"When I didn't look at the music it sounded fine" (Mrs A Grindley)

Another classic opening quote from Anne there. Lots of funny little moments on Wednesday night actually - it was comedy night chez Wexler. So the small group spent some time on Ms Fardell's 'Shepherd's Call' (we so have Miserere down - more rehearsal time entirely unnecessary!). The men have a wonderful line - "we are fearless men" - except that they sang it at first like wussy men. A bit of umph added and the Rudsambee men really did sound "fearless" (scary?). Ms Fardell also noted a small piece of poetic license - the line is as follows (ahem): "they are honest shepherds protecting their sheep, why torment them as they sleep". Sleeping shepherds protecting sheep? Hmm...

There was much mention of Moog synthesisers which delighted the blogtress who was reminded of a good Moog in action from Oliver Wakeman (yes, it is his son) at the Yes gig last week. Maestro Boy wanted us to all come in as if we were Moogs - I'll leave that to your imagination. We also did a bit of work on breathing. Sebastian's best comment of the night? "I can hold my breath". Well done son, you can now attempt your 50m swimming badge and you can even try it without armbands.

Back to 'Hey Hey Lily' last night as well. Now, have you ever noticed how similar this piece is to that Music Hall classic, 'Oh I do like to be beside the seaside'? Separated at birth methinks. This is the one with "rock the baby" though this year we are aiming for a slightly less vigorous 'rock' than in previous years.

We also sang through 'Oh Little Town of Bethlehem'. Now, this is such a well-known song that we can have a tendency to just bash through it without much thought. So Maestro Boy encouraged us to think about what we are singing. Sebastian's slightly overblown yet highly emotive performance (with hand movements no less) brought a new perspective to this Christmas carol. As it is my last Christmas with Rudsambee I get to do anything I want (within reason of course, no lasers or guitar riffs I don't think...although...) so am singing the descant - huzzah!

On so on to Maestro Boy's comment of the night (the much coveted 'comment of the night award' was shared this week): "for runs you need to make your nose vibrate". What on earth!? That one certainly doesn't need any further explanation.

And so I am off to sunny (one hopes) Lincoln this weekend. Don't try to rob the house - I've left a large Scotsman in charge!

CSW