Amazing Concerts!

So, I am sitting in my office, trying to stay warm, reflecting on what has been an amazing term for GGCC. So many things to be thankful for. Not least the three brilliant performances the choir gave for our end of term concerts!

First up was St Peters in Lawrence Weston on 28th November. The first concert is always the hardest and also happened to be the only one we did acapella. But cheering us on big style from the back was the lovely Geraldine (for those of you who don't know, she started GGCC and left Bristol earlier this year!) who travelled all the way from London just to see us. The church was shall I say 'on the cool side' but the choir's energetic singing soon warmed the place and the audience which was shall I say 'on the small side' gave us a big hand and really joined in well when they had the opportunity. We had lovely refreshments…in abundance, thanks to the Shirehampton GGCC choir. Heather and Emma felt really proud of the choir and all those who sang in small groups, they did a top job.

Next, was House of Praise Church in Easton on Sunday 1st December. Right from the warm ups at the start, we could tell the choir had picked up more confidence as a result of Thursday's concert. We knew it was going to be a good night and we were right!!!

In position just before the start

The church was shall I say 'on the warm side' so we were all soon guzzling our water! We were accompanied by our amazing band, Winston on keys,  John (JT) on bass,  Larry on lead guitar and Richard on drums. The Flash Mob start to the concert was brilliant, the audience joined in with lots of energy and the choir looked like they were having so much fun. From that point on we had a great time, all those weeks of rehearsals really paid off and I think it's safe to say we left on a high.

Emma introducing the choir

Then there was just our Thornbury concert left. That was on Wednesday 4th December at Thornbury Baptist Church. The church was packed out was which really encouraging, especially as this was the first time GGCC had performed there. Again we were accompanied by our wonderful band, so grateful to them they complimented the choir perfectly. You could sense that the choir really knew what they were doing in this concert as they had already pulled off two great performances. We were able to have some fun and smiles were in abundance. Heather and Emma both had a blast leading the choirs and by the end of the evening had a real sense of achievement, both for the choir and for themselves personally.

Ending the concert with 'He reigns' aka 'Sing praises'!!!

Thank you to everyone in GGCC for all your hard work, you are amazing! We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and we look forward to seeing you when rehearsals start on 15, 16 & 17th Jan 2014!

Last Rehearsal…Big Success!!!

Last night saw all three GGCC choirs come together for our last rehearsal at Thornbury Baptist Church. We were joined by our band who will be accompanying us at Easton and Thornbury concerts. Right from the start there was a sense of excitement in the air and once we got singing it was amazing!

Big thanks to all in GGCC who came, it was a way to travel for lots so we really appreciated the fact that so many made a big effort to come. Also big thanks to all the small groups/duets…well done, we know it's a bit nerve wracking but you all did a great job. Big thanks to Ruth for serving us all lovely cups of tea as we arrived and to our lovely PA guy, Will. Oh and of course not forgetting the band, Winston, John, Larry & Richard…you guys were great!

So, we're now ready for our first concert…on Thursday! 7.30pm @ St Peters, Ridingleaze, Lawrence Weston, BS11 0NN…see you there!!!

Concerts are a-coming!!!

So, next week on Thursday, we have our first GGCC Autumn concert!!! Amazing!!! Here is poster:

We are really looking forward to sharing what we have learned together with our lovely audiences. All concerts are free to get in…and out! So do come along.

On the road again!!!

So, last Wednesday, 6 Nov 2013, 11 of us travelled by minibus to Calne in Wiltshire again.

Ready and waiting to hit the M4!

This time, we had been invited to go to Holy Trinity C of E Academy (Emma's old Primary school!) and sing in their assembly, take a workshop with their school choir and then perform together what they had learned.

The weather was miserable for our journey but we arrived in plenty of time and were made really welcome by the Head, Steve Heal. We had a quick warm up in the staff room before going into the school assembly. Emma led the choir in that GGCC classic 'Great Is He' and then got the children all singing the two parts of 'Freedom'. They picked it up brilliantly.

Then Emma led a workshop with the school choir.

She taught some fun warm ups and using the song 'Soon and very soon' and some group activities demonstrated some principles of choir singing e.g. blending, diction and the importance of smiling!!! The children in the school choir were such good listeners and learners, we had a lot of fun together. We finished our time there by performing with them to the rest of the school.

It was a great morning, a lot of fun!

