When the world stopped in March 2020, like many choirs and choruses, we found ourselves in a strange position: we could either bring everything to a halt, or move to virtual rehearsals (for a few months until things returned to normal, we said…).
A few stalwart members stuck with Zoom for the next fifteen months, singing along to learning tracks while everyone else was muted. Others took a break, finding the experience lacking in the human factor they loved so much.
Regardless of which group we found ourselves in, the 22nd of June marked the first step in returning to normal. John, chairman of Hull Barbershop Harmony Club and singer in Humber Harmony, generously offered his garden – complete with gazebo for those days summer turned very British – and so we met in person for the first time in well over a year.
With various amounts of nervousness, we sang through some of our old favourites: Lean on Me – an apt choice after the year we had – and Holding Out for a Hero – the first song we ever put together. We also gave Anthem (from the musical Chess) a good run. Most of it was far from perfect, as can be expected after such a long time apart, but the feeling of singing together once again brought a smile on every face.
We are thrilled to be back in some form, and look forward to building our repertoire and ability to eventually perform to an audience again!