Delighted!

Planet 24 have won their first class of the day at the Bath Music Festival with 88 points and a distinction, singing ‘Lonesome Road’ and ‘Moondance’.   The adjudicator particularly liked their free singing, sense of rhythm and performance!

Nice piece of silverware to polish for a year.

In the second class entered (Show Songs), out of a class of 12, P24 came joint 3rd with 84 points, were commended, and congratulated on the delivery of two very complex arrangements – ‘Skyfall’ and ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’.  We’re very proud of them, especially as five of the singers are from Fascinating Rhythm, including MD Jo Dean.

We had a lovely surprise on 16th March – Planet 24 (The Venus & Mars A Cappella Company) came to showcase the songs that they are competing with at the Bath Music Festival on Saturday 25th March.  Made up of members from The Great Western Chorus, Black Sheep and Fascinating Rhythm, this mixed group entertained us with an eclectic  mix of songs.  We wish them every success – watch this space for the results!

Fascinating Rhythm invited Junior FR to rehearse with them on Thursday 9th March prior to JFR’s performance at the Thornbury Eisteddfod the following Tuesday.  The evening was led by Wendy Howse, Assistant Director / Choreographer of Fascinating Rhythm and JFR’s MD.
JFR had prepared a new 4- part warm up, written by Kitty Shelton Davies, whose inspiration came from a current chart song – Clean Bandit’s ‘Rockabye’. Working together in their sections, a JFR girl from each voice part – Lead, Bass, Tenor and Baritone – taught their harmony line to the FR ladies, who in turn introduced one of their warm ups to JFR’s repertoire. Both warms ups were then performed together as a whole chorus, producing an amazing sound for the very appreciative audience.  Parents came to support their talented offspring and, along with FR seniors, they gave JFR the invaluable opportunity to perform their Eisteddfod competition songs to a live audience, offered helpful feedback and advice to the girls and wishing them luck.

So, on Tuesday 14th March at St Mary’s Church in Thornbury alongside choirs from Tockington and Badminton Schools, this was the 4th year they have taken part, competing in the under 14’s category with ‘Amazing Grace / Pachabel’s Canon’ in three-part harmony and ‘Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho’ in two-part harmony.  With higher marks than last year, JFR were awarded a Distinction and were just pipped to the post by one point – a truly excellent result, particularly considering that the winning choir had over 60 singers. In addition, we are proud to say that this year eight of the Juniors ranging from 6 to 14 years will also be performing solos as part of the same Eisteddfod taking place on Sunday 19th March. Three of the girls were extremely courageous and gave Fascinating Rhythm a sneak preview of their performances.  These soloists are very privileged to have been invited to perform their songs at the Iron Acton May Day on 1st May.

Eisteddfod Update:

Comments from MD Wendy:
We came, we sang, we were truly awesome. New hoodies looked great. I am so, so proud.
The best performance yet. Second place with 87 marks (first place got 88), so only one mark difference. The audience loved us. Well done everyone.

New Hoodies!

Some comments from the adjudicator:
Clever mix of songs with Pachabel Canon / Amazing Grace which worked very well.  Very clear diction throughout, good use of consonants.  Narrative never compromised.  Admirable, beautiful performance and all without sheet music or accompaniment.

Comments from an audience member:
I was at St Mary’s Church today for the Choirs – I help on the Eisteddfod Committee so I have been present at many of these occasions over the years.  I thought that the overall standard of performance today was excellent, especially in the V21 class and I didn’t envy the adjudicator’s job because everyone gave of their best and entertained us all so well.
I just wanted to say on my own behalf how much I enjoyed the two songs performed by Junior FR – both excellent choices and so beautifully performed.  All of the singers were very engaged in the songs and their enjoyment of what they were doing was evident in their faces.  I thought the combination of Amazing Grace and Pachebel’s Canon was superb. I belong to a local acapella chorus and I can understand fully the challenges of this arrangement which worked brilliantly.  I’d be grateful if you could pass on to the choir my personal thanks for such a memorable performance.  I would also like to pass on a comment made by the founder of the Eisteddfod who attends all the classes every year.  She said that the conductor of your chorus was really impressive in her communication with the chorus.
See you all next year and you and your girls on vocals day.
With best wishes, Jackie Jackson

There is plenty in the pipeline for JFR this year. They are just about to start working on Roald Dahl’s Little Red Riding Hood which they will perform in July and on Friday 31st March we are encouraging each member of Junior FR to invite someone along to their rehearsal as part of ‘Bring a Friend’ night.

