Telephone Number : 01444 241269
Email address : BHKClub@aol.com
Contact name : Rosalie Birchmore
Venue address : Cyprus Hall, Cyprus Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 8DX
We are a collection of people who enjoy live music - listening to it or making it. We meet every month at the Cyprus Road Hall, Burgess Hill, West Sussex to hear a visiting professional play a two-hour live music show on the electronic organ. If you have never heard an electronic organ, you will not realise what a variety of music can be created using it. One of the professionals refers to his instrument as a 'digital orchestra', and this is a very good description. Music can be made in many different styles, recreating famous big-band sounds, for example, marching bands, orchestras, Mantovani-type strings, small jazz groups, theatre organ, and even classical organ - the list is endless and the variety is enormous.
In addition to the monthly concerts there is a special Extravaganza Concert each year at the Martletts Hall when it is hoped to 'spread the word' to those who may have not yet come across the Club, or indeed the music. This annual event has enjoyed enormous success so far. If you are interested in making music, there are also opportunities to talk to like-minded individuals and to join in with the informal get-togethers at members' houses.
The Club has been in existence for a number of years now, founded in September 1991 by the late (sadly missed) Dave Birchmore and his wife, Rosalie. It has always been enthusiastically run by the founders and the Committee, and well supported by all the members and friends.
The club usually meets on the third Friday of the month at 7.30pm
Subscription: £20.00 Single or £30.00 family
Members admission: Included in subscription
Visitors admission: £3.00
JULY 2009 B.H.K.C. NEWSLETTER
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This Month's Artiste is Nicholas Martin
Cyprus Road Hall
Friday 17th July ‘09
7.30 p.m.
REVIEW OF THE CONCERT ON FRIDAY 19TH JUNE ABLY ASISSTED BY BRIAN.
An extremely varied performance from a very talented young man that we are sure will be able to realise his ambition to play for the organ clubs full time in the future. We will most certainly invite him back to our Club as the comments heard at the end of the evening were all very complimentary. Richard Monks said that he was playing the Roland AT900C (portable version) but his step-Dad said that it was just as heavy to move as the standard model and with a full pedal board, we quite agree!! Commencing with “Aces High” we heard all the instruments of the brass band coupled with a great strict rhythm section and all the band took their breath in the right places.
A projector screen showed us what was going on as well. Onto music that Richard’s Granddad liked to hear and this was James Last and “Games That Lovers Play” and “Happy Heart” nice piano here mixing with flute and good counter melody in the left hand. Tunes from the 1960’s showed us the instrumental side of the Roland with “Telstar” with great special effects, “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” and “I Only Wanna Be With You”.
The theme music from the film “Cocoon” followed and this was once again new to me with a very dramatic opening followed by the gentler sounds, a lot of hard work in the left hand again with a counter melody and Richard was really beginning to warm to us and us to him also. “Topsy” was a nice tune for the piano accordion and then to the film theme from “The Wicked Witch Of The West” and following on from this “You Raise Me Up”
which is getting to be quite a standard nowadays. The Theatre organ was not left out and there was a medley which included “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen” (ah yes, I remember it well.)
Up to the half time with tunes from the show “Mack and Mabel”.
Suitably fed and watered, Richard had changed into a black shirt and we were off with a medley of Abba tunes including “Super Trouper”. “Highland Cathedral” was played creating the sound of the bagpipes before changing to the mighty Church organ. “Cherokee” and “Undecided” were treated to the big band style and it really was great. Lots of feet tapping. Once more into the film themes with “You Only Live Twice” from James Bond and this was really so close to the original sound-track – very cleverly done – he obviously listens very well to the originals. Asking us if we could remember Matt Munro, Richard played the theme from The Italian Job “On Days Like These” quickly followed by “Born Free” featuring the very clear trumpet of the Roland and ending with the gentle singing voices, From Strictly Come Dancing was a Samba that Richard dedicated to John Sergeant -“Delicado”, “I Love You And Don’t You Forget It” (shades of Perry Como) and it was good to see all Richard’s fingers moving at once. A lovely ballad “One Moment In Time” with the flute to begin with followed by acoustic guitar, lots of good registration changes and a lovely ending. Back to the Theatre organ and Blackpool to finish off with - “I Love Paris” and could we detect a little bit of the Blackpool Bounce about him and Richard certainly showed off the dexterity of his fingers with “Tiger Rag” with his hands flying over both keyboards at once.
