The Incognito Singers
  • Home
  • Past Events
  • Contact Us

All change! To rehearse or not rehearse!

8/10/2021

0 Comments

 
This morning the minister of health for Spain announced that masks must continue to be worn in doors and this may continue until the spring 2022.
This announcement puts into doubt the feasibility of rehearsing without masks.
Watch this space for more information!
0 Comments

And we are back!

1/10/2021

0 Comments

 
The choir will resume rehearsals on Tuesday 5th October 2021 at 17:00 in our usual rehearsal venue, Hostal Rosaleda.
It has been 19 months since we last met, so the first evening is going to be more of a social, catch up, chat and sort out the forthcoming season and discuss any changes and updates.
Existing members please check through your wardrobe and make a list of choir stage wear items and sizes in your possession so we can do a bit of a muster.  For members who left and you are holding their stage-wear perhaps you could bring it along.  We have at least one new member to kit out.
The rehearsals for singing will commence fully the following week and social distancing must be observed with the layout of seats and masks must still be worn when walking about the rehearsal hall.
A programme of mixed Christmas music has been put together to ease us gently in to singing again with a view to present an informal 'Friends and Family' style "Christmas Sing-along" on Tuesday 14th Dec at our rehearsal room. A retiring collection can be held for local charities and our usual raffle can be arranged for choir funds.  Hopefully a good night to look forward to.
We are already in discussion with Walk for Life to resume the cancelled concert from 2020 and this may be the spring of 2022, so watch the Concert page for more details.
Here's to what we do best - SING!
0 Comments

Choir and Covid-19

26/6/2020

0 Comments

 
This year has been a strange one!
Hopefully everyone is safe and well and following all the government guidelines and social distancing instructions.
Here in Spain I think we have had a sensible approach to the 'lockdown' and we all feel safe thanks to the governments measures albeit they may have seemed harsh.  But as we are now leaving lockdown, we can see some light at the end of the tunnel.
Choirs and singing have been effected in a big way and it is not sure as and when we can officially get back together.  But in the hope it will soon be sorted our return to rehearsal date is Friday 4th Sept at 18:00 at our usual rehearsal venue of Hostal Rosaleda - all being well.
Granted groups of up to 20 (at the time of writing) can now meet it is still not certain of wise to think singing is a good option.  The choir has 32 members so we cannot fully return as yet.  Sectional practice in private with social distancing could resume, however I can image a lot are still cautious about getting together in groups.
If and when we are back, there are a few outstanding / postponed concerts that we could revive fairly quickly and hopefully all feel a bit better for doing so, but we will have to take it on advisement and follow the guidelines issued by the Junta de Andalucia.
In the meantime, there are always the backing tracks available to help you rehearse and have a sing along at home on your own - I know not the same as singing in a choir is it?
Stay safe and hope to see you all soon. D
0 Comments

Joint Concert 26th Jan Rehearsal Dates

4/1/2020

0 Comments

 
The following dates and times are the joint rehearsal dates and times for the Concert of Peace on the 26th Jan 2020 at Vera Auditorio.
  • Wed 15th time to be confirmed, both choirs, Vera Auditorio.
  • Sun 19th time to be confirmed, both choirs and orchestra, Vera Auditorio Stage.
  • Wed 22nd time to be confirmed, both choirs and orchestra, Vera Auditorio Stage.
  • Sun 26th 5.30 - 6.00pm set up stage, 6.00 - 7.00pm rehearse & sound check 8.00pm concert, Vera Auditorio Stage.
Unless stated otherwise the TBC rehearsal times may be usual choir/orchestra rehearsal times of 6:00-8:00pm.
Both choirs are welcome to each others rehearsals throughout January to sing the joint pieces.
  • Vera Voces rehearse Wed 6:00-8:00pm Vera Auditorio,
  • The Incognito Singers rehearse Fri 6:00-8:00pm Hostal Rosaleda Arboleas (near Happy Garden Chinese).
Note about concert publicity:  It is the responsibility of the orchestra and both choirs to promote this concert, therefore please share the details as widely as possible.
Picture
0 Comments

Summer Holiday  - What holiday?

