Thread by @Kate_Laverty

As I think about this @Eurovision #Eurovision2023 , I wonder – are we truly united by music? I considered writing some scathing diatribe saying ‘no’. And then realised I was wrong.

Because this popped up on my @YouTube feed 👇

@ChoirOfTheEarth, directed by @mrbenengland, teach music line-by-line in full choir & sectional rehearsals via YouTube. You record your own voice @ home, on your📱! A team of elves / sound engineers play back YOUR performance in a live online concert.

So what? Well, I was at the Messiah in person get together in Belfast, hosted by @DownandConnor.

I thought
get a church + sing = go time 🎙️

But no. No no no no no.

We had to:
Check where members wanted to meet, e.g. @StPeterMancroft. Then, before acoustics, members in that area privileged the fact that @ChoirOfTheEarth is an inclusive choir. 🎤💻

Disability needs were ranked as a priority – could members, who loved the online format because it enabled them to enjoy their choral talents in a way ableist choirs did not, take part? 🩼👩‍🦼👩‍🦽 #nosteps

Then, could they ensure members were well cared for. Was there tea? Could buns be had? @SaraCamplisson looked after this in St. Malachy’s, Alfred Street, and indeed, buns and @BorderBiscuits were enjoyed immensely.

Then – were there local singers and soloists, organists and percussionists who might lend greater distinction to the voices of the lovely @NSEdwardsAuthor @bridgetjonesni @50jillydee @msiese @Goodey3shoes @ayres1_nina 🎶🎹🎙️

I thought not - have you seen this
coronation.gov.uk/event/choir-of…
But @lecale_red proved me wrong.

The juxtaposition of this photo & link is not inconsequential. One is sang in a Catholic Church, hurriedly cleared in time for mass. And the other celebrates the coronation of the Head of the Church of England. #Coronation

Again:

So, #disabled people are catered for; weary travellers are catered for; LGBTQIA+ peeps represent; all faiths and none are accommodated; old and young; even those who can’t actually sing but want to are welcomed. I was at the back of the Church. Some notes were quite distinct.

And it wins awards:
swindonlink.com/news/birthday-… @swindonlink
bbc.co.uk/news/uk-englan… @BBCNews

So, as I ponder whether we are in fact united in music, I watch




And remember that with 10,000 members since 2020, all singing in 1 gloriously inclusive choir, we are indeed #UnitedByMusic 🎶👩‍🦽🚶‍♂️♂️♀️⚧️🩼🏳️‍🌈👴