Welcome. This site provides information to chorus members. The official webpage is located at the Northern Virginia Community College site.

Publicity

March 23rd, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Please publicize the following:

Dr. Mark Whitmire (AL) will conduct two upcoming performances with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Orchestra and NOVA Community Chorus. The concerts will include Requiem, a new work by Washington composer Paul Leavitt. The 60-piece orchestra and 80-voice chorus will be joined by four professional vocal soloists: Lisa Edwards Burrs (soprano), Grace Gori (mezzo-soprano), Patrick Cook (tenor), and Aurelius Gori (baritone). Cecelia Porter, contributing critic for The Washington Post wrote, “Paul Leavitt’s Requiem…should belong in every chorus’s repertoire…deeply expressive and skillfully written…steeped in rich contrapuntal texture…ethereal serenity.” Also on the program is the Cello Concerto of Samuel Barber with cellist Steven Framil. The performances are Sunday, March 29, at 3:00 p.m. at George Washington Masonic National Memorial (101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria) and Sunday, April 12, at 3:00 p.m. at Church of the Epiphany (1317 G Street NW, Washington, DC). Tickets at the door are $20. Half-price tickets are available for NVCC students and faculty by phoning 703-845-6097 or email mwhitmire@nvcc.edu.


Eighth Rehearsal Preview

March 17th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 8th rehearsal of Spring 2015! Please sign in.

Thanks to all who rehearsed in sections last week during break. Special thanks to those who arranged and hosted the rehearsals.

Tonight 3/17 we will rehearse all of the Requiem. We will also rehearse for our May concert (The Settling Years, I will be earth, Still I rise [women]) as time allows.

This Saturday 3/21 at 11:00 we will have will be a full rehearsal here at NVCC. Please plan to attend.

This Sunday at 5:00 pm is our Dress Rehearsal with orchestra. The location has been changed. We will rehearse at Convergence (1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria).

A flyer is attached. Please spread the word!

Tickets are here. Please see your Section Leader. Sell your five or buy them and give them asgifts to your friends and family (Our tickets are $10; they are $20 at the door). Cash or checks made to WMPO.

Yours-DrW

Schedule

Sunday, 3/22/15, 5:00 pm Dress Rehearsal
Convergence (1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria)

Sunday, 3/29/15, 3:00 pm Concert, 2:00 pm call
Gorge Washington Masonic Memorial (101 Callahan Dr. Alexandria)

Sunday, 4/12/15, 3:00 pm, 2:00 pm call
Concert with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic
Church of the Epiphany (1317 G St. NW Washington)

Leavitt Requiem Scores
If you are receiving this message, but are no longer singing with us, please consider returning your Leavitt Requiem Score. You can donate it or I will pay you for it.
Everyone- If you have a Leavitt Requiem Score but have not paid for it, please do so. When I wrote a check for the scores, I was $80 short.

Click image for Flyer PDF


Rehearsals

March 10th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Thanks again to those folks who are hosting tonight’s section rehearsals and other rehearsals during the week. Please attend if at all possible. If not, meet with someone in your section this week to work on the Requiem.

Please work on the unaccompanied sections
I. mm 33-38
II. mm 53-58
V. mm 78-84
VI. the whole movement
Also work on XIII. mm 115-120. This was very difficult at my Sunday night rehearsal with the orchestra.

Please spread the word about the concert. Invite your friends. A flyer is attached. Tickets will be ready on 3/17.

Yours-DrW

Click image for Flyer PDF


Section Rehearsals

March 5th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
-Thanks to all who are hosting section rehearsals during the coming week.
-Everyone, please try at attend your section rehearsal. If you can’t make it, arrange to meet with someone in your section to practice together at least once during the coming week.
– Please focus on 6. Agnus Dei. It is unaccompanied. The orchestra does not play at all.
-Women- I look forward to seeing you on Saturday at 11 am.

Your-DrW

Oh the weather outside is frightful,
but the Requiem is so delightful,
and since you’ve no place to go
learn your music more, more and more.


Seventh Rehearsal Preview

March 3rd, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 7th rehearsal of Spring 2015!

Please sign in.

Tonight 3/3 we will rehearse Requiem movements 6-9. We will also rehearse for our May concert (The Settling Years, I will be earth, Still I rise [women]).

Next Tuesday 3/10 there is no rehearsal due to Spring Break. But I trust that you will get together on your own and practice. It will be a big help. Brava! to Ellie and the altos who gathered at her house last night for a rehearsal.

Saturday 3/21 will be a full rehearsal at 11:00 am. Please plan to attend.

