From Fred: Singers,
Here is the web site for the Lincoln at the Crossroads celebration that we will be singing for:
http://www.latcra.org/
Our thanks to Larry Carnahan for this info.
To View PDF Files:
Posts Tagged ‘performances’
Lincoln at the Crossroads
Wednesday, October 26th, 2011
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)
Parking at Bishop Ireton
Thursday, October 13th, 2011
From Fred:
At the performance this Sunday:
Concert Dress, Black Folders, Park as far from the entrance as you can.
Ul James will also instruct his orchestra to park far away.
If you still have questions, ask them at Saturday’s rehearsal.
Mark has the final word and I’ll be there to hear them.
See you Saturday and Sunday.
Stage Instructions for Sunday
Wednesday, October 12th, 2011
From Fred: Singers –
The percussion section of the WMP will move toward the front of the stage and away from our risers as much as they can – at least a few feet.
We will have 5 standing rows and 2 seated rows. Our 4 soloists, and our singers who need chairs will sit in the 2 vacant rows of musician’s chairs right in front of our risers. The additional row of singers will stand in front of the risers. This should eliminate the need for women singers to stand alongside the risers.
The tenor section and bass section will exchange places for this performance so that basses will stand to the left of center, next to the altos. Tenors will stand to the right of center, next to the sopranos. There are several places in this music where the tenors and sopranos are singing the same or related music (Part 1, m – 40 for example) while the basses and altos are paired in others (Part 1, m – 75). It should help.
I will mark the centerline of the risers, probably with yellow ribbon tied to the back railing. There are 20 standing tenors so there should be 4 columns of tenors on the risers. There are 26 standing basses so we will have 5+ columns of basses. It is important to crowd toward the center so we can all see and be seen. I will signal adjustments once we are on stage.
Only standing singers will line up in the hall just before going on stage. Those who will be seated should stand off to one side toward the rear stairs. You will go on last from stage left however you work it out. You may be involved in shifting the musician’s music stands. (This is an experiment.)
We will go on stage back row first from stage right as we did last Sunday. This means the front (last) row will enter from stage right just as the seated singers enter from stage left.
Smile on stage. Do not talk in the hall. Don’t applaud unless Mark tells us to.
One more thing. Park as far away from the entrance door as you can so that our paying guests can park close to the door.
See you Sunday – before 2:00 PM.
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.
Dress Rehearsal 2
Friday, October 7th, 2011
From Stage Manager Fred: The following information is from Ul James, Conductor of the WMP (with my comments)
Dress rehearsal will begin with Chichester Psalms at 5:00 PM on Sunday.
(We will line up, file on stage and warm up before 5:00.)
The concert program order on Oct. 16 is as follows:
– Bernstein Candide (4 minutes)
– Kolm – Orchestral Suite No. 1 (about 15 minutes)
– (chorus files on stage – 1 minute)
– Bernstein – Chichester Psalms (about 20 minutes)
– (standing ovation – 5 minutes – chorus files off)
– Intermission
Harris – Americana
Copland – Lincoln Portrait (With Kathy Harty Gray Dancers)
Reminder:
The “Call” for our concert is 2:00 PM for both concerts. Singers should expect to be on stage at 2:00 PM, properly dressed and ready to sing.
Dress Rehearsal
Thursday, October 6th, 2011
From Stage Manager Fred:
Be at the Dress Rehearsal at 4:30 PM on Sunday. We may line up and go on stage before 5:00.
It appears that the concert begins with Bernstein’s Candide followed by his Chichester Psalms. The Candide Overture runs only 4 minutes so I suspect we will go on stage before the concert starts. If that is so, we will line up in (probably) 4 rows in the hall outside the auditorium, facing away from the auditorium, just like we always do.
Hopefully our risers will be set by 4:30 but we may be called on to get them off the truck and set them ourselves. I will need help putting out the folding chairs that are stored in racks in the stage left wings. Please be extra careful not to touch the kettle drums nor the bass viol
Black Folders
Thursday, October 6th, 2011
From Stage Manager Fred: It is best to have a rigid, black, non slip cover for your music so that it is easy to hold with one hand while you turn pages with the other. Here are some ways to have a cover:
1. Have Kinkos replace the white cover and binding with a black cover and spiral. Don’t do this to the Rachmannov since we just might use that with its own blue cover.
