The Blenders

Type of post:	Club news
Sub-type:	No sub-type
Posted By:	Dick Bushell
Status:	Current
Date Posted:	Thu, 22 Jun 2017

Blenders Lift in Sunshine Regionals
The Sunshine Regional competition was a great outcome for the chorus and the new sound we have been pursuing. Scores were aligned with our best regional efforts and the feedback from the judges was encouraging and informative. Most importantly for us, there was an endorsement of the program we are pursuing.
The Blenders based quartets also did well with all lifting in scores, medal winning and particularly our newer quartets delivering qualifying scores. We were so proud of all of them and now look forward to the Pan Pacific contest later this year.

Voices in Paradise 2017
The Blenders hosted the fifth annual Voices in Paradise A Cappella Revolution in May and what a fantastic time it was. The young talent on show was truly inspiring. With Blindside coaching fantastic and funny was the order of the day and the youth responded producing an outstanding sound. The other coaching group, Drums of War, were simply amazing demonstrating their Australian title and professional status. Their coaching was fabulous but when they took to the stage in the concert that night, they simply blew the audience away. I encourage you to check them out. The afterglow follow on performances were strong and this informal environment had the crowds hanging on for more. With our goals of bringing more people to A cappella singing and entertaining the public, VIP2017 was right on track.

The Big Man Came to Town in June, not Santa, Jim
Each year Blenders has a weekend retreat with an international coach and this year was a doozie. Jim Henry, (Gashouse Gang, Crossroads, Ambassadors of Harmony) and his family have spent a week with us and we are still flying high on the adrenaline of the rehearsals. His experience, intelligence and drive for awesome singing were a spiritual experience. The Henry family had a great time getting some Australian experiences at wildlife sanctuaries and the Gold Coast hinterland but introducing Jim to TimTam straws was a site to behold. Jim left us with fabulous skills and insights on how to move and sing as one, live in a space above the pitch, deliver awesome vowels all in an effortless, beautiful tone.

We were exhausted and exhilarated in equal measures but sounding so wow. Jim, the Blenders love you and can’t wait for you to emigrate. Thank you; you are simply a wonderful human.

Tom Lawson