Posts Tagged ‘performances’

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


Saint Katherine’s

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

From Fred:  Helpful directions from Bernie Cohen

From Rt 50 to St Katherine Church

West on 50: after passing exit for Carlyn Springs Rd, you will go over a hill.  Next left is Manchester, which runs into the church.

East on 50: Manchester is the second light after Patrick Henry (Home Depot, McDonald’s on right).

From Fred:  I have a few requests to help find St. Katherine for our performance on Friday night.

Plug in the address to your favorite map:
3149 Glen Carlyn Road, Falls Church, VA

From Baileys X-Road:

Go west on Leesburg Pike (Rt. 7) toward 7- corners.

Turn right at the 2nd stop light onto Glen Carlyn Rd.
(St. Anthony’s Catholic Church/school/bell tower/ is on your right at the corner)

Go 1/2 mile north on Glen Carlyn.

St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church is on your right (large white dome)
Parking lot is behind the church.


Chorus info for Thursday and Friday

Wednesday, November 30th, 2011

From Stage Manager Fred:
– Remember to use black folders to hold your music and to wear concert dress.

– Please use a paper clip to hold the movements together that you will NOT sing. That way it all flips at once. For example, clip movements 5, 6 & 7 together if you are in Choir II. Bring extra paper clips to the Thursday rehearsal at 6:30 to identify whatever needs to be skipped during our first performance.

Friday:
– St. Katherine seats 400 so there should be enough seats for all our guests.

– I counted 140 parking places on the church’s grounds. Warn your  guests that they may have to park along Glen Carlyn Road as is done during the annual Greek Festival. Car pools will help the parking situation.


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


1987 Documentary: Litergy of St. John in Russia

Monday, November 21st, 2011

From Fred:

Religion and therefore the Russian work that we will perform was officially banned for three generations in Russia by the state and not accepted by the Russian Orthodox Church when it was composed in 1910 by Rachmaninoff because of its “spirit of modernism.”

View the 13 minute documentary on youtube found at:

http://www.youtube.com/v/af7uEVsqC6M

This documentary is about an American Chorus which brought it back to Russia in 1987 and performed it to standing room only audiences; first in St. Petersburg, then Kiev and then in Moscow and more. Police in Kiev made the concert hall take down their one simple poster because it had attracted such a huge crowd, waiting to buy tickets, that it had flowed out in the street. The poster had been up only one hour.

Historical Note: The Berlin Wall did not come down until 19[89].

In 1987, I was working on a secret hideaway for top officials of the Voice of America in “The Mountain” that might withstand an exchange of 1,000 nuclear warheads with Russia. Did this music and that American chorus help change history?    Yes.

3 minutes into this documentary are clips of Russian people in the audience – crying.

Can we do that?  Can we help people cry?    Yes.

Learn the music.         Learn the words.        Watch Mark.


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


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


MW and Hope at Wings


MW sifting gravel


The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption Port-au-Prince


Congratulations

Sunday, November 13th, 2011

Forwarded by Fred, from Wendy Matthews:  Fred:  Could you please pass on to the chorus the band and my heartfelt thanks below?

Congratulations, Chorus! The concert was fabulous. I appreciate your hard work and dedication to music at NOVA-Alexandria. Many member of the audience ask me to convey to you their congratulations. It is very very, rare that any group in this area (amateur or professional) gets a standing ovation and fills Schlesinger. I am very proud of the chorus and hope you are proud of your accomplishments! I enjoyed working with you on Hymn to the fallen. A huge thank you to everyone! This was a true team effort. Enjoy your weekend.

Below are some upcoming events to enjoy. Congratulations again! -W

NOVA Jazz Night
The NOVA Alexandria Music Department cordially invites all faculty, staff, and students to come relive the excitement of the Swing Era at NOVA Jazz Night.  The event will take place on Tuesday November 15th from 7PM-9:30PM at the Carlyle Club in Alexandria.  The NOVA Jazz Combos will perform an opening set followed by the 20 piece NOVA Alexandria Jazz Ensemble.  The evening will feature music by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, and Benny Goodman.  There is no admission charge for this event.  There is a $25 minimum purchase at tables but no minimum in the lounge area. . Reservations can be made at http://thecarlyleclub.com

Chamber Orchestra, Chamber Winds and Jazz Combo Concert
Saturday, December 3, 7:30 pm. The chamber ensemble program at NOVA will be presenting a concert including works of Vivaldi, Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, Donizetti, etc. in Tyler Recital Hall.


