NOVA Community Chorus

From Dr. Whitmire: Call tonight is 6:30 pm in Schlesinger. (Not 6:00 pm)

I have 25 CDs of our Bach Concert. They are $10 each. I was only able to copy part 1 of the concert. You will get part 2 in January at no additional cost.

At 7 pm tonight I’d like to meet with the 12/13 VTS Messiah group to rehearse “And he shall purify.”

I need more of my “Under Thirty” singers to join me for the 12/13 Messiah!

See you soon.
-DrW

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Words cannot describe how proud I was of your performance on Sunday. Awesome in every way! Joel got good video. I am on my way now to pick up the audio files.
Speaking of audio – I may be able to have recordings of our Bach Concert this Thursday. If I do they will be $10.
The call on Thursday is 6:00 pm in Schlesinger. We are on first. Please plan to stay for the remainder of the concert.

Here is December 13 Messiah at VTS info

Immanuel Chapel at Virginia Episcopal Seminary
3737 Seminary Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22304

Sat. 12/12 10:00 –11:30 am am chorus rehearsal

Sunday 12/13 2:30 pm call
3:00 pm Concert

There is parking at
Beth El Hebrew Congregation
3830 Seminary Road

Attire is same as WMPO concerts.

Yours – DrW

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- Thanks for a great rehearsal tonight. In case you want to sing after all our Messiahs and before Spring semester starts, here is a great opportunity. Many of you will remember the beautiful Requiem by Paul Leavitt that we sang last Spring. Paul is giving 2 performances of his Magnificat with the chorus and orchestra of the Friday Morning Music Club on Friday & Saturday, Jan. 15 &16, 2016. They rehearse Sunday afternoons, 1:30 – 4 PM at Church of the Reformation on Capital Hill. If you are interested, send Paul an e-mail. pdleavitt0918@gmail.com

Yours-DrW

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- Here is a flyer for our Messiah concerts. As usual, we will have half-price tickets. Start telling you friends about it.
Yours-DrW

Click image for Flyer PDF

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- l look forward to seeing Women this Saturday at 11 am. This will be our last Saturday rehearsal. I want everyone to have plenty of time with family, plus some baking and shopping. Yours-DrW

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 10th rehearsal of Fall 2015! Please sign in.

Tonight-Messiah, all movements. After tonight we have only 2 Tuesday night rehearsals before our Sunday, November 29, Dress Rehearsal with orchestra at Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill (3606 Seminary Rd, Alexandria, VA 22302)

This Saturday at 11:00 am – Women

Optional Messiah on December 13 at Virginia Episcopal Seminary (3737 Seminary Rd, Alexandria, VA 22304). If you would like to participate, please send me an e-mail with “optional Messiah” in the subject line. You must attend the Saturday 12/12 10:00 am rehearsal.

Demographics- My meeting last week with all singers under 30 (Cantanti sotto i trent’anni) to get suggestions about recruiting more under 30 singers was very productive. And, I have personally recruitedthree new singers this week (bragging, right?)

Facebook- We have an awesome Facebook page thanks to Kate. Just search NOVA Community Chorus in Facebook. Be sure to ‘like’ us and start using our page as a recruiting and promotional tool.

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Enjoy this video of our Bach Concert. Thanks to Kate and Joel!
Yours-MW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H22OHSfm2f8

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 9th rehearsal of Fall 2015! Please sign in.

Thank you for a wonderful Bach concert last Tuesday. Your singing was truly outstanding. Special thanks to our awesome soloists and the fine small ensembles. I will play the 1st movement recording tonight. Complete CDs will be available soon.

Thank you for generating our best audience ever. It was great to look out to a great crowd and it was great that we were able to pay the bills and them some.

Tonight-Messiah, all movements. After tonight we have only 3 Tuesday night rehearsalsbefore our Sunday, November 29, Dress Rehearsal with orchestra.

This Saturday at 11:00 am – Men

Optional Messiah on December 13 at Virginia Episcopal Seminary. If you would like to participate, please send me an e-mail with “optional Messiah” in the subject line. You must attend the Saturday 12/12 10:00 am rehearsal.

Demographics- As I said on Tuesday, one of the beauties of our group is the diversity of ages. I would like to meet briefly tonight after rehearsal with all with all singers under 30 to get suggestions about recruiting more under 30 singers.

Yours-DrW

NVCC Foundation
As you begin to think about your end-of the year charitable giving, please keep us in mind. Donations of any amount are appreciated. Make your tax-deductible checks to NVCC Foundation and give them to me at any time. Thanks.

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
You were amazing last night. I hope you had as much joy and satisfaction as I did.
If you were absent for any reason, please contact me immediately. If you had spoken to me about your absence in advance, please remind me.
In celebration of your wonderful concert there will be no rehearsal this Saturday. I look forward to seeing Everyone on Tuesday to rehearse Messiah.
Yours-DrW

From Admin: Updates will be temporarily delayed until further notice. Thank you for your patience.

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-

Thanks for a wonderful rehearsal on Saturday. You sounded so good. There were a few unexpected absences. I need everyone to be present tonight.

This is going to be a great concert. Pull out all the stops with regard to selling tickets and bringing your friends and family. We want to have a great crowd.

When you arrive tonight, take a seat at the front of the hall. At 7:30 pm I will invited you to the stage. We will be seated in four rows. Those singing in small groups
Sit at front (red).

S S S S S S S B B B B B B B B B B A A A A A
S S S S S S S B B B B B B B B B B A A A A A
S S S S S S S T T T T T T A A A A A A A A A
S S S S S S S T T T T T A A A A A A A A A A

Attached is the 1st draft of the program (.pdf). Look it over and let me know of any omissions or srros.