2. Buy a choral folder from Foxes Music that comes with elastic bands to hold your music in the folder. The cost for the small one is about $10, but you can use it over and over for free. The large choral folder is about $20 and will get in your way because we will be so packed on the risers.
3. Buy a plain folder from Staples or Office Depot and use long black rubber bands around the hinge to hold your music. You can substitute a black bra strap for the rubber bands since long black rubber bands are hard to find.
4. Buy a black 3-ring binder to hold your music and punch the 3 holes yourself or have them punched at Staples, Office Dept or Kinkos. The 3 holes punched or drilled in your music will invade only the edge of the printed music
Directions to Bishop Ireton
Wednesday, October 5th, 2011
From Stage Manager Fred: If you have not been to Bishop Ireton (B.I.) before here are my suggestions on how to get there:
Go to their web home page:
http://www.google.com/search?q=bishop+ireton+high+school&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
Click on the map on the right hand side and expand it until you see enough information.
If you go from our community college East on Seminary Road, the road becomes Janneys Lane at North Quaker Lane (stop light). Yale Drive is the next road you see to your right and Cambridge Road (to B.I.) is the second (no stop light). Two intersections later, you will see B.I. on your left. You won’t miss it. Park in the last parking lot.
If you go East on 236 – Duke Street you will pass a shopping center on your left and a fast food restaurant on your right just before the stop light for Cambridge Road. Turn left at this stop light and an immediate left to up the hill to B.I. Turn into the first parking lot and park towards the far end. You’ll find members of the orchestra, our chorus and a dance company streaming into the double door entrance to the concert hall.
Read my next Email which will tell you what to look for at that point.
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
Chichester Psalms Soloists
Sunday, October 2nd, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- Thanks to all who auditioned for the solos on Tuesday. It is a pleasure (and luxury) to have so many capable soloists. The soloists for Chichester Psalms will be:
S- Michelle McHugh
A-Shellie Grant
T-Jon DeHart
B-Brandon Homayouni
Yours-DrW
Alto Tickets
Wednesday, September 28th, 2011
From Section Leader Debbie: My apologies for not getting tickets to everyone Tuesday night. Not enough time to distribute, take checks/money AND keep track of transactions during the short break. Unfortunately, I will not be at rehearsal this Saturday but I will be there next week Tuesday and will arrive early. As Dr. Whitmire said, it is to our advantage to sell the tickets and fill the house for both concerts.
That said, I will only give you as many tickets as you request — no maximum, no minimum. Just please sell/pay for those you take.
Rehearsal Preview
Tuesday, September 27th, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers
PLEASE NOTE THIS SCHEDULE CHANGE AND MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Our October 23 concert has been moved to
October 30, 3:00 p.m.
Church of the Epiphany
1317 G Street NW
Washington, DC
A flyer (.pdf) is attached. A prettier one will be ready later.
The WMPO has returned to tickets. Each singer will get five to sell at $10 each (Half price).
Welcome to our 5th rehearsal of Fall 2011!
Please sign in.
If you are registered as a Senior, please consider making a donation in lieu of tuition. Donations of any amount are appreciated.
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, peggyh [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com
Alto-Debbie, peetz [at] rand [dot] org
Tenor-Larry, lgold2 [at] comcast [dot] net
Bass-Ray, rayjoyce2408 [at] verizon [dot] net
Please note Concert Dress Information sheet. [Admin: See September 7th entry -or – Attire guidelines are listed in the Performance Guidance (.pdf) document, always posted to the right.]
Thanks to all the men who attended rehearsal on Saturday. Special Thanks to Chris for directing in my absence. Once again, we had at great turnout. This Saturday at 1:00 pm is Women’s rehearsal.
Auditions for the solos in Chichester Psalms will tonight September 27. Audition passages will be pp 15-16 and p 40. I strongly encourage all Voice Majors to audition.
