NOVA Community Chorus

From Ulysses James to Dr. Whitmire:

We need to provide as many parking spaces for patron parking as we can.

The lot is fairly small and not well marked for efficient use of space. They should car pool if at all possible, and park at the far end of the lot, using the driveway at the northwest corner or at least the western part of the lot.

One other minor item. As they are congregating in a separate room while WMP performs, please as them to be as quiet as possible.

Thanks!

Looking forward to tomorrow!

From Chorister Jane: The Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington could use some extra
singers (tenors and basses and probably altos) for Dec 24 as so many of
their singers will be out of town. The service is at 6:45PM, and we are
to be there at 6:15.

Rehearsal Thursday, Dec 15 at 7:15.

UUCA 4444 Arlington Blvd, Arlington (SW corner of Arlington Blvd and
George Mason Drive)

The music is:

Arican Noel arr. Andre Thomas

Glow–Eric Whitacre

Wexford Carol–John rutter

O Magnum Mysterieum–Ola Gjeilo

O Magnum Mysterium–Javier Busto

Let me know if you’re interested, please.

Jane Roningen A1

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Last Tuesday (11/29)
Thanks to Jon DeHart and Chris for expertly running the show last Tuesday. And thanks to all of you for being so supportive.
Tomorrow (12/3)
I look forward to seeing everyone at our 11:00 am Full Rehearsal.
Sunday (12/4)
Be at Church of the Epiphany before 2:00 pm. Please factor in traffic and any other possible delays. I hope to begin rehearsing at 2:00 sharp.
Next Tuesday (12/6)
Please be in Schlesinger Schlesinger at 6:20 pm. We’ll find out places on the risers and rehearsal very briefly (6:30 to 6:50 pm).

[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

All
Please refrain from wearing scented products, including perfumes, some hair sprays, etc. Also be mindful of oral hygiene.
We often do not have changing or secure storage facilities backstage. Bring only what you intend to have with you onstage.
When filing onto stage, climb the risers at the end, and then walk to your place.
Keep your music at your side while walking.
While standing, do not lock your knees. If you feel faint, alert the singers on both sides and sit down on your own riser with their help.
Be careful when stepping off risers. You can easily trip and fall.
When filing off of the stage, do not walk to one end and jump off.
Listen carefully for the location of the post performance party. Follow someone there.
Caution: water is not allowed on stage during performances. Cough drops in your pocket are a good emergency measure for performances.

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 Chorister Melanie: I was checking out the WMPA website and this got my attention:

*Discount parking is no longer available at the PMI garage next the to church. WMPA has arranged for discount parking at another nearby garage. Please click on Venue Information link below for details.

Then the page about parking says:

The Church of the Epiphany
1317 G St., NW
Washington, DC 20005
www.epiphanydc.org
NOTE: Discount parking for $7 is available at the parking garage at 650 12th St NW. It’s manged by ONE parking and is on 12th St between F and G streets, about 1 1/2 blocks from Church of the Epiphany. To obtain the discount, you must follow these instructions exactly:
1. Step one: The parker will enter, take a ticket, and park in any of the 300+ spaces available.
2. Step two: The parker will go to the concert.
3. Step three: The parker will stop by the level B2 parking garage office to pay $7.00 with credit card ONLY. Inform the parking attendant that you attended the WMP concert at the Church of the Epiphany.
4. Step four: The parker will get the vehicle, and exit with the paid ticket
Parkers can NOT get the vehicle directly to drive out and pay $7.00. The ONLY way you can get the special rate is with the above steps.

I figured you may be sending something out about Sunday’s performance, so maybe you can add this to it.

[December 1 Update] From Dr. Whitmire: Hello Singers- Here is more important info about discount parking for this Sunday’s concert. Yours-DrW

NOTE: Discount parking for $7 is available at the parking garage entered at 560 11th St NW. It’s managed by ONE parking and is on 11th St between E and F streets, about 3 1/2 blocks from Church of the Epiphany. To obtain the discount, you must follow these instructions exactly:
1. Step one: Concert patrons will enter, take a ticket, and park in any of the 300+ spaces available.
2. Step two: The concert patrons will go to the concert.
3. Step three: Pick up your parking voucher from WMP staff or volunteers at the concert.
4. Step four: When exiting the garage, patrons will first insert their ticket into the machine and they will then insert the discount ticket and it will deduct $3 from the total, making the final cost $7 for the patrons. Payment is by Credit Card ONLY.
Parkers can NOT get the vehicle directly to drive out and pay $7.00. The ONLY way you can get the special rate is with the above steps.

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-

Thanks for a great rehearsal last night. I could have listened to your singing and the beautiful playing by the orchestra all night.

And thanks to all who were able to join me for an early birthday celebration at Clyde’s. Great fun!

I know you will work hard for Jon and Chris tomorrow night and will get our Three Carols in fine shape for the Holiday concert.

Please sell your 5 tickets to our Poulenc Gloria concerts. It will be a great concert that your friends and family will enjoy. And 50% off is a great deal! Return cash or checks made to WMPA to your Section Leader.