 And the GGCC crew who came along were brilliant…thanks for your help!!!

Dottie writes

Well, it's our half term break next week so while we're waiting for choir to resume, one of our Shirehampton GGCC members Dottie has written a lovely reflection on the journey she's been on with GGCC. So take it away Dottie:

Singing low – thanks to GGCC!
Music has been part of my life since I was very young. I was born in Georgia, USA, so the sounds of both Country and Western and Gospel music are part of my DNA! I moved to the UK aged 7, and found the music in church here really strange and dull - nobody moved or clapped while they were singing! Eventually, I became used to life in the UK, had lots of happy times playing piano and singing in school and at church, and learnt to appreciate all sorts of music – choral singing, opera, musicals especially. 
As a teenager my voice was always low. I sang alto in choirs and in duets at church with my pal Brenda, who had an amazing soprano voice! Motherhood, and a busy professional life, meant that I could only enjoy music as a listener  for many years, other than singing in church as part of the congregation. 
A few years ago I realised I was struggling to sing even in church – there was no way I could hit the high notes anymore, so I had to just mouth those bits! One morning I tried singing an octave lower which felt really comfortable. I realised that I was matching my husband’s voice – only in pitch I hasten to add as he often sings totally out of tune! When I got home I played about on the piano and realised that I was singing tenor notes very easily.
This happened just at the time I was thinking I’d like to join a choir but didn’t feel I could – as only men sing tenor…..or so I thought! Very fortunately I had a friend who sang with the Shirehampton Gospel Generation Community Choir. She encouraged me to give it a go. Her words were – “Dottie, come and try it – they welcome everybody who loves to sing. Come and listen to our next concert and see what you think”.  I went to the concert and less than half-way through it knew that I wanted to be part of making such lovely music.
My first choir practice was interesting! I sat myself with the men –  only to have several ladies advise me that I was sitting in the wrong section. I plucked up courage to say – “Actually, I’m a tenor, so plan to sing with the men”. That felt so good to be able to say! 
It’s great too, to have been accepted by the men as part of them. Not surprising really as the GGCC is so much about acceptance – if you love to sing you are accepted!
I’ve got to know people I would never had met otherwise. We are a real mix of class, culture, personal situations, and ability – but when we sing we are one voice! Singing the uplifting songs we do – born out of adversity as Gospel music is – brings us together in a way which transcends any personal faith, or none, that we might hold as individuals.
Singing, especially with other people, makes us feel good. I’m so happy to have found GGCC where I can sing low, feel comfortable, and have fun while I’m doing it!

Thanks Dottie! If any other GGCC members have stories to share, drop me an email!

Have a good half term!

A GGCC First!!!

On Saturday a group of intrepid GGCC members gathered for a secret mission!!! The venue, Clifton College Chapel. The mission, to perform a Flash Mob at the wedding of Alice Bebb, former GGCC member. The only people who knew we were singing in the wedding were the Bride, Alice, her parents and one of the staff at the school so we had to come in disguise...as wedding guests and look like we were supposed to be there.

We had arranged a pre-wedding secret rehearsal in the chapel. We all found our Flash Mob positions for 'Great Is He', cunningly scattered around the chapel. Then also had a sneaky rehearsal of our second song 'Beautiful One' before any guests arrived.

Rehearsing 'Beautiful One'

We then needed to make a quick exit and head for our next secret location...the dining hall! We ate our provisions, Em, Ruth and Heather quickly learned their words and then it was time to assume positions and wait for our cue.

Em, waiting subtly(!) for service to start, fellow GGCC agents in their positions around her

The service started. Alice entered looking just beautiful and then we were on. Ruth stood up and started us off and then in twos and threes we all joined in from all over the chapel. It was amazing..no one expected it and it sounded beautiful too. Our first ever Flash Mob was a huge success and we all had a lot of fun. The feedback Em has had since has been great too, a lot of people were very moved by it, it was quite a talking point!

Our second song later in the service went really well, Em, Heather and Ruth just about remembered their words and the choir did a great job.

Then it was time for the Bride and Groom to leave, Alice and her new hubby Paul looked very happy and it was a joy for us to be able to be part of their special day. We wish them every happiness for their new life together.

Well done GGCC...another first! Thanks to all who came, you were brilliant!

It's all about Community

The City Academy Bristol put on a brilliant Community Fun Afternoon on Saturday. It was free to get in and free to get out...well almost, they did want you to donate some money towards the fund to keep Felix Road Playground in Easton open!