31/7/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
We hope everyone is enjoying the summer holiday?
But not everyone gets a holiday, especially our MD, who not only is working a day job but is making sure the Christmas music is ready for the start of the next season.  Yes, I'm sorry we have to use the 'C' word so early.
You will be pleased (or not) to know that all but two Christmas songs are ready and available for download, oh, and rehearsal!  OK you may get some strange looks while on the beach humming along to your Christmas backing tracks!
Just think though, now the Christmas music is available our MD is working on 2020 music, so if you have any suggestions let's have them before the end of August.  Gerry (Bass/Baritone) is the winner up to now with great suggestions on a regular 'bass-is', sorry couldn't resist the pun!
Just to let you know our Publicity Co-ordinator is also hard at work, rearranging concert dates for December and working on concert dates for 2020 also.
Anyway do enjoy the summer holiday, the return and season dates are on our Rehearsal page.
Also, if you have any News items to share with the choir or folks (not on Facebook) send an email to our web admin.
0 Comments

A New Star

29/6/2019

0 Comments

 
The choir has a new star!
I'm pleased to announce that the choir has a new amplifier.  The new one (left) is similar to the old one (right), only newer, lighter and cheaper.
Picture
The old amp, didn't do too badly, as it has been to every rehearsal since April 2015, plus each performance and had a few knocks and bruises.  It needed a wheel change(!) plus a few repairs every now and then, so has served us well.
The MD is delighted that the new amp is lighter, especially as he has to carry it and man handle it everywhere.
The old amp if it will retain its battery charge, might be used as a back-up or sold on.
However, our shining star is Gail who only came along to a rehearsal for the first time, but leapt into action by going and buying a new amplifier, while the MD struggled on with the rehearsal.
Sadly we found out there was a fault on the new amp too - how unlucky is that? But Gail patiently sat there holding the volume rotary switch to enable it to work and we limped thought the rehearsal.
Today though, Gail (our new alto and button pusher expert) and David went to purchase yet another new amp.  It has been tested and all is working, so no excuses now, the music will go on!
0 Comments

Preparation For The Big Event

28/10/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
William Relton
On September 21st, the choir had a special rehearsal with William Relton in preparation for the  Royal Albert Hall concert in November.
The musical director and conductor William Relton visited us in Spain to take us through the music in preparation for the forthcoming big event at the Royal Albert Hall.
Saturday 3rd Nov will see the final concert of this type.  An evening of music by two famous UK brass bands and approximately 1500 singers from choirs around the UK and a few visiting from overseas.
We are taking part and all the arrangements are finished now, hopefully says Sally... she has been coordinating all the bookings, transfers, flights etc. I think she needs a medal.
The choir have been learning the songs and just to make sure we are on the right track and as costs were prohibitive for us to attend a UK regional rehearsal, Mr William Relton kindly came to us in Spain, along with the organiser Syd.
We had a good rehearsal and evening, but we must say a special thank you to Sue for playing the piano for us that night and a big thank you to Spikey for taking the great photos.
We have a gallery of a selection of the photos from the rehearsal.
So as the big day looms I think we are fairly well prepared.  Just remember no more copies.... so it's all from memory.  So my advice is "just smile at it".
0 Comments

2018 Autumn Rehearsals

4/9/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Rehearsals recommence Friday 7th September, 18:00 at Hostal Rosaleda.  See our rehearsal page for more details.
New members are always welcome to come along to a rehearsal to see if you would like to sing with us.  We have a wide selection of music from popular song, ballads, loves songs, songs from the shows and light classical.  Something for everyone.
This term we are running split rehearsals, the first hour focusing on new music and our repertoire.  The second hour focusing on the music we have to prepare for the Cancer Research Festival of Brass and Voice at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
0 Comments

Learning Lyrics

18/6/2018

0 Comments

 
Sometimes you just have to sit down and learn them!
All the songs for the Royal Albert Hall performance have to be committed to memory! That's no mean feat.  Plus our MD has threatened us to learn all our future music too so that we don't rely on copies.  Eeek!
So what are the tricks to learning lyrics.  Our MD outlines his approach:
  1. First you use your music and learn your notes.
  2. Then use your music and concentrate on the lyrics.
  3. Then listen to your backing track and write out the lyrics (you may have to keep stopping to rewind the backing track).
  4. Then use lyrics only to sing along to your backing track.
  5. Then use NOTHING just your backing track to see how much you can remember.
Don't worry we've all been here and have to do it.  How do you think our MD manages to keep his head up, mouth the words and bring each part in accordingly? He has to learn the music and words too and for more than one part!
When you first perform a piece without copies you feel naked and then become conscious about your hands and how you stand but that's a topic for another day. 
As for writing out lyrics our MD uses the following method:
  1. He types into a word processor or similar.
  2. The lyrics to be sung are typed in black.
  3. For long notes or long tied lyrics he adds a hyphen in the word and an underscore at the end of a word.
  4. Que lyrics from other parts he types in brackets and grey text.
  5. If there is a definite male versus female section, then he colour codes the male as Blue and female as Pink.
The following extract from the Hallelujah Chorus might give you an idea.  This is for Bass 1, therefore the other singers lyrics are greyed out and in brackets as he will not be singing them.
Ignore the red squiggly underline, that is the word processor objecting to the word being spelt wrong with the hyphen.  But the hyphen is there to remind him to sing the word longer or separated.
Picture
And finally with a piece like the Hallelujah Chorus you just have to work out how many 'Hallelujahs' to sing, especially in the end phrase.
Have fun learning lyrics!
0 Comments

