So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye

So I begin my final post. Last will and testament and all that. You should be reading a fun-filled story of Rudsambee in Cranshaws. However, we didn't make it, beaten by the snowy weather. We got as far as Meadowbank, Helen and co as far as Cameron Toll and Anne (very wisely) decided to stay at home. The snow turned to slush and has now frozen solid (I've just slid about during a wee trip to Granton for ice-cream - yes, you hear right). Friendly Dave in Cranshaws made the final call and we (and I'm sure the inhabitants of Cranshaws) went home disappointed. In order to organise all this chopping and changing, we used the obligatory mobile phones, wondering what on earth we did before the invention of the cell, as our American friends would have it. At one point all four of us in Alison's car were on the phone. This engendered some funny cross-lines conversations.

The Rudsambeelets went, instead, to Claire 2's for mulled wine. A-L even had time to make spectacular chocolate brownie. I then, as per tradition, had the joy (tearful joy) of having the Irish Blessing sung to me as this is last time I will officially be a Rudsambeelet. Blogstress is off to the sunnier climes of England and the beautiful wee city of Lincoln. We are, of course, very excited about the move, but there are a number of things we will miss a lot. I have loved my four and a half years in Rudsambee. Thanks to all the fantastic Rudsambeelets for your friendship and for the chance to sing in probably the most talented mixed voice acappella 'company of singers' ever to have graced the back room carpet of Chez Wexler.

So I never got to cry my way through a final version of O Magnum Mysterium though I did shed a wee tear during the Irish Blessing and my round of hugs. I move from Blogstress to chief supporter and groupie, and hang up my blog 'pen' of wit and wonderment. Thanks for reading. In line with the long-expected change of Dr Who this Christmas, I will be handing the keyboard to a new (probably somewhat improved) Blogstress.

So off I go in my TARDIS to new challenges and new galaxies...

Hugs, love and muchos thanks to all. Here's to a happy, blessed New Year.
What larks!

CSW

Rudsambee Christmas Party

Morning Blog Fans, and morning bleary-eyed Rudsambeelets. It was our annual Rudsambee Christmas Party last night and as usual there was much fun, banter and FOOD. Goodness, the Rudsambeelets know how to put on a spread. We even got to take potatoes home with us after Mr Wexler bought a whole bag (and I mean a sack!) from Costco for under a fiver (other reasonably priced sacks of root vegetables are available). Susan's summer pudding and Jenny's Banoffee were a welcome treat, as was a certain Blogstress's cheesecake...



I could fill you in on the Rudsambee chatter but, to be honest, most of it didn't make much sense to us let alone to anyone else! Suffice to say our conversation touched on such varied topics as A-L's wonderful green hat, gender politics, the problem of dyslexia (and other Greek/Latin (?) words) and, in the most random moment of the night, the merits of Michael Buble serving us red cabbage goulash.



Since the blogstress is currently packing her bags (or at least should be packing her bags) for her move to the Promised Land (I joke, of course!) Jen led a very jolly "ode to blogstress" which made me go red and feel sad/happy. I got lots of wonderful little prezzies and a gorgeous painted penguin (as decorated by our resident Tony Hart herself, Claire 2) which I have named Tormis in honour of my favourite Estonian composer. Thank you Jen, Claire and all the Rudsambeelets for making me feel so special.



I would imagine that Editor Boy will put up some photos at some stage for your perusal so you'll be able to see us all in our glad rags including Maestro Boy who wore Long Johns (amongst other clothing items) and Kay who wore a fabulous dress that was £8 from a charity shop - bonza!



So one concert left before I hang up my, hmm... not sure what one hangs up if one is a singer. Perhaps my folder, or my red scarf? See you in Cranshaws. I'm hoping for snow!

CSW

Back to Priestfield

Last night was our Christmas Priestfield concert which is always a very jolly affair. A good few Rudsambeelets were running a little late last night (including Maestro Boy so he couldn't even give us a row!) and I now remember why I don't wear high heels regularly, after running from University to Dalkeith Rd. However, the rehearsal went off without a hitch.

