It is amazing to think that something that started so informally (just a handful of folk meeting to sing in my front room) has now grown to a core of 20 singers regularly performing, not just to Gargunnock, but much wider afield too. This evening (12^th February) saw us at a repeat booking (yes honestly, folk are asking us back!) at Hanover Court Sheltered Housing in Causewayhead.

Our outside concerts are beginning to take a particular pattern, with Janette Wilson kicking off the show with a recitation (all her own work) introducing folk to both Gargunnock as a village, and the Songsters in particular. The group sing a range of music, including Scottish folk songs, musicals, and popular music. I think the secret to our success is that we don’t take ourselves seriously. We meet because we enjoy each other’s company, and we have a good laugh whilst ploughing through the various pieces in our ‘repertoire’.  You don’t have to be a good singer to join Songsters – all we ask is that you can sing in tune (and occasionally follow the odd instruction like ‘Sing quieter’ or ‘slow down a bit’!).

But if you do have a talent, we’ll find and exploit it to our full advantage. We can currently boast a number of excellent soloists, and duets to vary the programme. Who can forget Marion Wyllie’s spine tingling rendition of Come unto Me from the Messiah last Christmas, or Eric and Elspeth’s comic Scots interpretation of ‘Ah Yes, I remember it well’ from Gigi last Spring?  Robert Dewar can always be relied upon to provide a fine tenor solo and Samantha Anderson always adds an energetic, but professional touch to some show stopping number.  To mention but a few….

This season has also seen performances in Bridge of Allan, and Thornhill.  I estimate that since we started, we’ve probably entertained over 1000 folk – not bad for a little group that’s only been going 3 ½  years?  We are now beginning to rehearse in earnest for our Spring Concert on Friday 16^th May 2003 (in the Community Centre).   Rehearsals take place most Wednesday evenings in the ‘Leckie Lounge’ of the Community Centre and we’re always delighted to welcome new members – particularly tenor and bass.   Membership is open to people of all ages – our youngest member is just 14, and a number of members have been collecting their pensions for just a wee while…. .  Anyone living within the ‘Gargunnock area’ may come along, and who’s to say how far that stretches?

We’d also be happy to welcome guest performers – singers, comics, recitations, anything, just to add to the variety and enjoyment of any performance. Guest conductors are also made most welcome – the choir enjoys being put through their paces by someone who knows what they’re doing, and it gives me a chance to sing for a change too!

Get in touch with me if you want to know more

 on 01786 860253.

Rehearsals for Gargunnock Songsters take place on Wednesday evenings (and occasional Friday evenings). We meet at 7.30pm in the Community Centre (Waiting Room) in Gargunnock.