Summer Holiday

19/5/2018

0 Comments

 
Our MD will be having a break from rehearsals at some point over the summer, but when?
Up to now our MD is definitely not available for rehearsals on 27th July or 3rd August.  There is some doubt over availability in August also.
He is mindful of our commitment to the Cancer Research Concert in November, as we have a lot of music still to learn and commit to memory - we cannot use copies at the Royal Albert Hall.  So there may be some rehearsals in August.  Unless you hear any different rehearsals will finish on Friday 20th July and recommence on Friday 7th September.
Obviously if you are away or cannot make any rehearsal please inform our MD directly via the choir email address.
0 Comments

Phantom of the Opera

14/3/2018

0 Comments

 
The Phantom comes to Albox.
As part of this seasons new music, we are starting rehearsals soon on a medley from Phantom of the Opera.
It just goes to show we listen to our audience, as some said they thought the choir would do a medley of Phantom music proud.  I hope we do!
0 Comments

A Thousand Years

3/3/2018

0 Comments

 
We have a new piece of music to rehearse.
Always on the lookout for new music and something a bit different from the other choirs.  We have a new piece in our 'practice' pile.
It's called 'A Thousand Years' by Christina Perry, but this is a great four part choir arrangement.
If you want to get an idea of what the song is about, then check out the YouTube video, however members can log in and download our sheet music and backing tracks to practice before next rehearsal.
0 Comments

New Year New Start

27/12/2017

0 Comments

 
The Incognito Singers have completed another succesful year in 2017
We raised over €3,000  for charities through our performances.
Our rehearsals for 2018 recommence on Friday 12th January at 18:00. Check out our Rehearsals page for dates, times and location.
The new year and new season will concentrate on the music schedule for Royal Albert Hall.  Choir members can log in to the Practice page for sheet music and rehearsal tracks.
We have a few vacancies particularly for men and specifically basses.  However all potential new members are welcome to come along to a rehearsal and see if we are what you are looking for,  We may have to operate a waiting list as we maintain a balance of voices and sections.
If your charity would like us to perform a concert to raise funds, get in touch.
We would like to say a special thank you to our sponsors for supporting and helping us throughout the year.
Happy New Year everyone.
0 Comments

Ching-a-ring CHaw

14/6/2017

0 Comments

 
Yes another tongue twister....
Following the success of the Ukranian Christmas Carol - Sleigh Ride, which has a few tongue twisting lyrics, such as "ting-a-ling-a-ling-ring-a-ting-ling", then our MD thought it might be fun(!) to have something similar as a secular piece.
He has found such a piece by Aaron Copland called. Ching-a-ring Chaw.  And yes there are a few lyrical challenges in this piece too, but not quite as difficult as the Christmas one.
Let's hope the audience like this one just as much?
Singers can access the music online via the Log In > Members > Music > Practice page and download  the sheet music PDF and rehearsal tracks.
0 Comments

New Music RAH

14/6/2017

0 Comments

 
Some new music has started appearing online....
For choir members only, you will be pleased to know that some of next years music is starting to appear online in the Members > Music > Practice page.
It is the start of the music being used for the Royal Albert Hall Programme, which as you remember has to be learnt by heart.  So no copies on the night, or at the rehearsal the day before!  In fact we will have no copies from October 2018 onwards.
Music so far (04/06/17).
  • Gloria (Twelfth Mass)
  • Hallelujah Chorus
  • As Long As I Have Music
  • Calm Is The Sea
... and a few more titles added (14/06/17):
  • More Criste
  • With A Voice Of Singing
Watch this page and news feed for updates!
0 Comments

A few good men!

