Archive for the ‘Fall 2011’ Category

Dress Rehearsal 2

Friday, October 7th, 2011

From Stage Manager Fred:  The following information is from Ul James, Conductor of the WMP (with my comments)

Dress rehearsal will begin with Chichester Psalms at 5:00 PM on Sunday.
(We will line up, file on stage and warm up before 5:00.)

The concert program order on Oct. 16 is as follows:
– Bernstein Candide (4 minutes)
– Kolm – Orchestral Suite No. 1 (about 15 minutes)
– (chorus files on stage – 1 minute)
– Bernstein – Chichester Psalms (about 20 minutes)
– (standing ovation – 5 minutes – chorus files off)

– Intermission

Harris – Americana
Copland – Lincoln Portrait (With Kathy Harty Gray Dancers)

Reminder:
The “Call” for our concert is 2:00 PM for both concerts. Singers should expect to be on stage at 2:00 PM, properly dressed and ready to sing.


Dress Rehearsal

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

From Stage Manager Fred:
Be at the Dress Rehearsal at 4:30 PM on Sunday. We may line up and go on stage before 5:00.

It appears that the concert begins with Bernstein’s Candide followed by his Chichester Psalms. The Candide Overture runs only 4 minutes so I suspect we will go on stage before the concert starts. If that is so, we will line up in (probably) 4 rows in the hall outside the auditorium, facing away from the auditorium, just like we always do.

Hopefully our risers will be set by 4:30 but we may be called on to get them off the truck and set them ourselves. I will need help putting out the folding chairs that are stored in racks in the stage left wings. Please be extra careful not to touch the kettle drums nor the bass viol


Black Folders

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

From Stage Manager Fred:  It is best to have a rigid, black, non slip cover for your music so that it is easy to hold with one hand while you turn pages with the other. Here are some ways to have a cover:
1.    Have Kinkos replace the white cover and binding with a black cover and spiral.  Don’t do this to the Rachmannov since we just might use that with its own blue cover.
2.    Buy a choral folder from Foxes Music that comes with elastic bands to hold your music in the folder. The cost for the small one is about $10, but you can use it over and over for free. The large choral folder is about $20 and will get in your way because we will be so packed on the risers.
3.    Buy a plain folder from Staples or Office Depot and use long black rubber bands around the hinge to hold your music. You can substitute a black bra strap for the rubber bands since long black rubber bands are hard to find.
4.    Buy a black 3-ring binder to hold your music and punch the 3 holes yourself or have them punched at Staples, Office Dept or Kinkos. The 3 holes punched or drilled in your music will invade only the edge of the printed music


Note to Altos

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

From Section Leader Debbie:  Just wanted to make sure everyone is aware that there are only one or two alto music/voice majors in the chorus so there will spots available in the small ensembles in Rachmaninoff.   I have copied the information about these auditions from Dr. Whitmire’s note, below.

From Dr. Whitmire: Auditions for non-majors who want to sing Rachmaninoff # 5, 6, 13, 18 will be October 25.


Directions to Bishop Ireton

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

From Stage Manager Fred:  If you have not been to Bishop Ireton (B.I.) before here are my suggestions on how to get there:

Go to their web home page:
http://www.google.com/search?q=bishop+ireton+high+school&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Click on the map on the right hand side and expand it until you see enough information.

If you go from our community college East on Seminary Road, the road becomes Janneys Lane at North Quaker Lane (stop light). Yale Drive is the next road you see to your right and Cambridge Road (to B.I.) is the second (no stop light). Two intersections later, you will see B.I. on your left. You won’t miss it. Park in the last parking lot.

If you go East on 236 – Duke Street you will pass a shopping center on your left and a fast food restaurant on your right just before the stop light for Cambridge Road. Turn left at this stop light and an immediate left to up the hill to B.I. Turn into the first parking lot and park towards the far end. You’ll find members of the orchestra, our chorus and a dance company streaming into the double door entrance to the concert hall.

Read my next Email which will tell you what to look for at that point.