An encore of course and what more can one say but “Thank You For The Music”.
We certainly had plenty of that and we look forward to a return visit from Richard.
THIS MONTH’S ARTISTE
There is not a lot that Nicholas doesn’t know regarding Theatre and electronic organ playing.
He has his own fan club that was formed in September 1995 and one of the major highlights
in his career was to perform in concert at the Kirk of Dunedin – a community Church on the
West Coast of Florida. January 2009 saw his 22nd trip across the Atlantic and his 23rd visit
is scheduled for January 2010. A very busy young man and very much in demand throughout
the Country and a joy to listen to.
Certainly a musician’s musician.
NEXT MONTH’S ARTISTE
Phil Brown will be visiting us from Derby where he teaches Organ, Piano and Keyboards.
He has performed with Des O’Connor, the late Klaus Wunderlich, and the Joe Loss
and Syd Lawrence Orchestras.
Has performed at the International Music Festival for Bohm in Bad Oeynhausen,
Germany in October 1998 and October 2000.
Another great musician – another great night to look forward to.
WE KNOW THE CREDIT CRUNCH IS ON BUT………
At this month’s meeting could we please have the £20 deposit for those of us off to Sand Bay next April.
We will be collecting for Thursford at our August meeting. Thankyou.
CHANGE OF ARTISTE FOR 16TH OCTOBER
Please note that our Artiste for October will be CHRIS JONES.
SINCERE CONDOLENCES
Our sincere condolences go to Mrs. Betty Cobb and family on their loss of Ray.
He always supported the Club whenever he could and he will be sadly missed
by the many friends that he had within the Club.
A very confident Brett Wales graced our stage dressed in a brilliant red jacket, black shirt, white tie and black trousers and commenced his programme with “Ghost Riders In The Sky” with galloping horses, a brilliant trumpet, electric guitar and male singers actually singing the words to the song (how does he do that)? and this was a taster of Brett’s expertise in handling his Wersi Scala. We were suddenly surprised towards the ending of this piece as a little country and western music could be heard. “My Blue Heaven” and “Whispering” had Stephane Grappelli joining us in trad jazz style while we tapped our little toes with great gusto. A favourite of Brett’s “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” (and here Brett said ‘a couple of pints down the pub helps’) composed by the Gibb Brothers was played with great feeling and beautifully orchestrated. Then of course, big band with “in The Mood” and Fred’s lighting was excellent. Plenty going on for this piece, terrific rhythm and a fabulous ending – just like the real thing. A little of Abba with “Super Trouper” and again the organ sang the words. “Sleepy Time Girl” had a lively backing and incorporated the organ sounds – very gently played. “These Boots Are Made For Walking” actually heard the boots ‘walking’ throughout the piece – very descriptive and the words once again could be heard coming from the Wersi. Brett told us that he played for strict tempo dancing and in the style of Bert Kaemphert (don’t know if I have spelled that correctly), we heard “Red Roses For A Blue Lady” and “Clair” this time featuring the beautiful strings and piano. Now for the really big one – “Caravan” with Indian drums beating and yes, a really big orchestra. After this a gentle “Strangers In The Night” and Brett confided that he used to play this to get Bethany (his daughter) to sleep. To close the first half a very popular country and western style from the film Deliverance “Duelling Banjo’s.” What a way to end a first half!!
