Posts Tagged ‘dr. whitmire’

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.


Performances

Friday, December 7th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Last night was a highlight in all my years of directing the NOVA Community Chorus. Your commitment to the chorus and to that beautiful music were a wonderful gift to our audience and to me. Thank you.

One of our members, Jessi Calzado-Esponda, learned last night just before our concert that her mother, who is in the final days of her battle with cancer, has slipped into a coma. Jessi wants to go home to Cuba to be with her and a fund has been set up to help. Here is the link.

http://fundly.com/please-help-me-go-home

Now, back to Bach. I am so happy that we have two more opportunities to make music together in 2013. See you on

Saturday at 12:30 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm.

Yours-DrW


Course Evaluations

Thursday, December 6th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers,
This semester I would like you to complete online evaluations in addition to written course evaluations that you will do tonight. Please participate. Send me a message when you have completed the online evaluation—put “evaluation competed ” in the subject line.

Go to  http://nveval.com

Instructions on the website will prompt you to log-in with your NOVA Student ID and then select your name from a randomized list to verify their identity. This verification is to ensure the integrity of the evaluation system, while assuring students that their name and ID number are not saved and their responses are anonymous.

If you have any trouble, contact Patti Thompson at pthompson@iotasolutions.com

Yours-DrW


Thursday Performance

Thursday, December 6th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- I look forward to seeing you tonight at 6:30 pm in Schlesinger. Be sure to bring your music, including Hallelujah Chorus. You may not share music.
I had a couple who volunteered to help as ushers that had to bow out. If you have a friend or spouse who might help, let me know.
Please pick up a Course Evaluation Form as you enter. Fill it out at some time during the course of the evening and return it to your Section Leader.
Yours-DrW


Rehearsal

Tuesday, December 4th, 2012

Dear Singers-
I am listening to Magnificat right now. Your singing was awesome. The first movement is simply wonderful.
If you missed Sunday’s Concert for any reason, please contact me immediately.
Tonight we rehearse in Schlesinger at 7:30 pm. Please arrive by 7:20 pm so we can get started on time.
Yours-DrW


Eleventh Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, November 27th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 11th rehearsal of Fall 2012! Please sign in.

Tickets – I hope that each singer will sell five tickets at $10 each (Half price). Cash or checks to WMPA.

Flyers– Post them everywhere. Send them electronically to everyone you know.

Tonight is Music Majors Final Exam

Schedule
-Tues. 11/27 Music Majors Final Exam
-Sat. 12/1 Full Rehearsal            Please do not miss this rehearsal
-Sun. 12/2, 3:00 pm Concert, 2:00 pm Call, Epiphany     Note new call time
-Tues. 12/04, 7:30pm, Dress Rehearsal for 12/06 Concert, Schlesinger
-Thurs. 12/06, 7:30 pm Concert, 6:30 pm Call, Band/Chorus Concert, Schlesinger
-Sat. 12/8 Full Rehearsal
-Sunday 12/9, 3:00 pm Concert, 2:00 pm Call, with the WMPO, Bishop Ireton HS

Hallelujah Chorus
We will rehearse the Hallelujah Chorus tonight. If you do not own a Messiah score, please print the pdf I sent last week and bring to rehearsal. Here is a link to learning tracks: http://www.anselm.edu/abbey/choir/hallelujah.htm


Thanksgiving

Wednesday, November 21st, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
-Thanks for a great rehearsal last night. We are on track for three great concerts!
-Please find time in the midst of the weekend festivities to work on your music. We are too close to lay off now.
-Be sure to invite your friends to our concerts. Our audience will be made of  people we bring.
Happy Thanksgiving!


Winter Concert Flyer

Tuesday, November 20th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Here is a flyer for our December 6 Concert.

Click image for PDF


Tenth Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, November 20th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 10th rehearsal of Fall 2012! Please sign in.

Tickets – See your Section Leader. I hope that each singer will sell five tickets at $10 each (Half price). Cash or checks to WMPA.

Flyers
– Post them everywhere. Send them electronically to everyone you know.

Thanks to all who attended rehearsal with the orchestra on Sunday. The tempos that I took are the same as on the recording I gave you. Work with your recording.

Schedule
-Sat. 11/24 No Rehearsal
-Tues. 11/27 Music Majors Final Exam
-Sat. 12/1 Full Rehearsal             Please do not miss this rehearsal
-Sun. 12/2, 3:00 pm Concert, 1:30 pm Call, Epiphany
-Tues. 12/04, 7:30pm, Dress Rehearsal for 12/06 Concert, Schlesinger
-Thurs. 12/06, 7:30 pm Concert, 6:30 pm Call, Band/Chorus Concert, Schlesinger
-Sat. 12/8 Full Rehearsal
-Sunday 12/9, 3:00 pm Concert, 2:00 pm Call, with the WMPO, Bishop Ireton HS

Hallelujah Chorus
We will sing the Hallelujah  Chorus with the band at our 12/06 concert. A PDF is attached. If you do not own a Messiah score, please print it and bring to rehearsal. Here is a link to learning tracks: http://www.anselm.edu/abbey/choir/hallelujah.htm


Sunday Rehearsal

Friday, November 16th, 2012

Update: Woops! I look forward to seeing all of the women tomorrow at 12:30 pm.