Sixth Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, October 4th, 2011

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Welcome to our 6th rehearsal of Fall 2011!
Please sign in.
Concert Flyers-Take some and post them in high-profile places.
Hagan Recital Flyers (.pdf) – Take some and post them in high-profile places.
Tickets – See your Section Leader. I hope that each singer will sell five tickets at $10 each (Half price). Cash or checks to WMPA.
Thanks to all who auditioned for the solos in Chichester Psalms. Our soloists will be: S-Michelle McHugh, A-Shellie Grant, T-Jon DeHart, B-Brandon Homayouni
Music Majors Mid-term is Tuesday, October 18. Exam passages will Rachmaninoff # 5, 6, 13, 18
Auditions for non-majors who want to sing Rachmaninoff # 5, 6, 13, 18 will be October 25.

Schedule (same as your chorus schedule)
This Sat. Oct. 8, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Full SATB rehearsal, AT130
This Sunday, Oct. 9, 5:00 pm – Dress Rehearsal, Bishop Ireton HS
Next Tuesday, October 11, 7:30 pm – Hagan Recital, Schlesinger Center
Next Sat. Oct. 15, , 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Full SATB rehearsal, AT130
Next Sunday, October 16, 3:00 pm – Concert at Bishop Ireton HS
Schedule change (posted 9/27)
Sunday, October 30, 3:00 pm – Concert at Epiphany

Sing Well -DrW


Chichester Psalms Soloists

Sunday, October 2nd, 2011

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- Thanks to all who auditioned for the solos on Tuesday. It is a pleasure (and luxury) to have so many capable soloists. The soloists for Chichester Psalms will be:
S- Michelle McHugh
A-Shellie Grant
T-Jon DeHart
B-Brandon Homayouni
Yours-DrW


Rachmaninoff Notes for Tenors

Saturday, October 1st, 2011

From Tenor Section Leader Larry:
I have looked (and listened) at the places where the tenor line breaks into 3 parts. Here is what I found in comparing the printed music to the rehearsal tracks:

No. 2 page 8, bottom system, continuing into the next page: Tenor 2 sings the bottom notes.

No. 4 page 20, bottom system: Tenor 2 sings the middle notes.

No. 6 page 36, bottom system, continuing into the next page: As best I can tell, the Tenor 2 rehearsal track sounds both the middle and lower notes. Is there a preference?

No. 8 page 45, bottom system, 2nd and 3rd measures: Tenor 2 sings e-f-g-d.

No. 11 page 71, top system, and page 73, top and bottom systems: As best I can tell, the Tenor 2 rehearsal track sounds both the middle and lower notes. Is there a preference?

No. 20 page 130, bottom system 1st measure: Tenor 2 sings the top notes (same as Tenor 1) for the word nogaya (triplet).

No. 20 page 130, bottom system 2nd and 3rd measures: Tenor 2 sings the middle notes.

No. 14, Choir I : The Tenor rehearsal track sounds all notes. I assume you will give some direction when you assign singers to Choir I.

Please let me know if you have any corrections or clarifications to what I have listed above.

From Dr. Whitmire: Hi Larry- This is why you are the tenor section leader. Great work! To simplify, whenever the tenor breaks into 3 parts, I’d like 2nd tenors to sing the middle part. Thanks-DrW


Alto Tickets

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

From Section Leader Debbie: My apologies for not getting tickets to everyone Tuesday night. Not enough time to distribute, take checks/money AND keep track of transactions during the short break. Unfortunately, I will not be at rehearsal this Saturday but I will be there next week Tuesday and will arrive early. As Dr. Whitmire said, it is to our advantage to sell the tickets and fill the house for both concerts.
That said, I will only give you as many tickets as you request — no maximum, no minimum. Just please sell/pay for those you take.


Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

From Dr. Whitmire:  Dear Singers

PLEASE NOTE THIS SCHEDULE CHANGE AND MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Our October 23 concert has been moved to

October 30, 3:00 p.m.
Church of the Epiphany
1317 G Street NW
Washington, DC

A flyer (.pdf) is attached. A prettier one will be ready later.