Again some more country and western this time in the Johnny Cash style closely followed by ” Tea For Two.” The beautiful Peruvian Pan Pipes were so beautiful playing “El Condo Pasa.” We were visited by the group Queen with “It’s A Kind Of Magic” using recorded vocals and also some nifty footwork and for this particular piece Brett used multi tracking. The “Blue Danube Waltz” composed by Johann Strauss had the most brilliant introduction and surely once again the multi tracking was well worth the sound. I think Johann would most certainly have given his approval to this particular rendition. “Flight Of The Bumble Bee” had Brett swatting the bees away from him whilst playing (there certainly seemed to be quite a swarm). Then on to Elvis and “The Wonder Of You” always a showstopper this one. From then, straight into Jerry Lee Lewis type of piano playing with rock and roll and “Good Golly Miss Molly” and the solo electric guitar was terrific. “My Way” is a great way to finish a concert and the electric guitar took the melody for the start and gradually we were being gently led into once again full orchestra mode. There was of course an encore featuring country and western which seems to be a particular favourite of Brett. Truly another great evening.
TIME FOR THANKS
We would like to thank everyone that helps so readily in the kitchen on Concert nights and a special thank you to Doreen who is going to have a little ‘breather’ from the hectic goings on. In her place for the moment is Jan. We had a new lady, I think her name is Kate, who just rolled her sleeves up and got ‘stuck in’ and also Michael who does his bit and we are all kept under the control of Violet who runs the kitchen so efficiently so we hope we have not left anyone out.Thank you.
THIS MONTH’S (May) ARTISTE
Elizabeth Harrison will be travelling from Chorley in Lancashire for her Concert with us. Her concerts are always full of humour and happiness and she will amaze you when she tells you some of her ‘jobs’. She will be playing an ivory Yamaha EL900i electronic organ although she is equally at home on theatre organs. Those of us that were at Byron’s Festival in April will well remember her concert there.
NEXT MONTH’S (June) ARTISTE
June will see our first newcomer of the year, Richard Monks. We can’t tell you a lot about him at the moment but there will be information in the next Newsletter.
CHARITY CONCERT BY THE CENTRAL BAND OF THE R.A.F.
On Sunday 10th May at Burgess Hill School For Girls there will be a Band Concert by kind permission of the Air Defence Council. Doors open at 6.30p.m. for a 7.15p.m. start. Tickets are priced at £11.00 (no concessions) and are available from Christmas Insurance Brokers at the top of Station Road.
BYRONS MUSIC FOR ALL – SAND BAY – APRIL 9TH – 12TH 2010 Those of us that went off this April really had a good time together and so far we have numbers totalling 36 for next year although Martyns Leisure have allocated us 50 places therefore if you would like to join us next year please let me know as soon as possible as to get the £10 discount we have only to the end of May to apply. The price for the week-end is £145 per person half board but as I have pointed out there is a £10 discount making it £135 plus the Coach fare which will be worked out as soon as we arrive at the at the final figure for the places. Artistes already booked for this week-end are: Robert Wolfe, Brett Wales, David Thomas, Kevin Morgan, Chris Jones, Colin Ford, Michael McAneny, Paul Carman, Paul McCulloch, Esquin Jonker, Rod Pooley, Arthur Tipper, Alan Ellis, Chris Powell and of course The Welsh Wizard Himself.
THE THURSFORD EXPERIENCE FRIDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2009 AT 2 P.M.We have just three tickets left for this Extravaganza so if you would like to join us please let us know as soon as possible. Tickets are priced at £25.50 and the Coach fare is £12.80 making a total of: £38.30.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE YOUR NEWSLETTER VIA THE INTERNET?