WOW! That was Great!

Saturday, November 12th, 2011

From Fred:  I was worried that we had over-rehearsed the music; that we had “peaked too soon;” that you would be in a “just get it over with” mood. I was sooo wrong.

You had energy; determination; looked professional; sounded professional. I was showered with “thanks” afterward from Marci (Col. Marci?? – the first time I”ve been hugged by a high ranking military officer), Dr. Matthews, Johnathan, and more which I hereby pass on to you.

It started at 6:30. Peggy insisted that we did not need Johnathan (who had to stay in Schlesinger) to have a traditional run-through, and it had to be quick because Chris had to leave at 6:55 (same reason). Peggy gave us a marvelous imitation of Johnathan’s directing. The energy in our room stayed high after Chris left and fueled an Occupy Schlesinger mood. Fortunately Johnathan called to say we could have the whole balcony.

You were great hosts and hostesses up there, welcoming overflow guests into our midst.

You patiently waited downstairs when my guesses on timing were too conservative (the announcers kept talking and talking and talking). Thanks, Terri for restraining me from taking us on stage 10 minutes early. [Attack, take the high ground, damn the torpedoes, oops]

Keep all that energy and put it into rehearsing the beautiful music we will perform in less than 3 weeks.

I found a pair of gloves in the second row of our traditional Soprano section in Tyler when I closed up for the night. I’ll have  them with me on Tuesday night.

See you then.


Chorus Reminders and Schedule

Friday, November 11th, 2011

From Fred:  Dr. Matthews sends her deep appreciation for all the work and quality we have added to this festival. A good image is very important for every department in NVCC during difficult financial periods, especially Music. We not only want to be famous, we’d like to have that new, state of the art rehearsal hall.

1. The call is 6:30 tonight. We will have a brief warm up and run through and go over to Schlesinger about 7:10.

2. Pick up a program and follow it. (There is no intermission.)
– We will move from the balcony to the foyer during the 2 minute “They Shall Run and Be Free”
– Form 2 Choirs and move to the auditorium entrance doors and hold until the music for “Vacant Chair” starts
– Move down the outer aisles at a measured pace and onto the risers. Seated singers get a head start.

3. Important details
– Music in black folders, in your right hand, down at your side until it is time to sing.
– Once on the risers, turn your body to face the audience, not the stage. Smile.
– Raise and open your music when our director, Jonathan Kolm, directs us to raise it. Smile.
– Keep your music up and open after completing his work until he lowers his hands. Smile.
– Lower your music in your right hand. It will take several minutes to move the piano to the side. Smile.
– Raise and open your music when our band director, Dr. Matthews, gets on stage.
– Keep your music up and open at the end of “Hymn to the Fallen” & don’t move until she lowers her hands.
– Watch Peggy Harrison in Chorus 2 and Fred Wulff in Chorus 1. Do what they do.

Don’t talk or move about when you are on stage – or forming up.
Audiences judge the quality of a chorus by how its members behave as well as how they sing.
If someone near you is talking, please ask them to stop.


Dress Rehearsal & Performance

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

From Fred:  Schedule:
Thursday, Nov. 10  –  Black Folders required
– 7:30  Warm up and rehearse (Chorus 1 next to window, Chorus 2 next to door)
– 8:25  Move to Foyer of Schlesinger Center
– 8:30  Form two choruses of 4 rows each as on Tuesday*
– 8:35  Move into auditorium and down outer aisles to the stage & wait

Friday, Nov. 11 – Full Concert Dress & Black Folders required
– 6:30  Assemble in Tyler rehearsal room, warm up, brief rehearsal
– 7:25  Move to balcony of Schlesinger if space is available, sit in rear seats, enjoy the show
– 7:25  or Continue rehearsal if seats not available
– 8:45  Move to Schlesinger Center Foyer, form 2 choruses, etc…..

