NOVA Community Chorus

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.

From Fred:  If you picked up a stray music folder at our concert Sunday afternoon, please notify Amy Hirschauer [e-mail removed] and bring it to tonight’s rehearsal.
If you have an extra copy, please bring that tonight.