I sing with an all women a cappella choir and today was our annual trip out to sing in a little country village which holds a music festival every year.

My partner wanted to come along too, which is great,  I don’t like leaving him behind, but then he had a massive sneezing fit which lasted 20 minutes!

After getting him to take a hayfever tablet, we set out knowing that I was really late. But it was a beautiful sunny morning. The hedgerows as we headed out of the city were full of blossom. The sky was slightly overcast and the air felt heavy and humid.

We got there just before the choir started its set. We were outside on the canal bank, with a small audience sitting outside the pub on the wharf. We were well recieved despite it being a bit breezy which made it difficult to hear the other singers. Then a short break and off to the local church to sing again.

Memory takes a big part of a capella singing. Remembering the words of songs from around the world isn’t easy. We sing Maori, Hoza, Latin, French, Croatian and other languages. We learn by repetition. Sometimes it can be hard to remember the words. But as soon as you start singing they usually come back. As a low voice I often sing bom bom, or other backing noises. It can be a bit boring, but then we will start something else.

Singing with about 20 women is fun. We are a bit older but that just means people have a wider experience of life, are quietly confident, and dont worry too much if we make a mistake.

I guess its all part of being creative. I get a kick out if singing with the choir. We have another singing session soon. I’m looking forward to it.