Waiheke Island Choral Society Inc.

President’s Annual Report 2007–08

As a former President who’s here to speak by invitation, I feel I’ve something in common with Bill Clinton. Rest assured, however, that my wife has no political ambitions!

I’d like to start this report by paying tribute to Jan McCartain, who, as you all know, passed away last year. Jan was a long-time member of the Society, who sang with the main Choir, also with A Capella, and took part enthusiastically in all productions. She was something of a thespian, and it was on stage that her dry sense of humour came into its own. Jan was a former President, she served on the Committee for years and years, and, whenever a job needed doing, Jan was there, often so unobtrusively one didn’t realise it had needed doing at all. It was only when she could no longer manage to be actively involved that I came to realise just how much she did---so many things we took for granted when she was with us. A good friend to all of us, and sadly missed.

2007 will always go down in our memories as “the year of The King and I.” When Richard first proposed that the Society do it, the sher size of the project seemed daunting. To speak of a “journey” these days is an absolute cliché, yet there really is no other suitable term to describe our production of “The King and I.” We lived with it for so long, difficulties were encountered along the way, the most obvious being cast changes, including several principals. The project took far longer than expected, everyone will say a different time, so I’ll simply say somewhere between seven and nine months. Although we had financial reserves, which would have met a shortfall, the Committee had concerns about the cost of the production (oh, we of little faith!) but as Treasurer Mark will tell you in his report, “The King and I” made a record profit for the Society.

The principals, in particular Marion and Andy (neither of them, originally, cast members) devoted an extraordinary amount of time and effort to perfecting their roles. It was Andy who remarked that one percent of his entire life had been spent with “The King and I.”

As we all know, “The King and I” was a resounding success in every way. There was a wonderful sense of shared purpose and dedication, which, more than anything, overcame every obstacle. I can speak for everyone, the cast of over seventy and all of us who worked behind the scenes, when I say that it was a privilege to be part of this wonderful undertaking.

I can’t mention individuals, because there were simply so many who did so much. However, I just have to say something about Ann Sutton’s huge contribution as Wardrobe Mistress. The research, the design, the recruitment of helpers, her painstaking attention to absolute quality, the weeks and months of sheer hard work she put in were unbelievable. Maya’s work on masks and some other components for the Ballet Sequence are also worthy of special mention. The costumes and effects were absolutely stunning, and there would be few productions, amateur or professional, with costumes as lavish.

Now, I want to mention those patient and understanding Choir members who were not involved with “The King and I.” There simply was not time, nor opportunity for the Choir to practise anything else during all those long months, and the forbearance of all those people was very, very much appreciated.

A Capella did manage to continue practising, performing a Choral Evensong in Onehunga, and then in St. Peter’s Church, Oneroa, the latter very well attended.

The Choir gave a Christmas concert in the Palm Beach Hall, well-received by a large and appreciative audience.

I’d like to thank the Committee for their support and hard work. Vice-President Jeanne Mellamphy, whose encyclopaedic knowledge of Choral Society history has been invaluable to me. Our Secretary, Ann Jocelyn, unfortunately, was incapacitated for some months with a very painful back problem, during which time Jeanne Mellamphy undertook the Secretary’s duties, a task she’d a lot of experience at! For the rest of the year, however, Ann carried out her tasks with a quiet efficiency which I’ve found both helpful and reassuring.

Mark James has continued as an exemplary Treasurer. Like the Queen, he is always available to advise and warn, but, like a good treasurer, he also carries out the arduous task of keeping the books in perfect order.

Richard, our Musical Director, has been a joy to work with. His vast knowledge and complete lack of what is politely known as “temperament” have been appreciated more than I can ever say.

Dee Austring somehow slipped into a liaison role during “The King and I” rehearsals, and what we’d have done without her keeping everyone informed, I don’t know. It was so helpful and so impressive that the Committee formalised her position, and thanks to her and Marion Knight (on the phone) everyone now knows what they should be doing, and when they should be doing it!

It’s been a good Committee, with all members pulling their weight whenever needed, and making themselves useful in practical ways, as well as taking their part in meetings---it’s impossible to name everyone, but I’ll just mention Marie and Maya, who provided food at frequent intervals for the Committee (who, perforce, had to meet at what would normally be dinner time) and for those involved in “The King and I.”

Our generous and always interested Patron, George Hudson, has moved to the Bay of Plenty, but he graciously accepted the Patron’s office again, and, together with his wife, revisited the Island to see “The King and I.”

Following “The King and I,” and by way of an early Christmas function for Society members, a Thai Banquet was held at the Waiheke Bowling Club. This was a great success, much enjoyed by all present.

I’d like to mention our appreciation of the Palm Beach Progressive Association (and Mary Sullivan in particular) for their co-operation with the hire of the Palm Beach Hall, “home” to the Society for our regular rehearsals. During the later stages of rehearsals for “The King and I” the Hall was not used. (For logistical reasons A Capella rehearsed in Whittakers during this time.) The Progressive Association’s generosity in holding our Tuesday night rehearsal slot at no charge was really appreciated.

It was with real regret that Marie and I had to tender our resignations at the first Committee meeting of the year. Changing family circumstances made us decide to return to Pukekohe, and the quick sale of our Surfdale property took us by surprise. When I agreed to become President, it was with the intention of giving the position at least another term.

In conclusion, Marie and I wish the Society all the very best for the future. It is encouraging to see it on a sound footing financially, and enjoying the participation of more younger people.

Jack Watson