Annabelle, Annabelle our accompanist sans par
Is leaving us now for pastures afar
She’s accompanied our choirs for ages and ages
With infinite patience and spirit courageous.
Her manner is confident and always quite calm
She knows what she’s doing, there’s never alarm
It’s all quite surprising since given the task
Of accompanying three directors; it’s been a big ask.
The first was with Leigh and the fledgling Elation
That lasted some years til Annie “took a vacation”.
When Elation had folded, there seemed little choice
But to start a new choir and find a fresh voice.
The new choir, Cloud 9, had no hesitation
In seeking out Annabelle to fulfil its vocation
Of having the very best in accompanist skill
There was really no question; she fitted the bill
Next there was Gloria and now Christine M.
She’s supported them all and been such a gem
Whether Faure or Rutter or songs in odd keys
She tackles it all with consummate ease.
As a solo artiste she stands out from the crowd
Her performance at concerts has made us all proud
Who can forget when she got the hall poppin’
With Maple Leaf Rag by the famous Scott Joplin.
So its farewell dear Annabelle after all of these years
Though sad that you’re leaving we’ll toast you with cheers
To your new life in Buderim and all that it imparts
But remember your spirit will stay warm in our hearts.
By former Cloud9 Chair, Janice Stanford
Janice (second from right) and Annabelle (far right).