Notes:
1. Chorus 1 will have up to 50 singers
Chorus 2 will have up to 60 singers with several standing altos to reduce crowding

2. There will be 2 chairs next to sopranos and 3 next to altos on both sides of stage

3. Piano will be turned 180 deg with the top up so we can all hear Chris play.

4. * Chorus 1 will have the following alignment to fill up 4 rows

Sopranos: 12 total = only 3 columns (1 seated)
Tenors:       7 total  = only 2 columns (+1)
Basses:    15 total = 4 columns (+ 1 standing)
Altos:        14 total = 4 columns (1 or more seated)

Chorus 2 = similar:  S = 5 columns, T = 3, B = 3, A = 4


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


Civil War Concert: Help Needed

Monday, October 31st, 2011

From Fred:

This note is from Dr. Wendy Matthews, Assistant Dean of Music, to the staff in our part of this campus. It asks for help running the concert. We singers probably cannot both sing and help with the jobs listed below but we may have spouses and friends that can.

(Hmmmm… Warm-up and Assistant for NOVA Chorus?)
________________________

From Wendy Matthews:  Hi Everyone:

As you heard we are involved in a huge Multi-media concert on Nov. 11 (Friday). This involves over 150 of our music students. This is a collaboration between the History, Design, Photography and Music Department. 5 of the pieces will have multi-media components, Chris Hagan will be performing, as well as the Arlington Children’s Chorus and the Denny Edelbrock on Civil War cornet.

We already have over 300 tickets being held at will call. We need some volunteers to help this concert run smoothly. I hoping that some of you can help us and/or have students that can help. Below are a list of jobs we need. Please let me or Jonathan know if you can help out. Also, please encourage your students to attend this event. Thanks! -W

Assistant to the house manager
Will Call tickets (20)
Ticket takers (4)
Ushers (4)
Stage Manager
Children’s Chorus Manager
Warm-up and Assistant for NOVA chorus
Assistant to the conductor

Thanks -W


Sunday Parking

Saturday, October 29th, 2011

From Fred:  This is from the spokesperson of the WMP, Shenya Nicole Burt, who makes all the announcements for the orchestra. I will arrange to pick up enough stickers at intermission and distribute them to you in the Parish Hall. So, stick around a little while and save $8.

—-

From Sheyna:  Hi People
Hopefully, you’re surviving Snowmaggedon – Halloween Edition – safely curled up with a good book/adult beverage.  Excuse the interruption, but I have a hot-off-of-the-presses update for you regarding parking on Sunday.

We just received word from the good people at PMI (the garage next to Epiphany) that they will honor the previously negotiated discounted rate of $8.  I spoke to an executive with the company and the attendant that will be on duty tomorrow afternoon and we should be good to go.  The front of house will have stickers for you to apply to the face of the parking ticket, but allow me to reiterate Ul’s admonition about waiting until intermission to retrieve your sticker.  In my capacity as Board President, I have granted to WMP’s volunteers a shoot to kill order for any musicians who harass them too early.

You have been warned.


More Stage Instructions

Saturday, October 29th, 2011

From Fred:  Ul James sent this to the orchestra. Advise those around you who did not see this note.

– I suspect the little stage is what Ul calls the “far end of the hall”
– Be flexible and forgiving. We are guests of this orchestra and owe them a LOT!

—-

From Ulysses:  There will be a post-concert reception in the Parish Hall after the concert.  Please do all you can to keep the Hall clear of cases and belongings.  Put them neatly behind the cast iron screen by the organ, or at the far end of the Parish Hall.  Do not put anything on the table in the Parish Hall.

The front of house is usually very busy at the beginning of the concert.  Please do not attempt to pick up vouchers or Principal checks until intermission.

Finally, we have not heard from PMI garage about the availability of vouchers.  At this time, we don’t have any parking vouchers to hand out. Please assume that there won’t be any.  If that changes, we’ll let you know right away.

Thank you!


More about Epiphany & WMP’ instructions

Friday, October 28th, 2011

From Ulysses James:

12:30 PM  Setup.  First Violin Section is designated to assist.
Craig Teer will be setting up risers at the same time.   The “work crew” will be able to get the stands and chairs on the “stage” but avoid obstructing Craig’s efforts.  When he is finished, everything can be put in place.