Get ready! After tonight we have only one regular Tuesday rehearsal (3/17) before our Sunday 3/22 dress rehearsal with orchestra.

Last Tuesday was amazing! I hope that you enjoyed our BHM Concert as much as I did. Your singing was spectacular. Moreover, the goodwill and wonderful spirit of love that you displayed was an inspiration to all.

Yours-DrW

Schedule

Sunday, 3/22/15, 5:00 pm Dress Rehearsal
Immanuel Church on the Hill (3606 Seminary Rd. Alexandria)

Sunday, 3/29/15, 3:00 pm Concert, 2:00 pm call
Gorge Washington Masonic Memorial (101 Callahan Dr. Alexandria)

Sunday, 4/12/15, 3:00 pm, 2:00 pm call
Concert with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic
Church of the Epiphany (1317 G St. NW Washington)


Sheet Music

March 2nd, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- The bookstore has ordered a 90 copies of three pieces. I have ordered 100 copies of the Requiem. (There are 85 of us). Hopefully everyone has all their music by now. If not here are links to order what you need. Please use next day delivery.
See you tomorrow. -DrW

Leavitt Requiem
http://www.paulleavittmusic.com/Requiem_scores.html

Still I rise (Powell) [women only]
http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/still-i-rise-sheet-music/5808963

I will be earth (Walker)
http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/i-will-be-earth-sheet-music/715625

The Settling Years (Larsen)
http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/the-settling-years-sheet-music/711140


Chorus Calibration

March 2nd, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- Let’ get calibrated. Including tomorrow, we have only we have only two regular Tuesday rehearsals before our 3/22 dress rehearsal with orchestra.
Likewise, we have only two Saturdays. Please note Sat. 3/21 will be a full rehearsal. Please plan to attend.

Tomorrow will will rehearse movements 6-9. See you then.

Tuesday Rehearsals
1. March 3
March 10 no rehearsal
2. March 17

11:00 am Saturday Rehearsals
1. March 7 women
March 14 no rehearsal
2. March 21 men full Rehearsal

Sunday, 3/22/15, 5:00 pm: Dress Rehearsal
Immanuel Church on the Hill (3606 Seminary Rd.)

Sunday, 3/29/15, 3:00 pm Concert with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic
Gorge Washington Masonic Memorial (101 Callahan Dr, Alexandria)

Sunday, 4/12/15, 3:00 pm
Concert with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic
Church of the Epiphany (1317 G St. NW, Washington)

Yours-DrW


Black History Month Celebration (dedicated to Dr. Joseph Windham)

February 28th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Friends – Thanks to all who were able to attend our Black History Month Celebration last Tuesday. More than 150 students were involved in the event.
My special thanks to Jimmy and the faculty who participated: Elizabeth Bull, Christine Hagan, John Kocur, Maria Rynn, Agnes Malicka, Kate Al-Shamma, Angela Terry and NOVA Studio and who designed the poster and program, and Linda Vitello and her staff.
The celebration was dedicated to Dr. Joseph Windham. Joe’s wife Marilyn and their two children were present. Our dear friend Joe was certainly there is spirit.

Pictured: Lisa Edward Burrs, Soprano; Marilyn Windham; Mark Whitmire
Pictured: Lisa Edward Burrs, Soprano; Marilyn Windham; Mark Whitmire


Saturday

February 27th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Hello Singers- awesome job on Tuesday! What a night! I look forward to seeing MEN tomorrow at 11 am. Please bring your music for the May concert.
Yours-DrW


Concert Dress

February 22nd, 2015

From Peggy:
With our disrupted rehearsal schedule, Dr Whitmire failed to discuss concert dress, and I have been asked to send this info to our new members about concert attire:

Men wear a tuxedo or a dark suit with white shirt and black bow tie, black shoes.

Women wear black top with long or mid length sleeves, V-neck if possible. Bottom is black full length skirt or dress slacks, black shoes and hosiery.

—–

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


Dress Rehearsal

February 21st, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Thanks for a fabulous rehearsal today. What a concert we are going to have! It is hard to know what will be the high point – there are so many contenders. Your singing was very compelling, and then there were the tappers, DeMarcus, and Alfred Street! And wait till you hear Lisa’s set. Please spread the word. Bring your friends and family. They will be so glad that you did.

Here is a group singing “Comin’ to town” from The Settling Years that we will be starting on March 3. These guys look pretty good…good eye contact
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-j90L30ZqE

But I like these guys. I’d like us to look (and sound) like them
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Abv3n9g2CkM

Do you agree? I think one of the keys is that they singing without music. So, let’s sing Great Day and In that great gettin up mornin without music. Tomorrow you’ll be snowbound, so spend the days singing your spirituals without music. You may have to doctor up and few spots, but you’ ll be suprised that you actually already know this music.