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-

I have just learned that Sunday’s rehearsal with the orchestra has been moved to 6:00 pm due to activities at the school. I hope that you can attend.

I look forward to seeing all of the men tomorrow at 12:30 pm.

Yours-DrW


Ninth Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, November 13th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 9th rehearsal of Fall 2012! Please sign in.
Tickets – See your Section Leader. I hope that each singer will sell five tickets at $10 each (Half price). Cash or checks to WMPA.

Flyers– Post them everywhere. Send them electronically to everyone you know.

Magnificat flyer

Click image for .pdf

Rehearsal this Sunday
I will be rehearsing the Bach Magnificat with the orchestra this Sunday, November 18, at 5:00 pm, at Bishop Ireton High School. I would like it if as many singers as possible to attend. I would especially like my Music Majors to be present for this educational opportunity.

Schedule
-Sat. 11/17 Women
-Sun. 11/18 5:00 pm rehearsal with orchestra at Bishop Ireton HS ⏎ new entry
-Sat. 11/24 No Rehearsal
-Tues. 11/27 Music Majors Final Exam
-Sat. 12/1 Full Rehearsal
-Sun. 12/2, 3:00 pm Concert, 1:30 pm Call, Epiphany ⏎ note time change
-Tues. 12/04, 7:30pm, Dress Rehearsal for 12/06 Concert, Schlesinger
-Thurs. 12/06, 7:30 pm Concert, 6:30 pm Call, Band/Chorus Concert, Schlesinger
-Sat. 12/8 Full Rehearsal
-Sunday 12/9, 3:00 pm Concert, 2:00 pm Call, with the WMPO Bishop Ireton HS


Master Class

Tuesday, November 13th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- There will be master class (.pdf) with Kim Allen Kluge and Claudia Chudacoff (conductor and concertmaster of the ASO) today, 2-4pm in 130.


Eighth Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, November 6th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 8th rehearsal of Fall 2012! Please sign in.
Thanks to all who attended our make-up rehearsal on Saturday.

Women’s Auditions for Suscepit Israel are tonight. I would especially like my Music Majors to audition.

Schedule Notes
I will be rehearsing the Bach Magnificat with the orchestra on Sunday, November 18, at 5:00 pm, at Bishop Ireton High School. I would like it if as many singers as possible to attend. I would especially like my Music Majors to be present for this educational opportunity.

Please Note: The call on December 2 at Epiphany is 1:30 pm. The concert (now billed as an informal concert – with tickets) is at 3:00 pm.

Schedule
-Sat. 11/10 Men
-Sat. 11/17 Women
-Sun. 11/18 5:00 pm rehearsal with orchestra at Bishop Ireton HS ⏎ new entry
-Sat. 11/24 No Rehearsal
-Tues. 11/27 Music Majors Final Exam
-Sat. 12/1 Full Rehearsal
-Sun. 12/2, 3:00 pm Concert, 1:30 pm Call, Epiphany ⏎ note time change
-Tues. 12/04, 7:30pm, Dress Rehearsal for 12/06 Concert, Schlesinger
-Thurs. 12/06, 7:30 pm Concert, 6:30 pm Call, Band/Chorus Concert, Schlesinger
-Sat. 12/8 Full Rehearsal
-Sunday 12/9, 3:00 pm Concert, 2:00 pm Call, with the WMPO Bishop Ireton HS


Closed

Tuesday, October 30th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-

As you may know, the college is closed, so we will not have rehearsal tonight.

I hope that many of you will get together in sections and small groups to work. I hope that all of you will spend at least two hours working on your music individually.

We will have a Full Rehearsal this Saturday, 12:30-1:45 pm. Please plan to attend. There is much to do


Suscepit Israel

Monday, October 29th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- I trust that this message finds all of you snuggled up to the fireplace with your headphones on and rehearsal CD playing. For women who intend to audition for Suscepit Israel, here is a recording (.mp3) to give you an idea of the sound I am looking for. Enjoy1
Sheet music (.pdf previously posted)


Update

Saturday, October 27th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-

I will be rehearsing the Bach Magnificat with the orchestra on Sunday, November 18, at 5:00 pm, at Bishop Ireton High School. I would like it if as many singers as possible to attend. I would especially like my Music Majors to be present for this educational opportunity.

Men- We have rehearsal today at 12:30 pm.

Women- Auditions for Suscepit Israel will be this Tuesday after rehearsal.  I encourage my Music Majors to prepare and gain this audition experience. Your notes can be found at
http://www.cyberbass.com/Major_Works/Bach_J_S/bach_js_magnigficat.htm

Please note this time change:
The call on December 2 at Epiphany is 1:30 pm. The concert (now billed as an informal concert – with tickets) is at 3:00 pm.


