Wow! We looked and sounded beautiful!
Most of you remembered poppies, and everyone got a scarf. Because we were all on one level and could only do 2 rows, we were pretty spread out, which means that the folks on the ends can feel isolated. (Also, my arms are sore.) We all missed Winston, especially Colby, talk about isolated, and hope he’ll be back asap. It was good having a whole row of chairs in front. I like how that looks. It kind of reminds me of my old class photos every school year. I hope you all felt good about this performance. It was an excellent way to rehearse those pieces, and good for the new members to have their first performance with us and to get experience with the sing-along format that we use with seniors. The audience was happy, gracious and grateful.
6:30 small group was Mary did you know/ Breath of Heaven and we did some important work, adding a second soprano part and finalizing some transitions.
We had some time to work on Do you hear what I hear, but the rehearsal space was too small for us. It was okay. I’m happy that the choir is so big again. We have recordings of parts for this, and many of you know it very well already.
1. O Canada: strong, beautiful
2. Let There Be Peace: so good! Did I hear some hesitation at “with Earth as our mother?” Maybe we’ll look at the timing there.
3. Dona Nobis Pacem: fun! We’ll do it that way at our concert too, the small group can perform the whole thing together, and then we invite everyone to join in following the sections for the round.
4. Angels Among Us: Solos were excellent. We almost perfectly got the tricky bit (s-s-s “sent”). We’ll need to get stronger coming in on the coda. But, all is forgotten and forgiven with the strong key change.
5. Song for a Winter’s Night: please don’t be shy with the oohs and aahs. If you’re unsure, give me something; anything is better than nothing, even faking it. If there’s harmony in your sections, don’t worry, own it and continue.
6. Peace on this Silent Night: very good, but same notes as above. Give me something in the oohs and aahs, not loud, but confident (even if not as written). You’re not as loud as the melody, but just as important.
7. Sing-alongs: excellent! If you’re a little unsure, that invites the audience to sing even if they’re unsure; just have fun. I’m thinking of changing our Sing-along lyrics to these Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree lyrics, just slightly different at the end, but better.
8. For Unto Us: Phew! We did it. I have to confess, I got lost for a moment. I’m so very grateful for those of you who knew this from past experiences, and to the folks who have been studying and working on this at home. I can tell you have! I’m impressed and thankful that we have you to follow.
9. O Holy Night. Yes! Solos were awesome. But, again, I want to hear more confident oohs and aahs. And, a stronger entry at the verse following the first chorus, “Truly he taught us…” We have good recordings of parts for this.
10. Why We Sing: fabulous. I love having everybody singing at the beginning.
Next week, Tuesday, November 18th
We’re back in our room. 2 small groups!
6:30 Mary did you Breathe (this was a typo, but I love it, lol ), and 7:00 Mele Kalikimaka
Bring cash or cheques or credit cards so you can buy tickets and order poinsettias!
- Do You Hear What I Hear
- Somewhere in My Memory
- Various Themes on Fa-la-la
- 12 Songs of Christmas
- Shine Hanukkah
No comments:
Post a Comment