From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers,
Happy New Year to all!
I know it’s early, but please register as soon as you can.
Also, I will need at least 15 paying singers to register MUS 237O2a so that we can have our Saturday rehearsals. If you have registered for MUS 237O2a in the past, please do so again.
I need every singer back next week. If, for any reason, you will not be returning, please let me know. Please do not try to slip away silently.
I look forward to seeing you next week.
Yours-DrW
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Posts Tagged ‘dr. whitmire’
Registration
Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012
Songs of Sunset
Friday, December 23rd, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
As you know from the Mp3 I sent, Songs of Sunset is a beautiful, lush, wonderfully romantic piece. But, like most musical impressionism, it is quite chromatic (moving by half step) and therefore difficult for singers. For that reason, I have prepared the music and rehearsal CDs far in advance in hopes that many of you will get started. Here is a pdf of the music. The next two messages will have mp3s of the women’s and men’s parts. Undoubtedly, our wonderful webmaster Kate will have all this at novachorus.org in the twinkling of an eye.
This is modern music, so you may not like it at first, but you will warm up to it (the way you did to Chichester Psalms, Judas Maccabeaus, Sea Symphony, etc).
I look forward to seeing you on January 10. In the meanwhile, have a wonderful holiday.
Yours-DrW
Rehearsal Tracks (.mp3 files): Soprano | Alto | Tenor | Bass
Songs of Sunset
Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- Rather than have you all purchase Songs of Sunset (Delius) I am going to edit and print your parts. The score is a little expensive and much of the music is sung by the soloists (Rex and Grace Gori). However, many of you will prefer to have the complete vocal score, including piano accompaniment. If so, here is the link so you can order it. Better order now, since it takes 2-3 weeks.
Peace-DrW
By Frederick Delius (1862-1934). Arranged by Thomas Beecham. Standard notation. Published by Universal Edition (PR.UE018449)
Usually leaves our warehouse: Within 2 to 3 weeks $22.95
From Dr. Whitmire
Tuesday, December 20th, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers,
I hope you are enjoying a wonderful holiday. I have spent the last few days working on your scores and CDs for Songs of Sunset. It is a rich, wonderful piece in a harmonic idiom that we have never explored. Some have referred to Delius as an English Debussy. The text is by the English writer Ernest Dowson (1867–1900). Interestingly, the phrase “days of wine and roses” is originally from his poem:
They are not long, the days of wine and roses:
Out of a misty dream
Our path emerges for a while, then closes
Within a dream.
I have attached an mp3 to whet your appetite. It will be a challenge, but by now you expect that, right?
And for a (big) change of pace, I have also attached the opening piece to my Jazz Mass.
I think the semester will have something for everyone, and it’s all in English. So bring all the good singers you know to our first rehearsal on Tuesday, January 10. In the meanwhile,
Peace-DrW
Chichester Psalms
Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- Here is a link to our Chichester Psalms, Mvt II recorded at Church of the Epiphany. Enjoy.
Yours –DrW
From Dr. Whitmire
Saturday, December 3rd, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
-Thanks for a wonderful concert last night. The beauty of the concert was a testimony to your hard work and commitment. I felt a transcendence in the room that was exactly what we talked about and what I had hope for. The audience was enraptured by your singing. We did justice to Rachmaninoff and I am very proud of our work together.
-Thanks for a wonderful season. I set a very high bar, both in the amount of music and in the difficulty of the music. You kept the faith, worked very hard, and your investment paid generous artistic rewards.
-As I have said many times lately, I am amazed and impressed by the growth of NOVA Community Chorus as an ensemble. Few other groups could have performed the music that you have performed with more mastery and beauty. As the old ad said, “You’ve come a long way baby!”
– I look forward to another great season that begins on Tuesday, January 10. Register now. I can’t do without a single one of you. Don’t worry, every piece will be sung in English.
I’ll be on campus for two more weeks, but in case I don’t see you, I wish each of you a wonderful, joyous, and peaceful holiday.
Yours-DrW
PS- I neglected to hand out course evaluation sheets. If you see me around, please get one and fill it out.
Performance
Thursday, December 1st, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
-I look forward to seeing you at tonight’s rehearsal and concert.
Small Chorus meets in the Choir Room (AT130) at 5:45 pm.
Full Chorus meets in the Choir Room (AT1430) at 6:30 pm.
-Tonight we will sing #1, #3, #5 (small chorus), #6 (small chorus), # 8, #19, #20.
-Fred and I visited St. Katherine’s today. It is a stunning church that will sound fabulous. Please spread the word. The church seats 400 and it should be filled.
-We need several folks to act as ushers tonight and tomorrow. If your spouse or significant other can help, that would be great.