9/4/2017

0 Comments

 
We already have a few good men in the choir!
But we can always do with a few more...
Why not bring along a man, or encourage your mate to join us and sing!
We have vacancies for a few Tenors (high male voice) and a few Basses (low male voice) to join our ranks.
Simply come along with a friend to a rehearsal or contact us for more details.
0 Comments

A Tempo

2/3/2017

0 Comments

 
Choir rehearsals are going really well!
Yet another good rehearsal last night and all the extra homework that choir members are putting in, is really paying off. We are getting through the practice list very quickly.
We have a real mix of music this season, some show music, ballads, anthems and light classical.
The spring concerts will undoubtedly have music to suit most peoples taste and hopefully we will have a full house at each of the venues.  See our events page for more details.
0 Comments

Christmas Break

15/12/2016

0 Comments

 
We are now on a Christmas Break.
Rehearsals will resume on Wednesday 11th January 2017, starting 18:30 until 20:30.
The new season of music is available to members in the Log In > Music > Practice page of our website.
Rehearsal dates and how to find us are in the About > Rehearsals page on our website.
Potential new members are welcome to come along to a rehearsal to see and hear us in operation, however we do currently have a waiting list and we maintain a balance of voices and sections.
For more information send us a message via our Contact form.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
0 Comments

Autumn/Winter 2015

20/8/2015

0 Comments

 
Rehearsals resume on Wednesday 2nd Sept. 2015 at Hostal Rosaleda from 18:30 until 20:30.
For more details about the group, rehearsal dates, music etc., simply browse our website which is packed with lots of details and information about The Incognito Singers.
See you then?
0 Comments

Castle On A Cloud

23/5/2015

3 Comments

 
For anyone learning the lyrics to this piece of music from Les Miserables, you soon realise that one part of a verse doesn't rhyme!
This has always been a great debate by singers and perhaps audience alike, as to whether the transcribed lyrics have been transcribed incorrectly, or was the original meant to be like that?
I can say from experience of singing the choral arrangement for years and seeing the stage musical, it never entered my head as they all seemed to agree.  But it is interesting to check out whether there is a typo somewhere.  After all I have discovered a recent lyric typo in two different versions of 'The Prayer', so it always pays to check.
Thanks to one of our keen eyed Tenors who came across the following extract from an interview with the lyricist Herbet Kretzmer, this probably puts the debate firmly to bed for us - for now:
SHEAHEN: In the hauntingly beautiful “Castle On A Cloud” a natural rhyme seems to be avoided. “There is a room that’s full of toys; there are a hundred boys and girls.” Shouldn’t that be “girls and boys” to make it rhyme ? 

KRETZMER: Yes, of course, that’s how I wrote it. Trevor Nunn and/or John Caird suggested the switch because the ‘boys-toys’ rhyme telegraphed itself and lacked surprise and, secondly, the song is sung by the untutored little urchin Cosette who is not expected to be facile of speech. Still, there must be some in the audience at every performance who conclude that the little girl simply fluffed her lines. 
Incidentally, speaking of “Castle On A Cloud”, Alain’s original French lyric took an altogether different line on Cosette’s plight. It had the unhappy child fantasizing about being rescued by a prince. I felt, however, that little girls of that age do not dream of men, even if they are princes. I also felt that the saviour/prince idea had been rather too famously done in the old Disney song “Someday My Prince Will Come.” So I took Cosette’s little song in another direction, and made it a plea for love and comfort in a safe place.


3 Comments

Testimonial 2

27/4/2015

0 Comments

 
Since moving to Spain 3 years ago, my singing aspirations and skills honed over many years, have been diminishing slowly through the seeming necessity to concentrate on other things! This has been in the main fairly reasonable but there has always been a continuing ‘niggle’ in my head, along with perceived deterioration in my vocal ability, to cause me some frustration!


Then a friend told me of a website she had seen about a singing group which was being formed in our area called The Incognito Singers which intrigued me! The overall layout of the site was vibrant and exciting and it drew me in enough to go along and investigate! 

Some people who had already joined the group made me welcome and the musical director David and his assistant Malcolm made some discreet enquiries as to my experience and vocal capacity! I was vague with my answers and looking back now, regret not having been more informative! At the time I decided less was more and I just wished to blend in with everyone and hopefully re-ignite my love of singing!


By the end of the two and a half hour session I was motivated and inspired to go further and continue even though I thought some of the songs were challenging for me vocally – having been more involved as a solo singer with loud bands supporting me and arranging the tunes and songs my way!

