Folk band, strings group and choir

The third performance block has kicked off and is keeping me very busy.  I am playing in the folk band.  We are doing a couple of Strathspeys, Morag Haig Thomas by Donald Riddle (the Clunes Collection).  I have played this tune before although a long time ago.   The guitar accompaniment is lovely and lifts it. The second Strathspey is Weights and Measures by Gavin Marwick in D minor.  Its an interesting tune with a darker feel. The last tune  in the set is Myra's Jig by Ian Lowthian, a wonderful accordion player.  I know him from performing at Durham last year. There is also a polka set with some playing in third position in one of the tunes. Finally we are also doing a song, Highland Mary by Robert Burns.  Its great and beautifully arranged.  There is an instrumental section with a rhythm and very fast reel for the fiddles.  Its a lovely accompaniment but a challenge to get up to speed.  

In the Classical Strings Group we are doing baroque music,  Telemann's (unnamed) Concerto I, II and III: Cantabile and IV. Its really interesting.  I enjoy classical playing a lot now.  The violin parts are very achievable with a bit of practice.  Its great to hear all the parts together.

I am also singing in the main choir.  We are performing three beautiful pieces Prairie Waters by Night by John Leavitt (my favourite), Gloria in Excelsis by Mozart and Now sleeps the Crimson Petal by Joyce Eilers. The pace is stepping up.   I have transferred the learning parts onto my iPod and I listen to them wherever I go. We are singing Gloria in Excelsis in latin.  I have sung in latin before - a long time ago. I remember it all though and so I find it easy to pronounce it.  Its all great. 

Music theory also continues as does the practice for my recital.