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October 2019 Newsletter
Mon, 30 Sep 2019
Printable version
This is our first Newsletter for some time. We have an active Facebook page, a website which we will continue to update, an Instagram Page and now a newsletter for those of you who prefer to hear from us in this medium. We thank you for your support and hope you enjoy our updates.
“Aftershock” Convention 2019 success
Recently we were the Host Chapter for the National Convention for the first time since 2004. The 2011 Earthquakes put paid to the one scheduled for 2012. This Convention was an outstanding success for our Chapter for a variety of reasons. Some of our members explain why.
Bryan Taylor who has been a member for 15 years comments on the outstanding musical performance by our chorus. “This saw us win a Silver Chorus medal. It has been a long time coming. In fact it is exactly 10 years since we last achieved medal status, a Bronze in 2009, and a further 10 years back to our only gold in 1999. While that has been a great experience, the more important thing is that we have sung at a higher level, displaying more subtlety, control and artistry than we have in the past. Making good music is sheer joy and the pleasure I have derived from doing that has been one of the highlights of this year.”
Dave Adamson has been a member for 31 years. Overseas travel this year meant he observed as a spectator. He says “the total sound and energy they displayed was of a quality I’ve never heard from the chorus before. I think it is performing at a level never before achieved. It came as no surprise when the chorus was judged as the Most Improved. Our chorus quartets are also at a level which even ten years ago would have been thought unimaginable”.
Lynn Humphrey who was attending his first convention says "I had high expectations for the convention and they were exceeded. The music was stunningly good (especially Malestrom from Burnside High and After Hours the International Champions 2018). The organisation and venue was brilliant and the camaraderie that I experience weekly in my own chorus was multiplied several times by all the attendees. I thought I was hooked before the convention - I'm now hopelessly addicted"
President Alan McKinnon stated “ In addition to our chorus results it was a delight to see our quartets “Promenade” giving such great performances and to see “The Vocal Network” right back up there with a gold medal. But our contribution to this convention was not just our performances – we made it happen! My heartfelt thanks to everyone for their contributions, especially Convention Chairman Gary Kennett. It was a stupendous effort by a lot of people resulting in a fantastic event obviously very much enjoyed by those who attended. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to The Plainsmen and their families and friends who gave so generously of their time and talents both during the event and also the weeks leading up to it.”
New Marketing Initiative
We recently engaged with students from the New Zealand Broadcasting School to create video. audio and written material that will assist us with recruitment and concert promotion. They produced some outstanding material that you will see from time to time on our Facebook page but is also available at https://nzbs.com/article/the-plainsmen
The students were a delight to work with and we appreciated their professional and friendly manner.
Voices in the Community 2019
We will be performing in this concert along with The Vocal Network (3 time National Barbershop Champions), Promenade (National Youth Champions), Amanda and Ravil Atlas, the Vocal Collective and others. 16 November 7:30pm at the Piano. Tickets at Eventfinda.co.nz It will be a great concert.
“The Joy of Christmas”
Join us on Saturday 7 December, 7.30 p.m. when we present our annual Christmas concert at the Transitional Cathedral along with some Special Guests This is a “one off’ concert and, last year, the Cathedral was full to capacity so get your tickets early. Tickets can be purchased at enquire@plainsmen.co.nz or at the door of the Transitional Cathedral - Adults $20; Students and Seniors $15; School Age Children Free. You will leave uplifted and full of anticipation for happy times ahead!
A Poignant Moment
A touching moment. Two Canterbury Plainsmen, (Dave Adamson and John Dunford), located the grave of a fallen soldier (a great uncle of another Plainsman Carl McGregor) in Ypes and paid a musical tribute to a brave man who never returned home. You can see the video of the moment at
https://www.facebook.com/PlainsmenChorus/videos/646973185711543/
Keeping You Informed
Just a note to let you know we have various ways of staying in touch with our members and supporters. You can follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PlainsmenChorus/), Instagram https://www.instagram.com/canterburyplainsmen/ and our website www.Plainsmen.co.nz.
Upcoming Event: Open Night on October 7th 7:15pm at 3 Brake Street Church Corner. Come along, enjoy some singing and connect (or reconnect!) with a diverse group of men who enjoy harmony and camaraderie. And bring a friend!