If you have internet connection you can view our Newsletter and photographs/videos via the following link:- http://BHKClub.notlong.com or we can now send your newsletter to you as an email. Our email address is BHKClub@aol.com (now how technical are we getting?) Of course, if you would still prefer to receive your Newsletter through the post then no problem. As we always say, it is YOUR club so you decide. We will appreciate your comments via our email address
Thankyou ................. Rosalie Birchmore
B.H.K.C |
7.30 p.m. |
April BHKC Newsletter - A review of the concert at Burgess Hill Keyboard Club featuring Chiho Sunamoto on Friday 20th March
So that’s how it is done is it? Take one professional organist of the highest quality and two singing voices that complement each other and that will equal a very relaxed evening of the “cabaret” kind. I hope you will agree that Friday’s Concert was a magnificent show with Chiho playing her trusty Yamaha EL900 and Tyros 3 keyboard. Dressed all in black (very dramatic) Chiho opened her varied programme with “You Can Fly” from Peter Pan featuring fabulous orchestrations and following on from this we heard “Mamma Mia” from Abba with singing voices and plenty of good rhythm. Onto orchestral once again with plenty of drama in the music, light and shade and we were in the Caribbean with “Pirates Of The Caribbean” from the soundtrack of the Disney film of the same name. Chiho remarked that she loved the sound of the accordion and treated us to a Jack Emblow medley which included “La Vien Rose”, “Under Paris Skies” and the authentic sounds were all there. “If You Love Me” had the lady expertly changing key and this was amazing – full of confidence and wonderful finger work. The little smiles directed to her audience while completing some of the endings to her pieces were most endearing. “The Grandfather’s Clock” was a revelation with Chiho ‘winding up the clock’ and all sorts of sounds coming from the EL900. I expect we have all played this piece at some time – but never like this I am sure. What about “Kemptown Races” – have you ever heard such an arrangement using the special effects to their best advantage. The music was keeping us all interested wondering what was going to happen next. “Amadeus” (Carl Jenkins’) arrangement began with quiet singing voices (very deep this music). “A Million Bicycles” was sung sweetly by Chiho then onto the Keyboard with Abba once again “Money, Money Money” and then the guitar for “Fernando” and once again Chiho’s lovely gentle singing voice with “Quando, Quando” with a gentle rhyhm and all of a sudden Jon Smith was in the Tyros and the music became a duet. Very Clever. Chiho then invited Jon to join her on stage and he played the Melodica to the tune of “Shadow Of Your Smile” followed by “Girl from Ipanema.” Now Jon was singing in his own right and we heard with a great beat, “Fly Me To The Moon” and the Big Band Sound was great from the Tyros. To close her first half of the Concert we were treated to “Poppa Piccolino” and “Funiculi Funicula”. The Shadow of Your Smile - Chiho Sunamoto & Jon Smith Video - Click Here! Straight into the second half with Showtime and “All That Jazz”, “Tico Tico”, Chiho Sunamoto plays "Tico-Tico no Fubá - Chiho Style - Please Click Here! a beautiful “Out Of Africa”, a Glenn Miller style with “Little Brown Jug” and “In The Mood”, Billy Joel’s “Just the Way You Are” as a Bossa Nova and “You Raise Me Up” featuring those bagpipes with a strict tempo and three key changes with bagpipes to close. Then a little ‘pop’ music with some Duffy. Chiho invited Jon back on stage and we heard “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” and Michelle Legrand ‘s “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life" Click Here! - outstanding with beautiful accompaniment from the Tyros piano and those expert hands were a delight to watch. Back to Jon With “Fly Me To The Moon” and then as a tribute to Barbara Streisand and with an introduction from the timpani of the Orchestra, Chiho played “People”, “Evergreen”, “Somewhere”, “Second Hand Rose” and “The Way We Were”.ending with “Happy Days Are Here Again”. An encore with Jon Smith said it all “That’s All There Is - There Isn’t Anymore”. We could have gone on all night and there were a lot of our members in the audience that showed how much they had enjoyed their evening by giving Chiho a standing ovation. What a great evening and one that I hope we will be able to replicate some time again in the future. P.S. If you would like to see Chiho and Jon in action again they will be appearing at Horsham Organ/Keyboard Club on Wednesday June 10th.
THURSFORD EXPERIENCE – FRIDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2009 – 2.00P.M.
The ticket price for the outing this year is £25.50 and at the time of going to press we are in negotiations with some Coach firms for a travel price.
We hope to be able to pass on to you an all inclusive price in the next Newsletter. We still have some places available.
Please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to join us.
