Archive for the ‘Spring 2011’ Category
Monday, January 17th, 2011
From Section Leader Debbie: Note from Ellie who has also asked to post on the NOVA Chorus web site. See you tomorrow night.
From Chorister Ellie: This is where I think each of the Verdi alto rehearsal tracks begin:
Track 1: page 2, top system
2: page 19, top
3: page 30, 4th system, to bottom of page 34
No recording for chorus notes between 35 and 43 but for altos it’s the same note and phrase repeated.
4: page 43 just before G, top staff, to page 46
5: page 51 2d system, last measure, to page 65
6: Page 80, top system, to page 84
7: page 85, end of 3d system, to p. 100
8: page 124 (chorus I)
9: page 124 (chorus II)
10: page 149
11: page 167
12: page 172, top system
13: page 182, top system
14: page 186, top system
15: page 205, top system, 3d measure
I think there is an error in the alto CD on page 43, 2d staff, last measure, but I would appreciate someone else’s checking that.
Tags: altos, rehearsal tracks, sheet music, verdi requiem
Posted in Spring 2011 | Comments Off on Alto Rehearsal Notes
Friday, January 14th, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Reminder- There is a rehearsal for tenors and basses tomorrow (01/15) from 1:00-2:15 pm (not required, but strongly encouraged).
Have a great weekend!
Tags: dr. whitmire, rehearsals
Posted in Spring 2011 | Comments Off on Rehearsal Reminder
Wednesday, January 12th, 2011
Handouts from last night’s rehearsal:
First Rehearsal Welcome, (.pdf)
Schedule, Spring 2011, 2 pages (.pdf)
Verdi text and translation, 3 pages, previously posted on December 30, (.pdf)
Beethoven text and translation, 2 pages, (.pdf)
Also noted:
Verdi Latin diction, previously posted on December 30, (.mp3)
Gramophone article: Composer Eric Whitacre on why British choirs are best, direct weblink, or PDF of article
Reminder: Frequently Used Documents are always linked on the right side of the page:
Info for New Members (.pdf)
Dr. W’s Choral Singing Tips (.pdf)
Performance Guidance (.pdf)
Join the Chorus (.pdf)
Tags: attendance, dr. whitmire, faq, judas, recording, rehearsals, resources, schedule, verdi requiem
Posted in Fall 2010, Spring 2011 | Comments Off on First Rehearsal Recap
Monday, January 10th, 2011
From Chorister Peggy: For those of you who are interested in working on some choral music that we don’t ordinarily sing in NOVA Community Chorus, below is information on a workshop with Philip Cave in Richmond next weekend. I’ve been to similar workshops he’s given in the past, and have always found them rewarding and well worth the time.
THE ENGLISH CHAPEL ROYAL
Music for Court and Chapel by Taverner, Tallis, Byrd & Gibbons
A Chorworks one-day early choral workshop led by PHILIP CAVE
director of the English early music ensemble Magnificat and a founding member of The Tallis Scholars
SATURDAY, January 15, 2011 10:00am-6:00pm
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 520 N. Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia
Registration from 9:30am. Workshop 10:00am. Informal Concert at 5:00pm
General registration $50. Seniors $35. Students <25 yrs. $25.
Music provided online to registered participants.
Please register and read further information online at
www.chorworks.com
Tags: Other Opportunities, workshops
Posted in Spring 2011 | Comments Off on Philip Cave Workshop
Monday, January 10th, 2011
From Chorister Al: Yes, the CD sounds great. The march No. 57 and Sing Unto God No. 58 weren’t on the disc. I guess these recordings didn’t come out correctly? Too bad, as Sing Unto God was one of the best ones, I think.
Admin note: Sing Unto God is available on the Performances page.
Tags: dr. whitmire, judas, performances, recording
Posted in Fall 2010, Spring 2011 | Comments Off on Judas Recording
Thursday, December 30th, 2010
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers,
Attached is the Verdi Requiem Text and Translation (.pdf) plus an mp3 of the Latin diction. Knowing that many of you cannot open attachments, I’ve sent this message to Kate who will have it up at www.novachorus.org very soon.
I have CDs of our December 12 performance of Judas Macabbaeus. It sounds fabulous! I will be in my office this Tuesday, January 4, from 1 -6 pm if you would like one. If you can’t make it, I will have them at our first rehearsal on 1/11. $10 cash or check made to NVCC Foundation.
