January, 2003

The musical year started early when Maxine Udale attended BABS Director’s College at Reading on 2nd January – 4th January. The guest educator was Mark Hale, musical director of Masters of Harmony, the 2002 International Gold Medal chorus and lead singer with Michigan Jake, the 2001 International Gold Medal quartet. Maxine was in the 2/3 stream which was taken by Mike Taylor. The sessions covered a wide range from hand skills and problem analysis/resolution to people management. The highlight of Maxine's weekend was conducting Thames Valley Chorus under the tutelage of Mark Hale.

The chorus was sorry to lose Jane Tomsett (lead) and Yvonne Johnston (bass) who both resigned in January for personal reasons.

The chorus had two very successful singouts at Frinton and Halstead in January. They were both very well attended and were enhanced by additional performances from Sally Stephenson, reading her poetry and Audrey Flanigan, with her solo spot. Rita Wood also added to the success of the evenings with her easy manner as MC.

Maxine attended the Sounding Out “Buddies” Workshop run by Colchester Borough Council and St Martin’s in the Field Academy on 18th/19th January. She found the weekend very inspiring from a personal point of view. There was plenty of improvisation and interaction and it was an ideal opportunity to meet people from the various musical art forms which flourish in Colchester.

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