This Month's Artiste on Friday 17th April is Brett Wales:-
BRETT WALES will be visiting us from Nottingham. Born in 1978, Brett is a very experienced player with a wicked sense of humour. Again, his orchestrations are superb. At 15 years of age he was accepted for Clarendon College in Nottingham to study Music and we think it is safe to say that this is his great passion. He will be playing Wersi and he performs to packed venues wherever he goes and appears at almost every Organ Festival. Another night of great music ahead for us. Interesting Brett Wales Video - Please click here!
Next Month's Guest Artiste is Elizabeth Harrison:-
Our May concert will be a ‘fun’ evening I am sure. Elizabeth Harrison is also in great demand on the concert circuit. Those of us who will be at Sand Bay in April will see and hear her as she is playing for Byron’s Festival therefore I will leave the information regarding her career so far as she usually says something along those lines in her Concert – but you will love her – she is different to anyone else you will have the pleasure to see and hear.
JOHN MANN’S 70TH BIRTHDAY CONCERT
The date for this spectacular is:- SUNDAY 21ST JUNE AT 2.30P.M.AT THE DOME THEATRE, BRIGHTON. Ticket price is £10.
The Box Office number is 01273 709709.
I am sure that this will be a great afternoon and it will be really wonderful to see John in action. If you have never experienced one of his Concerts, then try and see him – I am sure you will enjoy what he offers.
March BHKC Newsletter - A review of the concert at Burgess Hill Keyboard Club featuring Michael McAneny on Friday 20th February.
Michael McAneny opened with what he called “The Channel Island March,” very pleasantly followed by some old favourites, “Whispering,” “Romeo,” “The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise,” “Somebody Loves Me,” (I wonder who?) and Scott Joplin’s “Syncopation.” Onward and upward with “By A Waterfall,” “I’ll Be Your Sweetheart, “Pasadena” and “I’ll See You In My Dreams.” Now a touch of Jimmy Shand with “Maple Leaf Rag” (also another Scott Joplin). I thought his performance of “The Sleeping Beauty Waltz” was so gentle and scenic that you could visualise the scene. “I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside” brings you back to reality and is followed by “Two Lovely Black Eyes,” “More” and “Don’t Blame Me” which led us into the interval.
"Boo Hoo” and here we are in the late 20s early 30s with “When I Take My Sugar To Tea” with that certain party, “Petite Fleur,” “Nola” and some James Last “The Lady Is A Tramp.” I thought his chat lines were hilarious after the interval when he realised sections of the keyboard were NOT responding.Michael held it together with his humour and apparent calmness. It was a terrific evening and everybody saw the funny side of his problems. I wish him well and am looking forward to a return Concert when his EL90 has had an M.O.T. and PASSED.
P.S. I was so enjoying the good humour of visitors and fellow club members alike that I did not finish the write up, Sorry!
............Review by Peter Willis.
That's O.K. Peter – thank you. After all we are there to enjoy ourselves and have a good time and I will agree that Michael's humour saw us through the evening splendidly ............. Rosalie.
A CONCERT IN SEAFORD
Our friends Val and Ivor Lawrence who ran the Seaford Organ/Keyboard Club are producing a Concert. They now run these Concerts every three months the next scheduled event being on Saturday 21st March at 7 p.m. The artiste will be Brett Wales, (who will be visiting our Club in April but I can assure you that he is well worth as many visits as you can manage). The venue is The Barn Theatre, Saxon Lane, Seaford and at the moment all seats are sold but of course there are on many occasions cancellations so it is very worthwhile checking to see if any seats have become available.
Contact Val or Ivor on 01273 512771.
SAND BAY 3 – 6TH APRIL 2009
The outstanding monies for the Coach fare will become due at our next meeting (Friday 20th March).
Time for the pickup on Friday 3rd April is 10.30 AM from Civic Way.
The driver is staying overnight on Thursday here to enable us to get off
right on the dot and there will be stops along the way as usual.
