Au contraire but I DO have a blog!

Even though it's a little late, I do have a blog for this week!
First, thanks for a great concert. Our discussion on Monday was good, and the main thing is that we enjoyed our performance. As I said, there is more and more to enjoy each time, and we are making better and more lasting connections with our audience. Kudos!
Second, I have reorganized the Dropbox files into folders under Choral Guild. This way, you can find the forthcoming rehearsal files for this concert more easily. I may even take a stab at recording the French pronunciation for the Faure as well!
Think of ways we can get the word out about our concert knowing now what the program entails. Let me or Jean know of at least one other way (besides inviting everyone you know!) that you could help in the publicity for this event - our last of the season!
See you all on Monday...

Concert weekend!

I can't believe it's here, but this weekend is concert weekend. I just talked with Emily who gave me the update from Monday. She was very pleased with how it all sounded and your preparation for the concert. We will begin with the Hail, Gladdening Light piece on Saturday to have enough time to iron out those parts. Thanks for your musicianship and vitality in presenting this music. I hope you're enjoying it. Now comes the fun part! Let's make the most of the music this weekend. See you all Saturday!

After last night

Hi everyone -
Good work last night, although our sense of tuning surprised me after the rehearsal the week prior. We just need to listen at least as much, and sometimes more, than we sing, especially on the unaccompanied pieces. Sections where I think this is particularly true are (Yes! Sit down with your music and look over these sections if you would.):
Blue Bird - measures 9-14; measures 29 through 34; measures 39 through 42.
Aftonen - TB measures 7 and 8; all measures 9 through 12; AT page 5; SA top of page 6.
Silence of the Night - opening entrance; top of page 5
Nightingale - bottom of page 3; top of page 6
MLK - bottom of page 3 entrance; last 5 chords
Rutter - listen for balance especially when not singing words
Hail - sing your part confidently amongst the other parts
That being said, there are MANY places where you are singing with great diction, sensitivity to the dynamics, tuning well with the other parts, expressing the text, and creating a delicious musical experience. We are continuing to strive towards this happening more often than not, and we continue to improve. This will be a good concert - keep up the good work for another couple of weeks! Soloists - thanks for your exciting additions to the program and for your extra work on those.
Finally, I could not work out the timing to prohibit my absence from rehearsal next week, and I truly am saddened about that. Emily will more than carry on in my absence. See you for concert weekend!

Getting ready

Really nice balance and blend last night at rehearsal. I have been listening to past concert recordings this week in preparation for our grant applications, and we have been improving our musicality each program. If any of you would like CDs of our concerts, please let me know, and I can make a copy for you. The next concert is swiftly approaching, so as we prepare, let's keep a few things in mind. Stay healthy! We need each of you at our remaining rehearsals for this concert.
Spend time with the music. Listen to the music we are singing. Sing your part. Don't wait until the next rehearsal.
Express yourself. Put your energy and emotion into the pieces. Think about the texts. It's not half as good if we don't enjoy what we are singing in performance.
Be present. Bring all of yourself to rehearsal and put your best effort forward.
Next week, we will sing everything. Let's plan on getting past notes and into our sound and expression. This concert will be great fun, and the music is just wonderful. I'm looking forward to it!
SOLOISTS - I need to hear your piece prior to the concert. Please email me with suggestions of when we could get together. It probably can't all happen on Monday nights.
That's all for now. Have a great week everyone!