Choral folders are the smart option for The Carice Singers

The Oxfordshire and South Warwickshire based Carice Singers have recently added a smart new touch to their concert performances with the introduction of a matched set of Choral Folders purchased from Black Cat Music. 

The elegant, high-quality blue folders with brass-bound corners now add an additional sense of identity to the choir. Conductor George Parris enthused, “as well as looking smart, the folders from Black Cat Music are light and have brilliant pockets for the amount of music we have to store in them.' 

George continued, 'The folders are brilliant, were robust enough to withstand our outdoor recital and meant the singers could carry lots of music with ease - meaning very little rustling between items!'

Black Cat Music offer a range of Choral and Orchestral folders in a choice of colours and the option to customize the cover with gold blocking of the name and crest of the choir or orchestra. Further details can be viewed online. viewed online.

Black Cat Music attend abcd Convention

Members of the Black Cat Music team attended the abcd 25th Anniversary Annual Convention that took place at the Birmingham Conservatoire over the August Bank Holiday weekend. 

The organizers explained, “We're celebrating not only our quarter century, but also our place in the world, our country and our region. We will be experiencing Birmingham's own contribution to choral music … including the first performance of renowned composer Kerry Andrew's new choral work, commissioned specially for this anniversary.

Robert Dagger, Chairman of Black Cat Music said, "It was great to meet so many choral directors who are really passionate about inspiring good singing and getting the best out of their choirs. We were particularly delighted to receive so much positive feedback on our products, such as the Wenger Tourmaster choral risers and the Jazz Music Stand, from people who really care about the quality of their musical performance." The easiest-to-move, easiest-to-set-up riser on the market, the Tourmaster goes anywhere and now Wenger are so confident of the quality of both Tourmaster and Signature choral risers they come with an impressive 15 year warranty. 

"We enjoyed the weekend and were even able to take part in one or two of the singing sessions. It was good to meet so many talented musicians under one roof. There was a real buzz about the event" said Alice Dagger, Marketing Manager, Black Cat Music, summing up the convention. 

We are more campaign

Have you already signed the We are more campaign Manifesto? If not, now is the time to do so! The presentation of the European Commission's budget proposal formally launched the negotiation process. The fight continues for a decent share of the budget, a strong presence of culture in the Structural Funds, and for the many dimensions of culture, and not only the economic ones, to be recognised in the next budget cycle. Join the 17,000 people who have already signed the manifesto. Sign now!

Music therapy may offer help for depression

“Music may engage people in ways that words cannot” according to British experts commenting on a study in Finland on the benefits of music therapy in treating patients with depression. Read more at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-14345808

Knighton Chamber Orchestra pleased with Black Cat Music purchases and service

Knighton Chamber Orchestra recently purchased several music equipment products from the Black Cat Music range.

Conductor, Paul Jenkins expressed his pleasure with the new purchases, saying, "In the Knighton Chamber Orchestra we are very pleased with the orchestra lights, conductor’s stand and acoustic shield we have purchased from Black Cat Music." Paul went on to say, "The service is always prompt and professional and the staff seem to understand the urgency of some orders to meet performance deadlines. In conclusion I would recommend the products and service of Black Cat Music to anyone."

In addition to the products supplied to the Knighton Chamber Orchestra, Black Cat Music offer a comprehensive range of music equipment including music stands, orchestral chairs, staging, choral risers, conductor’s equipment and music folders. There is also a range of theatre products embracing staging, tiered audience seating, pit filler staging, make-up stations, costume racks and stage boxes.

Classic 50 Music Stands fully live up to expectations for Havering Music School

When Isobel Liebmann, Principal of Havering Music noticed the Classic 50 in the Black Cat Music catalogue, she realized this could be the answer to a problem the school had been experiencing with music stands.

Isobel Liebmann explained, “We were disillusioned with the fold up metal stands which seemed to break, collapse and need replacing regularly. We also found they disappeared! We were looking for something sturdy, easy to use, but not easy to lose”. Thanks to the catalogue which she described as “clear with photographs that gave a good representation of the size and style of the stands,” a batch of Classic 50s were soon on their way to Havering.

Asked how the school was getting on with the Classic 50s, she said, “We were talking about this the other day and came to the conclusion that they are probably the best investment we ever made. They have lived up to our expectations in every way - they are easy to move up and down, child friendly, stable and durable - and the bonus is that our banners sit on them beautifully without causing them to topple. The trolleys are also excellent; they store ten stands neatly and are very easy to wheel around with a full load - good for transporting on the van when we take equipment out to concert venues. We have only had one breakage in over ten years and when we reported this, we were sent a replacement top for the stand within days”.

Not only are Havering Music School delighted with their Classic 50 stands, but thanks to their recommendation other schools are now also equipped with the popular Classic 50 Music Stands. Tough enough to handle the hardships of regular classroom use thanks to a formula of advanced polymers offering inherent tensile strength that will not bend or dent like metal stands, the Classic 50 is elegantly designed to be quiet and rattle-free during performances. The scratch resistant desk surface also incorporates a unique recess for keeping pencils in place. The patented one-hand height adjustment of the music desk is simplicity itself, requiring no screw or locking collar adjustments. When the performance, rehearsal or class is over, stands can be stacked on the easy to load Move & Store Cart for transport and convenient, compact storage.

Summer savings on folding conductor's podium

Black Cat Music announces a special summer price offer on the Folding Conductor’s Podium with ten per cent off the regular price during August.

The lightweight folding conductor’s podium includes built-in handles, is designed with portability in mind and ideal for touring. There is no compromise on stability as the hinged laminated plywood sides open to positively lock into position, creating a secure foundation. Built to a high standard the Conductor’s Podium benefits from a durable carpeted platform, black sides and tough steel edging.

The offer is available on the Black Cat Music web site.