I look forward to seeing you tonight.

[Admin Reposting] Please review the concert performance attire guidelines as listed in the Performance Advice (.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/

From Alto Section Leader Debbie: Here is a more detail about what the women should wear for concerts. We do not have a specific dress/outfit to purchase but do ask that you get as close as possible to the following:

Women: Black, preferably matte finish, not shiny.
Options – Floor length (to the ankle/top of the shoe) dresses or separates (top with floor length skirt or formal dress slacks).
Neckline – Modest, unadorned “V” neckline. No ruffles, no flounces, no collar, no cleavage.

Sleeves – Long sleeves or 3/4 sleeves.

Black shoes with black hosiery.

Accessories – Jewelry should be unobtrusive-modest, not flashy.

=================================

Two valuable websites with answers to a lot of questions are (links at right of page):

PERFORMANCE ADVICE (.pdf)

and

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS (.pdf)

Tonight is for placement and sound on the stage. Wear whatever is comfortable. Concert dress required on the night of the concert.

Thanks. The alto section is doing a great job and I think Dr Whitmire is VERY happy with our performance.

From Fred:
1. Do not wear your performance clothes to this dress rehearsal, but do be on time:
– 7:00 or earlier for the orchestra rehearsal
– 7:20 Sing the Cantata
– Stick around for the 2-piano concerto

2. Performance clothing for the performance itself (on Tuesday, Oct. 27)
– Men wear a black tuxedo with a white shirt, black bow tie, black shoes and black socks
– Women wear all black.

3. So far I have no info on whether or not we will use black folders. Blue Bach?

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Thanks for a great rehearsal on Saturday.
I am happy to announce that our new president- Dr. Scott Ralls- plans to attend our concert. It is important that we have a good crowd. I need every singer to do their part by bringing their friends and family to our concert next Tuesday 10/27.
I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow 10/20 at 7:30 pm in Schlesinger.
Your-DrW

From Dr. Whitmire to Ul James: Hi Ul-Here is my plan. Please let the orchestra know. Thanks-MW

Schedule for tomorrow (10/17) in Tyler Rm 130

10:00 am Concerto for Two Keyboards –strings only

10:45 am Orchestral Suite (M I) –strings and winds

11:15 am –1230 pm – Cantata: Ein fest Burg –strings and winds

Schedule for Tuesday (10/20) in Schlesinger

7:00 pm – Orchestral Suite (M I) –strings and winds

7:20 pm – Cantata: ein fest Burg –strings and winds

8:35 pm short break to set re-set stage

8:45 -9:30 pm – Concerto for Two Keyboards –strings only

Schedule for Concert Day Tuesday (10/27) in Schlesinger

6:00 pm – Concerto for Two Keyboards –strings only

6:30 pm – Cantata: ein fest Burg –strings and winds

7:00 –7:15 pm Orchestral Suite (M I) –strings and winds

Concert starts at 7:30 pm
Concert will end around 8:45 pm

From Fred: ALL NOVA Chorus singers are invited to a substitute choral rehearsal next Tuesday night, October 12, at 7:30 PM. ALL means our Sopranos, Altos, Tenors and Basses are invited. Chris Hagan will lead the singing. We may use a CD player and talent in the chorus to help us learn to pronounce the German words.

This rehearsal will be held in the sanctuary of the John Calvin Presbyterian Church, 6551 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA. at the corner of Whispering Lane and Columbia Pike; 2.5 miles from Baileys Crossroads; across from Belvedere elementary school. Please come 5 or 10 minutes early so we can get ourselves organized before starting this rehearsal.

It is a little tricky to get into the church’s parking lot entrance because it is right next to and parallel to Columbia Pike. If you are going west on Columbia Pike, toward Annandale, stay in the left hand lane as you approach the traffic light for Whispering Lane. When traffic permits make a complete left turn and immediately turn right toward Annandale to enter the service road. This road will take you into the parking lot.
The sanctuary entrance is on the lower level. There is a women’s meeting in another part of the church that also starts at 7:30.

There will be a collection to help pay for our use of this space.
Food and liquids are not allowed inside the sanctuary.
See you there.

Fred Wulff

Corrections: 1. The correct date for the next Tuesday rehearsal is October 13
2. It will be OK to have water in the sanctuary. There are bathrooms and a water fountain a short distance away.

From Chorister Grace: BCI (formerly Berkshire Choral Festival) will be accepted open registration applications for 2016 starting Wednesday, October 14. The 2016 season includes programs in Massachusetts, California, Rhode Island, and Austria. Following is information that explains the enrollment process.

1. Open enrollment lasts until December 31. Everyone who applies during that timeframe is considered in the selection.

2. The selection is made in January, and notifications are sent out by mid-month.

3. BCI tries to fit singers into the week of their choice, but achieving a proper voice balance can prevent this. Therefore, they encourage singers to list a first, second, and even third choice of weeks to optimize your chances of getting in.

4. Applications are accepted after December 31 based on voice part availability until all spots are filled.

5. Singers can get more information about each venue on the BCI website – http://www.berkshirechoral.org.

6. Any questions about registration, applying, and participating can be addressed to Chorister Services Director Cynthia Pease at cpease@berkshirechoral.org or by calling 413-229-8526.

Warning – BCI can be addictive! There were 209 singers from 20+ states and several countries at the week I attended this year – 70+ had attended BCI between 20 and 30 years, and another 70+ had attended between 10 and 20 years!

Grace