Music Majors Mid-term is Tuesday, October 18. Exam passages will Rachmaninoff # 5, 6, 13, 18
Sing Well –DrW
Concert Performance Attire
Wednesday, September 7th, 2011
[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/
Judas Maccabaeus Video
Thursday, August 18th, 2011
These two entries have been added to the Performances Page.
Sunday, May 29, 2011 – St. James Church, Richmond, Virginia
Recording
G. F. Handel, Judas Maccabaeus
Performed by St. James’s Parish Choir and members of the NOVA Community Chorus, Alexandria (VA) with members of the Richmond Symphony
Dr. Mark Whitmire, conductor
“Sing Unto God” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IWlGLhI2y4
“Hallelujah, Amen” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IDgIXZjg
Fall Update
Thursday, July 28th, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-Just a note to let you know that our music has arrived in the campus bookstore. I have also updated our Schedule as you see below (4-pg .pdf). I will be in my office again on Tuesday, August 16. if you want to drop by to pick up a rehearsal CD. Let me know. In the meanwhile, use www.cyberbass.com to work on Chichester Psalms. See you on August 23. Enjoy the rest of the summer.
List of Performances
Friday, July 1st, 2011
Thanks to Chorister Jane, a list of works previously performed by the chorus is now permanently posted on the Performances Page.
From Dr. Whitmire
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
I hope this message finds you enjoying a wonderful summer.
There have been some changes in our schedule (.pdf) for the upcoming season that you will want to know about.
-As you will see, I have postponed Songs of Sunset to the Spring. That’s because our soloists, Grace and Rex Gori, are expecting a baby girl! (Their due date is October 24.)
-We will sing Chichester Psalms (one of my all-time favorite pieces) in the Fall.
-I am also very excited about the Rachmaninoff Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. It is sublime music that will be especially beautiful when we sing it at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church on December 2.
This is music that any seasoned chorister will want to sing. It is fabulous and challenging in both music and language (Hebrew and Old church Slavonic). If you know skilled singers (especially low basses) please have them join us. So spread the word—email, Facebook, Twitter, Morse code, smoke signals.
I have finished the Bernstein CDs and am hard at work on the Rachmaninoff. The CDs will include both notes and pronunciation. The Bookstore says music will be in mid-July.
I look forward to seeing everyone in the Fall. If for any reason you are unable to sing with us this Fall, please let me know. I don’t want anyone to slip away silently.
In the meanwhile, have a great summer!
Yours-DrW
[Admin: Two new music files can be found on the Music Files page.]
Beethoven Found presents: A Tribute to the Wounded Warriors
Tuesday, June 14th, 2011
(June 14, 2011) Update: From Fred: Here is your chance to have fun singing five well known songs in the Kennedy Center as part of a special, two hour long Tribute to the Wounded Warriors. If you have never sung in the Kennedy Center, consider this to be a golden opportunity to be on stage and back stage in this huge venue. Don’t expect another like it.
37 members of NOVA Chorus have already signed up to join a large number of other choristers to sing for 15 minutes in this large concert. It is on Monday, June 27 at 8 PM. The only REQUIRED rehearsal is 3 – 5 PM at Kennedy Center (the morning rehearsal was canceled). There is an additional, optional, rehearsal on Monday, June 20, 7:30 PM, at the McLean Bible Church, which has taken on the daunting task of assembling, teaching and directing all of the singers.
I have attached all of the music we will sing in PDF format and the program for the entire concert. All of us are using the sheet music we printed from our own computers. (welcome to the new world)
Standard concert dress (all black for women, Black Tux for men) and your own black music folder are required.
Here is the list of our singers so far [see e-mail]. If you signed up earlier, check to be sure your name is on this list.
If you plan to sing in this concert and have not yet registered with me, send an Email to me ASAP at f.wulff [at] yahoo [dot] com. Marci Ward, who is the top level organizer of singers and I will only send out additional details to singers on my list (which she will add to her list).
(June 13, 2011) Update. From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
-Reminder: If you want to sing at the Kennedy Center on Monday, June 27, please let me know by tomorrow. If you have never sung at the Kennedy Center, you should try to do this. It is a thrill.
