Monday 14 November 2016

In memoriam of Terry Bailey

I joined Belper Musical Theatre when the company was just starting rehearsals for Anything Goes - a quick check of the programme shows me that was in September 2008 as the show was in February 2009.
I remember walking into the hall behind Belper's Central Methodist Church and seeing three lines of chairs and Terry at the front, baton in hand, ready to whip everyone into shape. And one of my abiding memories of that show is Terry reminding us all (time and again) that we needed to be able to pitch our starting note for "Public Enemy Number One" at the start of the second act from a single note.
I can move forwards to his advice on enunciation and correct word endings in The King and I, his constant stressing of the need for long vowels and revision and reworking of getting the choral numbers right. And I know that I am one of many who enjoyed singing with middle section of "This is the moment" arranged by Terry Bailey.
One of Terry's habits however was linked to his amazing talent. Because he could hear a piece of music and reproduce it without needing it written down, so often we would be faced with singing a piece that wasn't written down and so would have slight variations (jazzed up a little) each week. It didn't make for the easiest of learning experiences, but it did make things a lot of fun.
I recorded this version of Dayton Ohio, arranged on the spot by Terry, when we were trying to pin him down to the same notes each week. And now I am glad that I did as it means that we have a lasting record of the skills and talents of this guy, doing what he did best.


For me this shows one thing really clearly. Music links quickly to our emotions. Watching and listening to this piece is bittersweet. It's a tale of days which have past, seen with that golden glow of memory, tinged with sadness. I think it's a great way to remember him.
Please use our comments function to add your own memories of Terry and if you have photos or videos of your own, then please send them in so that we can create a page in memory of our Musical Director.
Thank you Terry, you were not just the MD, you were a part of our company and a friend.

Sunday 17 January 2016

Planning the Irish dance

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