FOR ALL, BE CAREFUL NOT TO MARR THE NEW FLOOR.  CELLOS AND BASSES BRING NON MARKING ROCKSTOPS/END PIN HOLDERS.  DO NOT DRAG CHAIRS OR EQUIPMENT.

1:30 PM  WMP Rehearsal – special emphasis on sound check with Charles Williams

2:00 PM  Chorus Rehearsal

3:00 PM  Concert

Parking – is very limited.  The lot next to the Church will have cones in it which restrict use of space.  It may be possible for about two vehicles to park there in which case it should be Recording Engineer John Reiser, and the U-Haul cargo van with large instruments.  Those who have to unload will be able to do so but will have to do it expeditiously so that there are no unnecesary delays.

Parking will be available in the PMI Garage next door and vouchers will be available at the front of house.

Steve Bertino will be giving a pre-concert lecture in the Parish Hall from  2:15 to 2:45 PM.  Please place your cases in the sanctuary transepts until 2:45 PM.  When he is finished, bring them into the Parish Hall.

If you have guests coming please tell them that the only bathroom facilities will be on the second floor via steps.  While the sanctuary renovation is complete, the rest of the Church is in the process of being restored.

The Marine Corp Marathon will take place on Sunday.  The race starts at 7:45 PM and will be finished before the concert.  The last, very slow runners should be finished no later than 2 PM.  However there may still be road obstructions.  Here is a link to the race map:

http://www.marinemarathon.com/MCM_Runner_Info/Course_Maps_908.htm

The dancers will not be performing with us today.  There should be ample room for all.

My best, see you Sunday,

Ul


Epiphany Photos

Friday, October 28th, 2011

From Fred:  Good luck opening the photos. They are from Ul James, taken the first day he was allowed into the reconstruction area.
Click images for enlarged PDF files. Click titles for enlarged JPG files:

Photo 1

Photo 2,

Photo 3


Marathon Course Map

Friday, October 28th, 2011

From Fred: See attached course map (.pdf)


Stage Manager Instructions

Friday, October 28th, 2011

From Fred:  Stage Manager Instructions for our concert on 10/30/11.

Facts:
-14th. Street will be closed to traffic until 1:15 because of the Marine Corps Marathon.
http://www.marinemarathon.com/MCM_Runner_Info/Course_details.htm
click on “maps” in the upper right hand part; click on the center logo; (map next Emai)
Runners use the out-bound bridge. In-bound is open to the SW Freeway only.

-The parish hall is still there but it will be in use (pre-concert lecture) from 2 to 3 PM.

– No bathrooms downstairs – go up the stairs in back to reach the upstairs bathrooms.

-The orchestra will rehearse alone, in the church, from 1:00 – 2:00 PM on Sunday.

-We may rehearse with them from 2:00 PM until 2:40; starting with Mark’s arrival.

Chorus Plan A

– Before 2:00: Gather in the rear of the sanctuary so we can talk.

– 2:00: Move to the front pews on the left side where the chapel was last year (see photos).

– When Mark arrives, we will line up in the space to your left where the chapel was, and face toward the center of the hall. Altos on the back row will lead that row onto the risers. The remaining back rows will follow onto the risers, one at a time, nothing fancy.

– Mark will release us before the audience is allowed to enter.
Parish hall is not available yet.

– We will move into the parish hall just before the concert begins and remain there until it is time to move onto the risers. That should be about 30 minutes into the concert. There should be some chairs left over from the lecture.

– Remember to get a parking pass to reduce your parking fee to $8 instead of $16. We’ll hand some out. It is also important to have cash and the parking ticket in your hand when you leave the underground parking. No credit cards.

Getting there: Good Luck!

– I have gotten around the marathon blockade in the past by crossing the 14th. bridge; staying in the right hand lane; going onto the SW Freeway to 12th. street and crossing under the mall via the 12th. street tunnel. Turn left at G st, and go less than 2 blocks.