Yours-DrW
Rehearsal
Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-Thank you for the excellent rehearsal tonight. It was the best possible birthday present.
The call on Thursday is 6:30 pm in the Choir Room (AT130). Small Chorus call is 5:45 pm.
If I change the concert order, I will let you know.
The call on Friday is 6:00 pm at St. Katherine’s.
Yours-DrW
Dress Rehearsal
Tuesday, November 29th, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- I look forward to seeing you in Schlesinger tonight at 7:30 pm. Please be on time. If you are able, please join me at Clyde’s for a refreshing beverage after rehearsal.
Yours-DrW
Reminder
Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Please do not miss tonight’s rehearsal. We had an alarming number of absences on Saturday. We can have a great concert only if everyone is present.
Yours-DrW
Rachmaninoff Documents
Thursday, November 17th, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Attached is the 1st draft of the program (.pdf). Please proof for errors/omissions.
I have also attached Translations (.pdf) and a Flyer (.pdf) suitable for e-mail.
I look forward to seeing everyone at our Saturday, 1:00 pm rehearsal.
Yours-DrW
November 29
Wednesday, November 16th, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- As some of you may know, Tuesday, November 29, is my 60th birthday. I know—it shocks me , too. Just think—I was 33 years old when I started teaching at NOVA. I had hair! I won’t be able to be with my family on my birthday, but I am delighted I’ll be able to spend the evening with my Chorus Family. After our Dress Rehearsal, I plan to go to Clyde’s and enjoy some of my favorite oysters and a refreshing beverage. I hope you can join me.
Yours-DrW
Eleventh Rehearsal Preview
Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers,
Welcome to our 11th rehearsal of Fall 2011! Please sign in.
I got back from Haiti early Sunday morning. While it was a very difficult trip physically and emotionally, it was also very powerful and fulfilling.
It was great to read the accounts by Peggy, Fred, Chris, Wendy and others about how wonderfully you performed on Friday. I never had a doubt. You are a wonderful group. Special thanks to Peggy, Fred, and Chris for their leadership.
If, for any reason, you did not attend the concert, please contact me immediately. If you have already spoken to me about your absence, please send a message to remind me.
This Saturday, November 19, 1-2:15 pm, we will have a full rehearsal (SATB) on Rachmaninoff. Please make every effort to attend.
After tonight, we have only 1 Tuesday rehearsal (11/22) before our Nov. 29 Dress Rehearsal in Schlesinger.
Please get into the highest possible gear. Work every day.
Please plan to attend our Saturday, November 19 rehearsal.
Tonight I would like to rehearse the Small Rachmaninoff Chorus at the end of rehearsal.
Schedule
Sat. Nov. 19, 1:00-2:15 pm – Full SATB, AT130 (THIS IS A CHANGE)
Sat., Nov. 26 – NO REHEARSAL
Tues., Nov. 22, 7:30 pm – Last Regular Rehearsal, AT130
Tues., Nov. 29, 7:30 pm – Rachmaninoff Dress Rehearsal, Schlesinger
Thurs., Dec. 1, 7:30 pm (6:30 pm call, AT130) – Holiday Concert, Schlesinger
Fri., Dec. 2, 7:30 pm (6:00 pm call – Rachmaninoff Concert, St. Katherine Church
A flyer for our Rachmaninoff concert is attached.
Sing Well -DrW
Flyers (.pdf files): Best suited for 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper | or 11″ x 17″
From Dr. Whitmire
Sunday, November 13th, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
I got back from Haiti early this morning. While it was a very difficult trip physically and emotionally, it was also very powerful and fulfilling.
It was great to read the accounts by Peggy, Fred, Chris, Wendy and others about how wonderfully you performed on Friday. I never had a doubt. You are a wonderful group. Special thanks to Peggy, Fred, and Chris for their leadership.
If, for any reason, you did not attend the concert, please contact me immediately. If you have already spoken to me about your absence, please send a message to remind me.
This Saturday, November 19, 1-2:15 pm, we will have a full rehearsal (SATB) on Rachmaninoff. Please make every effort to attend.
I look forward to seeing all of you on Tuesday.
