Page 16 - Fall 2020 Tags and Swipes

Tags and Swipes, Fall 2020

Island Grove Chorus

Island Grove Chorus grieves the sudden passing of Kathy Oldham, Lead

Island Grove Chorus (IGC) was shocked at the sudden news of the passing of Kathy Oldham, Lead, on
Sunday, 8-16-20. (As I write this, IGC members and I will be attending her memorial service
tomorrow, alas.). As her husband, Joe, said, her brave little heart just gave out.”

We have decided to not sing as IGC at her memorial service, though we wish we could, because we will
all be wearing masks…how can we sing? Also, there will be limitations on the number of people
permitted inside at once. Yet, Kathy Oldham deserves to be honored with song; she was known within
IGC as a cheerful, hardworking singer who brought humor and enthusiasm to rehearsals and
performances. The coronavirus has been cruel to singers!

IGC has been conducting weekly Zoom sessions, which have had mixed success. Problems include the
need to “mute” everyone but one speaker at a time, making harmonies an impossibility. Advantages
include encouraging personal rehearsals to prepare for Zoom sessions, along with sustaining the
friendships already forged.

We have not had full attendance at our Zoom sessions; some members are “regulars” while others are
AWOL…. We are encouraging everyone in IGC to join for a “special chorus business meeting”, where
certain housekeeping items can be attended to. Also to be discussed: how to sustain the chorus in the
long run. Perhaps some good ideas will come bubbling forth from our members….inspiration sorely
needed!

Meanwhile, our own IGC quartet, The Fourmidables, has started up summertime outdoor rehearsals.
They stand six feet apart in a grassy back yard and get to sing! Kudos for being an example to us all!

Wishing everyone good health in the upcoming season. Be well!

Adelene Ellenberg

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North Atlantic Region 1 Sweet Adelines