We’ve been touring the country! This July, we descended upon East Anglia’s very own Shannon Express for our next rehearsal.

The day was an unusual one to start, most members arrived early from their 3 hour trips… So we kicked straight off into one of our very own NBYC tags, written by Monkey magic and the USA’s Gotham chorus, our voices were gently rung into warm. Then through-out the day, after the bass section finally arrived from his 5 hour trip, we continued working hard on our ballad from the King and I, really working on our vocal quality and expression. Then in the afternoon we practiced the Liar Medley, paying attention to clear vocal wording and adding more expression through the medium of silly shaking faces.

After being worked hard by our coach, Martin Ford, we then sang a few songs with our gracious cake bearing hosts, Shannon Express and wound down the day down to a myriad of quartets and mini sing-alongs.

Big thanks to Martin Ford who coached. He took us through the day with the same expert skills he’s been giving to the Great Western Chorus, Capital, Cheshire, Fascinating Rhythm and… Dubai harmony. He’s the man when it comes to working on vocal quality, clear techniques and expression.

This was also the first official rehearsal for Joe White to take up the leash from Rob Barber, our spectacular Director of 5 years. Joe is from the Spirit of Harmony and when you see him around, give him a Yorkshire pat on the back and say, “Well done lad”.

Finally big thanks Shannon and everyone who helped host the chorus, we hope to see you again soon. And mainly, thanks for complying with our request to supply us with ample cake as sustenance.

NBYC out

written by Dan Course and Roz Johnston