There are two particularly jolly things about singing at Priestfield. 1) the people are just so friendly - they always smile at us (in an encouraging 'we like what we are hearing' sort of way rather than in sympathetic pity) and 2)there is always a cup of tea at the interval. In fact the interval at Priestfield is always so chilled out (there are even biscuits!) that generally the Rudsambeelets have to forcibly gear themselves for the second half!

The whole concert went rather well I thought, though you'd have to ask the audience. It is always a laid back affair (mostly due to the sweetness of the audience) and there is lots of laughter on and off the stage. Particular hilarity reserved for Deck the Hall (singular) yesterday...wait 'til Saturday night!

Oh, did you catch Leith FM on Monday night? Blogstress and Maestro Boy were live across the airwaves for all of ten minutes. I think we managed to say everything we needed to, once we'd worked out which Saturday night we were singing - we could hear Anne screaming (not literally of course, her voice isn't that loud - Balerno to Leith is a fair whack!) "this Saturday, THIS Saturday!"

You'll get another post on Saturday/Sunday/whenever the Blogstress has a spare moment, to fill you in on the concert at Augustine's. Do come along if you are free. If you saw the St Giles' concert then come to this one too. Not only will you have the pleasure of hearing O Magnum Mysterium again, but you will also have the chance to hear the Rudsambeelets sing in Polish, do a bit of modern American jazz, attempt a 'seat-of-your-pants' Vitoria number and enjoy a new piece called Trees of the Field which, as Kay pointed out in her introduction last night, is a song "about trees in... a field". [Chris says: And don't forget the two Divas' special!]

Until then
CSW

A Night at St Giles

Evening blog fans. It's a Sunday and I'm writing a fantabulous post for Relative Pitch, so it can only mean that we had a concert tonight. So it was the first in our Christmas series - St Giles at 6.

As always we had a great audience. In fact the place was packed and we even sold two CDs before the concert! The couple bought the recording on the basis of our 4pm rehearsal. That's proper showbiz - only the big bands sell merchandise before the gig. Lots of familiar faces in the audience including the entirety of the blogstress' family on the first three rows.

But as always it's the behind the scenes goss that the blog fans really want. So, I realised at 11pm last night that I was missing two whole pieces of music! Susan, of course, saved the day by bringing a couple of new copies. But, you ask, who made the biggest mistake of the night? Did Angus forget to bring the right shirt again? Did Maestro Boy lift his eyebrows a little too frequently (see numerous earlier posts)? Well, the culprit was Rudsambee's resident Whitacre wannabe Jen who brought the regulation black shoes... but two completely different black shoes. Genius!

So how did the concert go? Well, I must say very well. We even managed to crack the jazzy bit of Deck the Hall much to Maestro Boy's evident surprise. His face was an absolute picture - such pride... and astonishment! Everyone clapped a lot (after the whole concert not just for Deck the Hall...even though it was great) which I always think is an encouraging sign.

If you are a Rudsambee groupie (and who, I ask, isn't?) you can even hear us on the radio tomorrow night. Check out me and Maestro Boy as we become the radio stars that video certainly didn't kill. 9pm on Leith FM. Fantastish! Our second concert is Wednesday night at Priestfield Church on Dalkeith Rd. And then, of course, we have the full shebang (not just the abbreviated version you got tonight, folks) next Saturday night at Augustine Church on George IV Bridge. Blimey, how can you keep up! Apologies, btw, for performing at three venues where parking is virtually impossible. Not intentional.

Do check us out at some stage this Christmas. Oh, and a CD makes an excellent Christmas present - compact, easy to wrap, provides entertainment beyond boxing day and won't make you fat. Brillig.

CSW

"There are some questions not to ask 2 days before a concert" (A Grindley)

I realise that recently I have begun a number of posts with an inspiring word from Anne. Well last night, given that Maestro Boy was sunning himself on a beach somewhere (actually I don't know where he was but in this grotty Edinburgh weather I felt that it would be understandable if Our Great Leader was soaking up the rays) Anne took over the reins. While the cat's away...

So this blog post will mostly be an ode to Anne as she really is most quotable. So!

"You have lots of men behind you" - how nice! Anne addressing the problem of loud basses, I think.

