We’re Off to Calpe!
Just when you think they couldn’t get any better, Spangles manage to ramp up their performance by another notch. Saturday, 22 March, was no exception, when they performed their convention package to a rapt audience at Las Claras in Los Alcázares, before they head off to the Spanish Association of Barbershop Singers’ (SABS) convention in Calpe, Alicante on 3 April.
The sparkle and energy they radiated belied the fact that they had had a full-on day of rehearsals before the show. “Everyone has worked so incredibly hard to ensure that our performance on the Calpe stage, as outgoing SABS champions, is our very best and I am very proud of them” commented Spangles Musical Director, Gail Grainger. “We cannot compete at convention in the year following our gold medal win, but we will be mic-warming for the SABS chorus contest and we want to give them a champion performance”.
Three quartets from within Spangles, Viva, Chardonnay and Fénix, will be competing at Calpe in the SABS quartet contest and Viva Quartet opened the show with their two contest songs. “Unfortunately, Chardonnay was a member down and Fénix wasn’t available for the mini-show.” said co-Chorus Manager, Anthea Prentice. “Viva did a great job performing their contest songs to a live audience for the first time, and the whole chorus will be rooting for all three quartets in Calpe.”
Spangles has grown in size since winning the gold medal in 2013 and six new members will be performing at convention for the first time this year. Three of those members performed for the very first time on Saturday: Donna Walsh, Cath Hunter and Linda Theaker, passing their auditons in record time. “They’ve done an amazing job and we’re all delighted to welcome them to the chorus” remarked Anthea Prentice.
The audience was treated to a finale with a difference; duo Sandy Bailey (vocals) and Wendy Grant (saxophone) have only been rehearsing together for 2 weeks, but they wowed their audience with their star performance.
Spangles’ success would not be possible without all the work that goes on behind the scenes and the supporters who help at rehearsals and shows, so special thanks goes to all those unsung heroes.
Spangles has released a CD called ‘Pure Gold’, which includes their two winning contest songs and many audience favourites. ‘Pure Gold’ is on sale at 5 Euros and makes an ideal gift. Call 968 432 525 or 968 334 527 to order your copy.
Spangles welcomes new members so, if you’re looking to make new friends and enjoy singing, why not visit Spangles when they rehearse at Las Claras? They meet every Thursday from 10.30am to 1.00pm.