The last few years have been tough going for the Miner Chords but we have managed to finish off 2015 hoping that we have turned the corner.

The highlight of the year without a doubt was the hosting of our Barbershop for Blokes Concert in aid of the Prostate Cancer Foundation. With the generous support of Benchmark, Blindside, Brisbane River City Clippers and Sound Connection we put on a concert of excellence with all patrons absolutely amazed at the standard or all performances including our own and assured us that they want to be at the next one planned for November 19 next year. Though, not as well patronised as we had hoped, given that we only had five weeks to bring it all together, we are very happy with the result.

We have already had some contact from perspective new members and are hopeful that we can increase our membership while retaining all our very resilient current members.

We wish all our brother choruses a safe happy and prosperous festive season.

Howard Kennedy (Miner Chords) Ipswich

 

Barbershop Mirror (Inspired by Derek Cosburn)

 

If I had a vocal mirror to reflect the notes I sing,

I’d put them up against the chords, that I’m supposed to ring.

If I could put my ear to glass and hear that music flow,

Perhaps I’d find the notes and words, I do and do not know!

 

When my ear and voice do not connect, I find the learning slow.

And I am singing quite wrong notes but that, I just don’t know!

When someone else tells me this, I could be quite aggrieved.

But I find that I’ve learnt much more, from those I have believed!

 

If I could find that vocal point and focus on those notes,

I would sing right off the page, as the composer wrote!

Alas those “simple” music scores for me, don’t play out loud.

“I cannot read some music notes!” for me they’re dots endowed!

 

 There’s lots to learn, so little time, so much to get so right.

I can hardly expect to learn it all, in just one over-night!

My mouth shapes need some work, such is my learning phase.

Notes and words to correct to avoid the MD’s “gaze!”

 

So mirror, mirror on the wall, please reflect my song.

So other parts combine with mine, as chords and get along.

With symmetry and harmony, the music we will bring

A bright and shiny new dimension in, to songs we all can sing!
 

Howard Kennedy 23.06.2016