Yours-DrW
Schedule Change
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: The Saturday, November 19, rehearsal is changed to a Men’s Rehearsal. (It is a Women’s Rehearsal on your original schedule.)
| Sat., Nov. 5, 1:00-2:15 pm | Women’s Rehearsal, AT130 |
| Tues., Nov. 8, 7:30 pm | Dress Rehearsal w/ Band, AT130 and Schlesinger |
| Thurs., Nov. 10, 8:00-8:30 pm | Dress Rehearsal with the Band, Schlesinger |
| Fri., Nov. 11, 7:30 pm (6:30 pm call in AT130) | Civil War Concert, Schlesinger |
| Sat., Nov. 12 | NO MEN’S REHEARSAL (CHANGE posted 10/18) |
| Sat., Nov. 19, 1:00-2:15 pm | Men’s Rehearsal, AT130 (THIS IS A CHANGE) |
| Sat., Nov. 26 | NO REHEARSAL (CHANGE posted 10/18) |
| Tues., Nov. 29, 7:30 pm | Rachmaninoff Dress Rehearsal, Schlesinger |
| Thurs., Dec. 1, 7:30 pm (6:30 pm call in AT130) | Holiday Concert, Schlesinger |
| Fri., Dec. 2, 7:30 pm (6:00 pm call) | Rachmaninoff Concert, St. Katherine Church |
From Dr. Whitmire
Monday, October 31st, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Thanks for another wonderful performance. What an excellent choral tone you made. The final unaccompanied section was breath-taking. I have heard dozens of performances of Chichester Psalms (some by highly-regarded ensembles) that were not nearly as solid. Chichester presented all the challenges—rhythm, pitch and language—and you mastered them all. I am very proud.
If you missed Sunday’s performance for any reason, please contact me immediately. If you have previously spoken with me about your absence, please remind me.
Please return any remaining ticket money to your Section Leader.
Next Tuesday (11/8) is our 1st Dress Rehearsal for the Civil War concert. We will meet in AT130 at 7:30 pm. Peggy Harrison will warm you up. Jonathan Kolm will conduct the rehearsal. Chris Hagan (The Glue) will accompany. At 8:40 pm you will go to Schlesinger to rehearse in the hall. Choir I (s1, a1, t1, b1) will be on risers stage right. Choir II (s2, a2, t2, b2) will be on risers stageleft. Fred Wulff will guide you into place.
Next Tuesday Thursday (11/10) is our 2nd Dress Rehearsal. Meet in Schlesinger at 7:45 pm so you are prepared to take the stage for our 8:00 pm run-thru of Hymn to the Fallen.
As you know, I will be in Haiti from November 5-12. I know you will give Peggy, Fred, Chris, Dr. Kolm and Dr. Matthews your very best.
Civil War Concerts Tickets will be available. Please see the ticket order sheet and sign how many tickets you want to reserve. Tell your guests that the tickets will be at Will-Call reserved in your name.
Rachmaninoff- After tonight, we have only 2 rehearsals (11/15, 11/22) before our November 29 Dress Rehearsal in Schlesinger. Please get into the highest possible gear. Work every day.
Schedule
| Sat., Nov. 5, 1:00-2:15 pm | Women’s Rehearsal, AT130 |
| Tues., Nov. 8, 7:30 pm | Dress Rehearsal w/ Band, AT130 and Schlesinger |
| Thurs., Nov. 10, 8:00-8:30 pm | Dress Rehearsal with the Band, Schlesinger |
| Fri., Nov. 11, 7:30 pm (6:30 pm call in AT130) | Civil War Concert, Schlesinger |
| Sat., Nov. 12 | NO MEN’S REHEARSAL (CHANGE posted 10/18) |
| Sat., Nov. 26 | NO REHEARSAL (CHANGE posted 10/18) |
| Tues., Nov. 29, 7:30 pm | Rachmaninoff Dress Rehearsal, Schlesinger |
| Thurs., Dec. 1, 7:30 pm (6:30 pm call in AT130) | Holiday Concert, Schlesinger |
| Fri., Dec. 2, 7:30 pm (6:00 pm call) | Rachmaninoff Concert, St. Katherine Church |
Sunday Performance
Monday, October 31st, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
First, Bravo! for you excellent performance last night. We have never sounded better!
Second, as I announced last Tuesday, our concert date is December 2. It has not changed. (There was a typo is last week’s e-mail.)
More to come. Yours-DrW
Rehearsal Reminders
Saturday, October 29th, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Please remember our vow: that each of us would spend three hours preparing Chichester Psalms for tomorrow’s concert. Its a nice rainy day – perfect for completing your preparation.
MEN- Please come to our rehearsal today at 1:00 pm.
Here is our Rachmaninoff Small Chorus [see e-mail for list]. We will rehearse at the end of full rehearsal this Tuesday, Nov. 1.
Sing #5, #6, #13, #18
Plus Choir I on #14, #19
Sunday Reminder
Tuesday, October 25th, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Reminder: This Sunday is the Marine Corps Marathon, so please plan to car pool as much as possible. Allow plenty of extra time to get there.
Carolyn Miller (soprano) has two seats, and can pick up at NOVA parking.