Many of you have not registered for chorus. Please do so asap. Also encourage other good singers to join us. We’ll need all of us and more for the Ninth in April!
Remember, our chorus can only be as good as its members.
If you want to improve your singing, register for MUS131-01a Beginning Class Voice (MT, 6-7:15 pm)
If you want to learn more about music, sign up for MUS101-01a Basic Musicianship (Sat, 10 am -12:45 pm)
Both these classes are taught be me, and both are scheduled to sync with our chorus rehearsals.
Happy New Year!
Tags: dr. whitmire, judas, recording, rehearsals, resources, verdi requiem
Posted in Fall 2010, Spring 2011 | Comments Off on Verdi Text and Diction
Wednesday, December 29th, 2010
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- I trust that this message finds you enjoying a wonderful holiday season. Knowing how busy you are, I thought it best to send you our upcoming schedule (.pdf) as early as possible. Be sure sure to mark your calendars. (Note that the Verdi Requiem comes up during the college Spring Break.) This is going to be the most exciting season ever! I look forward to seeing you on Jan 11.
Peace on Earth-DrW
Tags: dr. whitmire, rehearsals, schedule, verdi requiem
Posted in Spring 2011 | Comments Off on Verdi Schedule
Tuesday, December 21st, 2010
Regular NOVAConnect registration for all 2011 Spring semester sessions is under way. Classes begin on January 10. The first chorus rehearsal is on Tuesday, January 11.
Chorus is MUS 137 001A (subject MUS, catalog number 137, section 001A, class number 14724).
For previous postings regarding Spring 2011, under Archives on the right-hand side of the page, click on “Spring 2011”
For archived Fall 2010 information, please see to the right-hand side of the page, also under Archives.
From Dr. Whitmire: The most recently posted schedule that included Spring information is dated September 14, 2010, on the second page. Tentative Schedule (.pdf)
Reminder: Frequently Used Documents are always linked on the right side of the page:
Info for New Members (.pdf)
Dr. W’s Choral Singing Tips (.pdf)
Performance Guidance (.pdf)
Join the Chorus (.pdf)
Tags: faq, schedule
Posted in Fall 2010, Spring 2011 | Comments Off on Spring Semester
Thursday, December 16th, 2010
Dear Singers- Words cannot express the joy and satisfaction that you have brought to me this season. Your singing of Judas Maccabeaus far surpassed my very high expectations. My veteran singers did their usual excellent job of preparation. Further, I have never had such an outstanding group of new choristers. Together, you created the finest choral tone and musicality that the NOVA community Chorus has ever produced. You have launched us, I believe, in the realm of metro DCs truly fine choruses. I have attached an mp3. I will send the rest to Kate to post on the website.
I look forward to seeing you at our first rehearsal of Spring on January 11. If you know good singers who would like to join us for the Verdi Requiem and Beethoven Ninth, bring them. In the meanwhile, have a wonderful holiday.
Peace on Earth-DrW
Tags: dr. whitmire, judas, recording, schedule
Posted in Fall 2010, Spring 2011 | Comments Off on From Dr. Whitmire
Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Welcome to our 12th rehearsal of Fall 2010! Please sign in.
Brava/o! I could not have been more pleased and proud of you at Sunday night’s dress rehearsal. You were attentive, patient, and sang with a beautiful full tone in every section. Our soloists did a fabulous job.
Tonight– In addition to Judas, we’ll sing through Verdi Dies Irae first section and On with the snow.
Rehearsal with the band on Thursday night, December 2, 8-8:30 pm.
If you can, please plan to rehearse On with the snow with the band.
Music Majors– Final Exam is next Tuesday, November 30
Our next Rehearsal is next Tuesday, November 30
As you know, Judas Maccabaeus is going to be a wonderful concert. Bring your friends and family. Everyone will be glad it was a part of their of their holidays.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Sing Well-DrW
Tags: band, dr. whitmire, judas, on with the snow, rehearsals, verdi
Posted in Fall 2010, Spring 2011 | Comments Off on 12th Rehearsal Preview
Monday, November 22nd, 2010
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Happy Saint Cecelia Day (Patron Saint of Musicians)!