"You had your own 'D'" - Anne to the tenors in the 'Huron Carol'

"We'll take a quick run through St Giles" - sweatbands on ladies and gents!

Brilliant! Anne did a wonderful job of leading us and we behaved ourselves even though the supply teacher was in. So it was onwards and upwards as we had our last rehearsal before the Christmas season. It all went rather well really. A few issues here and there. We confirmed the long-held assumption that Rudsambee-lets, a) cannot dance and b) have no rhythm, by rehearsing the stamp in the 'Apple Tree Wassail' which caused great hilarity all round. We are 'bish!

Sunday is our next stop so please join us at St Giles at 6 for a fun and free 40 minutes or so. Always a great concert. So see you then.

I've just finished my final teaching of the term (and indeed at Edinburgh) so I'm off to have a cuppa to celebrate. See you later.

CSW

'Twinkle, Twinkle, little star, how I love your shiny bra'...

Ha! That got your attention, didn't it? Rather predictably this was a wee Jenny ditty which she regaled us with during our small group practice. I realise that over the course of these posts I have rarely mentioned our small group (Rudsamb-wee)so let's make up for that right now. After the delights of Miserere, last Thursday, last night it was back to She Moved Through the Fair. Due to the big clash (intentional I may add) between Robin and Christopher (it should be noted that the clash is musical rather than personal... I think), Robin's line is pure brutal to sing. Jenny sang along in his ear which helped to a point but then, as Maestro Boy helpfully pointed out, "you are standing next to a woman singing low and it's scary". That's your Quote of the Night award and I've not even mentioned the main rehearsal yet. This beautiful number is really coming on quite well. I particularly like the Celtic twiddles (if you know what I mean - grace notes et al) and do feel that the piece should include a few more actually. If one adds too many, however, you do begin to sound like a Mariah Carey-alike, a terrifying prospect!

And so on to the main rehearsal. Arno led us through a very entertaining warm up in which he taught us a Dutch song about sheep drinking milk. What larks! The first time through we remembered there was a child and a sheep but couldn't quite recollect the actions of the said sheep. This led to a noisy opening retreating to a non-existent middle two lines. We got there eventually though. He then made us sing it to the tune of Beethoven's, oh, you know - that one that isn't the Moonlight and rather unbelievably it fit perfectly. Exactly what the great composer would have wanted methinks.

Well, last week Maestro Boy put on his best teacher gown and grabbed his sharpened cane (not really but you see the point, so to speak) and brought a bit of discipline to proceedings. You see the Rudsambee-lets are all chatty sorts of folks, finding humour in the least humorous places. So Maestro Boy could be heard above the racket, he decided to bring a little order. So now whenever he says "PENGUIN!" we all have to be silent. It's the Rudsambee equivalent of putting your finger to your lips (which we also did last night btw). Why Penguin? Oh come on, surely after 95 posts you don't need to ask questions like that.

We spent most of the night on two Christmas pieces - The Coventry Carol and Veni, Veni Emmanuel (aka O Come, O Come Emmanuel, but for posh choral types who like to show off in Latin). Both were sounding rather good towards the end. Both are versions by the King's Singers who are, or course, all boys and (wait for it) have a counter-tenor (after a particularly funny experience a few years ago, which I won't go into, in Rudsambee counter-tenors are the cause of hilarity and respect all at the same time). Rudsambee, with girls (yes, I know, who'd have thought it?), 20 voices and certainly no counter-tenor (unless Christopher gets a shock) have to adapt things slightly. But both really sounded good and we'll look forward to performing them at Christmas.

We also sang through Green Fir Forest as Sebastian is going to China (don't you try and rob his house neither you varmint, he has a cello and it bites) and wanted to take a recording with him. So we crowded up the stairs and sang into his camera propped on the arm of the chair. Marvellous! Here's hoping our Chinese friends enjoy it, even though we were a little hazy in places - some Rudsambee-lets' eyes are not up to reading music in a stairwell.

