During the happy years of the Lampard Ensemble, one of the most telling things we did was our annual visit to the Isle of Skye, where we gave many concerts, made many friends and had many interesting, funny and at times dangerous adventures. We knew all the best eating places, all the finest beaches, and many of the singers still have their collection of shells to prove it! Skye saw laughter, tears and much in the way of 'tellings off' by Ann, but above all gave the singers a love for the breathtaking beauty of the Hebrides, and the memory of the warm and friendly folk. We were so lucky in having dear friends Canon Charles Johnson and his wife Joscelyn whose endless hospitality allowed us year after year to stay at No 3 Drumfearn, for two weeks or more. Ann arranged a new Hebridean folksong each year for what ever group of singers were going and these always remained favourites with the singers. Other songs were arrangements such as Swing Low Sweet Chariot which was for Sara Bell and Mark 'rugby fanatic' Reynolds' wedding, or the Road to the Isles for the memorial service of Joan Ellerton, whose husband John was one of our greatest supporters. These songs mark the history, and are greatly loved by some of the singers who now teach, and use them with their own singers - that has got to be the finest of compliments! This list comprises just a few of the best!
VOCAL ARRANGEMENTS
'SONGS FOR MORAG'
a) The Wild Mountain Thyme SSA
b) The Mingulay Boat Song SSA
c) Russian Weaving Song Solo SA and
Chorus SA
d) Were You There? SSA
e) Skye Boat Song SATB
f) All Through the Night SAB
g) Iona Boat Song SATB
h) Swing Low SATB
g) Eriskay Love Lilt SATB
h) The Road to the Isles SATB/SSA
All the above arrangements have been tried and tested many times in concert and competition. Ann began writing her own arrangements of songs for one simple reason -" Having so many young voices it became very plain that many part songs, although perhaps beautiful, were using too wide a range for newly broken boys, and fragile teenage girls voices! The most important element of my arrangements is not to overstretch those young instruments, and to encourage beauty of tone, and sensitive quiet singing."
They also allow for a wide variety of solo opportunities, and can be used at the discretion of each individual conductor. They also work very well with small numbers so can be very useful examination material.
FOR DETAILS OF EACH WITH REGARD TO RANGE PLEASE CONTACT ANN AND SHE WILL BE HAPPY TO GIVE YOU ANY INFORMATION YOU WISH.
