Having had the good fortune to be awarded a scholarship from Harmony Foundation I attended the 2006 Directors' College in January.

All my pre course preparation completed, I made my way, with chorus colleague Barry Clinton, to Coventry.

We arrived in good time to check in to the hotel and then over to the school for dinner and the welcome session.

With timetable safely tucked into my folder, I returned to the hotel for the evening and, following a tiring day, adjourned to my room rather earlier than the late night taggers.

Saturday morning and into the full realisation of what I had got myself into. The first session was a familiar format of Management training which I had endured many times during my business career and, although it was made more interesting by the delivery style, I was a little turned off. Been there, done that.

The coaching in director skills was excellent. Trying to wave my arms with a penny stuck on the back of my hands was, to say the least, difficult but after a while, possible. Congratulations to Cherry and Kevan for a good job.

The college chorus session was amazing. I had spent an inordinate amount of time learning the college song and I really enjoyed the whole performance and the student who directed us showed just what can be done by a novice with some teaching and application.

Sunday came very quickly. Chorus directing session. I was an early performer at 09.29 so I had little time to get wound up. The Anvil chorus assembled on the risers and I felt quite small in front of them. I need not have worried; Cherry guided me through the 13 minute session (all too short) with skill and increased my confidence by the second. Now to watch myself on the video playback, not a pretty sight, Cherry was very complimentary and never for one minute ceased her encouraging comments. She made me feel that I was ready for anything.

Pointers for the future.

More singing, music, directing and a little less business management. Aren't we supposed to enjoy our hobby?

In closing I would like to thank the Foundation for the opportunity to savour the fellowship and instruction on DCVI, it has given me new ideas to put before my chorus and I will expect better performances from them (and me) in the future.

Special thanks to Mike Taylor, Chris Davidson, and Cherry Hartshorn not forgetting my good friend Steve Armstrong.

Addendum.

The accommodation and service at the hotel was excellent and the school catering was thoughtful and varied. Very tasty.

A great weekend, congratulations to Mike Lofthouse and his gang.

Tony Langdown Sheffield Barbershop Harmony Club