Dear GCOS Singers,

I hope you have been enjoying your summer break and that the excitement of the Olympic Games has made up for the awful weather we’ve been having. 

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert now seems like such a long time ago, but I think you will agree with me that it was a huge success. It was so good to have a full concert hall with such an appreciative audience, and many people said afterwards how much they enjoyed it.  We also received a very nice letter from the Deputy Bailiff, Richard McMahon, who asked to pass on thanks and congratulations to you all.

Conductors:  We were very fortunate to have had such a talented musician as John Surcombe to step in for Helen last year. His humour was a delight and his vitality as well as his hard work really paid off.

We are very pleased to say that Michael Sullivan, Head of Strings at the Schools’ Music Service has agreed to continue as Orchestral Trainer with us and Rachel Wright, Head of Vocal Studies, will again be conducting the Music Centre Choir.

The great news is that Helen is now completely recovered and it’ll be wonderful to have her back with us.  I know she is really looking forward to getting back.

The year ahead: We now have an exciting year ahead to look forward to with a lot of new music to cover.  Those who have not sung Verdi’s Requiem before will find it immensely rewarding.  To give us variety and better prepare us for next year, Helen is aiming to cover some of the music that we will be doing both in the May concert and in Biberach next term.  We will be performing the Biberach music again in October 2013, so even if you are not going to Biberach you will need all the music.  

Committee:  At the next AGM  Charles Tracy will be stepping down as Membership Secretary so we will need someone to take over from him. He has done an excellent job in taking care of the GCOS database and registrations. Please do contact Penny or Charles if you would like find out more about what the job entails.    

Biberach: There are a total of 38 singers plus 21 partners going on the GCOS trip to Biberach in July next year and plans are well underway.

Website   www.guernsey-choral.org.   Don’t forget to use the web site.  It holds all the information about rehearsals and concerts and under the Members tab there is a noticeboard where information about other concerts or activities is held.   News about  Biberach will also be there.  There are links to other useful web sites and this newsletter will also be there.  Also, don’t forget to buy Amazon orders through the web site where GCOS receive 5% of the value of all purchases!

New Members - If there are any past or new members who you think would like to sing the Verdi, please encourage them to come along.

Subscriptions - for all the rehearsals and concerts this academic year are:

£84 - Adult                              Over 65 - £64                         Students in full time education: Free

Please bring your subscription with cheques made payable to GCOS to the first rehearsal, or send it to Charles Tracy, Membership Secretary, Claverton House, Sausmarez Road, St Martin, GY4 6SG.

Music Orders: Please see separate form which comes with this letter.

Dates for your Diary

Rehearsal Dates

Concert Dates 2012/13

Helen and I are both looking forward to the year ahead and to seeing  you on September 11th at St Sampson’s School.  Enjoy the rest of the summer.

Best wishes,

Penny