Waiheke Island Choral Society Inc.
Minutes of a Committee Meeting Held at the Home of Jack & Marie Watson
On Sunday 11th June 2006
Meeting opened at 4.05 pm.
Present: Jeanne Mellamphy (Chair), Pat Atkin, Richard Melville, Philip Symonds, Janis McCartain, Marie Watson, Jack Watson.
Apologies from Mark James and Andy Spence were sustained. Jack/Marie.
Minutes of the previous meeting (21/05/06) were confirmed. Philip/Pat.
Matters arising: With regard to the need for a relief accompanist, the Committee agreed to wait and see what happens. Other matters under this heading were held over for General Business.
Correspondence: Jeanne had sent a card of congratulations to our Patron George Hudson and his wife Judy on the occasion of their obtaining planning consent to proceed with their development on the Onetangi Straight.
Finance: In the absence of (Treasurer) Mark there was no report. Mark pursued the possibility of obtaining a grant towards the Society’s 30th Anniversary celebrations, and $600.00 has been granted.
General Business: Richard reported that rehearsals for “Mainly Mozart” continue, and he intends to hold some voluntary rehearsals on Friday nights, sopranos/altos and tenors/basses on alternate weeks. He is now looking at some time in August for the two performances, to be held on a consecutive Saturday and Sunday in St. Peter’s Church, Oneroa. Because of the venue, tickets can not be sold, but the likelihood is that we will ask for Koha to be given “for programmes.” The A Capella Choir will be performing a Sung Evensong in St. Peter’s Church, Onehunga on Sunday 16th July. The Secretary is to write to the Promotions Officer of Fullers Ferries asking if the Company is prepared to donate return fares for the 16 or so members of A Capella choristers on this occasion, pointing out that a good many Society members are expected to accompany them, at their own expense. Jeanne mentioned that the Society has funds available to subsidise A Capella members’ travel on this occasion.
“Iolanthe:” The Show Sub-Committee met on 22nd. May. Everything looks very positive, and we are aiming for performances during the first two weeks in November. Some of the principals can go into rehearsals while “Mozart” is still in rehearsal, while the choruses can be rehearsed after “Mozart” has been performed.
Philip has discussed the script with Brenda Vale, who has produced a most acceptable synopsis for this. It allows for fairies of more maturity than envisaged by Gilbert. Their wings are to be obtained from “Cheryl the Fairy Lady.”
Special mention was made of Brenda’s invaluable work on the script.
Co-Directors for the performances are to be Philip and Andy. Christine Jarman may be able to help.
Jenny Knight is to be asked to be Stage Manager, and Bernard Rhodes is also to be asked for help.
Richard Melville is to be Musical Director.
The Society has existing backdrops, which can be used for the production.
Casting is to be undertaken in a spirit of “benevolent dictatorship,” rather than by means of auditions. It is hoped that this approach will avoid any hurt feelings. Costuming is to be in modern dress, possibly with a slightly “hippy” theme.
A Budget of $5,000.00 is proposed.
Philip is to book 3 or 4 weekends at Artworks for “Iolanthe” and also an opening performance in the Omiha Welfare Society Hall, Rocky Bay.
An advertisement calling for Volunteers for the cast of “Iolanthe” is to be placed in the “Gulf News” by Jack, at the beginning of July, giving Philip’s phone number as the contact.
Philip suggested that future business for the Show can be dealt with in full Committee, rather than by the Sub-Committee, and helpers can be co-opted as necessary.
The practice night of Tuesday 18th July is to be devoted to “Iolanthe” instead of the usual Mozart and A Capella practices.
The show Mum’s Choir” at Sky City was recommended to Choir members.
Having regard to (a) the social success and (b) the somewhat meagre catering of the recent Choral Society evening at the Golf Club, the Surfdale Bowling Club was suggested as the venue for the next similar function.
Next Committee meeting is to be at 6.15 pm. in the Palm Beach Hall, on Tuesday 18th July, before the “Iolanthe” night. Moved by Marie, seconded by Philip that Marie cater for the Committee on that night.
This meeting closed at 5.00 pm.