The WMPO has returned to tickets. Each singer will get five to sell at $10 each (Half price).

Welcome to our 5th rehearsal of Fall 2011!

Please sign in.

If you are registered as a Senior, please consider making a donation in lieu of tuition. Donations of any amount are appreciated.

Attendance
Please try not to be absent. If you miss more than two rehearsals during preparation for a concert, you will be asked to audition to demonstrate preparedness. Please notify Section Leaders of absences:
Soprano-Peggy, peggyh [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com
Alto-Debbie, peetz [at] rand [dot] org
Tenor-Larry, lgold2 [at] comcast [dot] net
Bass-Ray, rayjoyce2408 [at] verizon [dot] net

Please note Concert Dress Information sheet. [Admin: See September 7th entry -or – Attire guidelines are listed in the Performance Guidance (.pdf) document, always posted to the right.]

Thanks to all the men who attended rehearsal on Saturday. Special Thanks to Chris for directing in my absence. Once again, we had at great turnout.  This Saturday at 1:00 pm is Women’s rehearsal.

Auditions for the solos in Chichester Psalms will tonight September 27. Audition passages will be pp 15-16 and p 40. I strongly encourage all Voice Majors to audition.

Music Majors Mid-term is Tuesday, October 18. Exam passages will Rachmaninoff # 5, 6, 13, 18

Sing Well –DrW


Tenor Notes

Monday, September 26th, 2011

From Section Leader Larry: Rachmaninoff #18: The 2nd tenor CD rehearsal track for #18 contains no audible 2nd tenor notes beginning with the first measure of page 118 until the second measure of page 120 (although we hear the quieter notes of all the other parts). I’m guessing that this omission may have been a “production error” and that the 2nd tenor voices should continue to sing in unison with the first tenors. If so, no big problem, because we can listen to the first tenor track to hear the missing notes.

Rachmaninoff #20: On page 130, bottom staff, the 2nd tenor CD rehearsal track sounds the following pitches for the 2nd tenors, starting with the triplet: c, d, e, c, b, b. That would have us sing the same triplet pitches as the first tenors and not sing f in the final two measures. Could you verify if this is what you intended?

From Dr. Whitmire: Sorry about that Larry. Since there is no divisi in those measures, maybe
you can learn your notes from the Tenor 1 track.


Alto Notes

Friday, September 23rd, 2011

From Chorister Jane: Which line do the first altos sing on page 85 (you didn’t record most of this one for the altos, so I can’t tell). There is one voice on the soprano line and there are 3 voices singing on the alto line. Do first altos sing the top notes of the alto line or the middle notes of the alto line?

From Dr. Whitmire: Good question.
On page 85, top staff the alto part will be divided as follows:
top part- Soprano 2
middle part-alto1
low part-alto 2


Notes for Basses

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

From Section Leader Ray:  A couple of small things I’ve meaning to bring up – but have slipped my mind at rehearsal.
Rachmaninov:
1) Chorus 11: P.72, Mm. 11-14 are missing from the bass 1 rehearsal disc.
2) Chorus 13, P.85  Assuming we are NOT singing  the alternative bass line (Ossia), basses split into THREE parts in Mm. 36 & 37.

Response from Dr. Whitmire:
We will not sing the first 4 measures of page 72.
I will assign just 4 basses to the Ossai bass line on p. 85.
Thanks for these good points.


Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

From Dr. Whitmire:  Welcome to our 4th rehearsal of Fall 2011!
Please sign in.
Please proof the Roster one more time
If you are registered as a Senior, please consider making a donation in lieu of tuition. Donations of any amount are appreciated.