The call on Tuesday is 6:00 pm in the Choir Room. Please be on time so that we can put the final touches on this great program.

Yours-DrW


Rehearsal

February 20th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Friends-
-I look forward to seeing everyone at tomorrow’s 11:00 am rehearsal in Schlesinger. Please arrive early so that we can start promptly at 11:00 am.
-Upon arrival, take a copy of the program (.pdf attached) so that you will know the order. We’ll save our color programs for the audience.
-Musicians may take a seat on the stage: Choirs on the risers–Alfred Street stage left, NOVA Chorus stage right. Jazz Band in chairs downstage left. Dancers and actors may sit in the audience chairs.
-My goal is that we have a show that flows smoothly and that everyone feel totally comfortable with their performance.
Yours-DrW


Rehearsal

February 16th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Friends-
As you know, the weather looks bad for tomorrow night and it is a near certainty that the college will close. Therefore, I have moved our dress rehearsal to Saturday morning 2/21 at 11:00 am in Schlesinger Center. Please make every possible effort to be there (with all your participants). In the meanwhile, use your time to make sure you perform your role as well as you can.
Yours -DrW


Concert Program

February 15th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
We are first on the program. We sing:

Great Day
Motherless child
In that great gettin’ up mornin

At the end of the program we sing Lift every voice.

The auditioned group sings Wake up, my soul just before Lift every voice.

I have attached the complete program (.pdf) for your perusal.

I need some folks to fold and staple programs. Let me know if you around campus Tomorrow or Tuesday and can help.

Spread the word! E-mail, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Telephone, Smoke-signals. We want to have a great crowd for a great program!

Yours-DrW

Click image for Flyer PDF


Concert Promotion

February 13th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: This year’s Black History Month Celebration (dedicated to the memory of our friend and teacher Dr. Joseph Windham) is on Tuesday, February 24, at 7:30 pm in Schlesinger. It will be an exciting and moving event, as you can see from the line-up of performers. I hope you are able to attend and bring your students.

Black History Month Celebration
Tuesday, February 24, 7:30 p.m.
Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, Alexandria

Dedicated to the Memory of our Friend and Teacher
Dr. Joe Windham

featuring music by

Joyce Garrett and the renowned
Choir of Alfred Street Baptist Church

NOVA Jazz Ensemble (John Kocur, Director)

NOVA Community Chorus (Dr. Mark Whitmire, Director)

Dr. Lisa Edwards Burrs, soprano

DEM Vocal Trio

The Metropolitan Youth Tap Ensemble

Prose readings by Maya Angelou
Read by NOVA Drama Students of Dr. Kate Al-Shamma

Art work by NOVA Studio (Angela Terry, supervisor)

No tickets are required. A donation is requested.

For more information: 703-845-6097; mwhitmire@nvcc.edu

Click image for Flyer PDF


Fifth Rehearsal Preview

February 10th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 5th rehearsal of Spring 2015!

Please sign in.

In the Leavitt Requiem we rehearse #8 and #9 tonight.

More Leavitt scores are here. If you haven’t got one, get one tonight. ($20 cash or check payable to me)

Next week (2/27) we rehearse in Schlesinger at 7:30 pm.

Auditions for the Great Day marchers will be tonight.
I’d like the marchers to meet in Schlesinger at 7:15 pm next week.

Chamber Singers for Wake Up, My Spirit
S – Jennifer, Jesse, Michelle, Peggy, Rachael, Terri
A – Carol P, Ellie, Halina, Jane, Joy, Kaylee, Mary, Carol U
T – Estee,Francisco, Frank, Jimy, John, Kris K
B – David, Matt, Richard F, Sasha, Will, James
We will rehearse tonight at 9:20 pm.

Attached is our BHM Celebration Poster for e-mailing your friends. Spread the word!
I will have printed copies on Saturday.

Yours-DrW

Click image for Flyer PDF


Black History Month Celebration

February 9th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Please publicize this event:

Black History Month Celebration
Tuesday, February 24, 7:30 p.m.
Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, Alexandria

Dedicated to the Memory of our Friend and Teacher
Dr. Joe Windham

featuring music by

Joyce Garrett and the renowned
Choir of Alfred Street Baptist Church

NOVA Jazz Ensemble (John Kocur, Director)

NOVA Community Chorus (Dr. Mark Whitmire, Director)

Dr. Lisa Edwards Burrs, soprano

DEM Vocal Trio

The Metropolitan Youth Tap Ensemble

Poetry by Maya Angelou
Read by NOVA Speech Drama Students of Dr. Kate Al-Shamma

Art work by NOVA Studio (Angela Terry, supervisor)

No tickets are required. A donation is requested.