-Fred has sent PDF copies of most of the music. I will have copies that you may pick up at NVCC tomorrow between 6 and 10 pm outside the Choir Room.
-There is an optional rehearsal on Monday, June 20, at 7:30 pm at McLean Bible Church. There is a required dress rehearsal at the Kennedy Center, at 3:00 pm on June 27. I suggest you come to the dress rehearsal in concert attire.
-Fred will be in charge of the NOVA Community Chorus for this event. My mother arrives from Texas on the 27th, so I cannot attend.
-If you have any questions let me or Fred know.
Yours-DrW
PS- There have been some exciting changes in our Fall 2011-Spring 2012 schedule. I will give you the details soon.
(June 9, 2011) Update. From Fred: Mark asked me to keep records for him until he returns to the Alexandria Campus on Tuesday. I have attached “God Bless America” in PDF format.
Here is the list of names and addresses that I have so far. [See email] Almost all of these names were taken from Email replies to NOVAChorus-owner. If you responded directly to Mark I did not get a copy. If you intend to sing in this event and you are not on this list, reply to NOVAChorus-owner or to f.wulff [at] yahoo [dot] com so that I can add you to the list.
Conversely, if you are on the list and don’t plan to sing, let me know that, too.
Question marks indicate conditions and I made note of them.
I will begin using a special address list of just the participants in the next day or two.
(June 9, 2011) Update. From Fred: I have attached the first shipment of music that we will sing from Ul James. It is in PDF format.
Next is a copy of the entire program (.pdf) that will be presented on the 27th. This was taken from the Kennedy Center web site.
VARIOUS – Patriotic American Songs (our first shipment)
CONTI – Rocky- Lyrics by Carol Connor
CLEMENT – The Warrior’s Hymn
GERSHWIN – Summertime
Mark will pass more information to us as he receives it.
(June 7, 2011) From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers – You may have heard about this event on NPR. Our friend Ul James is conducting Beethoven Found Presents: A Tribute to the Wounded Warriors. He would like us participate. The concert will take place on Monday, June 27th at 8:00 PM at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall in Washington, DC. There are two rehearsals for the concert on the same day June 27: 10-12:30 am and 3-5 pm.
It should be a wonderful event. The concertmaster and assistant concertmaster of Baltimore Symphony, the principal trumpet, trombone and horn of the National Symphony and other musicians from Philadelphia Orchestra and NY Phil are participating. There are four patriotic pieces with chorus.
If you would like to participate, please let me know by Tuesday, June 14.
Easy reference links:
Copy of the entire program (.pdf)
Program on Kennedy Center web site
All five pieces of music, in order (.pdf)
Fall Repertoire
Sunday, May 8th, 2011
From Fred: Here is the last part of Mark’s reminder on Tuesday, 4/19/11.
(4/19/2011) From Dr. Whitmire: This has been the most rewarding year ever for our chorus!
We have moved steadily upward into the ranks of the finer choruses in Metropolitan Washington. Next year we will continue to grow, improve and excel. But I need everyone one of you back. I have planned excellent repertoire for the Fall:
Sundays, October 16 and 23: Concert with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic. Frederick Delius: Songs of Sunset, featuring Grace Gori (Mezzo-soprano) and Aurelius Gori (baritone).
Friday, November 11: Civil War Commemoration Concert with the Alexandria Band, Schlesinger
Thursday, December 1: Spring Concert. Rachmanov, Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Schlesinger
[Admin] From April 26: Schedule, Fall 2011, Spring 2012 (.pdf)
Performance Recordings
Thursday, May 5th, 2011
From Fred: Here are 3 files from our concert on Tuesday. It is not recording studio quality but it does give us an audio record of the concert.
Audio Files – Files are .mp3 format. For most systems, click to play file, right-click to download.
Brahms and Announcements
Introductions to performers
Beethoven
Tuesday Concert
Monday, May 2nd, 2011
Form Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
I am really looking forward to tomorrow night’s concert. I hope you are.
Remember, the call is 6:30 PM in the Chorus Room.
Yours-DrW