Brava/o! I could not have been more pleased and proud of you at last night’s dress rehearsal. You were attentive, patient, and sang with a beautiful full tone in every section. Our soloists did a fabulous job. We had only a few rhythmic issues in the fast spots. We’ll sort them out tomorrow night. We’ll also sing through Verdi Dies Irae first section.
If you can, please plan to rehearse On with the snow with the band on Thursday night, December 2, 8-8:30 pm.
See you tomorrow night.
Tags: band, dr. whitmire, judas, on with the snow, rehearsals, verdi
Posted in Fall 2010, Spring 2011 | Comments Off on Notes on Dress Rehearsal
Friday, November 19th, 2010
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Reminders:
Tomorrow (Sat 11/20) – Rehearsal at NVCC; 1-2:15 pm
Sunday (11/21) – Rehearsal at Bishop Ireton, 6-8:30 pm [I’ll need several able bodies to help Steve set up risers. If you can help, show up at 5:30 pm)
Tomorrow I will have more Verdi Alto CDs for those who didn’t get one.
I’ll also have more copies of “On with the snow.”
Don’t forget to make the correction: mm 35-37 words are “No man, but you can do the job when you’re in town ”
Unfortunately the midi file for this has gone awol so there won’t be any notes for you unless it shows up. It’s very simple and familiar.
Tags: dr. whitmire, judas, on with the snow, rehearsal tracks, rehearsals, verdi requiem
Posted in Fall 2010, Spring 2011 | Comments Off on Reminders
Friday, November 12th, 2010
(11/10/2010) From Chorister Debbie: Here’s the schedule of extra Alto rehearsals at Ellie Briscoe’s home:
Dec 21, Dec 28, January 4
(Ellie also plans to create a flyer with this information.)
From Ellie:
Altos: optional Verdi learning sessions
Where: Ellie Briscoe’s home, about ten blocks from NVCC campus
When:7:30 – 9:00 pm on three Tuesdays: December 21, 28, January 4
Allergy warning: I have cats. Non-altos are welcome also but we will be using the alto practice CD.
Directions from NVCC to 1709 Stonebridge Road, Alexandria
Go east on Braddock from campus. Go up the hill (through a traffic light), down the hill and under 395 (and through a second light), and up the next hill to the third traffic light, turn right onto Howard St. Take the fourth right onto Loyola; go to the end and turn right onto Stonebridge. 1709 is the first house on your right on Stonebridge, two-story brick-fronted house with a porch, and a rock by the curb that says “1709.”
If coming north on Howard from Seminary, Loyola is the first left. Note that you cannot see the Loyola street sign behind the BIG tree.
In case you get lost: phone is 703 461 7383.
Tags: altos, rehearsals
Posted in Fall 2010, Spring 2011 | Comments Off on Alto Rehearsal Update
Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Welcome to our 10th rehearsal of Fall 2010! Please sign in.
At this table, take a copy of On with the Snow
Inside pick up Verdi Requiem Rehearsal CDs. The 2-CD set is $10. Make checks to NVCC Foundation.
Absentee Auditions Tonight
If you have miss more than two rehearsals as of tonight, please stay to audition for me to demonstrate preparedness. If you are not sure of your absences, see your Section Leader.
All Soloists please stay after rehearsal tonight.
Tags: attendance, auditions, band, dr. whitmire, rehearsal tracks, rehearsals, section leaders, sheet music, verdi requiem
Posted in Fall 2010, Spring 2011 | Comments Off on 10th Rehearsal Preview
Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
From Section Leader Debbie: Ellie has suggested and offered to host VERDI rehearsals… See
below. Please let me know your interest in participating by reply to: deborah_peetz [at] rand [dot] org
From Ellie: Since we know most people don’t have standing commitments on Tuesdays, how’s about in December after chorus is over, I host Tuesday “Verdi” sectionals, to sing through the Requiem and get somewhat familiar with it? People will already have the practice CD. I could open that to sopranos, too, or even
anyone who wants to come; then maybe we’d have half a dozen folks show up.
Or, I could set them up for Mondays, and begin next week; if he keeps telling us which movements he’s going to work on we can anticipate them.
We have I think four class sessions left before the end of chorus, and the second performance of “Judas” is after the last one.
Tags: altos, rehearsals, sectional rehearsals, verdi requiem
Posted in Fall 2010, Spring 2011 | Comments Off on Optional Alto Rehearsals
Tuesday, September 21st, 2010
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Welcome to our 5th rehearsal of Fall 2010! Please sign in.