Fascinating Rhythm had a couple of very special guests at our rehearsal on Thursday 16^th February –  Lenhard and Jo Van Ballegooijen from Holland.  Lenhard is MD of Dutch Pride who rehearse in Ijsselstein, south of Amsterdam and Jo sings Bass in their chorus. This great connection started with our MD Jo Dean being invited to coach Dutch Pride before their convention a couple of years ago and we are now in the process of arranging for our two choruses to get together with plans for us to go to Amsterdam in April 2018, and we will host them in 2020 (http://www.dutchpride.nl).  Exciting or what!
Jo and Lenhard also had the pleasure of watching the excellent Great Western Chorus and the (fantastic) Ringmasters in concert in Bristol on Saturday 18^th.  It really was an evening that showcased all that is wonderful with our particular genre.

Why Join FR? This article explains what just one of our members gets from our wonderful chorus.

Freedom in the making

Jo Dean has been Musical Director of Fascinating Rhythm chorus since 2008 and has bought us through many a storm, either within ourselves or as a chorus together.  Jo’s capacity to gauge each one of us is amazing as she never takes us further than we are able along our journey to freedom.
Yes freedom, that is what being in a large chorus can give you, it starts with a vulnerable unsafe feeling and journeys into a search of self, an exploration to the inner being, eventually and gently releasing one into a new life, it could be called ‘metamorphosis’ (caterpillar to butterfly).
I personally have struggled many a time with just standing within the chorus as I have a medical disorder which causes neck tremor.  However to my surprise, once singing the tremor is released and I can be free in my own movement and not held captive in my body’s preferred movement for me.  This discovery has kept me wanting to persevere with my chosen hobby and I have been a member for almost 9 years.
So you see, singing together is not just about the singing, it is about your overall health and self esteem.  It takes you to places you didn’t know you were able to go. You feel a part of a family, embraced and encouraged to be the best you can be.  That for me is ‘Freedom’.
Thank you chorus family for helping me to find and understand myself a little better, especially chorus leader Jo Dean!

Saturday 10^th December saw Fascinating Rhythm head off into the wilds of South Gloucestershire to entertain Sodbury and Yate Rotarians after their Christmas meal.  After warming up our voices in a nearby scout hut, we crept into the little village hall to surprise our very appreciative audience; as we filed in one lady remarked how many of us there were – a surprise to us as we were feeling like a small chorus with only about 25 of our usual 60 singers due to the small venue.
This gig had an intimate feel with singers very close to audience (and the kitchen where the washing up was in progress). We held off the anticipated seasonal programme, starting off with some of our favourite repertoire songs which were very well received, then as we left the stage for a short interval –  and to set the scene for our Christmas set –  MD Jo Dean asked the replete and merry diners to count and name Santa’s reindeer* for when we returned.
Second half started off with a rousing chorus of ‘Ding Dong Merrily’ to put everyone in the mood, followed by a thundering rendition of ‘Carol of the Bells’.  It was lovely to have the audience join in some of the carols later on, with the gentlemen in the audience making our fab Bass section sound even more awesome.

*There are, of course, 10 reindeer – don’t forget to count Olive (Olive the other reindeer …) 

I didn’t really know what to expect from Convention, except I had watched a few choruses on You Tube. For me, overwhelmingly, it was the sense of bonding I got with other members of

Our five lovely new members at their first convention

FR! I loved the spontaneous singing we did at dinner the first evening and then again in the restaurant with another chorus on the Saturday – really “singing for our supper”! It was nice to look around and see non-singers enjoying the singing too. As for the competition itself, I found it really exciting and it was good to hear different Choruses. It helped me understand a bit more about why good choruses sound good. I was on a high from start to finish and feeling lasted a good long time during following week too as we had done so well! Feel proud to be part of FR.
Bekki

Convention – how can I describe it? Amazing, bonding, professional, exhilarating, full of warmth and friendship, relaxing and refreshing.  When I got on the coach to Harrogate I had no idea what to expect. The FR family sprang into action and I felt fully supported throughout. The coach ride gave the opportunity to learn more about the people we stand on the risers with each week. The militant schedule for our package meant we were all focused and feeling prepared for getting on the stage. I loved the way we could all just come and go in different groups, listen to other choruses and just share in one common interest.
By far, the best moment, was waiting on the stairs to go in and perform our package holding hands and feeling the energy from the whole of FR, so overwhelming and calming at the same time. A weekend I will never forget and roll on Convention 2017.
Claire

