Lincoln Sounds

CONVENTION 2008

Birmingham Symphony Hall
May 2008

Small Chorus Gold Medal winners during our performance at the Symphony Hall

If you're wondering what 'Convention' is all about, here's an article written for the Harmony Rag by Beverly Russell, one of our Leads and a Convention 'first-timer':

'OFF TO CONVENTION FOR THE FIRST TIME'

Not so very long ago I was asked to 'go to convention'. Although I had no idea of what was involved, I knew it was something pretty big with all the arrangements, rehearsals and growing excitement.

I learnt the songs, passed the tapes, eventually dropped fewer clangers in the choreography and desperately tried to smile with 'apple check's. Then with only six days to go they added 'raised eyebrows' into the mix - or the 'batter'. Just when I thought I was getting there! Oh my, then it started, the excitement, the nerves and the shear terror- we were going ON FRIDAY!

Everything ran smoothly, travel, hotel, the invaluable check list.  My room mate Carol and I (and our 'magic bags') made a good team!

The Symphony hall was something to behold. The quartets were amazing and listening to the results was nerve wracking - what a thrill when our Director Alyson's quartet was announced as 2nd with an incredible score! Well done!

A late night for me was followed by an early 4am morning. So, no panic!  Tea at 5.35am with plenty of time for breakfast and make-up (with the odd lippy touch up) which lasted the day out and almost outdid half a dozen extra strong make-up wipes!

Rehearsals, traffic patterns, we made it through. Then that was it, six minutes and we were done!  But what a six minutes though. WOW it was something else!  (Sorry about the extra minutes on stage waiting for the lights to go out! Just wanted the audience to appreciate us!!)

Then we were off to enjoy the rest of the entries. 

The moment came for the scores - nervous? Much worse than the performing! Up to then it hadn't mattered, it had all been so good - but we were good, very good!. All the hard work put in by those who did the organising, arranging, finances, costumes, make-up, travel, songs, rehearsals, directing, fund-raising - the list is endless.  And suddenly IT MATTERED!

The result was incredible - our highest score and the Small Chorus gold medal. And there were the cheers, applause, screams, tears - all thoroughly deserved.  And, what's more, we got not 6 but 10 minutes to do it all again on the 'Show of Champions', and this time in front of a packed concert hall! Our MC Linda did her stuff-brilliantly, and we all did ours!

So, as an official 'first timer' I would like to say congratulations and thanks to everyone for your wonderful support, help and encouragement. It has been fantastic. My first ever performance and gold medal. I'm still grinning!

So, ladies, here's to next year when I can do my bit again, we will have more 'first timer's and maybe a Mid-Size Chorus gold medal?  OH YES!!!!!!!

CONVENTION ARCHIVE:

2006

2007