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Choir invites singers

The Choral Society aims to put on one or two performances each year, typically a Christmas concert in December and a recital or theatrical show in the spring. Past productions have included Oliver, The Best of Broadway, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Scrooge. The Society's annual Christmas concert is one of the highlights of the Al Ain musical and social calendar.

The Al Ain Choral Society currently consists of some 25 singers. The choir is led by musical director Janet Bradley, assisted by accompanists Kate Lawrence and Stephen Aston. At present, the singers are preparing a programme of traditional carols and well-loved family favourites for their annual Christmas Dinner and Concert, to be held this year at the Al Ain InterContinental Resort on Friday, December 17. The choir will also sing for the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Al Ain Hilton Hotel on Thursday, December 16.

The choir welcomes new singers aged 16 and above to its ranks. Previous experience and the ability to read music, while useful, are not perquisites, and there are no auditions. The most important requirement is the desire to sing with others and make music in a spirit of fun and friendly cooperation. There are also sometimes opportunities for instrumentalists to take part in concerts.

The choir meets every Monday evening for two hours in the music room of Al Ain English Speaking School (AAESS). Any one interested in joining the Al Ain Choral Society or for more information, please contact musical director Janet Bradley on 03-764 3603 or 050-563 8321.

Speak, listen and learn!

THAT'S what happens at the Al Ain Toastmasters Club meetings. Speak: Each meeting includes activities that let members practise their public speaking skills. Listen: Members are able to observe each other's speeches and evaluate them. Learn: Through constructive feedback, members find out how to improve their speech skills.

The club is a positive supportive environment for developing communication and leadership skills. The Al Ain Club reflects a diverse membership of nationalities and occupations promoting camaraderie and community.

The most recent meeting was held on October 17, and in addition to the regular members, 10 guests, one from Muscat, were present. Guests attend in consideration of future membership or to support a friend who is giving a speech while also considering joining. One of the honoured guests at this meeting was the Toastmasters UAE Area Governor, Abraham Raju, who offered words of advice to the members about giving speeches and expressed his intention of visiting the Al Ain Club as often as possible.

The evening's activities involved members delivering impromptu speeches in addition to prepared speeches by three of its members. The meeting was led by Shannon Glasgow, President of the Al Ain Club. At each meeting, the members judge the best speeches. This evening, Ms Basilio was winner of Best Prepared Speech, while Ms Gale Griffin won the impromptu Table Topics speech exercise and Ms Jodi Lefort was elected Best Evaluator for the evening.

The Al Ain Club welcomes individuals interested in improving their speech or leadership skills, or who are looking for something new and different. Meetings are held on the first and third Sunday of every month at 7.30pm. The next meeting will be November 7 at the Rotana Hotel beginning promptly at 8.00pm (time adjusted for Ramadan). For more about Toastmasters, visit www.toastmasters.org or contact Shannon Glasgow, President of the Al Ain Toastmasters club at shannonglasgow@yahoo.com

• UAE