Yesterday 30 singers came to rehearse and then put on a 45 minute concert for their friends and family. It was the first time we have had 30 at a concert. Although there are 31 on the roll, there are always people away, on vacation, or at a funeral, or in hospital. This time they were all there which was great!
We were also able to sing some of our songs with parts of the Glee Club, so the men sang a song by themselves, and in another song they sang a verse by themselves. At the beginning of another song How are things in Glocca Morra two of the women sang the first phrase, and two other women sang the second phrase, and then all of the women joined in for the main part of the song; it was lovely.
Once again those listening said that they sounded better than last time, they are going from strength to strength. Their vocal range is increasing, the women can easily sing up to the G an octave and a half above middle c, (but not too often). Some tell me that they mouth when they think it is too high, but invariably they join in when they see the women sitting either side singing the higher notes.
Mike Downey, one of the residents, very kindly took multiple video clips of the concert, which will be used in my presentation to the CEO of Ryman.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Business proposal
I have just spent the weekend with a very helpful business consultant who has managed to direct me in the right ways to put a proposal to Ryman Healthcare, for them to take on my Glee Club model for their company and to roll it out into all of their villages.
My points of difference, and my data over the last four years are strong, comparing well with their current exercise programme called Triple A, and the business plan is that they pay for outcomes rather than taking me on staff. My consultant is also willing to accompany me to the presentation to Ryman CEO, when it is ready to go and I have the appointment. He has suggested that I need to make it by mid-September, so that it can go through the company's decision-making in time to commence in February 2011.
My current conundrum is that I think I am going to be working even more next year than I have this year, but it will all be my choice, and it will all be in areas where there is room for exponential growth. Is this truly a problem? I think not.
Btw my clever business consultant is my son Matthew, and he truly amazes me with his knowledge and and perception, both of my business, and business practice.
Matt Jackson
My points of difference, and my data over the last four years are strong, comparing well with their current exercise programme called Triple A, and the business plan is that they pay for outcomes rather than taking me on staff. My consultant is also willing to accompany me to the presentation to Ryman CEO, when it is ready to go and I have the appointment. He has suggested that I need to make it by mid-September, so that it can go through the company's decision-making in time to commence in February 2011.
My current conundrum is that I think I am going to be working even more next year than I have this year, but it will all be my choice, and it will all be in areas where there is room for exponential growth. Is this truly a problem? I think not.
Btw my clever business consultant is my son Matthew, and he truly amazes me with his knowledge and and perception, both of my business, and business practice.
Matt Jackson
Friday, July 2, 2010
Possibilities are multiplying!
On Thursday morning, July 1st I had a singing session with second-year MMP students (MMP stands for Mixed Media Presentation, and the students have a week on campus three times a year and do the rest of their learning online).
I gave them all one of my new business cards, and talked about what I am planning to do: retirement setting choirs, and singing lessons. The question came up about teaching singing via skype, and that is what I wanted to do about five years ago, but the technology was not up to it, so of course I said yes! From there it led to working with school choirs in country areas, where access to expertise is not possible, so the strands to my work for 2011 are getting more and more varied.
By the end of the weekend, the basics of my new business website will be up and running. To think that the first inkling of potential redundancy only arose a month ago leaves me breathless, so much has happened already!
I gave them all one of my new business cards, and talked about what I am planning to do: retirement setting choirs, and singing lessons. The question came up about teaching singing via skype, and that is what I wanted to do about five years ago, but the technology was not up to it, so of course I said yes! From there it led to working with school choirs in country areas, where access to expertise is not possible, so the strands to my work for 2011 are getting more and more varied.
By the end of the weekend, the basics of my new business website will be up and running. To think that the first inkling of potential redundancy only arose a month ago leaves me breathless, so much has happened already!
Monday, June 28, 2010
From Bertram, aged 83
Bertram appears in the photo with Jessie. They are two of the three octegenarians in the Hamilton Chorale.