Worksheets

Thursday, October 25th, 2012

The first worksheets for this semester were posted on August 26, 2012. Previous posts can always be located by scrolling in reverse chronological order, or by utilizing the search box to the right of the page.


Seventh Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 7th rehearsal of Fall 2012! Please sign in.
Be sure to check out http://www.facebook.com/Music.At.NOVA

Women’s Auditions for Suscepit Israel will be next Tuesday. The music is attached. Kate will post it (.pdf) at www.novachorus.org. I will have a few copies for those who can’t print.

What a great Chorus! How can we reach our potential?
(1) Every member take personal responsibility for knowing your parts. Use your CD.
(2) Come to Saturday sections as often as you can
(3) Get together in small groups and practice
(4) Make every possible effort not to miss Tuesday rehearsals

Schedule

-Sat. 10/27 Men
-Sat. 11/3 No Rehearsal
-Sat. 11/10 Men
-Sat. 11/17 Women
-Sat. 11/24 No Rehearsal
-Sat. 12/1 Full Rehearsal
-Sun. 12/2, 2:00 pm, Dress Rehearsal for 12/9 concert, Church of the Epiphany
-Tues. 12/04, 7:30pm, Dress Rehearsal for 12/06 Concert, Schlesinger
-Thurs. 12/06, 7:30 pm concert, 6:30 pm call, Band/Chorus Concert, Schlesinger
-Sat. 12/8 Full Rehearsal
-Sunday 12/9, 3:00 pm concert, 2:00 pm call, with the WMPO Bishop Ireton HS


Antiphonal Chorus

Saturday, October 20th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
I look forward to seeing WOMEN today at 12:30 pm.
EVERYONE- Please look over the attached antiphonal chorus chart (.pdf).
As you see we are 96 singers strong, including 40 men! The sky is the limit in terms of our potential as an ensemble. Here is how we can reach that potential:
(1) Every member take personal responsibility for knowing your parts. Work with your CD
(2) Come to Saturday sections as often as you can
(3) Get together in small groups and practice
(4) Make every possible effort not to miss Tuesday rehearsals
Yours-DrW


Updated Schedule

Tuesday, October 16th, 2012

Hand out from Dr. Whitmire: Chorus Schedule (.pdf), updated October 16, 2012.


Sixth Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, October 16th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Tonight is our 6th rehearsal of Fall 2012!
Once again, let me thank you for a great Beethoven concert on Oct. 2.

You looked great and sounded great. We had a great crowd and received over $1000.00 in donations. Special thanks to Chris and David, and to our outstanding soloists-Cindy, Lika, Jane, Mike, Francisco, Matt, Ellie and Ray.

If you missed the concert for any reason, Please make sure you have spoken to me about it since October 2.

If you are a Music Major and missed the Mid-term on Saturday, please stay after rehearsal tonight.

Extra Rehearsal CDs are here for free. Everyone must be practicing with the rehearsal tracks every week (even every day)

Schedule Changes
We will have Women’s rehearsal this Sat. at 12:30 pm
(there was previously no rehearsal scheduled.
There will be no Sat. rehearsal (Women) on Nov. 3.
There will be no Sat. rehearsal on Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving)


Music at NOVA

Monday, October 15th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- Here is a link to our new Music at NOVA Facebook page. Check it out and you will find some fabulous photos of our October 2 concert. You will also find info (.pdf) about our Faculty Jazz Concert tomorrow at 2 pm and the Alexandria Band concert on Thursday 10/25. I hope you can attend.
Yours-DrW


Music Majors

Monday, October 8th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Music Majors-
As promised, your mid-term exam will be this Saturday, October 13, 2:00-4:00 pm, following Women’s rehearsal. We will meet as a group and I will ask you to sing in quartets. You will be asked to sing (1) an excerpt from a movement of the Bach Magnificat, and (2) and excerpt from one of the Italian antiphonal choruses: Jubilate Deo, Diligam te, or Laudate Jerusalem. Assessment will be as follows:
-ablilty to sing to sing the correct pitches (0-30 points)
-ablilty to sing to sing the correct rhythms (0-30 points)
-ablilty to sing to sing the correct words (0-20 points)
-overall tone quality (0-10 points)
-overall musicality (0-10 points)

According to my records, the following students are Music Majors. If you want to receive a degree in music, but are not on this list, please let me know. [See e-mail for list]

Once everyone has finished singing, let’s stay for a brief social hour. I will order pizza and sodas.
Let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to seeing you on Saturday.

-DrW


Concert Review

Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
What a perfect concert last night. Every minute was thoroughly enjoyable. You looked great and sounded great. I hope you felt the same- I know our audience did.
Of course our most heartfelt thanks and applause goes to Chris and David. What a tour de force! It was a delight to be on stage for such incredible music-making.
If, for any reason, your were not present last night, please contact me immediately. If you had previously informed me of you absence, please contact me again to remind me.
I look forward to seeing all the men this Sat. 10/06 at 12:30 pm.
We have no rehearsal next Tuesday 10/09, but I am counting on each of you to work on your Italian Choruses.