Bohemian Rhapsody

For Bohemian rhapsody, this would be by far our most challenging songs, especially the cues, patterns, harmonies and timing of the vocals and accompaniment. Songs like this needed strong commitment, determination, focus, encouragement and support to work successfully as an ensemble.

We were allocated groups that would sing a certain line or would sing a certain harmony. I was with Holly, Jade and Year 12s and we read through the lines as a group over and over. Practising the melody, I then helped with practising the higher harmony that half of us would sing. It was very high which meant I needed to warm up, and with the help of Kim's vocal exercises it made it much easier to reach the notes.

We went through the song lyrics section by section, annotating exactly when we come in, if we grow in volume and when she sing softer etc. As this song would take longer, we worked on singing certain parts of the song that were most difficult, before we attempted it in one go. Focus was really important here, as we needed to ensure we knew our parts otherwise it would let down the ensemble. No matter how big or small, all parts are significant.

Sometimes I feel I can give more creative ideas in discussions, and I want to improve this in getting my opinion heard as I usually agree. However Bo Rhap is very vocally challenging and felt a bit out of my depths.

After more rehearsals, I feel we have a tackled a lot and we are almost there in our groups. We next started blocking where our positions would be on stage. Scaramouche and Galileo would be on the stage blocks, along with Killer Queen and Khashoggi on the other side. Initially we were going to be placed in our groups in various parts of the stage, with spotlights on us. However this then separates our voices into groups that aren't that big. So, we decided to place everyone against the side of the Killer queen stage, in a levelled formation. This position also gives more stage presence, and our voices side by side will be stronger and uplifted. I believe we are strongest performing vocally when closer together.