NOVA Community Chorus

From Peggy: Dr. Whitmire referenced course evaluations to be completed. For those of us who don’t access NVCC’s information systems very often, here are some detailed instructions:

· Go to the NVCC web site: http://www.nvcc.edu/index.html

· Click on the “My Nova” tab

· Click on the “Log into My NOVA” button

· Enter your NVCC user name – looks like your first initial-last name-four digit number, and enter your password. If you don’t know these, click on either “Look up my username” or “I cannot access my account” and follow instructions.

· Once logged in, click on Gmail

· Look for an email with the following subject line: “Course Evaluation – 8 Wk 2 and 16 Wk Onsite – NOW OPEN!”

· Follow instructions in the email. When it asks for a student ID use your all-number ID. If you don’t know it, go to this page and click on the appropriate item. https://my.vccs.edu/jsp/user.jsp

Good luck!

From Fred: Heavy rain is forecast on the Weather.com radar from 12 noon today until 1 PM. After that it is sunny weather for several days.
I am delaying the picnic start until 1 PM or whenever the rain stops. Be sure to wear your rubber shoes because the grass will be wet.

From Fred: Our chorus picnic will still be on Saturday 12- 3 PM. The weather report for our hilltop says that showers will be more likely after 2 PM.

We’ve cut the grass short so it will dry better in time for the picnic. We expect to have the croquet game set up but not the volley ball.

From Fred: Chorus Picnic, Saturday May 11, Noon to 3 PM, earlier than previous years.

Yes there will be a chorus pot-luck picnic this year at the Wulff’s home. Map attached.

6551 Columbia Pike
Annandale, VA 22003
703-256-1687

We encourage you to park on Sulky Lane because our driveway, Fitzhugh Drive, fills up quickly

We provide the basics:

land (4.3 acres); trees & shade, picnic tables, plates, utensils, gas grill, hot dogs.
ice chest with ice – bring your favorite beverage
cabin with hot & cold running water, refrigerator, toilet, stove.

This is pot-luck. Bring some food to share.

We will need help moving the tables, coolers, gas grill if you can come early.
We  have a few old wooden benches. If you have a folding chair handy, please bring it.

I will supply the materials for croquet.

Dress for the weather: temperature, wet or dry grass, etc.

From Dr. Whitmire to Bill Gavert: Dear Bill- It is almost time for Ray’s service. I have a class this morning and am sad that I cannot be there. I just want you to know that I am thinking about Ray at this time. I wish peace for your and your family. I hope that you are celebrating a life well lived.  At our concert next month we will dedicate a song – The Pilgrim’s Chorus – to Ray. I have included the words below.
Ray always had a smile and I know he would want you all to have one now.
Sincerely, Mark

Opera Choruses Celebrating the 200th Birthday of Richard Wagner Giuseppe Verdi

Bridal Chorus (Lohengrin)                                                       Richard Wagner (1813-1883)

Pilgrim’s Chorus (Tannhäuser)                                                                                  Wagner

In memory of Raymond Gavert, tenor

September 27, 1932 — March 25, 2013

Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves (Nabucco)                                 Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)

Anvil Chorus (Il trovatore)                                                                                            Verdi

NOVA Community Chorus

Dr. Mark Whitmire, Director

Christine Hagan, accompanist

Triumphal Scene (Aida)                                                                                                 Verdi

Combined Band and Chorus

Pilgrim’s Chorus

Once more with joy O my home I may meet
Once more ye fair, flowr’y meadows I greet
My Pilgrim’s staff henceforth may rest
Since Heaven’s sweet peace is within my breast.

The sinner’s ‘plaint on high was heard
On high was heard and answered by the Lord
The tears I laid before His shrine
Are turned to hope and joy divine.

O Lord eternal praise be Thine!

The blessed source of Thy mercy overflowing
On souls repetant seek Ye, all-knowing
Of hell and death, I have no fear
For thou my Lord are ever near

Alleluia!
Alleluia!
Alleluia! For evermore

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- On this day of springtime and renewal I  am sorry to bring you sad news. Ray Gavert, a longtime member of the NOVA Community Chorus, died on Monday. He sang with us at Epiphany on March 17. After the concert he worked out. Later in the evening he began to feel poorly and went to the ER. He had a viral infection that he was unable to shake and he died on Monday, March 25. I spoke last night to Ray’s son Bill who told how much Ray loved being in the chorus. He wanted us all to know that there will be a  wake for Ray at Demaine Funeral Home (520 S. Washington St., Alexandria VA) tomorrow from 6-8:00 pm. An 11:00 am service will be held on Tuesday at Aldersgate Church, 1301, Collingwood Drive, Alexandria, VA. I know Ray is singing with the choir of angels now.
Yours-DrW

From Tenor Section Leader Larry: Message to the tenor section:
I happened to glance at the obituaries in The Washington Post this morning.  I was surprised and saddened to see that Ray Gavert died this past Monday, March 25, 2013.  Ray had been a second tenor in the Nova Community Chorus since 2003.  He last sang with us on Sunday March 17 at the Church of the Epiphany.  Ray was not present at the following Tuesday rehearsal or at last Sunday’s performance at Ireton.

If interested, you can read Ray’s obituary at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/washingtonpost/obituary.aspx?n=raymond-b-gavert&pid=163934810. This includes information about the wake on Monday evening, April 1, and funeral on Tuesday morning.  Unfortunately, I cannot attend the wake.

I know nothing of the circumstances of his death.  Information about his life is contained in the obituary.  For all his accomplishments and interests, Ray is known to us as a quiet, unassuming person, always with a friendly smile.  He will be missed.

From Peggy: Please see the email from Larry with sad news about longtime chorus member Ray Gavert. I’ve taken the liberty of sending flowers to the funeral home from NOVA Community chorus.