We got a lot of work done, and had a lot of fun, but it wasn't the same without Donna. We really missed her and realize how much we depend on and appreciate her. Lauren did an excellent job of playing parts for us and we had some accompaniment recordings to use. But, it was not ideal. Can't wait to have Donna back next week!
The alto sectional was excellent, thanks to Lauren. Lauren knows what altos need, and she was able to focus on the parts that they have difficulty with. We're so lucky!
We sang along with a recording of that song Hold On, from the Minneapolis rally. I've found out who wrote it: Heidi Wilson. We sang along with the recording from Facebook, and then we sang it on our own, filling in harmonies and embellishments. It was lovely. Hold on, hold on, my dear ones, here comes the dawn. We are singing songs that give us hope and help us to feel part of a kinder world in our choir, and it's good to see people using song to combat fear and helplessness in those videos of the rallies in the US.
1. Hallelujah: It was pretty good, considering it was a recorded accompaniment. We tried having people sing the solos who hadn't sung them before. It is always a little strange to me that we don't have a ton of people wanting to sing those solos in particular, but any solo. But, it's actually quite unusual for people to feel comfortable performing alone in front of an audience, even if it's just your choir friends. I'm grateful for those of you who are willing and able to sing solos.
2. One Voice: We learned the ba-das. They're not bad, not too difficult, especially after you sing them 10 times (right, Sopranos?). The page turn from page 5 to 6 is tricky, and we did that quite a few times too. We also looked at the next section, from bar 39-47, and reviewed 47 to the end. We have recordings of all the parts in our Music Library in the Members Only section of the website. It was difficult singing with the recording. The timing is unusual, and so hard to follow at times.
3. Song for Canada: We sang through with the recording, and learned the end, page 13. The ahs under the French, second, verse are not too bad, and we now have recordings of those ahs! Thanks to Tab, who was able to record them and upload them to the Music Library on the website. I have 7 people who came forward to sing the French ( Michele, Melodie, Cathy, Sharon, Robin, Yvonne, Linda S.) I think that's going to be plenty. We do need lots of people singing ahs too.
4. Hymn to Freedom: We looked at the one section with "any hour" on page 5 which repeats on page 9, so we got two for one. We also sang it all the way through with the recorded accompaniment, and it was pretty good. We have parts recordings, and we have extra recordings just for the special ahs. You'll see.
5. Thank you for the Music: We started at the beginning, and spent time on the chorus, which happens 3 times, so very good use of our time. It was really hard singing with the recording, but it was fun. It's such a good song. We have recordings of all the parts.
Next week, Tuesday, February 3rd
6:30 Tenors and Basses get to have a sectional rehearsal with Lauren. This is valuable time for you to focus on just your part, wherever it's tricky for you.
We will probably have a second soprano sectional the week after that, and then we start with small groups. We're working on deciding what to include. I'm happy that people have made so many suggestions and we have lots of ideas. Right now, I'm looking at How Can I Keep from Singing, Song Sung Blue, My Heart Will Go On, and there's a trio forming that I'm pretty excited about. I'm going to look at the concert plan, and we'll see if we have room for another.
Here's what I'm hoping to do next week:
- Here's to Song (if we get the sheet music)
- Hymn to Freedom
- One Voice
- Song for Canada
- Thank You For the Music
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| It takes just one voice, and everyone will sing. Sing! |
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