However, through a mixture of witty banter/chat, musical ditties designed to not only relax nerves but to make the vocal chords responsive and receptive, David Murphy re-ignited my faith in my singing skills, and, through diplomatic instruction of his well ingrained subject matter, united me with other like minded people to continue the formation of his potentially exceptional singing group! I say potentially exceptional in the belief that more voices are need and I would urge anyone who loves singing and wants to unite with others to continue the creation of a fabulously harmonic and melodic singing group to put themselves in David’s hands! 

Thank-you David, I know sometimes it must be very frustrating and irritating when we as a group do not quite grasp the instructions – you never show this and continue with patient and persistent re-visits to the bar or note! I so love this as I have been known to remark! I love your little stories of musical experiences and humorous situations linked to our similar experiences! Please know that you yourself and all the hard work you do regarding the website with the updates and information you put there, are very much appreciated.

Eithne xx
0 Comments

Testimonial 1

11/4/2015

1 Comment

 
We received the following testimonial from one of our new members and checked we could post it on our website.
I joined The Incognito Singers just 2 weeks ago.

I have sung with choirs for many years so experienced quite a variety of styles.

I have to say that I find this group of singers, very professional and they enjoy every minute of singing together.

The music is fantastic, most,  so far new to me.

But under the guidance of David we put together a great sound.  David works us hard , but it is fun and makes the experience very rewarding.

So if you enjoy singing , music and good company come along and see for yourself.  It's all on the website , you will be made very welcome I was , I love it !

Pat
1 Comment

Just for fun!

1/4/2015

0 Comments

 
Here are some of the unwritten rules of music to observe at rehearsals.
  1. As the conductor is about to start - tell him/her you don't have the music!
  2. Rests in music give you the ideal opportunity to catch up with your pal as to what has been going on this week.
  3. Feel free to sing the bit of music left over at the end.
  4. If you go wrong, glare at your neighbour.
  5. If you are going to sing a wrong note - do it confidently then everyone will think it's the right note.
  6. When another section is rehearsing, sing along to help them out - no one will mind.
  7. To upset the conductor - tell him/her you can't follow his/her beat.
  8. To get noticed - arrive late and leave early and make as much noise as possible when doing so.
  9. The conductors beat may not be right, so tap your foot loudly to help out.
  10. Pencil marks in music can't always be seen - use the brightest coloured marker you can to highlight your line.
  11. You love the idea of rehearsal tracks, but never find the time to listen to them, oh well that's what rehearsals are for anyway.
And if that didn't whet your appetite, here are a few classic jokes about musicians and singers.
Q - How many Sopranos does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
A - One, but all she has to do is stand on a chair, hold the bulb and expects the world to revolve around her!
Q - How many Altos does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
A - Two, one to screw it in and the other to say "Isn't that a little high for you?"
Q - How many Tenors does it take to change a lightbulb?
A - Four, one to change it while the other three moan that they could have got that high too!
Q - How many Basses does it take to change a lightbulb?
A - None, they can't get that high!
And finally just in case you thought the Conductor had got away with it:
Q - How long does it take for the conductor to change a lightbulb?
A - No one knows, as they weren't watching!
0 Comments

Weekly Rehearsals

13/2/2015

0 Comments

 
The Incognito Singers rehearse each week on a Wednesday evening 18:30 - 20:30 at Hostal Rosaleda (on the Arboleas/Albox Rd. opposite the Belgium Beer Bar).
If you would like to be part of a new dynamic quality singing group, simply call into a rehearsal or contact David for more information.
You can follow our progress on our website, news page, gallery and Facebook page.
Picture
0 Comments

Euro Weekly News

11/2/2015

0 Comments

 
Can you believe it we have had a second mention in another local paper; Euro Weekly News.
This time I received a lovely email from Elle to let me know an article had been written and placed in the latest newspaper.  Wow more free advertising.
The copy in the newspaper was spot on and probably a directly lift from our own web page, but hey I'm not complaining.  How thoughtful of Euro Weekly News to include us.
So hope you all managed to catch this article too?
Once again as a thank you, this is our plug for the local news.
Picture
Euro Weekly News (Cost de Almeria)
0 Comments
<<Previous

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Admin
    Christmas
    Fun
    Fund Raising
    Membership
    Music
    Performance
    Publicity
    Raffle
    Rehearsal
    Social
    Stagewear
    Subscriptions
    Venue
    What's On

    Archive

    October 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    June 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    September 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014

© 1997 to 2021 and last updated on 10/02/2022 at 10:50
  • Home
  • Past Events
  • Contact Us