Attachments: Photos of Epiphany (.jpg files, click to enlarge)

Photo 1,

Photo 2,

Photo 3


Traffic Alert

Friday, October 28th, 2011

The Arlington County Police Department will close numerous streets in Arlington on Sunday, October 30, for the 36th Annual Marine Corps Marathon.  The race begins at 8 a.m. on Route 110. Extra security measures will also be in place. Residents and motorists can expect delays and should allow extra travel time in those areas.

These roads in Arlington will be affected at the following times:

4:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Eastbound Washington Boulevard will be closed at I-395 towards Memorial Bridge.

4:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Route 110 will be closed in both directions to all traffic.
N. Meade Street will be closed from Fairfax Drive to Marshall Drive
There will be no access to Lynn Street or Meade Street from Route 50.
N. Lynn Street, from Route 50 to N. 19th Street, will be closed.
Ft. Myer Drive will be closed from 19th Street to Route 50.
N. Moore Street, from 19th Street to Wilson Boulevard, will be closed.
Wilson Boulevard will be closed east of N. Nash Street.

4:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Westbound Washington Boulevard from Memorial Circle to I-395 will be closed.

7:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m.
Eastbound Lee Highway, from Kirkwood Road to N. Lynn Street will be closed.
Westbound Lee Highway, from N. Scott Street to Kirkwood Road will be closed to
thru traffic (local traffic will have egress by taking Scott Street to Veitch
Street. Citizens leaving the area can use westbound Lee Highway to Spout Run and
exit the area via the George Washington Parkway).

7:15 a.m. – 12:00 noon
The Key Bridge will be closed.

7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The southbound I-395 HOV lanes from Washington, D.C. will be closed.

7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
12th Street South from Eads Street to Crystal Drive (local traffic permitted in one lane from Eads Street to Army Navy Drive) Traffic is encouraged to avoid this route as intermittent closures will occur.  Use S. 15th Street to access
hotels.
Crystal Drive will be closed from 12th Street to 23rd Street.
Rotary Road will be closed throughout Pentagon South parking.
Columbia Pike will be closed at Joyce Street (access Pentagon via Boundary Channel).

7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Army Navy Drive will be closed from Fern Street to S. 12th Street.

For more information on road closures in Arlington, please call the Arlington
Police Department’s special events hotline 703-228-4147.dlp/oem

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– You received this alert because you registered for Arlington Alert.

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The Spirit of the Civil War

Friday, October 28th, 2011

From Fred:  Here is the web site for the Lincoln at the Crossroads celebration that we will be singing for: http://www.latcra.org/

The following info is from Dr. Wendy Matthews who told about this celebration at our Tuesday night rehearsal.

—-

The NOVA Alexandria Campus Music, Communication Design, History and Photography departments present a multi-media concert, “Spirit of the Civil War” in remembrance of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War on Friday evening, November 11, 2011 at 7:30 PM in the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center on the Alexandria Campus.

The Alexandria Campus Band will be joined by of the Mount Vernon Concert Band, the NOVA Community Chorus, and the Arlington Children’s Chorus to perform a multi-media concert of civil war music. Guest soloist will include Ms. Christine Hagan, piano, and Dr. Dennis Edlebrock, authentic Civil War Eb Cornet. The concert will include music of both the North and South including such favorites as Goober Peas, Drummer Boy of Shiloh, Bonnie Blue Flag, and Battle Hymn of the Republic accompanied by visual images of the Civil War. In addition a number of the musical selections not heard since the beginning of the 20th century, have been arranged by the composition faculty and students of NOVA-Alexandria for this concert. This concert is made possible through grants from the Northern Virginia Community College Foundation and the Virginia Community College System.

Seating is limited and tickets will be available at the door for a suggested donation of Adults – $10.00 and Students/Seniors – $5.00. Parking fee is $6.00 for the Beauregard Parking Garage directly across from Schlesinger Hall. The Rachel M. Schlesinger Hall is located at 3001 North Beauregard Blvd, Alexandria, VA. For more information, please see the band’s website www.alexandria-band.org or on facebook. https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/228407073886112/ You can also contact wmatthews@nvcc.edu, at Phone 703-845-6252 or Ken Balbuena via Email at kpbaluena @ nvcc.edu 703-845-6067.

