2010
2010 was a time of change and renewal for Voicebeat. A new committee was formed in February with Olga McAulay as Chair. Our rehearsal night has moved from Thursday to Monday. Both membership numbers and attendances at rehearsals have risen considerably: average attendance during Autumn 2010 has been 18, most being regular weekly attenders, which is important for the musical effectiveness of the group.
NEW LEADER: Thanks to some networking by Karen, Harry Campbell (founder member of the folk-world a-cappella group Muldoon's Picnic) volunteered to lead some rehearsals in October and November 2009, before being officially confirmed as musical director in February 2010. Frances continued to lead some rehearsals as deputy.
GIGS: Voicebeat has performed at a range of venues and events over the last year:
6 February: Haiti fundraiser at the Annexe
28 April: Celebration of Faith at Strathclyde University (led by Frances)
17 April: Museum of Transport closing celebrations
1 May: Streetland festival, Govanhill
18 September: Glasgow Peace Federation
22 October: Pakistan floods benefit event
GRANT: Persistent admin work by Harry and Olga eventually led to the award of a substantial Council local area grant, amounting to 90% of the costs of buying (a) some good-quality recording kit, (b) some new publicity materials and (c) a djembe (African drum). These items will help us increase the profile of the group and lead to more and better gigs. Specifically, we can now make good recordings of rehearsals and performances for internal use, produce a demo disc to promote the group to venues and festivals, and start to think about making our first actual CD.
WEEKEND AWAY: Maureen offered the use of her cottage in Strathyre for the first Voicebeat Weekend Away, ably organised by herself and Shona. A total of 15 Voicebeaters took part. We rehearsed in the village hall and sang some songs at the pub where some of the singers were staying, including some solos and an ad-hoc trio. It was an opportunity to explore some material we wouldn't normally have a chance to do (notably the Geographical Fugue) and to have some brief sessions on the rudiments of music theory for those who wanted it. We definitely aim to make this kind of "away" event a regular feature in the future.
WEB PRESENCE: As well as the official website, Voicebeat now has a substantial web presence including photos, videos and sound recordings.
NEW LEADER: Thanks to some networking by Karen, Harry Campbell (founder member of the folk-world a-cappella group Muldoon's Picnic) volunteered to lead some rehearsals in October and November 2009, before being officially confirmed as musical director in February 2010. Frances continued to lead some rehearsals as deputy.
GIGS: Voicebeat has performed at a range of venues and events over the last year:
6 February: Haiti fundraiser at the Annexe
28 April: Celebration of Faith at Strathclyde University (led by Frances)
17 April: Museum of Transport closing celebrations
1 May: Streetland festival, Govanhill
18 September: Glasgow Peace Federation
22 October: Pakistan floods benefit event
GRANT: Persistent admin work by Harry and Olga eventually led to the award of a substantial Council local area grant, amounting to 90% of the costs of buying (a) some good-quality recording kit, (b) some new publicity materials and (c) a djembe (African drum). These items will help us increase the profile of the group and lead to more and better gigs. Specifically, we can now make good recordings of rehearsals and performances for internal use, produce a demo disc to promote the group to venues and festivals, and start to think about making our first actual CD.
WEEKEND AWAY: Maureen offered the use of her cottage in Strathyre for the first Voicebeat Weekend Away, ably organised by herself and Shona. A total of 15 Voicebeaters took part. We rehearsed in the village hall and sang some songs at the pub where some of the singers were staying, including some solos and an ad-hoc trio. It was an opportunity to explore some material we wouldn't normally have a chance to do (notably the Geographical Fugue) and to have some brief sessions on the rudiments of music theory for those who wanted it. We definitely aim to make this kind of "away" event a regular feature in the future.
WEB PRESENCE: As well as the official website, Voicebeat now has a substantial web presence including photos, videos and sound recordings.