Please carefully note our Upcoming Schedule

This Saturday, December 3, Full Rehearsal, 11:00 am, AT130

Sunday, December 4, 2016, 3:00 pm Concert, 2:00 pm Call
Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Tuesday, December 6, 2016; 7:30 pm Concert, 6:30 pm Call
Schlesinger Center

Sunday, December 11, Concert 3:00 pm, 2:00 pm Call
GW Masonic Memorial 101 Callahan Dr, Alexandria, VA 22301

I have been proud of the NOVA Community Chorus many, many times over the years. But never more proud than last Tuesday when you responded to a fellow singer in need. Your contributions to Jovan Howard totaled $1400.00. I believe that this help will get Jovan back on track to graduate in May. She hopes to become a Spanish teacher. She will make us all proud.

I have just learned that we have another former NOVA chorister in serious need. You may remember Dorothea Kamara, who sang with us for three years. Like Jovan, Dorothea has struggled through very difficult circumstances. When she was here she lived with her parents and four siblings in a very small 2-bedroom apartment. They constantly struggled with hunger and eviction. In spite of it all, she was admitted to The College of William and Mary. After two years she had to take medical leave due to undiagnosed illness. Recently thyroid ultrasound revealed a nodule that turned out to be cancerous. Last Tuesday she had it removed it appears to be a success! The next steps are a follow-up appointment with the surgeon, an appointment with an endocrinologist, and thyroid hormone medication for the rest of her life. While much of her treatment is covered by insurance, there are many expenses that are not. Here is a link to a Gofundme account that her friends have set up. Help if you can.
https://www.gofundme.com/dorotheas-cancer-fund

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers,

As some of you know, this Tuesday is my birthday. I have just learned that my two brothers are coming from Texas and Oklahoma to ‘surprise’ me. So Jon DeHart and Chris will be running Tuesday rehearsal so that I can be with them. Jon and Chris will run thru Poulenc (which is in great shape) and concentrate on the three carols which need work. Tuesday is our last rehearsal before we sing them at the Holiday concert on 12/6. I trust you will all be there and work hard for them.

Since I will not be there to celebrate on Tuesday, I’d love it if any of you could join me a Clyde’s tonight following our rehearsal for a refreshing beverage and maybe a bite to eat.

See you tonight at 5 at Immanuel. I am really looking forward to it.

Yours-DrW

From Dr. Whitmire: This Sunday, November 27, 2016, 5:00 pm. Dress Rehearsal with WMPO
Immanuel Church on the Hill, 3606 Seminary Rd, Alexandria 22304

See you there!

From Dr. Whitmire: Half Chorus (moitié)

please note: I have added one singer to each section since I sent the list last week

I’d like the Half Chorus to sit together and toward the front as much as possible

[Admin: See e-mail for list.]

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers,

As you may have heard, I am home sick today (a cold and no voice). We will have rehearsal tomorrow night (conductors shouldn’t talk too much anyway).

I will bring 50 CDs of our October 25 Concert. They are $10 cash or check made to NVCC Foundation. You can get the recording for free once Kate gets them up on the website. [Admin: will be posted once available.]

I hope to have tickets to our Poulenc Gloria concerts by Saturday. You did such a great job selling and buying tickets in October. I know you will do it again.

See you tomorrow. Stay healthy.
-DrW

From Chorister Terri:
Philomela, a women’s vocal ensemble whose members include NOVA Chorus members Debbie Peetz, Ruth Herndon, Terri LaGoe, and Christine Hagan, will present “Forty and Fabulous — A Ruby Anniversary Concert” The concert, which takes place on Sunday, November 20, at 3:30pm at Vienna Baptist Church, will feature an eclectic selection of songs in the classical, folk and gospel traditions.

Admission is free — $15 donation suggested.

For more information, please see attached flyer or talk with any of the NOVA Chorus members mentioned above.

From Chorister Jane: Guest Musician and Director Donald Milton, III will be offering 2 exciting workshops on Saturday, November 19.. 12:30 – 3:00pm in the Sanctuary of the Unitarian Church of Arlington. (corner of Rt 50 and George Mason Dr)

ALL are WELCOME!

Singing is Easy.
As singers we have a tendency to get into our own heads and make singing more difficult than it should be. In this workshop Donald Milton III, Director of Music at the UU Congregation of Atlanta and long time voice teacher, will talk about some of the common tensions we add when we “work” to sing and give you tips on how to sign with a richer, more open, more in tune sound while increasing vocal stamina and enjoyment. We’ll also take an in depth look at our vocal mechanism and learn how to get our of our own way and make singing EASY!

The Second Voice Change: The Aging Voice
Our voices never stop changing throughout our lives and aging can have a major effect on our vocal stamina, our range, and our tone. We will explore how to deal with these changes to maintain a strong and healthy singing voice throughout our whole lives. This workshop is geared towards singers 55 and over but is open to any inquiring minds.

There will be a small registration fee of $10 per workshop/$20 for both.

