More mics but no books

More microphones at rehearsal last night...brought back scary memories of my last run-in with them! But I soon got over it. Just a full sing-through from start to finish, with no books. Everyone actually did really well. I think the chorus surprised themselves with how much they actually knew. Overall it sounded really good, especailly as there were a lot of poeple missing.

Principal numbers went OK...I think both me and Pete were a bit rusty after having a week off, so there were one or two slip ups here and there, but generally I think we did alright. Act 2 was, as usual, the best for me. I think it shows how much I need to warm up that I only really feel happy with my voice once I get to the second half.

I did "Judas' Death" a bit different this time...much more like on the CD - down an octave and starting quiet. I think it works better that way - much more dramatic...building up in intensity to the "slime and the mud". Must remember to do this every time.

A special mention must go to the Apostles. It was great when we got to "The Last Supper"...they all stood up to do their bit and it sounded fantastic - very male-voice choir! Then at the last repeat, their drunken version was hilarious...how me and Pete are going to maintain our angry faces through this I don't know!

Had the fun of trying to sort out all our ticket order before I left last night. What a nightmare! we have about £320 worth of tickets to buy for friends and family. Some have sent cheques, some haven't. Realised some could have family tickets to make it cheaper....really pushed our mathematical skills to the limit! Anyway, we figured it all out and brought the form and moeny to rehearsal, only to find that Susan wasn't there to take it...ho hum. Will have to post it after all.

So now we have 2 weeks off. I think I'm going to have to make a real effort now to practice regularly. I can't go 3 weeks without singing this stuff as it takes me ages to get my voice back into shape. I'll try really hard to stick to a routine!