August 20,
2008
UPCOMING EVENTS AND NEWS
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LAST August 20,
2008
We celebrate our 10th anniversary
On September 13, 1998 we (Jeff, Keith, Ed and Roger) met to find out what we would sound like together. Scunthorpe Male Voice Choir was planning a trip to North Georgia, USA and we were all going, Jeff (Conductor), Ed (Deputy Conductor) along with Keith and Roger (Choir Committee Members). The first piece we sang together that night was the Choir's signature tune 'Deep Harmony' and from that moment we knew we had something worth working at.
We rehearsed together regularly from that night and sang one solo spot in the concert in Cumming, North Georgia in the spring of 1999. Our first 'full' concert was at Winteringham the following Autumn. In those days we had no accompanist; all quartet pieces were sung 'a capella' and Jeff played the piano for the solos we each sang.
We were agreed that what we had was worth working at and we planned to make our own tour of the south eastern states of the US in 2001. We had a wonderful tour and made new and lasting friendships which we have renewed on alternate years since then - plus adding new friends in new states. In 2007 we were privileged to be one of only two British groups to be invited to perform at Jamestown 400, Virginia, on all three days of the celebration billed as 'America's 400th Birthday Party'.
In the UK we have always been disappointed with the number of gigs we have performed, but highlights have to include our first concert in Winteringham, the long association we had with Tesco store in Scunthorpe and the invitation to take a major part in the opening of their new superstore in Scunthorpe and our appearance on GMTV Breakfast TV after taking part in a 'Gospel Challenge' competition.
Our line-up over the ten years has changed a little; Ed decided to call it a day after our 2003 tour and was replaced by Ian who left us in 2006 because of work commitments. David joined us in the Autumn of 2006 and did sterling work in learning our repertoire in time for the 2007 tour. We've had a few accompanists too! Jeff was soon replaced by Ann Rook who played for us on the 2001 tour. Avis Tossell joined us soon after and toured in 2003. Ian's wife, Kathryn South, is a fine pianist and played for us in the time Ian was with us, including the 2005 tour. Finally, we enlisted the help of Yvonne Hamilton-Jeffrey who remains as accompanist and occasional violin soloist.
10th Anniversary Weekend
We couldn't let September 13 go by without some sort of celebration so when we got an invitation to perform on that date in the magnificent church at Tattershall we accepted immediately. We have a celebration dinner planned for the night before when we're delighted to say that almost everyone involved with us over these ten years will be there.
'Love is like a dream' - and in Fourum
Well, not one of us expected the romance that has developed between Keith and Yvonne - not even Keith and Yvonne! They will 'tie the knot' in the home of our good friends, Fred and Carol, in Dahlonega, Georgia on Monday, October 27 with the ceremony led by the Rev. Bill Hutcheson. We wish them every happiness. Look out for some pictures of the marriage on our site.
USA 2009
Plans are well in hand. We've got flights and concerts booked and concerts in negotiation. Unfortunately George Barker (who acted as our Tour Manager in 2007) and Sandra will not be with us. For the first time we shall be touring with the same performers as toured on a previous tour! Roger's wife, Anne, is looking forward to being with us after missing the 2007 tour because of illness.
NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
APRIL 16, 2002
JULY 20, 2002
MARCH 16, 2003
JUNE 23, 2003
OCTOBER 10, 2003
JANUARY 2, 2004
DECEMBER 28, 2004
JUNE 12, 2005
OCTOBER 22, 2006
FEBRUARY 11, 2007
AUGUST 19, 2007
Jeff, Keith, David and Roger.