Attendance
Please try not to be absent. If you miss more than two rehearsals during preparation for a concert, you will be asked to audition to demonstrate preparedness. Please notify Section Leaders of absences:
Soprano-Peggy, peggyh [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com
Alto-Debbie, peetz [at] rand [dot] org
Tenor-Larry, lgold2 [at] comcast [dot] net
Bass-Ray,, rayjoyce2408 [at] verizon [dot] net

Please note Concert Dress Information sheet. [Admin:  See September 7th entry -or – Attire guidelines are listed in the Performance Guidance (.pdf) document, always posted to the right.]

Thanks to all the women who attended rehearsal on Saturday. We had at great turnout.  This Saturday at 1:00 pm is Men’s rehearsal.

Auditions for the solos in Chichester Psalms will be next Tuesday, September 27. Audition passages will be pp 15-16 and p40. I strongly encourage all Voice Majors to audition.

Music Majors Mid-term is Tuesday, October 18. Exam passages will Rachmaninoff # 5, 6, 13, 18

Sing Well -DrW


Chorus Benefit Oct 11

Saturday, September 17th, 2011

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Friends-
Please plan to attend this event (.pdf). Its a chance to hear two great pianists play wonderful music, including a new piece by Jonathan Kolm. Donations support our chorus. Please spread the word and bring your friends.
Yours-DrW


Alto Reminders

Wednesday, September 14th, 2011

From Alto Section Leader Debbie: Good afternoon! Just a few reminders for you and me:
This Saturday, Sept 17th, is an optional rehearsal for chorus women — 1 PM at NVCC (I regret I will not be able to join you.)
Next alto sectional at Ellie’s is the last Monday of September, the 26th, 7:30 PM
She will host another on Monday, October 3rd.
Please let Ellie or me know if you’re planning to attend.
I will DEFINITELY be there on the 26th…. The music this semester is very challenging.


Music Majors

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

From Dr. Whitmire: This message (.pdf) is for music majors.


Music Files Update

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

From Admin: Many file additions can be found on the Music Files page. Please report any issues via Comments or the Contact page.


Rehearsal

Monday, September 12th, 2011

From Dr. Whitmire:  Dear Singers- At tomorrow’s rehearsal we will rehearse all of Bernstein. The Rachmaninoff choruses will be selected from Group II.

Yours-DrW

Group I           1 2 3 4
Group II          6  8 11 12
Group III         14 16 17 19 20


Note for Altos

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

From Alto Section Leader Debbie:  Good morning.  Ellie responded to a question from Halina and Jane about Tuesday’s rehearsal and I thought we could all profit from her answer:

From Ellie:  Here’s what I was trying to remember earlier:
We are not singing Rach. 7, 9, 10, 15.
Rach. 5,6,13,18 are to be done by audition and music majors are required to audition.
He’s aware that the recording for A1 for 13 is truncated at the first page.
Rach 3, stop at the end of the 4th bar on top system, page 19, before “Gospodi.”
He didn’t say it explicitly but implied the double chorus No. 14 will also be by audition. He didn’t say how it would be divided.
He also wants the music majors to populate the front row of each section.
Chichester: learn pages 27-20 for sure before next rehearsal.
Men’s extra rehearsal is this weekend.


Concert Performance Attire

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

[Reposting] Please review the concert performance attire guidelines as listed in the Performance Guidance (.pdf) document, always posted to the right.

Men’s Concert Dress
A tuxedo, white dress shirt or formal shirt with black bow tie, black shoes and socks. If you don’t own a tux and don’t wish to rent one, a black or dark blue suit is permitted in this chorus. You can often pick up used tuxedos at rental stores or secondhand locations.

Women’s Concert Dress
Dress Options
Floor length dresses or separates (top with floor length skirt or formal dress slacks)
Floor length means to the ankle/top of the shoe.

Color
Black matte finish

Neckline
Modest, unadorned “V” neckline. No ruffles, no flounces, no collar, no cleavage

Sleeves
Long sleeves or 3/4 sleeves

Footwear
Black shoes with black hosiery

Accessories
Jewelry should be unobtrusive–modest, not flashy.
[Purses should not be brought on stage. Options are to lock it in your car or in a room identified for such use at the performance venue. If you choose a skirt or slacks with pockets, you may be able to carry all you need there. If you are using a ring binder for your music, a pencil case clamped in with your music can hold keys, a comb and lipstick.]

