From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- Here is a letter-size flyer (.pdf) that will be easiest for you to use. I am having 400 copies printed of the large poster (.pdf) for you to post throughout the community. Start now! Spread the word!
To View PDF Files:
Archive for the ‘Spring 2013’ Category
Fourth Rehearsal Preview
Tuesday, February 5th, 2013
From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 4th rehearsal of Spring 2013! Please sign in.
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
Alto-Debbie Peetz
Tenor-Larry Goldschmidt
Bass-Ray Lombardi
Tonight we will rehearse the 5 spirituals and Britten # 12 & #13 with text.
Auditions for the Small Chorus in Cantata Academica is this Saturday 2/9, following the Men’s Rehearsal. The audition selection will be #12 mm 1-35 plus #5 for women. I will select the Small Chorus from those singers that are able to rehearse on Saturdays. The Small Chorus will rehearse 4:15-4:45 pm on 2/16, 2/23, 3/2, 3/9.
Starting March 4 you will also need Opera Choruses, edited by John Rutter.
Order online a sheetmusicplus.com. We will sing
21. Anvil Chorus
23. Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves
28. Triumphal Scene
30. Bridal Chorus
31. Pilgrim’s Chorus
Music Majors plan to stay after to rehearse.
Saturday is Men’s rehearsal at 3 pm.
Attached is our Black History Month poster (.pdf). Start spreading the word!
Women’s Rehearsal
Friday, February 1st, 2013
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers (women)-
We will also work of #7 tomorrow using this track. Try it out please.
Audition
Friday, February 1st, 2013
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Small Chorus Audition
I wrote previously that the audition for the Small Chorus in Cantata Academica would be Tuesday, February 5. I have moved the audition to Saturday 2/9, following the Women’s Rehearsal. The audition selection will be #12 mm 1-35 plus #5 for women. I will select the Small Chorus from those singers that are able to rehearse on Saturdays. The Small Chorus will rehearse 4:15-4:45 pm on 2/16, 2/23, 3/2, 3/9.
Cantata Academica Analysis (feel free to ignore if this sort of thing is not your cup of tea)
I have talked about some of the structural elements in #8
-The opening melody employs all 12 notes of the chromatic scale. (Britten tips his hat to serialism)
-The successive fugal entrances starting with the basses at reh square 27 begin on each note of the chromatic scale: G F Eb E F# A D Bb C Db Cb (B) Ab
-beginning at rehearsal square 29 the exact same series of pitches reappears, now in stretto (close succession).
-Moreover, opening 12-tone theme of #8 dictates the overall structure of Cantata Academic, as each movement has as its key or tonal center the successive notes of the theme:
I-G, II-F, III-Eb, IV-E, V- F#, VI-A, VII-D, VIII-Bb, IX- C, X-Db, XI-B, XII-Ab (G#), XIII-G
One of my singers said, “the notes seem so random.” I know what she means, but, as your see, thev are systematically structured and actually couldn’t be less random.
Muscles
I am expecting a load of donated books to be dropped off this Saturday at 2:50 pm. If there are able-bodied women who could help me transport them, I would appreciated it.
Rehearsal Review
Wednesday, January 30th, 2013
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
-Thanks for a good rehearsal last night. It was great to add some musical moments to our pieces.
-Our February 27 concert has only 5 pieces. You should know them securely by now. If not, please learn them this week.
-Here is a link to a performance of We shall walk in peace that demonstrates what I was talking about last night. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ7TRqB46V8
-We have Women’s rehearsal this Sat. at 3. We will work on # 8 beginning at reh square 27.
-Chris will not be there, so we will spend part of our time working with these tracks. There are 3 tracks, each progressively faster. Have fun!
[Admin: Number 8 Slow, Medium, Fast]
Third Rehearsal Preview
Tuesday, January 29th, 2013
From Dr. Whitmire: Tonight is our 3rd rehearsal of Spring 2013!
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
Alto-Debbie Peetz
Tenor-Larry Goldschmidt
Bass-Ray Lombardi
Music
The Bookstore has 3 of the Spirituals is stock. In the meanwhile you must go to
www.novachorus.org and print them out. Please do not come with out all your music. (My Lord what a morning, Soon-ah will be done, We shall walk through the valley, Ain’t-a that good news!, I’m gonna sing till the spirit moves in my heart)
Starting March 4 you will also need Opera Choruses, edited by John Rutter.
Order online a sheetmusicplus.com. We will sing
21. Anvil Chorus
23. Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves
28. Triumphal Scene
30. Bridal Chorus
31. Pilgrim’s Chorus
Tonight I will dismiss at 9:30 pm to meet with Music Majors.
Saturday is Women’s rehearsal at 3 pm.
Admin: All music files are posted to the Music Files page.
Replacement Files
Thursday, January 24th, 2013
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- Attached a replacement files for
Cantata Academica #7 soprano
Cantata Academica #7 tenor
Yours-DrW
Admin: All files are posted to the Music Files page.