As we re-entered the rehearsal space (the lounge Chez Wexler actually) I began to sing what I always sing when I have stood on a step for a period of time, "Half way up the Stair is the Stair where I sit...". A former flame (actually we were madly in love when we were six, when I was seven his friend dumped me on his behalf - coward!) sang this once in performance and I always think on it. Rather amazingly it sounds quite like Veni, Veni Emmanuel. Try it and see. There's a musical link you've probably never made before.

And so we concluded by singing Happy Birthday to Alison who has a special birthday - discretion will not allow me to tell you which. Tea, coffee, chat etc.

So the run down to Christmas is on. We worked out that it really wasn't that long until the first concert (scarily enough at St Giles!) so we need to get down to it. Everything is so far sounding rather beautiful though so huzzah for us.

Thanks for reading and a shout out to my Dad who reads this every week and who actually was able to recite some of it to me down the phone from memory! Either shows the greatness of my prose or the never ending devotion of my Dad. Also, while we're on the subject of parents, cheers to Rachael's Mum and Dad who are fast becoming our biggest groupies - they came to watch the Falkland concert even though Rachel was sunning herself in Bath and not singing. Commitment of the highest order indeed.

CSW

Rudsambee on tour...at least as far as Longformacus

Evening folks,

Well the final installment in the Christmas concert post series. Tonight we journeyed down to the Borders for our last festive gig. Last year it was freezing and the year before I seem to remember we had to push someone's car out of the mud - well this year was very temperate if a little damp under foot. Just as an aside, I love how dark it is in the country (man, I sound like a right city slicker). John even had a hand lamp like a miner... except without the hard hat - I guess that was an unnecessary encumbrance.

The concert was a jolly affair, sung in a very narrow (in an architectural sense rather than a spiritual one) church. Well, we managed to cram in and had a good time with a very generous audience. Star of the show was certainly Susan who left her glasses at the back of church. Amazingly she managed all the way through to Gloria (you certainly need to be able to see music for this one if only to scowl at) at which point she ran straight down the aisle and ran back with spectacles in hand. She then had a small crisis of confidence during her intro for the Lauridsen and had to check that she was introducing the right piece. Cue much hilarity. A little comic relief dispelled the nerves certainly.

After the concert we had mulled wine and very large mince pies which were like Bakewell tarts without the almond - yum! Thanks to all at Longformacus for making us feel so welcome.

And so it is left to me to wish all and sundry (what does that even mean?) a very happy Christmas and a joyous new year. We will be back to rehearsals in January and the blog will start up again on the first Wednesday back. We are looking forward to singing at the Portrait Gallery, St Giles and down in York in the 2009 and hope you'll be able to come ad enjoy music with us very soon. Till then why do you need classic Christmas favourites on your ghetto blaster (oh yes music fans - I remain stuck in an eighties time warp) while making your mince pies when you can listen to what are they doing?, Rudsambee's latest offering. Don't panic Mum, I've got yours all wrapped up.

Hope Father Christmas brings you all you want - I've asked for world peace and the musical abilities of Ella Fitzgerald for my Christmas - I remain hopeful.

CSW

Another day another gig!

Evening blog readers. Just a quickie to fill you in on a great night at Priestfield church. We have sung at this venue for nine years now and we are always guaranteed a warm welcome and a good cuppa in the interval - and, this evening, Jaffa Cakes (Kay had four so I'm told)! I think all of us would admit to feeling much more relaxed than on Saturday and we smiled our way through both halves while the lovely people of Priestfield smiled back and even joined in O Little Town of Bethlehem (this after Ol decided to give us a note that would have forced the top sops to journey well past the top stave; fortunately he stopped us halfway through the first line, gave us a 'C' instead and started again with a giggle... cue much relief all round).

I enjoyed the dear ol' ladies' faces throughout the weirdness of O Morganstern. I did warn them! Their aghast expressions resembled mine while battling with an Excel spreadsheet on Monday. An enjoyable night had by all and our lovely friend at Priestfield even gave us a tin of chocolates. Sadly he only remembered the pressie after the tenors and basses had left the stage so the sops and altos (and Ol who had to take centre stage as Maestro boy extraordinaire) have decided not to tell the gentlemen and to scoff the sweeties down on our own. Don't tell the boys...

