We made it!
Over 100 Faces for 100 Zooms
I am very happy that so many people were able to pop in to sing, chat and play to mark 100 Zoom choir sessions. It was an evening of joy and friendship. People queued around the metaphorical block, as we reached 100 sign-ins... As people left, so more were able to join.
We were partnered by Posifest, a festival of wellbeing for Mental Health empowerment, who live-streamed the session on Facebook.
We had choir members, friends, family, Facebook acquaintances, fellow choir leaders, singers from other choirs and more.
We sang a few songs together (muted, of course), a couple of choir members sang solos for us, Peter Williams, with Forever Autumn, from War of the Worlds, Mubina Asaria with City of Stars from the film La La Land and Miguel Leithsang Abba'sThe Winner Takes it All
We ended up singing We'll meet again, acapella, led by the estimable Rose Martin, a stalwart of Harmonious Choir.
As we were all unmuted by this time, we, once again, showed exactly why Zoom singing and choirs are two completely different experiences!
I learnt a lot from this event, even experiencing being trolled, or Zoom bombed, as it has become known, for the first, and, I hope, last time. (Attendees who are not there for the event, but post inappropriate text messages, images, political ideas or music, including racist slurs and other gratuitous and offensive nonsense). With the help of some quick, diligent, co-hosts, led by the admirable Janet Bell (assistant conductor of More Than Just A Choir) we soon made sure they were removed and unable to re-join the meeting. We know exactly what to do differently next time. I am so sorry if the evening was marred for you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns.
Despite the interruptions, it was, I believe, for most, a wonderful experience.
For myself, I am so glad I did this, even though I do prefer the smaller sessions we usually achieve. They are much more intimate, friendly and makes it easier to communicate and develop relationships.
I hope to lead many more of these and even continue when we are able, at some unknown point in the future, to meet again face-to-face.
With love and hope for all
David