Britten
Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013
From Dr. Whitmire: There were are few who didn’t get the Britten. Please print.
Yours-DrW
Admin: All files are posted to the Music Files page.
Second Rehearsal Review
Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Thanks for a good rehearsal last night.
We covered the following:
Concert I
I’m gonna sing till the Spirit moves
Soon-ah will be done
Ain’t a that good news
We shall walk through the valley
Concert 2
Movement 1
Movement 8
Movement 11 (worksheet 1)
Next week we will rehearse #2 and continue to work on 1, 8, 11
Please spend time reviewing the musical ideas we worked on. Learn your notes.
This Saturday at 3 pm –men.
Auditions for the Britten Small Chorus will be Feb. 5.
5 (Women), 7, 12
Second Rehearsal Preview
Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013
From Dr. Whitmire: Here is a preview of tonight’s sign
Welcome to our 2nd rehearsal of Spring 2013! Please sign in. If you are new, give your phone and e-mail. Be sure to write clearly.
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
Alto-Debbie Peetz
Tenor-Larry Goldschmidt
Bass-Ray Lombardi
Music
The Bookstore has ordered more Spirituals. In the meanwhile go to
www.novachorus.org and print them out.
(My Lord what a morning, Soon-ah will be done, We shall walk through the valley
Ain’t-a that good news!, I’m gonna sing till the spirit moves in my heart)
Inside the Choir Room
RehearsalCD and choral score of Britten’s Cantata Academica ($10)
RehearsalCD for the Spirituals ($5)
Cash or check payable to NVCC Foundation
You will also need Opera Choruses, edited by John Rutter.
Order online a sheetmusicplus.com. We will sing
21. Anvil Chorus
23. Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves
28. Triumphal Scene
30. Bridal Chorus
31. Pilgrim’s Chorus
Tonight I will dismiss at 9:30 pm to meet with Music Majors.
The Savannah Disputation
Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013
From Chorister Bernie: The Savannah Disputation. A review of the show, and a flyer (.pdf).
Cantata Academica
Monday, January 21st, 2013
From Dr. Whitmire: Tenors- Your Cantata Academica rehearsal CD is missing #7. Here it is.
Admin: All files are posted to the Music Files page.
I’m gonna sing ‘till the spirit moves
Monday, January 21st, 2013
From. Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Your Black History Month rehearsal CD does not have I’m gonna sing ‘till the spirit moves. (Instead, it has Every time I feel the spirit, which we are not singing.)
Her come the tracks.
Admin: All files are posted to the Music Files page.
Spirituals
Monday, January 21st, 2013
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
I have ordered 20 more set of spirituals. I have attached PDFs of the music to use only until your copies arrive. Please print out the attachments for tomorrow’s rehearsal.
Kate- Please put these on the website temporarily.
Stand by-More to come.
Editor: All files are posted to the Music Files page.
First Rehearsal Handouts
Wednesday, January 16th, 2013
Welcome and Schedule Handout (.pdf)
Worksheets (.pdf)
First Rehearsal
Wednesday, January 16th, 2013
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
-What a glorious first rehearsal we had last night! There was a wonderful, joyous feeling in the room, and you sounded fantastic.
-We had a great group of new members. If any of you felt lost or overwhelmed at all, I encourage you to give yourself time to get into the swing of things. I know it takes time. Once you have listened to your CDs, let me know if you need extra help. We have a number of singers who are excellent tutors. We are very happy you are with us.
-For this week please use your CDs to learn the five spirituals. I would like you to just listen to the Britten and soak up the musical language. Your might want to read along with the translation I put in the front of your choral score. When you are ready, you might want to learn #7.
Our Spirituals on YouTube
Tuesday, January 8th, 2013
From Fred: Here are links to presentations of the music we will perform in our first concert. Remember, these are not Dr. Whitmire’s official interpretation, but they give you a good start on what they can sound like. Notice the singers great eye contact and that they had memorized the music.
My Lord What a Morning
Soon-Ah Will be Done
We Shall Walk Through the Valley (arr. Undine Smith Moore)
Ain-A That Good News (poor photography, good arrangement)
I’m Gonna Sing `Til The Spirit Moves in My Heart
Fred W
Music in Bookstore
Tuesday, January 8th, 2013
From Fred: Music for our first concert IS in the bookstore, but not on the shelves. Ask one of the clerks to check with his or her boss to get the UPS Express Envelope with 5 pieces of music in it for MUS 137. The clerk that served me was skeptical but did ask her boss and did find the envelopes.
There is a lot of construction and fencing around that construction near the entrance to Tyler. Just park in the regular lot and walk in.
Fred W
Next Tuesday
Monday, January 7th, 2013
From Dr. Whitmire: I am really looking forward to next Tuesday, January 15–our 1st rehearsal of Spring 2013. It is going to be a great season.
If you are not registered, please register now for Chorus (MUS 137 or 237).
Please pick up the following music in the Bookstore before our first rehearsal.
My Lord what a morning
Soon-ah will be done
We shall walk through the valley
Ain’t-a that good news!