So, until Sunday night when you will get another (granted, slightly biased) review of a Rudsambee concert. St Giles at Six on Sunday folks. It's always a good night and a big audience. We love singing there even though it is a little terrifying: lots of people, an enormous space and John Knox looking over our shoulders enjoying the Latin. The acoustic is perfect for 'big singing' so hopefully Sanctus and O Nata Lux will sound class.

CSW

Canongate- a quick run down

Dear all,

Sorry for the delay in updating you with goings-on at Canongate on Saturday night. Bit slow on the uptake this week. Well, we all made it to the Queen's church (it even has a pew just for the Royal family - we kept it free though I am sad to say that Liz the second decided not to attend. Not even a minor royal made an appearance. I would have been quite happy with the Wessexes) and rehearsed for an hour in the big blue barn-like church. By our own admission, it was not the greatest dress rehearsal ever. If we went in feeling quietly confident, we came out the other end with some well-honed fear.

However, in usual Rudsambee-fashion we rose to the occasion. The actual concert went pretty well really. I'm sure if you asked a Rudsambee-let they would point you to a dozen moments which could have been better but the audience enjoyed themselves and actually so did we. I think we covered up well and there were a couple of great pieces. 'O Nata Lux' was as good as we have ever sung it (pretty good considering that A-L has sung this piece, like, twice before last night- is this right A-L :-)? ) and 'Taladh Chriosa' with the beauty of Anne's harp playing was a complete highlight for me. Still feel that 'Gloria' could do with a bit of scatting and jazz hands (although I think I am largely over-ruled by my friends who have far more taste and musicality that myself) but it was a good night all in. We finished with one of Rudsambee's finest moments... at least I don't think I have ever laughed so much at the end of a performance as our brass band (who were trumpet-tooting legends btw) played 'We wish you a merry Christmas' and we decided to join in... at the wrong time... for the wrong verse. Figgy pudding anyone? Laugh?... like a drain my friends. It was genius!

If you missed it and are silently weeping into the sleeve notes of your new Rudsambee CD, then fear not: you can catch us again on Wednesday night at Priestfield church or on Sunday night at St Giles. I'll fill you in again after Priestfield. Before that enjoy your jolly, festive weeks.

CSW

Opening night is upon us...as is a nasty cough!

Welcome blog fans to the final post before we begin our Christmas concerts. A quick run down on last night's dress rehearsal (dress being the operative word as we wrapped ourselves in scarves and hats and gloves - ooo some Betinis in there for you there - in the coldest building this side of Christendom, Priestfield church). In fact my general chilliness might be largely due to not feeling too well. In fact, most of the Rudsambeelets have come down with something - an occupational hazard of choral singing I'm afraid. Lots of coughs and cold. Christopher had been to Boots (other reputable pharmaceutical establishments are available) and stocked up with lots of goodies including some rather brilliant Vit C/Probiotic granules. Like a sherbet fountain without the licorice bit and with a well... different taste - I can't even describe it but it makes your eyes water. I recommend getting your fix today - they are giving them away free at Boots if you buy any cold-related product. Yum!

Anyways, back to the music. Last night's rehearsal was long and tiring but good fun. Rather excitingly we had a clarsach and and brass band no less. Goodness, we are really branching out! The trumpets etc accompany us in a rousing rendition of 'We Three Kings'. The sops have a funny high jazzy line but the highlight is surely the three kings themselves: Christopher, Oliver 2 and Robin. Robin even had a woolly hat on that looked like a crown! It got us thinking... a nativity would be fun. I could wear a teatowel on my head as well as the next person. Claire 2 proceeded to tell us a rather distressing story about her thwarted chance to be Mary. Ask her about it... or rather don't, it is a tear-jerker.

Big excitement of the evening was holding a copy of the new CD. Ran home (actually I got the bus) to listen to it. Pretty impressed even though I guess I might be a little biased. Get your copy now... except my mum who is getting it for Christmas: don't you dare buy a copy!

Hopefully we'll see as many of you as possible at Canongate on Saturday night. It is going to be great... or at least eclectic and interesting. Do come along if you can.

I'm going to get my sleep now, like a proper pro.

CSW