Eighth Rehearsal Preview
Tuesday, October 25th, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- Welcome to our 8th rehearsal of Fall 2011! Please sign in.
Please return ticket money or unsold tickets to your Section Leader. I hope that each singer will sell five tickets at $10 each (Half price). Cash or checks to WMPA.
Auditions for non-majors to sing Rachmaninoff # 5, 6, 13, 18 will be tonight.
I have the following number of openings in each section: S-1, A-5, T-2, B-2
This Sunday, Oct. 30, 3:00 pm, is our Concert at Epiphany (1317 G St NW DC).
The Call is 2:00 pm.
Bring your friends and family!
Schedule
| Sat., Oct. 29, 1:00-2:15 pm | Men’s Rehearsal, AT130 |
| Sun., Oct. 30, 3:00 pm (2:00 pm call) | Concert at Epiphany |
| Sat., Nov. 5, 1:00-2:15 pm | Women’s Rehearsal, AT130 |
| Tues., Nov. 8, 7:30 pm | Dress Rehearsal w/ Band, AT130 and Schlesinger |
| Thurs., Nov. 10, 8:00-8:30 pm | Dress Rehearsal with the Band, Schlesinger |
| Fri., Nov. 11, 7:30 pm (6:30 pm call in AT130) | Civil War Concert, Schlesinger |
| Sat., Nov. 12 | NO MEN’S REHEARSAL (THIS IS A CHANGE) |
| Sat., Nov. 26 | NO REHEARSAL (THIS IS A CHANGE) |
| Tues., Nov. 29, 7:30 pm | Rachmaninoff Dress Rehearsal, Schlesinger |
| Thurs., Dec. 1, 7:30 pm (6:30 pm call in AT130) | Holiday Concert, Schlesinger |
| Fri., Dec. 2, 7:30 pm (6:00 pm call) | Rachmaninoff Concert, St. Katherine Church |
Chichester Psalms Recordings
Monday, October 17th, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- You did a wonderful job tonight. We all know there were areas that can be cleaned up, but the fact is that you transcended. We made music in the moment, which is exactly what I had hoped for. I was very satisfied and proud. Here are the recordings of the Chichester Psalms. Listen and you’ll hear things we did really well, and areas that will improve. I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday.
Audio Files: Movement I, Movement II. (.mp3 files)
Dress Rehearsal Feedback
Monday, October 10th, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Thanks for your excellent work last night. You did a very good job with a very challenging piece. We are right on schedule to have an outstanding performance next Sunday. The key to having an outstanding performance is getting everyone to our very important rehearsal next Saturday, October 15. I was disappointed that too many of you missed last Saturday’s rehearsal.
If, for any reason, you were not present at last night’s Dress Rehearsal, please contact me immediately. If you have previously explained your necessary absence, send a message to remind me of your explanation.
Tomorrow night at 7:30 pm is our Chorus Benefit Piano Recital by Chris and David Hagan. Please do not miss it. Please bring your friends and family in support of our chorus.
Chorus Handouts
Saturday, October 8th, 2011
[Admin] At the October 4 rehearsal, there were two handouts provided:
1) Civil War and Peace, arrangement by Jonathan Kolm
Please note that there have been reports of photocopy errors. Permission has been granted to post a correct version here (37 page .pdf).
2) Hymn to the Fallen, music by John Williams
Sixth Rehearsal Preview
Tuesday, October 4th, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Welcome to our 6th rehearsal of Fall 2011!
Please sign in.
Concert Flyers-Take some and post them in high-profile places.
Hagan Recital Flyers (.pdf) – Take some and post them in high-profile places.
Tickets – See your Section Leader. I hope that each singer will sell five tickets at $10 each (Half price). Cash or checks to WMPA.
Thanks to all who auditioned for the solos in Chichester Psalms. Our soloists will be: S-Michelle McHugh, A-Shellie Grant, T-Jon DeHart, B-Brandon Homayouni
Music Majors Mid-term is Tuesday, October 18. Exam passages will Rachmaninoff # 5, 6, 13, 18
Auditions for non-majors who want to sing Rachmaninoff # 5, 6, 13, 18 will be October 25.
Schedule (same as your chorus schedule)
This Sat. Oct. 8, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Full SATB rehearsal, AT130
This Sunday, Oct. 9, 5:00 pm – Dress Rehearsal, Bishop Ireton HS
Next Tuesday, October 11, 7:30 pm – Hagan Recital, Schlesinger Center
Next Sat. Oct. 15, , 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Full SATB rehearsal, AT130
Next Sunday, October 16, 3:00 pm – Concert at Bishop Ireton HS
Schedule change (posted 9/27)
Sunday, October 30, 3:00 pm – Concert at Epiphany
Sing Well -DrW