"Out in the field"

I am writing Red Hot song library Christmas songs at the moment. Hearing of composers who went out "into the field" (Bartok etc) to get inspiration for their projects, I decided to sit in a coffee shop among the Christmas shoppers to get some of the Christmas "Buzz" as I (hopefully) wrote lyrics.
The coffee was nice, and I may have wandered into a few sales. I did write one verse, but had to wear Ipod headphones to block out "Jinglebell rock" playing in the background. Perhaps I'll sit in a Stable next.....

Cleo plays trombone!

A few pictures from the rehearsal yesterday for the Christmas shows we are doing at the Stables theatre. Here is Cleo Laine playing the TROMBONE. Cleo asked Mark Nightingale (her trombonist..pictured) if he would sing some backing vocals for her. He said he would only do it if she played trombone!. She has been having secret lessons with my friend Rachel Coles, and they are doing a duet in the Christmas show.... brilliant! not bad for 83!.

Wednesday at Williams

In my "Red Hot duet" books, I dedicated a tune to my sister in law Roz, and some girl friends who meet in the Williams coffee pub in Burlington Ontario Canada. While on my trip to the States and Canada a couple of weeks ago I was able to be a "Willams girl" for the night.... fantastic!!. The girls posed for this photo with "Their piece". Happy Christmas Williams girls!!.

All ready for Cleo's Christmas show!

This year the shows are on Thursday the 15, Friday the 16th and Saturday the 17th of December at 8pm. Tickets are £29.50 or £32 each and the concerts are fundraisers in aid of Wavendon Allmusic Plan Ltd. So come along and have a wonderful time supporting a good cause!Every year Dame Cleo Laine celebrates Christmas at The Stables in her own inimitable way with her special guests. This year's band lineup is as follows: John Horler (piano), Alec Dankworth (bass), Jim Hart (drums), Mark Nightingale (trombone), Andy Panayi (sax), Sarah Watts (sax), Jimmy Hastings (sax), Karen Sharp (sax), Henry Lowther (trumpet), Robbie Robson (trumpet).This year's Special Guest Stars are Jacqui Dankworth, Lorna Dallas, Peter Fisher (violin), Emily Dankworth, Martha Shrimpton, Woburn Sands Brass Band, Pete Churchill and the London Vocal Project.The Woburn Sands Band will be performing in the foyer pre-show to get you into an appropriately festive mood!

Just back from America!

We have just got back from attending the New York state music educators conference where I was presenting. We had a lovely time, and were made to feel very welcome. A session with New York state music teachers.

Denise, Hans and George from JW Pepper. It was lovely to meet them, and I would like to thank them for selling my books.

The Rochester convention centre where the conference took place. A choir warming up .

Sarah Watts brochure

Casually placed on a table ( or two.... or...)