Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group

Subject: Members on Mudcat?
From: Abuwood
Date: 03 Jul 01 - 11:05 AM

The SHELLBACK CHORUS meets to perform on major northern festivals only. It usually performs 30-35 strong, and includes some of the North West's leading performers. The chorus perform shanties and more reflective contemporary maritime song unaccompanied outdoors and with some accompaniment indoors. Do you sing with us? join this thread. Would you like to sing with us? Let us know. I posted our photo to Resources if you want to see what we look like. I will post FAQs to the thread

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: Abuwood
Date: 03 Jul 01 - 11:07 AM

Shellback Chorus FAQ sheet (most frequently asked questions)

What would I do? Either simply be part of the chorus singing refrains/choruses or also lead a song/songs, by mutual agreement. Some song leaders choose to accompany themselves with instruments on their own songs only (when indoors).

Where/How often? On Northern major festival programmes, as often as you want. We aim to do one per month April to October. Why not also come to our annual social society singing/playing re-union day and our concert for the RNLI?

What is the next performance in which I could participate?

What size group would I perform in? Typically 30-40 persons. Several of the North West's leading indigenous folk performers have participated in the "Shellback Chorus".

Do women participate? In substantial numbers and in all capacities.

What would I perform? Maritime songs-shanties and more reflective contemporary songs with readily learned choruses/refrains. (We may occasionally do other themes)

Who chooses the songs? Each song leader chooses his/her own song(s), consistent with the last answer above.

How will I know the songs? Most are well known. If you want one a tape of songs is available in advance. There are always about 30 others present who know the songs, so you can "ease them in " by following others!

How much/when do you rehearse? On the day of a performance for up to 1 hour before we go off to perform.

What is the general atmosphere/approach? Very friendly, informal and good fun but focused in our approach to rehearsal and performance by memory (No "hymn" or "crib" sheets)

Where do you do the gigs? At venues specified by the festivals ranging from large halls/marquees to outside courtyards, market places shopping centres parks. We attract substantial audiences, particularly from the general public, when outdoors.

What do you wear to perform? Above the waist: navy blue (preferably), black or dark blue or Shellback T shirt or sweatshirt. Below the waist: Anything you think looks boaty.

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: Noreen
Date: 03 Jul 01 - 11:24 AM

Good one, Alison!

There are several catters who are Shellback members already, five (that I know of) sang in Liverpool at the Mersey Shanty Festival and we're trying to get Dave the Gnome roped in too...

Next outing is at Cleckheaton festival this coming weekend, then Saddleworth, Saltburn and Fylde.

If you'll be at the festival anyway, why not come and sing? It's great fun and wonderful to be surrounded by powerful singers and DIY harmonies!

Noreen

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 03 Jul 01 - 03:14 PM

Anything boaty Noreen? flippers?? Wellies? (ideal for chasing sheep !)please don't suggest chains !! Are you only performing on Sunday?

Bye

Eric

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: Noreen
Date: 03 Jul 01 - 03:24 PM

*grin* No, just Saturday, Eric. We'll be in the parade then stopping off to sing.

Noreen

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: nutty
Date: 03 Jul 01 - 03:29 PM

Are we having a "MUDCAT MEET" Noreen??

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 03 Jul 01 - 03:37 PM

o o
'
~

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 03 Jul 01 - 03:40 PM

Opps that didn't work-it was suposed to be a face and the question was.............
Who is going to be there

friday night
Saturday all day, day or evening
Sunday
Or all weekend?
It would be nice to have a meet even if only for a short time.
O O
'
~

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: Abuwood
Date: 03 Jul 01 - 03:54 PM

We will be there from Kidderminster

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: GUEST,jan L
Date: 03 Jul 01 - 06:38 PM

Anyone interested and in the Lancashire area - I will be interviewing Derek seed about the Shellbacks on The Lancashire Drift folk programme on radio Lancashire 8pm on thursday evening !

May you always runbefore the wind

Jan

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 04 Jul 01 - 03:51 AM

Yep - roped in! Not for Cleckhudersfaxwicke though - Saddleworth on the 21st. See yez there.

Knock, knock
Who's there?
Timmy
Timmy who
Timmy way, hey, hey, ya....

DtG

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: clansfolk
Date: 04 Jul 01 - 08:47 AM

run before the wind Jan?

most people run before I pass it!!!!!

sorry

Pete

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: Abuwood
Date: 05 Jul 01 - 02:09 AM

Jan ask Derek about Sloop John B - Because he organises the chorus, and as he is an ex teacher, he thinks he has control over this bunch of renegades!

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: Abuwood
Date: 05 Jul 01 - 02:41 AM

Sorry Jan - that last message sounded a bit nasty, it wasn't meant that way at all. Derek puts in a lot of time and effort and organises the thing very well, it's just that having one or two "naughty children" in the class can add to the fun!

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: nutty
Date: 05 Jul 01 - 04:46 AM

The Cleckheaton "Mudcatters Meet" has been arranged for 5.00 - 5.30pm on Saturday, in the BACK bar of the Wickham. I'LL BE THERE

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: GUEST,treaties1
Date: 05 Jul 01 - 11:30 AM

Like Nutty, I can be at the Wickam, so hope to see you all there

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: GUEST,Treaties1
Date: 05 Jul 01 - 11:33 AM

I've reset my cookie so why I'm still a guest I just can't understand

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: Noreen
Date: 05 Jul 01 - 03:18 PM

Lancashire Drift on now, with Derek's interview shortly.

BBC Radio Lancashire 95.5 FM.

Noreen

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: Noreen
Date: 05 Jul 01 - 03:23 PM

To be more inclusive:

BBC Radio Lancashire 103.9, 95.5, 104.5 FM and 855 MW

Doesn't appear to be online though.

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: Noreen
Date: 05 Jul 01 - 03:27 PM

Teresa, ask the elves at the Help and Trouble Forum where your cookie's got to.

Noreen

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: John Routledge
Date: 06 Jul 01 - 01:20 PM

I heard Derek on Radio Lancashire last night and he did a first class job.

A great advert for Shellbacks - Almost a pity we are almost up to full strength!!

Looking forward to singing at Cleckheaton tomorrow.

see some of you there. John

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: Abuwood
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 01:02 PM

Want to see our photo - go to Events

Subject: RE: Shellbacks Chorus UK Shanty Group
From: Abuwood
Date: 09 Jul 01 - 01:05 PM

Shells in the group site - try going to polls and databases, it you are barred let me or Nicky know