The following are NOT be acceptable:
Slacks: Leggings, chinos, denim jeans, khaki-style, any pant that would expose the midriff
Fabrics: Velvet, satin/shiny fabrics, sheer/see-through fabrics like chiffon or lace, sequined fabrics, heavily patterned fabrics

Chorus members are encouraged to look at websites of vendors specializing in outfitting ensembles to get an idea of the overall look of formality we are trying to achieve. If you need to purchase garments to fit the profile, the following websites are just a few we looked at that have appropriate clothing choices. The profile is basic enough that you may be able to find “the right stuff” at a local department store. You may already own an outfit that fits the profile, or you may be able to borrow one from a friend or family member.
http://www.formalfashionsinc.com/
http://www.formalwear-outlet.com/


Alto Rehearsals

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011

From Section Leader Debbie: Good afternoon and welcome to the NOVA Community Chorus Alto section.

Following is information about an additional, but not required, opportunity to learn the notes and rehearse with other NOVA Altos.

If you were at the first rehearsal last week, you may have found a note on your chair with dates and directions to Ellie’s home. She has kindly offered to host alto sectional rehearsals on Sept 19 & 26 and Oct 3. These start at 7:30 and run for no more than 1-1/2 hours. All we ask is that you let Ellie and/or me know that you plan to attend so she can be prepared.
Ellie — ellie_briscoe [at] yahoo [dot] com
Debbie Peetz — peetz [at] rand [dot] org
Thanks and see you tonight!


Sublime Music

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- What an unbelievably great start to the season. You made sublime music on the first night. I was stunned! I have set a challenging goal for us, but your focus and skill last night made me know we can get there. Our rehearsal brought to mind a poem by John O’Donohue. I can’t wait to see you next Tuesday. Yours-DrW

May your new work excite your heart,
Kindle in your mind a creativity
To journey beyond the old limits
Of all that has become wearisome.

May this work challenge you toward
New frontiers that will emerge
As you begin to approach them,
Calling forth from you the full force
And depth of your undiscovered gifts.

May the work fit the rhythms of your soul,
Enabling you to draw from the invisible
New ideas and a vision that will inspire.

Remember to be kind
To those who work with you,
Endeavor to remain aware
Of the quiet world
That lives behind each face.

Be fair in your expectations,
Compassionate in your criticism.
May you have the grace of encouragement
To awaken the gift in the other’s heart,
Building in them the confidence
To follow the call of the gift.

May you come to know that work
Which emerges from the mind of love
Will have beauty and form.

May this new work be worthy
Of the energy of your heart
And the light of your thought.

May your work assume
A proper space in your life;
Instead of owning or using you,
May it challenge and refine you,
Bringing you every day further
Into the wonder of your heart.


Altos: Optional note learning sessions

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

Where: Chorister Ellie’s home, about ten blocks from NVCC campus
When: 7:40 – 9:00 pm on four Mondays: Sept. 5, 12, 26 and Oct. 3.
We’ll focus on Chichester Psalms, at least to start with.
Allergy Warning: I have cats.
Contact Ellie for more details.


Rehearsal Handouts

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

Here are the handouts from the August 30, 2011 rehearsal (.pdf files):
Schedule, 2 pages

Exercises: Chords, Count Singing, Intervals, Note Names, Key Signatures OR All 4 pages

Chichester Psalms: I – Rhythm (changing meters), II – Rhythm, III – Pitch (changing key center), III – Rhythm and Harmony OR All 4 pages

Rachmaninoff: #3 Rhythm (simple meter) and Harmony (2 pages), #4 Rhythm, Compound Meter, #12 Pitch OR All 4 pages

Reminder: Frequently Used Documents are always linked on the right side of the page:
Info for New Members (Great refresher for current members, too)
Dr. W’s Choral Singing Tips
Performance Guidance (includes concert dress guidelines)
Join the Chorus