—-

The Spirit of the Civil War

The civil war played a significant role in shaping American History and our national consciousness and no other American war produced such a great variety of songs or such quantity (Silber, 1960). During this time a new music emerged which was based in lively tunes, plantation chants, pioneer songs, spirituals, and music from the minstrel stage mixed with Immigrant songs from Europe. Additionally, the Civil War, with its military and political urgencies, with its grand mixing of backgrounds and cultures, and with its needs for songs of inspiration and sorrow and laughter acted as a catalyst in the development of uniquely American music (Silber, 1960).

The purpose of the project was to (1) gain a greater understanding of the human experience of the civil war through the music, (2) identify significant music of the time which defines the culture and (3) present a concert in honor of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. The research for this concert was approached by quasi-qualitative methodology where a purposeful sample of songs was taken by surveying play lists of Re-enactor Civil War Regimental Bands, Brass Band Books of the Civil War (e.g. Brass Band Journal; Manchester Cornet Books); and piano music from 1870-1900 representing music the Civil War. After creating a data base of this music, selections that were listed in two or more sources were retained. Then, the pieces were grouped using descriptors such as family life, songs of children, songs that reflected the soldiers experience, rallying songs, songs sung around the campfire, songs with the same tunes but different words of North and South, and songs representing major composers of the time (e.g..George Fredrick Root, Henry Clay Work, Daniel Decatur Emmett).
After analyzing the data using axial coding, the authors found five emergent themes: (1) Marching and Inspirational Songs, (2) Grand Marches & Quicksteps, Rallying Songs, (3) Children’s Songs of the Civil War,(4) Songs of Emancipation, (5)Songs Sung by the Soldiers, and (5) Patriotic Songs of the North and the South. The final choices of music for the concerts were made based on musical worth, historical significance to Alexandria, Virginia, Representation of the themes, and “fit” of arrangements for modern instruments.
The music then needed to be located or arrange. Several published arranges for modern band were identified. These selections came for the J. C. Penney Bicentennial Music Project, Boosey and Hawkes, Daehn Publications and Alfred Publishing Company. Examples of this music includes Clare Grundman’s Blue and the Gray which was written for the centennial observance of the American Civil War and a Fantasia on Tramp, Tramp, Tramp for solo Eb Cornet and Band. Other selections for this concert were arranged by students and faculty at Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria, VA. The arrangments was based on Brass Band Music from the Library of Congress: Band Music from the Civil War Era Collection and piano music printed in the 19th Century from the Library of Congress: Music for the Nation. American Sheet Music 1870-1885 Collection and collections at Duke University Library and Johns Hopkins University.

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This concert is the culmination of this project between the Music, Communications Design, History, and Photography departments at NOVA and the members of the Alexandria Campus Band will be joined by of the Mount Vernon Concert Band, the NOVA Community Chorus, and the Arlington Children’s Choir.


Sunday Traffic

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

From Peggy:  FYI, the bottom line seems to be that 14th Street will reopen at 1:15pm

From Chorister Carol: Peggy,  You may want to share the part of this FAQ I found on the Marine Corps Marathon site about the 14th street bridge with the chorus members…
Do I need a qualifying time to participate?
You do not need a qualifying time for “The People’s Marathon.” Every runner must be 14 years of age or older on October 30, 2011. All runners must maintain a 14-minute per mile pace to complete the “Guantlet” and to “Beat the Bridge”. The “Guantlet” is located at mile marker 17.5, at the intersection of Madison Drive and 14th Street NW. Runners who fall behind the tail end vehicle will be turned at the “Guantlet” towards “Beat the Bridge” and allowed to unofficially complete the remainder of the course. All runners must reach 14th Street Bridge (just before mile marker 20) by 1:15 pm. At that time, the street will reopen to vehicular traffic. If a runner does not reach the 14th Street Bridge on time, he or she will have to board a straggler’s bus which will take them to the finish festival. It is strongly advised to board the straggler bus but if a runner decides to continue on, they must stay on the sidewalks and are responsible of their own safety


Civil War Concert Poster

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

From Fred: I have attached a copy of the Civil War Concert poster (.pdf) that Dr. Wendy Matthews was distributing during our last rehearsal.

We hope that you will print and post high quality copies to help fill the Schlesinger Center on concert night. You can also include it in your Email invitations to your musical friends.