The March Club Night Artiste is Chiho Sunamoto - Friday 20th March 2009 Chiho Sunamoto was born in Matsuyama in the South of Japan. She commenced learning the piano at the tender age of 3 years and progressed from there at the age of 9 to learn the electronic organ through the Yamaha School of Music. While at St. Katerina University she studied opera singing, piano and classical organ and became one of the youngest to pass Yamaha's top exam, Grade 3 Music Diploma. A truly professional artiste she will amaze you with her expertise.
The April Club Night Artiste is Brett Wales - Friday 17th April 2009
Brett Wales will be travelling to us from Nottingham. He is constantly in demand from organ clubs and Music Festivals all over the Country and abroad. He has a great talent and plenty of emotion whilst enjoying playing his own style of music. Try not to miss a Master at work. A great evening lies in store for us all.
THURSFORD 2009:-
We have been allocated 50 seats for Friday 4th December - 2 PM show.
The list of names will be on the table on Concert night for anyone wishing to add their name to the list.
SAD NEWS FROM THE NEWSDESK:- We are so sorry to have to inform you of the passing of two of our members recently. Mr. Frank Osborne was a great lover of electronic organ music and was a keen member of the Club and had many friends here. Sadly he passed away in January. Condolences have been sent to Jan.
Mr. Ron King also loved his Friday nights with us and shared many happy hours listening to the music. He also enjoyed meeting his friends on Friday evenings. Sadly Ron passed away in February. We have sent condolences to his Son, Richard. I know that we will miss them both.
Useful NAMES:-
DAVID HOULGATE – Electrical Engineer – Tel: 01273 846789
SUE BENNETT – Piano Accordion Tutor – Tel: 01444 239656
MICHAEL WOOLDRIDGE - Organ and Keyboard Tutor – Tel: 01273 424746
RICHARD HOLMES - Organ and Keyboard Tutor – Tel & Fax: 01444 257427
Useful DATES:-
HORSHAM ORGAN/KEYBOARD SOCIETY
Ian House - Wednesday March 11th
7.30p.m.
YMCA Hall, Gorings Mead, Horsham
Details: 01293 523814
CRAWLEY KEYBOARD CLUB
Dave Smith - Friday March 27th
7.30pm
South Hall, Hazelwick School, Three Bridges,
Crawley, West Sussex. RH10 1SX
Details: 01293 533244
SUSSEX ORGAN SOCIETY
Richard Bower - Wednesday 4th March
7.30p.m.
Queen Street Centre, Queen Street,
Worthing, Sussex.Details: 01903 691888
SOUTH COAST ORGAN SOCIETY
Chris Powell - Sunday 8th March
3.00pm
Portslade Town Hall, Victoria Road, Portslade
Details: 01273 594131 (after 6p.m).
THE ASSEMBLY HALL
Nicholas Martin - Sunday 15th March
3.00p.m.
Stoke Abbott Road, Worthing.
Details: 01903 206206
SINGING HILLS GOLF COURSE, ALBOURNE
Andrew Nix - Sunday 15th March
3.00pm
Details: Mrs. Johnstone. 01273 705802
EASTBOURNE ORGAN & KEYBOARD CLUB
Michael Wooldridge - Tuesday 3rd March
7.30p.m.
Westham Village Hall - Details: 01323 767515
BOXHILL ORGAN & KEYBOARD CLUB
Elizabeth Harrison - Monday March 30th
7.30pm
Boxhill Village Hall – Details: 01737 843504
Click on the map and drag around to get a better idea of where our venue is. You can also zoom in. Click on the marker to see address details.
| 2009 | |
|---|---|
| January 16th | Darrell Harvey |
| April 17th | Brett Wales |
| June 19th | Richard Monks |
| July 17th | Nicholas Martin |
| August 21st | Phil Brown |
| September 18th | Craig James |
| October 16th | Chris Jones |
| November 20th | Accordionist - Harry Hussey (more details) http://www.harryhussey.com/ |
| December 18th | Tony Stace |
| 2010 | |
|---|---|
| January 15th | Janet Dowsett |
| February 19th | Daniel Watt |
| March 19th | Ian House |
| May 21st | Chris Powell |
| September 3rd | Chiho Sunamoto (more details) with Jon Smith |
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