You asked me to review Phoenix Singers. Phoenix Singers is the highlight of the week for many of us. Over the fifteen years I have been a member of the choir I have made many friendships, enjoyed being part of a close-knit community that shares our happy times and opens its arms to hold us when we are sad. The wonderful leadership of Therese and the varied array of songs she brings to us, as well as the skills she teaches us, the performances she guides us through, make singing a joy.
If you are also asking for a review of the Livingstone Community Centre, I am sorry that I cannot be as positive. If you had asked for a review earlier in the year I would have sung the praises of the Centre as well, loudly and with gusto. The Centre has always been so welcoming, abuzz with all sorts of classes and projects sharing the space- walkers meeting for a morning excursion, children learning Italian, parents and grandparents pushing prams, boxes ready to be filled with corks or food for the needy, Christmas parcels being collected and wrapped for children and their families overseas, families who don’t have the pleasure of receiving gifts as many of us do. Susan was there with a smile each week to welcome us, to occasionally join us for a song if she could spare the time, to collect our money at the beginning of each term.
The Livingstone Community Centre was a happy hub of friendship and interesting activities. It was the heart of the local community, full of goodwill and energy. Perhaps it still is for many. I hope so. I still love being a part of Phoenix Singers but the Centre seems sterile, more of a business incubator than a community centre. The other rooms are empty, even the office is locked on a Friday. Why, when there has been a 40% increase in fees overnight, is the office not open on a Friday? How can those of us who do not like to enter credit card details online pay our term fees? Instead of a friendly coordinator in the office to accept our money and issue us with a receipt there are officious and I find rather insulting memos and email reminders to pay our fees long before the term even commences. While I understand that wages must be paid and records kept, that there is a business to run, we are now treated like the customers of electricity and gas companies, with impersonal reminders and a tone that is more badgering than welcoming and trusting. The spirit of our community centre has always been generous and kindly. The current regimented approach to fee-paying, through the We Teach Me team, and doors closed to personal communication is sad to see.
Some of us have been with Therese and the phoenix singers for 20 yrs and we love it, sing with a smile on your face and leave feeling lighter and happy, singing in harmony and acapella is such a joy and lovely friendships are made along the way.
Phoenix Singers continues to be an outstanding group. Therese is an excellent teacher who can lead people from a range of musical backgrounds. even people who have never sung in a group before. She getss us to sing complex and beautiful songs we wouldn't have imagined ourselves doing. Therese and the group members have a great ability to help newcomers feel at home and pick up the songs while keeping the momentum going for all of us. Well done.