There was quite a lot of live music and dance acts and GGCC was asked to come and...sing of course! We all arrived in the glorious sunshine and headed outside for a quick warm up before heading back stage.

Em's just spotted the sweets back stage!!!

While waiting we were introduced to one of the hosts for the stage events, a young man named Alex Beresford who is a weather presenter on TV and I soon discovered that Kim from Easton GGCC is a super fan and was going all weak at the knees!!!

Anyhow, we all soon had to focus on the ask in hand, were on for our slot. It was a big stage and but the choir (about 20 of us) made a big sound and lovely harmonies. Our classics 'Great Is He', 'Soon and Very Soon' and 'Hold On' went down a treat. I loved leading them and was so proud! For some singing, they've only just joined GGCC so had never sung all the songs til that day!!!

Many of us stayed to enjoy the rest of the afternoon as there was loads of great stuff happening along with delicious food on offer. All in all, a great Saturday afternoon out.

Sweet Harmony!

Three cats...together as one, sweet harmony!

Three weeks, Three choirs, Three parts, alto, soprano and men...together as one and we were hearing some sweet harmonies!

We've just completed week three of the new term, where has that time gone already?!!

I think on Tuesday we broke a record for the most songs taught in one rehearsal as we not only taught new choir songs to the Thornbury gang but taught them some of the classic GGCC anthems ready for Saturday. Heather and I really felt like we'd had a workout, as I'm sure the choir did! But they were brilliant, picked up the harmonies quickly.

The Thornbury choir continues to grow in number, new people still joining and now we've settled on which side the altos sit and which side the sopranos sit (!) we're starting to feel that we really are a choir and we do sound good! We are very thankful too for the wonderful refreshments provided before and after each rehearsal.

Shirehampton GGCC are also making sweet music! I was reflecting with one of the original members on how much we had achieved that evening, in terms of learning new words and harmonies and how when we first started people wouldn't have picked it up as fast, we have really come along way as a choir in terms of ability to hear our parts, learn them and then hold them when the others join in. Something to really be proud of. It's been great to see new members joining the Shire crew as well and how well they have been welcomed into the choir family.

Easton GGCC, well they may be the smallest choir in number but they can easily keep up with the bigger choirs! When there are only three or four of you singing a part if you make a mistake it is much more obvious which could put a lot of people off...not our Easton gang! No, they work on through little mistakes, have a laugh and have another go! Again we have had some new members this term and like the Shire choir, they have been welcomed in really well.

I am so privileged to be able to work with all these choirs. Even if I turn up feeling tired, the moment we start, the energy, enthusiasm and commitment become contagious and I leave the session on a high!

Thornbury GGCC raises the roof!

Last night, we had the first ever rehearsal of the Thornbury GGCC choir. What a great start we got off to! There were at least 70 who came. A lot of familiar GGCC faces but lots of new ones too.

Em & Heather were a bit unsure how it would all go but right from the start the sound of singing and singing in three part harmony raised the roof. Although for many the style of learning without words or music was alien, everyone embraced the challenge and worked really hard. We had a great time and are really looking forward to next week!

Here's a pic Em took of Heather leading, not the most exciting shot ever but you might get the general idea!!!

Two Weeks To Go!

So, schools were back today, the Summer holidays are over.

But the positive side is that Gospel Generation Community Choir starts again in two weeks!!!

What's more...we have a new choir starting in Thornbury! Here are all the details:

The Shirehampton GGCC choir starts on Wed 18th September, 6.30pm-7.45pm @ Shirehampton Baptist Church, Station Rd, Shirehampton.

The Easton GGCC starts on Thursday 19th September, 11am-12.15pm @ House of Praise Church, 2 Tudor Rd, Easton.

So, we look forward to seeing everyone again and maybe some new faces too!

Shirehampton Baptist Church, Our Last Summer Gig!

So on Sunday evening, 23rd June, a good number of the GGCC family gathered again to sing in the evening service at Shirehampton Baptist Church. It had been nearly two months since we were last together so we maybe felt a bit rusty at the start of our warm up but in no time at all the confidence was back!

We had a great time sharing some of our favourite songs with the congregation and they did a grand job joining in with some of the songs.

Thank you to Shirehampton Baptist for having us and making us so welcome. Thank you to all who came from GGCC too, quite literally we couldn't do it without you!!!

