April brought us three sessions of Singing for Fun with no Harmony session, and we think this is a successful move by the increased attendance.

During April we welcomed Carmyl Winkler as a Leader. Carmyl chose a series of well known Australian songs for her first and second sessions, and these were enjoyed by all.  The variety introduced by an extra Leader seems beneficial to the group.

Our three other Leaders Brian Greed, Margaret Merriman and Kieran Smith all chose bright catchy songs for their sessions. Kieran kindly responded to a request for a session of Scottish songs.

Gwen Barnes is providing great accompaniment on the piano for which we thank her.
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The next meeting of Singing for Fun will be on Thursday 5th May at 10am at the Hub in Cooinda.

Margaret Jenkins
 

​In March we welcomed back our pianist Gwen Barnes who had been unavailable during February. Everyone was pleased to see Gwen, and we enjoyed her accompaniment to many songs in our main three books.

Our three leaders Brian Greed, Margaret Merriman and Kieran Smith did a great job selecting suitable songs and leading the group. We were impressed that Margaret could manage with her broken wrist.

In April we are going to try having three Singing for Fun sessions on the first three Thursdays of April, and no Harmony session. In a group such as ours, members are often not available due to health considerations, and this year we seem to have lost quite a few altos. This is why we are having a trial of no Harmony session during April.

We are pleased to announce that Carmyl Winkler has agreed to lend a hand as a Leader in April.  Carmyl joined our group last year after moving to Benalla from Tallangatta, and has had experience with a singing group in Tallangatta. 

We look forward to hearing what songs Carmyl selects.

The next Singing for Fun session will be on Thursday 7th. April at 10am at the Hub in Cooinda.
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Margaret Jenkins 

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It was great to get back to Singing at the Hub in February 2022. Our three leaders Brian Greed, Kieran Smith and Margaret Merriman were full of enthusiasm as were all our members.

Unfortunately we have been without our pianist Gwen Barnes for all of February. Gwen had some family matters to deal with and then had a couple of unfortunate falls, so is currently recovering at home. We wish Gwen all the best, and hope to see her at our March meetings.

At our three singing meetings in February Brian Greed and Kieran Smith filled in at the piano in Gwen’s absence. We have had a variety of songs during the month, including some rounds conducted by Margaret Merriman. These rounds don’t get included very often so had a certain novelty factor to them.

I am sure all the members of Singing would like to say many thanks to Brian and Kieran for their assistance with the piano during February. 

At our third session we had a solo from “My Fair Lady” sung by Brian Colman. Brian, who is a new member of our Singing Group, has fitted into the group really well.
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We were also pleased to see Joyce Borschmann come to our third session after her recent illness.

The next Singing for Fun meeting will be on Thursday 3rd March at 10am at the Hub in Cooinda.

Margaret Jenkins 

Happy Christmas, One and All!

​Margaret Jenkins

​We all enjoyed three sessions of Singing in November as we came out of lockdown. Thank you everyone for being so cooperative with showing me your COVID double vaccination certificate.
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In the second Singing session for the month we had Kieran Smith and Brian Greed playing the piano for the session as our pianist Gwen Barnes was at a Teachers College reunion in Bendigo.  Brian also brought along his barrel organ which he has spent seven months making during the lock down of 2021.

This barrel organ plays music when the handle is turned, the musical score having been previously punched out on a roll of thick paper. Brian demonstrated this music to us during morning tea, and we were all fascinated with the technology which had gone into producing the sounds.   

Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions on the number of people who could meet in The Hub, there have been no Singing for Fun or Harmony sessions during October.

As some COVID restrictions have now been lifted, due to 70% of the population being vaccinated, Singing for Fun will recommence on Thursday 4 November 2021 at 10am.

Due to Public Health regulations, we are required to see your double vaccination certificate, either on your phone or a paper copy, as you sign the attendance list. This is part of our Duty of Care for participating U3A Benalla members, and we ask for your co-operation with this request.
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Margaret Jenkins

At the moment only ten people are allowed to meet in The Hub, so our Singing for Fun and Harmony sessions had to be cancelled in September.

We missed the opportunity to wish one of our Leaders, Margaret Merriman a happy 80th birthday in person. Marg is celebrating not only her birthday, but also the birth of her grandson Angus.

Hopefully Singing will be able to recommence soon. I will send an Email to everyone when this can happen.
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Margaret Jenkins  

We managed one Harmony and one Singing for Fun session during August, which we all enjoyed. Perhaps these lock downs make us appreciate what we are able to fit in while still complying with the COVID restrictions.

During these sessions we were introduced to two new songs. Brian Greed used the Harmony session to start us on “The Black Hills of Dakota” which has got a great melody and an elevated soprano part.  Margaret Merriman introduced us to “Speed Your Journey” which has got a lilting melody and is a great song. Kieran Smith had us singing some Australian songs which are always enjoyed by the group.

We thank Gwen Barnes for being so versatile in accompanying whatever is chosen by the leaders. 

At Singing for Fun we welcomed back two members who had been away sick for several months. Gina Behrens had been away since last year, whilst Patsy Bollard has been recovering from a fall for two months. Great to see both Gina and Patsy back with us.

We also welcomed Brian Colman to the group. Brian has a history of being involved with musical productions, and has recently moved to Benalla. We hope you enjoy singing with our group Brian.

Thank you Tomoko Fujiie for the flute performance we were treated to during morning tea at Singing for Fun. The different abilities of people in this group which they are willing to share really adds to the enjoyment we all get from attending.  

We will send an Email when the next Singing for Fun session is allowed. In the meantime, keep safe and we look forward to seeing you all in the near future.

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Margaret Jenkins