Norwich Cathedral

Back now in the States after my choir tour of England. First singing engagement was evensong at Norwich Cathedral. Found the map above to be helpful in navigating my way around the place. I first entered the complex through that gate shown at the bottom and in the center just left of the tower.

Local Art

Flying out of Dulles two weeks ago, 

I spotted this display of art works created by local high school students. 

Quite striking, I thought.

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

And our last service before leaving for Great Britain Tuesday. Last minute instructions, too. 

Be sure to pack your music and vestments in your carry on luggage. 

Make sure you've got ALL your music. 

Make sure you've got your passport.

Chartered bus leaves for Dulles International promptly at 12:45 p.m. Be there!

Practice

Yeah, posting rather late, I know. But I've either been practicing on my own today or rehearsing with the choir this afternoon, all afternoon. By the way, I just learned that they'll be live-streaming the choral evensong at Norwich Cathedral late Thursday afternoon (GMT) and that the service will still be available to download for several days afterward, in case anyone is interested. We'll also be singing for services in Ripon, Ely and Cambridge.

Wonky

Yeah, so things are beginning to get a little wonky here as I prepare to take off (literally) early next week for Great Britain. Just got a bucketload of new music from the king's land, including the addition of an unexpected evensong engagement at Norwich Cathedral. So, if my posts seem a tad irregular lately, it's because I'm cramming to learn the new music, including the Anglican chant below. I basically have to memorize the latter before I leave. By the way, Psalm 102 has 28 verses! And all of it is in British English, some of which sounds p-r-e-t-t-y funny to our American ears. :-)

One Penny

I suppose that in the great scheme of things, it really doesn't make much sense (cents?) to create a coin that costs more to make than it's worth. On the other hand, think of the mileage we've gotten out of it. "A penny for your thoughts," my mother used to say. Or two expressions I've used a lot, "worth every penny" and "I bet that cost a pretty penny." Think of all that we've gained culturally from the penny. So would it be being just a bit (!) penny wise and pound foolish to get rid of it? :-)

50p

I like these heptagonal coins. Much more interesting than our round ones here in the U. S., although I think I understand how rounds coins can be cheaper to produce and maybe more practical.

The Royal Mint, though,m provides the following rationale for the 50p: 

"The new coin would be the largest denomination in circulation. As such, it required a design that would enable people to easily tell it apart from other coins in their change. However, anything too bulky would weigh down pockets and purses so any prospective design had to be practical as well as distinctive."