Gospel Choir at Summerhill Infants, Term 1 ends in style!

So, it's now school half term...we had a beautiful bank holiday weekend but now the rain is back! But just before half term started we had the very first performance of the Summerhill Infants Gospel Choir!

Em getting the choir into place while parents watch on

Explaining to the Mums, Dads and carers they were about to sing too!

For six weeks a group of 20 eager children from years 1 & 2 have been meeting after school on a Friday for an hour, taught by Emma and Marsha (Marsha is in Easton GGCC). In that time they managed to learn four songs, complete with actions and a lot of fun was had along the way! We wanted to show the parents and carers what we had been up to so had a short performance last Friday and even though is was the end of term, the children were tired (and so were the Mums and Dads!), we were given a real treat. They all sang so well, especially the duets and trio! There were quite a few nerves but they all had a go and sang beautifully. Several parents came and told us how much they enjoyed it. Everyone received a certificate and some sweets to take home with them.

We are planning term 2 of the choir which will resume the first Friday back. Em & Marsha need to find some new songs to teach now! Any ideas?!!

GGCC goes on the road...to Calne!

"We're in Calne!"

Here they are, the intrepid GGCC choir members arriving in Calne, Wiltshire on Saturday afternoon.

The lovely Kim!

Rob is a true gent and helps folk off the coach

Heading up the hill to the church

Why were we in Calne? Good question! The Pastor of Calne Baptist Church, Sam King had invited us to come and give a concert at his church to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK. It just so happened too that Calne was where Emma grew up and Calne Baptist Church was her old church, so double the reason to go!

Emma went ahead of the choir in the afternoon to run a Gospel Choir workshop in the church and the lovely Heather Staley went with her too. There were 14 workshop participants and they were brilliant! We managed to teach and learn 5 songs in just 2.5 hours, including actions!

Em explaining roots of Gospel Music to workshop crew...see if you can spot Heather too!

The workshop-ites then joined GGCC for the concert in the evening and became part of a bigger choir. They also got to sing on their own so they could show off what they'd achieved that afternoon. Some of them also volunteered to sing in small groups for one of the songs, at least one of them had not sung in public since they were told by a music teacher at school they couldn't sing (shocking!) so that was a massive step forward for them.

GGCC were treated to a wonderful tea provided by the church, no run of the mill sandwiches and cake there! We felt so welcome.

The concert itself was amazing. GGCC were their usual brilliant self, sang so well and joined in with the actions they'd never done which Em had added to one of the songs, with loads of energy. It was the first time Em had ever led the choir for a whole concert and she loved it. The support and love GGCC gave her made such a huge difference as well.

After the end of the concert it was time for GGCC to get back on the coach and it sounds like there was much fun and laughter...and singing all the way back to Bristol.

Em got an email from Sam at the church too to say a big thank you and also to let us know they'd managed to raise £550 for Alzheimer's Research so that's fantastic!

Shirehampton Primary Gospel Choir's first performance!

Shirehampton Primary School Entrance

On Wednesday this week (17th April) an intrepid group of children from Shirehampton Primary collectively now known as the Shirehampton Primary Gospel Choir performed for the first time...ever!!! They were amazing!

We have been meeting over 7 sessions on Wednesday lunchtimes, each just 30 minutes long and in that time managed to learn words and actions for 3 songs. There were around 16 children who performed on Wednesday to the rest of their school...which is a lot of children! As they had never sung these songs in public before it was slightly daunting but they were all brilliant, sang their hearts out and made me very proud!

It has been a lot of fun getting to know the group, they came up with most of the actions for the songs themselves and even a new verse for one of the songs. We will now take a break over the Summer as Naomi won't be able to help Emma run it anymore. Emma hopes to find a helper for September so she can restart it then...watch this space!

The Wedding of the Century!

So, it's official Geraldine and Carey are now Mr & Mrs!

Geraldine couldn't contain her excitement!!!

It was such a privilege for the GGCC choirs to be part of what was truly the 'wedding of the century'!

From the moment we all arrived at Christchurch Clifton there was a massive buzz of excitement. We all assembled in the crypt area downstairs for warm up and run through.

Em & Kim Samuels were the Choir Directors for the day, leading a combined Renewal/GGCC choir of about 150 people!!!

Before we knew it it, rehearsal time was over and it was time for the wedding. We quickly all assembled on stage and waited for the bride to arrive, and she was bang on time!!!