My first convention was a really thrilling experience. The adrenaline pushed us all to be even better than we had been before and I was so proud to be a part of a really great sound. My favourite moment was when we were all warmed up, dressed and ready waiting in the stairwell about to go onstage. We held hands in silence just repeating in our head “We’ve got this”. The moment was truly electric and made me feel like I was a part of such a special chorus. We’re all in this together!
Sam

Through feedback from longer-standing FR members I had tried to create an image in my mind of the LABBS Convention.  Well, the reality included far more shimmer, glitter and glamour than I could have imagined!  I loved the warm air of friendliness, encouragement and support throughout the weekend amongst delegates both within the conference centre and when seeing each other out and about in Harrogate. There was a real buzz throughout the weekend and it was great to see so many other groups and quartets performing, allowing me to observe and learn from each and every one of them.  As for FR – it was an uplifting experience to be part of such a focused, committed, enthusiastic and hard-working group; our fabulous performance was the icing on the cake, the measure of success for me being the massive smile on Jo D’s face!
Carolyn

Junior FR took part in The Big Sing on 1st December at St Peters Church in Frampton Cotterell.  This community charity event raises funds for Christian Aid with many school choirs and local children’s choirs involved.  Wearing their FR T-shirts and with something Christmassy in their hair, JFR performed a 3-part arrangement of ‘Amazing Grace/Pachabel’s Canon’, then the juniors sang a really fun and vibrant version of ‘Must Be Santa’ by

Bob Dylan, followed by the seniors with ‘Winter Wonderland’ in 4 parts and supported by the FR helpers.  MD Wendy Howse received the following from one of the organisers:
‘I just wanted to say a big thank you to JFR for coming along to this year’s Big Sing, the children sang beautifully & are a real credit to you. I’m pleased to say that £510.71 was raised for Christian Aid, to which will be added £94 in Gift Aid.  Thanks again & best wishes’ Alison.

Jolly cold, but it was the most beautiful winter’s day to enjoy a bit of seasonal singing.  On 4^th December 2016, we were pleased to be invited back to sing in the beautiful little church in the grounds of the National Trust’s very popular Dyrham Park where we performed two sets to good audiences.  Lovely experience for the youngsters, including those who joined in when the pitch was blown (and not necessarily in the same key).
We had a bit of a struggle to get there as unfortunately there had been an accident on the
A 46 and the road was eventually closed, but most of us were on time for the first session and the rest arrived after a detour through the village.  Once again we were very well looked after – tea, coffee and biscuits warmed us through the sub-zero temperatures; very difficult to see the MD when your glasses mist up every time you sing!

Oooh – is that Santa doing an early run?

Thursday evening, 11th August.   Women from across Bristol and South Gloucestershire joined together at Fascinating Rhythm’s rehearsal hall in Winterbourne to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Ladies’ Barbershop Singing in the UK, and it was a truly enjoyable event, thanks to some inspired liaising between the Chairwomen of their respective Choruses.
The Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers (http://www.labbs.org.uk) runs a national network of Ladies’ Choruses and holds an annual convention competition, this year in Harrogate. Throughout 2016, LABBS Choruses have been signing a Beacon of Harmony scroll, which has travelled around the country from Chorus to Chorus and will end up in Harrogate at Convention at the end of October.

Three excellent Chairs

 
This special event was attended by around 100 singers from our three local Choruses; Avon Harmony, Bristol Fashion and Fascinating Rhythm, and a delegation from Cardiff Style who handed on the Beacon. Old and new friends mingled over supper, singing together and for each other, led by their Musical Directors Alex de Bruin, Craig Kehoe and Jo Dean.

Kate Tiveny, Chairman of Bristol Fashion, said “It was a great privilege and pleasure to
receive the Beacon Scroll from Cardiff Style on behalf of our local Choruses and we look forward to passing it on to Cleeve Harmony on 24th August”.
Terri Kinnison Chair of Fascinating Rhythm, said “We were so glad to be able to host this wonderful celebration of femaile’ harmony singing and to meet the founders of barbershop and a cappella singing in this area. There was an awesome sound tonight.”
Jackie Boffin, Chairman of Avon Harmony, drew the evening to a close and expressed her pleasure at seeing and hearing so many chorus members enjoying food and music together in this special year of Ladies Barbershop.

More pictures on our Gallery page.

Lazy Day with 3 MDs!