For more information: 703-845-6097; mwhitmire@nvcc.edu

Photos are attached.

Thanks-MW


Amazing Singing

February 6th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- I am sending this to everyone because my Vocal Seminar students don’t always check Black board. Amazing singing. Enjoy.
Yours-DrW

Mozart
Così fan tutte

recit. Temerari! Sortite fuori di questo loco!
aria: Come scoglio

Christine Goerke
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hrm3OLsBYDU

Renee Fleming
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrVRed0BQhI

Leontyne Price
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yFWF6DcYko

Carol Vaness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD6u3RVEeU8

Elizabeth Schwarzkopf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDptrX8AZgo

You audacious person, leave this place!
You cannot profane, with these infamous words,
our hearts, our ears and our affections.
It is useless for you to seek to seduce our souls;
our faithfulness is intact and is pledged to our lovers
until death, in the face of misfortune, everlasting.

Like a rock, we stand immobile against the wind and storm,
and are always strong in trust and love.
From us is born the light that gives us pleasure and comfort,
and the power of death alone can change the affections of our hearts.
Respect, ungrateful spirit.
We are examples of loyalty against your primitive hopes,
so do not make yourself bold.


Song of America

February 6th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Hello Singers-

Many of you are probably familiar with the Thomas Hampson’s Song of America project.

http://www.songofamerica.net/radio

Under links-programs
click on one of the 13 programs
I just listened to the Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance. Fabulous!

Yours -DrW


Lift Every Voice

February 3rd, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- We will end the BHM Celebration with Lift every Voice” -same as last year. If you were with us then, please bring your music tonight. If not, please print a copy from the attached pdf. I have also put it on Blackboard.
Yours-DrW


Fourth Rehearsal Preview

February 3rd, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 4th rehearsal of Spring 2015!

Please sign in.

Please proof the roster. Correct any errors or omission.

In the Leavitt Requiem we rehearse #6 and #7 tonight.

Next week we rehearse #8 and #9.

Thanks to all who auditioned last week
Here is the Small Group for Wake Up, My Spirit
S – Jennifer, Jesse, Michelle, Peggy, Rachael, Terri
A – Carol, Ellie, Halina, Jane, Joy, Kaylee, Mary
T – Estee, Francisco, James, Jimy, John, Kris K
B – David, Matt, Richard F, Sasha, Will
We will rehearse tonight at 9:20 pm.

FREE rehearsal tracks are available at http://www.novachorus.org/music-files.

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@ix.netcom.com
Alto-Debbie Peetz, peetz@rand.org
Tenor-Larry Goldschmidt, lgold2@comcast.net
Bass-Ray Lombardi, rayjoyce2408@verizon.net

Tonight is our long-awaited refreshing beverage at Clyde’s. Don’t miss it!

Yours-DrW


Technical Notice

January 28th, 2015

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


Third Rehearsal Preview

January 27th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire:
Welcome to our 3rd rehearsal of Spring 2015!

Please sign in.

Please proof the rosters. Correct any errors or omission.

In the Leavitt Requiem we rehearse #4 and #5 tonight.
In #4 we sing the bottom 4 staves always.

Next week we rehearse #6 and #7.

Auditions for Wake up my Spirit (required for music majors) are tonight.

FREE rehearsal tracks are available at http://www.novachorus.org/music-files.

Donations. If you are registered as a senior, please consider making a donation to NVCC Foundation in lieu of tuition. Donations of any amount are appreciated. Make checks to NVCC Foundation.

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@ix.netcom.com
Alto-Debbie Peetz, peetz@rand.org
Tenor-Larry Goldschmidt, lgold2@comcast.net
Bass-Ray Lombardi, rayjoyce2408@verizon.net

Yours-DrW


Auditions

January 24th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Reminder- Auditions for Wake up my soul are this Tuesday at the end of the rehearsal. All Music Majors are required to Audition. Others are encouraged to audition. Notes are on the Rehearsal CD and at nova chorus.org. Sheet music is on Blackboard.
Yours-DrW


Saturday Rehearsal

January 24th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
I look forward to seeing Men today at 11 am.
On Tuesday will work on Requiem 4 and 5. For those who do not have music, please go to Blackboard- Course Documents and print a copy for rehearsal. Hopefully the scores will be here soon.
Yours-DrW