Geraldine and her Bridal party came down the aisle dodging hundreds of balloons, led by a group of djembe drummers.

Accompanied by the most amazing group of musicians (harp, brass section, djembes, organ, guitars, bass, drums, piano & keys) we all sang our hearts out. The new anthem written by Geraldine & Carey was beautiful and we all remembered it...well most of it!!! 

It truly was a musical extravaganza. All the hymns just came to life and the choir did a fab job of leading the singing. 

Geraldine & Carey exchanged their vows and rings and then sang a verse of Be Thou My Vision (while Em & Naomi frantically tried to get GGCC back on stage as they had to be there sooner than we thought!!!).

Then we had our surprise...SECRET SONG! It was a song Em & Naomi had written especially for Geraldine & Carey and rehearsed in secret with the choir. Called 'The Right Time', the GGCC choirs sang it beautifully and Geraldine was genuinely surprised and I think touched by the song. So well done GGCC! You can hear a version of the song we recorded when you watch the video there is a link for below.

So, after singing Total Praise (WOW!) with Renewal choir it was time for Mr & Mrs Luce to leave. They danced down the aisle to 'Celebrate' by Kool & The Gang which the choirs and band performed...so much fun!

One of many kisses!!!

What a day! We have a short video of the day from the choirs perspective, to watch CLICK HERE

Em & Naomi are so proud of all the GGCC family, we loved being able to celebrate such a joyful occasion with you all

Here's one last pic of the happy couple cutting the cake at the reception!

So, we now send Geraldine off to her new life in London with Carey...we will miss her SO much but know she will come and visit!

Next for GGCC is our concert in Calne on 27th April...watch this space!

Bye for now!

A Fitting End...And Beginning!

On Thursday 7th March the three GGCC choirs from Westbury Park, Shirehampton & Easton came together to celebrate 10 years of the adventure that is GGCC!

It was an evening full of emotion. We were treated to amazing performances of the 'best of' GGCC songs by all the choirs.

Geraldine shared how GGCC had started, with just one song 'Hold on' a decade ago, never dreaming we would be where we are now!

Geraldine warming the choirs up!

Emma explained how she had joined the GGCC family back in January 2007 and then how the Easton GGCC was launched in September 2009

We watched a video which captures a bit of the story of GGCC and we hear from choir members about why they like the choir. You can see this video by clicking here .

GGCC members watching themselves on the video

Nikky & Ju talked about how the Shire Choir had started in 2011 and how it has such a lovely family feel.

Shirehampton GGCC singing Lean on Me

It was also an evening to say goodbye. Firstly goodbye officially to the Westbury GGCC choir as this group won't be continuing after Easter. It has been a wonderful community these last 10 years where Geraldine, Naomi & Emma have all learned so much which has enabled them to take the GGCC dream out to other parts of Bristol. Lives have been touched and changed and we are so deeply thankful. We have invited all the Westbury GGCC to stay in the GGCC family and maybe join one of the other choirs.

We also had to say goodbye to our lovely Geraldine. Yes we'll still see her at the wedding and wedding rehearsals but this was out last GGCC concert with her. It seems impossible to imagine GGCC without her, what an inspirational, funny, talented, humble, Godly woman. She will be deeply missed. Geraldine's move to London means the end to the current GGCC team so it was very fitting that Em & Naomi sang 'I just can't give up now' with Geraldine again. This was a song that deeply impacted both them and many many other when they sang it in March 2012. 

Then after goodbyes it was time to say some hellos! A big hello to the new GGCC team...Heather Staley & Ruth Chandler who have both been part of Westbury GGCC for a while are joining Naomi & Emma to guide GGCC into the future. So they joined us to sing 'Shackles'...and we found a couple of men to join with us too! Thanks Mark & Rob!

To finish off the evening all three choirs sang 'Total Praise'...a favourite of Geraldine's. You can get an idea of how amazing it sounded by clicking here

And the evening wouldn't have been complete with another rendition of the amazing three spiritual medley! Yes Nobody knows, Steal Away & Swing Low Sweet Chariot all sung together, in harmony at the same time! Wow!!!

Before I sign off for now here are a few other pics...

Smiley GGCC!

Before the concert, warming up

Janice & Mearl from Easton GGCC

Marsha sings People Get Ready

A lot to be thankful for Geraldine!

That's it for now. Back soon!