Convention 2006

Sing, ring, bling!

Capital Harmony hits the Christchurch convention

"Being away together, the meals out, accommodation and proximity of  

venue"; "The camaraderie! I think this is more important than marks  

(hear hear!)"

These were some of the comments from members of Capital Harmony  

Chorus when asked to say what we liked about attending the National  

Sweet Adelines Convention in Christchurch during the last weekend in  

May.

Convention had been the focus of our activities for many months, with  

a weekend workshop, mirror sessions, special coaching etc. We'd had a  

successful dress rehearsal performance at Viard College, Porirua a  

few weeks before; we'd all attached our new silver scarves to our  

paua tops in the approved sweep; and we'd practiced smiling until our  

cheek muscles ached!

Most of the 20 chorus members arrived in Christchurch during Friday  

and we made our way to the very comfortable YMCA. Friday afternoon  

was spent listening to the quartets. Our favourites, Wisteria Lane,  

with our dear coach Jill, unfortunately came second to Perfect  

Timing, and dropped a lot of points.

We rehearsed on Friday evening before heading out to tea in several  

of the great cafes around Christchurch city. Saturday began early -  

breakfast at 7 before walking to the town hall for our rehearal at 8.  

The morning flew by with rehearsing, getting our costumes and new  

makeup perfect, and grabbing a quick bite.

Our performance - all six minutes - was a blur of bright lights, a  

row of judges and enthusiastic applause. Being second on, we were  

able to hear the rest of the choruses. The winning chorus -  

Christchurch City - gave an amazing performance in shimmering green  

costumes, a highly polished delivery.

We enjoyed a lovely meal out at the Bluenote restaurant. We sang during  

the break of the jazz duo, and kept an ear out for the rugby score  

(Super 14 Final, played in fog at Jade Stadium).

And as for our result? Disappointing would have to be the word, given  

all the hard work we'd put in. Perhaps not allowing enough time for  

new techniques to bed in, we struggled with being able to hear each  

other on the large stage and didn't give our best performance. But  

our showmanship result was really pleasing.

Ah well, there's always next year... or 2008! The Hurricanes didn't  

win either!