I’m gonna sing till the spirit moves in my heart
I will provide a rehearsal CD and choral score of Britten’s Cantata Academica ($10)
You will need Opera Choruses, edited by John Rutter.
Order online a sheetmusicplus.com
We will sing
23. Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves
28. Triumphal Scene
30. Bridal Chorus
31. Pilgrim’s Chorus
I look forward to seeing everyone next week.
Berkshire Choral Festival
Thursday, December 27th, 2012
From Chorister Grace: Please share with the NOVA chorus members – the video about BCF runs about 8 minutes.
The 2013 summer programs include a week at Sonoma University in California and a week in Edinburgh, Scotland in June, as well as a choice of four one week programs in Sheffield, Massachusetts in July.
The apprentice program and Berkshire Scholar program are limited to the Massachusetts venue. Apprentices attend all four weeks in Massachusetts and receive a small stipend. Berkshire Scholars attend one week tuition-free – only expense is transportation to/from the venue.
There is no audition requirement. Applications received after January 1st are accepted on a space available basis, but each week in Massachusetts accepts 200 singers, and many singers are accepted after initial acceptance letters are sent late in January. Due to space constraints at Greyfriars’s Kirk the week in Edinburgh was limited to a smaller group in 2012, and probably will be again in 2013. BCF also provides information on local attractions for non-singing partners and facilitates non-singers in group outings if desired.
2013 Spring Semester
Saturday, December 22nd, 2012
Regular NOVAConnect registration for all 2013 Spring semester sessions is under way. Classes begin on Monday, January 14. The first chorus rehearsal is on Tuesday, January 15.
Chorus is MUS 137 001A (subject MUS, catalog number 137, section 001A).
For previous postings regarding Spring 2013, under Archives on the right-hand side of the page, click on “Spring 2013”
For archived Summer or Fall 2012 information, please see to the right-hand side of the page, also under Archives.
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
Cantata Academica
Saturday, December 22nd, 2012
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-Just a note to thank you once again for a wonderful Fall…the best ever!
Just to whet your appetite, I have attached the opening movement (.mp3) of Cantata Academica. If you like Carmina Burana, you’ll love this.
I wish you a joyous and peaceful holiday.
Yours-DrW
Vocal Competition
Wednesday, December 19th, 2012
From Heather Bingham, Paul Robeson Competition Director: Voice Teachers and Colleagues:
I am honored to be directing the 2013 annual Paul Robeson Vocal Competition sponsored by the Urban Philharmonic Society of Washington, DC. This year’s competition will be held in Washington, DC in January of 2013, with the preliminary round deadline (by CD submission) of January 14, 2013. The final competition round will be a live concert, open to the public on Sunday, January 27th. The competition is for students, post-college or non-managed Classical singers from the ages of 18-38. Would you be so kind as to forward this email with the attached flyer, application and competition information to your students who are not under professional management? You also may be interested in applying for the competition, depending on your age and status.
As its competition winner in 2010, I am excited to be working with the Urban Philharmonic since then. We appreciate your help to spread the word through email communication, opening up the opportunity to apply for the competition over the holiday break. With your help, we hope to have a successful competition this year, as in years past.
Please contact me with any questions at this email: urbanphilharmonic@gmail.com, or directly at 571-221-4932.
Competition Website: http://robesonvoicecompetition.blogspot.com/
Thank you for your help and we look forward to receiving your recommendations via their applications!
Spring Music
Monday, December 17th, 2012
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- I hope this message finds you enjoying a wonderful holiday. Let’s all try to sustain the wonderful, transcendent sense of peace and joy that you created when we sang Sicut cervus on November 6.
Music for Spring Semester
-music for our 2/27 concert is in the campus bookstore.
-music for our 3/17-3/24 concert, Cantata Academica (B. Britten), is available at sheetmusicplus.com
I recommend this complete score, but since it is expensive ($44.00), I will make a choral part for those who cannot afford it.
-music for our 5/2-5/3 concerts will be selected from Opera Choruses, edited by John Rutter. It is available at sheetmusicplus.com. (Many of you already own this collection).
We will work on all this music for the beginning of the semester on January 15, so be sure to have all your music by the first rehearsal on January 15.
Until then, I wish you
Peace-DrW
Rehearsal and Performance
Saturday, December 8th, 2012
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
I look forward to seeing everyone today at 12:30 pm.
I need some able-bodied folks to to come at 12:10 to help me move the digital pianos back from Schlesinger. Let me know if you can help.
Please turn in you ticket money today. If you haven’t sold you tickets, there is still time-make some calls. Your friends and family don’t want to miss the Magnificat.
The call tomorrow is 2:00 pm at Bishop Ireton HS. Please be on time. On Thursday we had too many late arrivals.
There is no rehearsal on Tuesday, December 11.
This has been a wonderful semester. Next semester will be equally exciting and challenging, as you will see below (.pdf). We will celebrate Black History Month, the 100th Birthday of Benjamin Britten, and the 200th Birthdays of Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner.