Cruise Choir

[Onelife]

On our last cruise (Azura) I decided to join the ships choir... this wasn’t at all daunting for me as I’d been a member of a MVC for many years. It was quite an enjoyable experience although I can’t say I was enthused with the choice of music...”Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag”, “It’s a long way to tickle Mary” etc etc hardly tested my vocal repertoire which left me thinking it could have been so much better if our choir conductor had updated her sheet music to something a little more challenging....It was a 17 day cruise with about 8 choir practises, plenty of time to get your head round the lyric’s of a couple of more recent tunes

I may be wrong but from my observations the majority of those participating in our choir, and I dare say those of other cruise choirs have had some singing experience while accepting others will be having their first crack at singing in a choir, even so I think well known songs such as “You raise me up “I dreamed a dream” etc etc aren’t beyond the capabilities of a cruise choir.

Have you been on a cruise where the song choice has been a little more adventurous?

Regards

OL

[Frank Manning]

I couldn't sing 'You raise me up' Onelife, I'm a Basso profundo. I was in the choir on Aurora once, but didn't like singing 'A nightingale sang in Berkeley Square' like a rock and roll number. As for 'Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on kittens'...just not my scene.

[oldbluefox]

The dirndl didn't suit you either Frank!!!

[Onelife]

Hi Frank,

I can fully appreciate where you’re coming from with “whiskers on kittens” far too tame for us . I would have thought a rendition of “Men of Harlech” would have been far more up your street.

I know it’s not logistically possible but I’d love to see a professional choir as part of the ships evening entertainment.

Regards

Keith

[Frank Manning]

The dirndl didn't suit you either Frank!!!

How can you say that?? Flounce! Flounce! You know very well that I wore it on Formal night in the Alexandria Restaurant, and the head waiter complimented me on my dress sense.

[Orpheus]

I must admit that I like to listen to a choir when they have a good song choice good harmonies and something challenging to sing. But alas they do not and it all becomes rather dull . Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag”, “It’s a long way to tickle Mary” etc etc as Onelife has stated. And how about having a passenger band to back them. (Keyboards/Drums/Bass guitar etc.

[Mo2013]

Arcadia Christmas Cruise - the crew asked pax to join them in singing Christmas Carols - does that count?

I would suggest Carmina Burana - that's adventurous

[Orpheus]

Wow yes please Mo2013 are you looking at this Onelife?

[Silver_Shiney]

I must admit that I like to listen to a choir when they have a good song choice good harmonies and something challenging to sing. But alas they do not and it all becomes rather dull . Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag”, “It’s a long way to tickle Mary” etc etc as Onelife has stated. And how about having a passenger band to back them. (Keyboards/Drums/Bass guitar etc.

As long as it's rock, can I be the drummer, please?

[Admiral of the Humber]

Dear Forumeers,

I have to say that Keefy Onelife's performance in the choir on was the highlight of our cruise on Azura in 2011.

I have to say it, because he threatened to come round to our house and sing some more if I didn't.

Ho Ho Ho

Regards
Rob aka AOTH

[Onelife]

Hi Mo,

Well I’ve just had to goggle “Carmina Burana” as I wasn’t too sure who or what you were referring too... until of course I spotted the words “O’fortuna”. I along with 70 other choristers had the pleasure of singing this powerful piece at Birmingham Symphony Hall. It’s fair to say it was the highlight of my time in the choir and something I will always remember....Btw... it may sound like I’m blowing my trumpet but rest assured there are some who having heard me think taking up the trumpet would be a better option.

Not mentioning any names Robbie

Regards

Keith

[Orpheus]

I must admit that I like to listen to a choir when they have a good song choice good harmonies and something challenging to sing. But alas they do not and it all becomes rather dull . Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag”, “It’s a long way to tickle Mary” etc etc as Onelife has stated. And how about having a passenger band to back them. (Keyboards/Drums/Bass guitar etc.

As long as it's rock, can I be the drummer, please?

Welcome to the band S_S that's now two in the band as I can play ever axe or bass guitar.

[Silver_Shiney]

[

Welcome to the band S_S that's now two in the band as I can play ever axe or bass guitar.

I would insist on an accoustic kit - can't stand these electronic setups, even if they do have Pinteck heads. Provided I know what the chords are, I could also do rhythym or bass guitar.

[Frank Manning]

A lot of the finest choral music in the world is British. The Germans Russians and Austrians might have the edge in orchestral music but we have the edge in choral music. Elgar's Dream of Gerontius was hailed in Germany long before the British realised it value. On a smaller scale Parry wrote some beautiful melodius choral work such a 'Blest pair of sirens'. Lovely stuff! I love it.

[Mo2013]

Hi Mo,

Well I’ve just had to goggle “Carmina Burana” as I wasn’t too sure who or what you were referring too... until of course I spotted the words “O’fortuna”. I along with 70 other choristers had the pleasure of singing this powerful piece at Birmingham Symphony Hall. It’s fair to say it was the highlight of my time in the choir and something I will always remember....Btw... it may sound like I’m blowing my trumpet but rest assured there are some who having heard me think taking up the trumpet would be a better option.

Not mentioning any names Robbie

Regards

Keith

Hello Keith. I have a confession to make. I know of this music only because Michael Jackson used it to open one of his concerts which I went to. It is indeed a very powerful piece and it, along with images on the big screen, certainly whipped the crowd up. It must be wonderful to have a singing voice and the pleasure it gives to others, and the pleasure which it gives to yourself.