I am glad to report that you took special effort to convince me that I could sing in tune, and have taken discrete steps to ensure that I had a strong singer next to me. I have the highest regard for your musical and educational abilities, and knowledgeable friends confirm that under your leadership, Hamilton Chorale has improved its tone and musicality.
I have also been approached by the Eastside Singers, (where Bertram is also a member) who are a choir of retirees. They have been, up until now, conducted by one of their own. They want me to consider conducting and training them in 2011. Given the lead-up to that time, I am hoping that they will be able to apply for some funding to pay me a reasonable allowance for this weekly responsibility.
It also raises the prospect of growing the choir considerably, with getting some of the people from the over 60s group (see my post on April 1st 2010) who want to sing, to join. So many possibilities, it is continuing to be exciting!
I am glad to report that you took special effort to convince me that I could sing in tune, and have taken discrete steps to ensure that I had a strong singer next to me. I have the highest regard for your musical and educational abilities, and knowledgeable friends confirm that under your leadership, Hamilton Chorale has improved its tone and musicality.
I have also been approached by the Eastside Singers, (where Bertram is also a member) who are a choir of retirees. They have been, up until now, conducted by one of their own. They want me to consider conducting and training them in 2011. Given the lead-up to that time, I am hoping that they will be able to apply for some funding to pay me a reasonable allowance for this weekly responsibility.
It also raises the prospect of growing the choir considerably, with getting some of the people from the over 60s group (see my post on April 1st 2010) who want to sing, to join. So many possibilities, it is continuing to be exciting!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Big changes in my life and work
What a difference a month makes.
I am taking voluntary redundancy from my position as senior lecturer here at the University of Waikato, effective from October 15th, which is the last day of the second semester of study. Our music education programme has been overstaffed, and given that I have had passions outside of my university work for some time, this is a good move for me.
I intend to travel at the end of this year, not least to the Sidney de Haan Centre, in Canterbury, England, where there are people with passions like me for the effects of singing on peoples' well-being.
My 2011 will look something like this:
I will take on singing students, who want to take responsibility for their own learning, who I see very two weeks, not weekly.
I will continue to work at Hilda Ross, in addition to completing my research work at Edmond Hillary Complex in Auckland. I will put a proposal to a major provider of retirement complexes, that they can have my exclusive services and programme. My son Matthew, who is an astute businessman, is going to help me with that side of things.
In the meantime, I will be publicising my move, getting the word out so that prospects will know that I am available.
Some have envied me, getting to follow my passion at this time of life. I feel excited about what the future holds. Watch this space :-)
I am taking voluntary redundancy from my position as senior lecturer here at the University of Waikato, effective from October 15th, which is the last day of the second semester of study. Our music education programme has been overstaffed, and given that I have had passions outside of my university work for some time, this is a good move for me.
I intend to travel at the end of this year, not least to the Sidney de Haan Centre, in Canterbury, England, where there are people with passions like me for the effects of singing on peoples' well-being.
My 2011 will look something like this:
I will take on singing students, who want to take responsibility for their own learning, who I see very two weeks, not weekly.
I will continue to work at Hilda Ross, in addition to completing my research work at Edmond Hillary Complex in Auckland. I will put a proposal to a major provider of retirement complexes, that they can have my exclusive services and programme. My son Matthew, who is an astute businessman, is going to help me with that side of things.
In the meantime, I will be publicising my move, getting the word out so that prospects will know that I am available.
Some have envied me, getting to follow my passion at this time of life. I feel excited about what the future holds. Watch this space :-)
Monday, May 3, 2010
A concert review
I am conductor and musical director of the Hamilton Chorale as I have mentioned before and we did our first 2010 concert series this last weekend.
Virgina Gallagher was invited to review the concert, by the editor of the Raglan website and this is her review:
Review
Hamilton Chorale at Raglan Union Church, Saturday 1st May 2010
A small but enthusiastic crowd gathered at the Union Church on
Saturday 1st May for a concert by the Hamilton Chorale. Entitled
Celtic Weavings, the programme consisted of music with a Celtic theme.
