(by David Sharples – Tutor)
On Wednesday 2 December, two U3APP musical groups – The Choir and French in Songs – finished 2020 in style by gathering in the open-air café at Gasworks Park, holding their final classes Face-to-Face for the first time since March.
For the past eight months these Classes have continued Online with Members learning and practicing in the comfort and privacy of their own homes, using materials and music provided by email and through the Choir Websites.
A number of Members met each other in person for the very first time, and all present were able to sing collectively, including songs which they had only previously practiced alone. The Choir sang music by The Tokens, Miriam Makeba, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole and Cole Porter – rounded off by a hearty rendition of “U3A Will Survive”, while French in Songs sang music by Jean Sablon, Charles Trenet, Joe Dassin, Yves Montand, Michel Sardou and Bob Azzam. The rendition of Sympathique by Pink Martini would have raised the roof if sung indoors. Both groups provided a finale with a few seasonal numbers to celebrate, with other clientele at the café, and indeed many people passing by, pausing to listen as the two groups sang. Everyone is now looking forward to being able to polish these songs in normal Shoulder-2-Shoulder practice sessions when we are finally able to hold classes together.