From Dr. Whitmire: Poulenc Gloria

Corrections to the Piano/Vocal Score (larger book that includes piano part)
(Please correct your part. It is not necessary to correct the other parts.)
Some, but not all, corrections have been made in rehearsal.

Click image for larger PDF

Half chorus (moitié)

Soprano
Mary Anne Brundage
Kate Pongonis
Judith Robb
Elizabeth Todd
Margaret Harrison
Emily Tsai

Alto
Melanie Casey
Deborah Peetz
Carol Pelenberg
Halina Banas-Jones
Bree Verrill
Grace White

Tenor
John Connors
John DeHart
Kristopher Kouzougian
Bill Reilly
Francisco Robles
Alex Thomas

Bass
Michael DeHart
Tom Munger
Tim Rinaman
Pete VandenBosch
Nick King
David Shilton

From Chorister Jane:

Sing Fauré at Church of the Epiphany

Have you ever sat at a Cathedral Choral Society concert, curious what it’s like to sing in a choir? Are you a long-time singer, excited to sing Fauré once again? Do you just need a way to escape post-election stress?

Join us for our community sing-along of Fauré’s Requiem this Sunday, November 13 at 7:30 p.m. In honor of our 75th season, we’re taking our popular sing-alongs on the road, so we’ll be at the beautiful Church of the Epiphany at 1317 G St NW, Washington, DC.

Here’s what you need to know:

Guest conductor Will Breytspraak will lead
Ariana Wehr, soprano; Jason Widney, baritone; Todd Fickley, organ
Getting to Church of the Epiphany:
By metro: the Metro Center stop is half a block away
By car: street parking is ample on Sunday evenings
Tickets are just $10, and include score rental

Buy online today, call 202-537-2228, or buy at the door on Sunday. See you soon!
Buy sing-along tickets now!

From Dr. Whitmire: Concert flyer attached. Spread the word!

Click image for Flyer PDF

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 10th rehearsal of the season.

I look forward to seeing everyone at tonight’s very important rehearsal. After tonight we have only 2 rehearsals before our Nov. 27 Dress rehearsal with orchestra.

Please sign in.

Four Carols for the Holiday concert have been emailed to you and they are on Black Board.

[Admin: Available on the music files page, listed on the tab above.]

Please carefully note our Upcoming Schedule

Sunday, November 27, 2016, 5:00 p.m. Dress Rehearsal with WMPO, Immanuel Church on the Hill

Sunday, December 4, 2016, 3:00 p.m. Concert with WMPO: Poulenc: Gloria, Church of the Epiphany

Tuesday, December 6, 2016, 7:30 p.m. Holiday Concert?Four Carols, excerpts from Gloria, SchlesingerCenter

Sunday, December 11, 3:00 p.m. Concert with WMPO: Francis Poulenc: Gloria, Masonic Memorial

This Saturday at 11:00 am – Men

Sing Well- DrW

From Dr. Whitmire [edited]: Dear Singers- Here are four carols for the Holiday Concert. We’ll rehearse them tomorrow. See you then.
Yours-DrW

Admin: Available on the music files page, listed on the tab above.

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
What a amazing concert! Bravo/a! To Chris and David Hagan for their stunning performance!
And bravo/a! To you. I truly believe that we have never before created such a beautiful choral sound.
Thanks to you, we had a great audience .
Thanks to you. We generated the highest revenue ever. With ticket sales and donations, plus contributions from choristers who are seniors we, were able to pay the bills.
Go to novachorus.org (or my Facebook page) and see the video Agnes Malika provided of “How lovely.” You will be very proud, as am I.

[Admin: Link to video on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agnes.malicka.5/videos/10207826394882735/]

I look forward to seeing men tomorrow at 11:00 am.

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Thank you for an excellent rehearsal on Tuesday. It is clear that this will be a outstanding concert.
NOW is the time to contact ALL your friends an family to let them know about your concert. They don’t want to miss it. Soprano Sarah Dudley Brown reports that she has sold 14 tickets! If everyone does the same, we could pay our bills and support our scholarship fund.
Tickets – Please turn is your ticket money or unsold tickets to your sections leader ASAP. Keep only tickets you intend to sell (or buy to give away).
Tomorrow- Women at 11:00 am
Tuesday- Call is 6:30 pm in Schlesinger. Please be on time as late arrivals are very disruptive.
I need several house managers/ushers to take tickets, sell tickets, oversee the donation bowl, etc. If you have a significant other that is willing to help, please let me know.

Yours-DrW

[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

All
Please refrain from wearing scented products, including perfumes, some hair sprays, etc. Also be mindful of oral hygiene.
We often do not have changing or secure storage facilities backstage. Bring only what you intend to have with you onstage.
When filing onto stage, climb the risers at the end, and then walk to your place.
Keep your music at your side while walking.
While standing, do not lock your knees. If you feel faint, alert the singers on both sides and sit down on your own riser with their help.
Be careful when stepping off risers. You can easily trip and fall.
When filing off of the stage, do not walk to one end and jump off.
Listen carefully for the location of the post performance party. Follow someone there.
Caution: water is not allowed on stage during performances. Cough drops in your pocket are a good emergency measure for performances.

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/