Tonight’s Rehearsal – Judas 26, 30, 34, 43
Next Week – 49, 50, 56, 58, 66
The Planets– The Planets rehearsals have been moved to Tuesday at the end of rehearsal. If you think you might want to sing, stay and check out this beautiful music. There will be no Planets rehearsals on Saturdays.
Please remember this rehearsal that I added to our schedule (.pdf) on 9-14-10:
Saturday, October 16, 1-2:30 pm: Full Rehearsal
Please plan to attend this very important rehearsal. Begin now making arrangements at work and at home so that you don’t miss it.
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 Harrison, peggyh [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot]com
Alto-Debbie Peetz, peetz [at] rand [dot] org
Tenor-Larry Goldschmidt, lgold2 [at] comcast [dot] net
Bass-Ray Lombardi, ray2408 [at] comcast [at] net
(Update: Bass Section only: Please note that Ray Lombardi’s E-mail address is rayjoyce2408 [at] verizon [dot] net)
Please remember the NOVA Community Chorus in your charitable giving.
Tax-deductible contributions can be made to the NVCC Foundation.
Sing Well
[Admin: Section leader contact information is always included in each of the Frequently Used Documents, listed on the right: Performance Tips | Info for New Members | Join the Chorus (.pdfs)]
Tags: attendance, dr. whitmire, faq, judas, rehearsals, schedule, section leaders, The Planets
Posted in Fall 2010, Spring 2011 | Comments Off on Fifth Rehearsal Preview
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010
(8/26/2010) From Chorister Ray: We’ve just received Alex. Symphony’s latest glossy flyer for the 2010-2011 season – and while it lists the Verdi Requiem on March 12 & 13, it fails to list the NOVA Community Chorus. Alexandria Choral Society, Metropolitan Chorus and Heritage are there but not us.
From Dr. Whitmire: I have spoken to the ASO about this, and trust they are making the correction.
Tags: aso, dr. whitmire, requiem, verdi
Posted in Fall 2010, Spring 2011 | Comments Off on ASO Flyer Correction
Friday, August 20th, 2010
(08/19/2010) Dear Singers-
– hope you are making the most of the last few days of summer. We have had some beautiful days, haven’t we?
Sadly, my Vocal Seminar was cancelled today due to under-enrollment.
MUS101 Basic Musicianship is hanging on by a thread. This is a great course, that is fun as well. We meet Saturdays 10:00 a.m. until 12:50 p.m. We cover all the elements of music. The more each of us knows about music, the better we will be as a chorus.
Attached is the latest chorus schedule for you reading enjoyment. You’ll note that our Saturday rehearsals (Planets and Judas) will be from 1:00-2:15 p.m. You will also note that we are singing some wonderful music. Tell all your singing friends. They won’t want to miss this season.
I look forward to seeing you Tuesday.
-DrW
Tags: dr. whitmire, Other Opportunities, rehearsals, schedule
Posted in Fall 2010, Spring 2011, Summer 2010 | Comments Off on Fall Schedule and More
Friday, May 14th, 2010
(5/6/2010) Dear Singers- Carmina was a blast! I enjoyed every moment. That’s why we work so hardÑso that the concert can be a big payoff. You sounded fabulous! And what outstanding performances from Rex Gori and our very own Terri LaGoe and Estee Herndon.
What a great year this has been. It seems as if every concert has reached a new musical height: Brahms Requiem, Rutter Gloria, Italian Opera Choruses, Carmina Burana. Wow! No wonder we are exhausted.
We have enjoyed such a beautiful blend of veteran members of the chorus and the finest group of first-year members that we have ever had. I need every single one of you to be back in the Fall (and bring a friend who sings as well as you do). We have an equally exciting program: Handel’s Judas Maccabeus, Holst’s The Planets [women], Beethoven’s Ninth, Verdi Requiem and more.
I will send precise dates as the schedule firms up over the course of the summer. I will also send publisher information as I know many of you can’t wait to get started.
Don’t forget, the Annual Chorus Picnic is this Saturday at 3:00 pm at the Wulff’s. I hope to see you then.
Tags: dr. whitmire, performances
Posted in Fall 2010, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Summer 2010 | Comments Off on From Dr. Whitmire