The music was an interesting mix from Ireland, Scotland and Wales,
some of it well known, and other pieces new to the audience.
The opening bracket, under the heading ‘Call to Celebrate’ was bright
introductory music, John Peel and Comin’ Thro’ the Rye were
particularly memorable. In the next bracket ‘In Quiet Moments’ the
tempo was more relaxed and highlighted the choir’s versatility. Then
the audience was invited to participate, and soon all were joining in
with Loch Lomond and Annie Laurie.
The next bracket ‘Lassies and Laddies’ gave the different sections of
the choir a chance to come to the fore. In several numbers for ladies
voices only, the careful blending of three parts was a joy to listen
to. The men particularly enjoyed their solo numbers; in ‘The Star of
the County Down’ they kept up a cracking pace, much to the enjoyment
of the audience. More sing-along with slower numbers My Love is Like
a Red Red Rose and Danny Boy. Once again the audience sang with
gusto, although some of the higher notes were beyond some audience
members!
The final bracket ‘The Old Country Calling’ reminded us that many in
the church that day have Celtic roots, and could relate to the
beautiful music that has become so well known in New Zealand. The
masterful arrangement of ‘I Know Where I’m Going’ was particularly
memorable, and the rousing ‘Molly Malone’ brought the most enjoyable
concert to an end.
Ably assisted by accompanist Elisabeth Murray, the conductor Julie
Jackson-Gough should be very pleased with this concert. She succeeded
in blending the 30 strong choir into a group that was a pleasure to
listen to. The imaginative addition of the ladies’ coloured scarves,
representing Scotland, Ireland and Wales, enhanced the Celtic theme.
It is a pity that more people did not come out in the chilly autumn
weather to hear this capable group of singers. Hopefully, they will
come to Raglan again to perform.
Virginia Gallagher
Virgina Gallagher was invited to review the concert, by the editor of the Raglan website and this is her review:
Review
Hamilton Chorale at Raglan Union Church, Saturday 1st May 2010
A small but enthusiastic crowd gathered at the Union Church on
Saturday 1st May for a concert by the Hamilton Chorale. Entitled
Celtic Weavings, the programme consisted of music with a Celtic theme.
The music was an interesting mix from Ireland, Scotland and Wales,
some of it well known, and other pieces new to the audience.
The opening bracket, under the heading ‘Call to Celebrate’ was bright
introductory music, John Peel and Comin’ Thro’ the Rye were
particularly memorable. In the next bracket ‘In Quiet Moments’ the
tempo was more relaxed and highlighted the choir’s versatility. Then
the audience was invited to participate, and soon all were joining in
with Loch Lomond and Annie Laurie.
The next bracket ‘Lassies and Laddies’ gave the different sections of
the choir a chance to come to the fore. In several numbers for ladies
voices only, the careful blending of three parts was a joy to listen
to. The men particularly enjoyed their solo numbers; in ‘The Star of
the County Down’ they kept up a cracking pace, much to the enjoyment
of the audience. More sing-along with slower numbers My Love is Like
a Red Red Rose and Danny Boy. Once again the audience sang with
gusto, although some of the higher notes were beyond some audience
members!
The final bracket ‘The Old Country Calling’ reminded us that many in
the church that day have Celtic roots, and could relate to the
beautiful music that has become so well known in New Zealand. The
masterful arrangement of ‘I Know Where I’m Going’ was particularly
memorable, and the rousing ‘Molly Malone’ brought the most enjoyable
concert to an end.
Ably assisted by accompanist Elisabeth Murray, the conductor Julie
Jackson-Gough should be very pleased with this concert. She succeeded
in blending the 30 strong choir into a group that was a pleasure to
listen to. The imaginative addition of the ladies’ coloured scarves,
representing Scotland, Ireland and Wales, enhanced the Celtic theme.
It is a pity that more people did not come out in the chilly autumn
weather to hear this capable group of singers. Hopefully, they will
come to Raglan again to perform.
Virginia Gallagher
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