CONTEST TIME FOR SPANGLES
Spangles Ladies’ Harmony Chorus is ramping up to compete for their third gold medal in April this year. Winners of the Spanish Association of Barbershop Singers (SABS) chorus contests in 2011 and 2013, the chorus has to take a year out after each win, so 2015 is the year that they can ‘go for gold’ again. “We’ve been working hard on our contest package of two songs, an uptune and a ballad,” commented Musical Director, Gail Grainger. “Our chorus is facing stiff competition from other choruses in Spain and Portugal and we need to keep one step ahead.” This will be the last competition with Gail at the helm, as she returns to live in the UK on 2 May. Gail joined Spangles as Assistant Musical Director in January 2008, taking over as Musical Director in September that same year;she has been instrumental in helping the chorus win two gold medals and to represent Spain on the British barbershop stage. When Gail leaves, the chorus will remain in good hands with incoming Joint Chorus Directors: Wendy Grant and Dawn Ritch, who will be supported by Assistant Chorus Director, Liz Lewis.
Spangles will attend the SABS7th annual convention in Benalmádena, Málaga and will be competing on Saturday, 18 April. Apart from selecting and learning their two contest songs, they have been busy fundraising for a new stage costume. The chorus is growing all of the time and there will be 45 on stage at Benalmádena, so costs are quite high. “We have a fabulous couturier in San Javier, who has helped us create a stunning outfit,” remarked Lyn Baines, co-Chorus Manager. “We have been working together for months to agree the design, source the fabric and get everyone measured and fitted, so that we have that ‘wow’ factor on stage.” New Latin dance shoes have also been purchased, to match the dresses and complete the overall look. “We are an amateur chorus which is self-funding and our ladies have worked tirelessly over the past 18 months to raise funds.”
Part of that fundraising includes their dress rehearsal concert on Wednesday, 8 April at 7.30 pm at the Salon de Plenos, Ayuntamiento de Los Alcázares and Spangles looks forward to welcoming their friends, family and supporters, who will have the opportunity to see the new outfits and hear the two contest songs. Tickets are available at just 5€ each – book yours by calling 968 574 987, 968 334 527 or868 186 020 or email: boxoffice@spangleschorus.com
Spangles welcomes new members so, if you’re looking to make new friends and enjoy singing, why not visit Spangles when they rehearse at Las Claras? They meet every Thursday from 10.00am to 1.00pm.
Please call Lyn on 968574 987 or Anthea on 968334527 to book Spangles or to find out how to join, or visit the website: www.spangleschorus.com.
photo courtesy of: LABBS 2014