allegations of hounding are true then I am pleased that there are 30 decent men strong enough to follow their convictions and support the lady in question.

My only comment is that I am sure that the same would have happened if key members of a clique did not like the person in charge at the time be they male or female.

A vast majority of the choir have been practicing together for the best part of 15 years and the adage that practice makes perfect is not lost on this crew of mostly Sept/Oct-uagenarians.

True some of the song choices are not my cup of tea and some parts of the repatoire could be updated to appeal to a broader audience but what ever this lot sing under the guidance of Brian or Elaine is top draw. The sound of Myfanwy can and does bring grown mean to tears.

The attention to detail is incredible, it matters to them in a way that perfecting technique matters to top athletes. If there was an event for MVCs in the next Olympics then Chepstow would have a good shout at winning it.

They are also fiercely proud of their musical heritage and the family that is Chepstow MVC, mention other MVCs to them and they will give their honest opinion, sometimes too honest

I suppose I am a bit nervous that should the guys discover my blogging activities they might be a bit cheesed off, I hope not as I really think that people out there would love to hear some of the history of the choir and the individuals involved, its not very often you get the privilege or the time to sit and chat to people from a different generation.

My ultimate aim is to get some of the boys blogging themselves … once they get over their aversion to all things to do with computers! This guy did it and he gets thousands subscribed to listen to him! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTvkXyUR8YM

Based on the demographics of the choir members I must admit I was feeling a bit nervous about what sort of atmosphere I would experience, would I feel intimidated by the sea of grey hair bearing down on me?

My initial fears were dispelled the moment I entered the room, to a man the members of the choir went out of their way to welcome me and assure me that the choir is an open, inclusive environment and they were right. The humour is very male (old school funny) and some of the views expressed might not be so politically correct but the overriding impression I have been left with is one of camaraderie and friendship.

The banter between the different sections is both plentiful and healthy, the primadona top tenors lording it over the wannabe 2nd tenors, the baritones somewhere between the dark side and the light and no-one dares to mess with the bass section.

I hope I can give the time and effort this choir deserves, my life is hectic and unpredictable but I will try my best. One of the guys said to come if and when I am able to but more important than that was the desire to be there. Right now I have that desire, I just hope they see it.

The thing about male voice choirs is that the average age is I would hazard is at least 65. When I turned up to listen to the choir practice I think it was easily in that range if not a bit higher and it was crystal clear my age would not make a great dent on the average.

Having sung a little bit in my youth (upto age 15) I’ve had an urge for a while now to follow in the footsteps of my Dadcu and join male voice choir. My Dadcu MC’d and sang with the Police Choir in Bridgend, South Wales which at the time I am sure was not as interesting to me as it is now.

Being Welsh and having an deep rooted love of singing (not just rugby songs..) I decided to check out my options. A quick google later, I happened upon the Chepstow Male Voice Choir (http://www.chepstowmvc.co.uk/) which is right on my door step.

Time for action, no more thinking about doing it (as with the gym membership and going running 3 times a week) I’ll just give them a call and see what happens.