Masterworks Chorus Blog

Links to "He Sang, She Sang" music

2012-03-30T04:09:00.000-07:00

Click on "He Sang, She Sang" page in the right-hand column for links to all the music for the March concert

Notes for Jan.26 and 30

2012-01-24T15:37:00.001-08:00

Make-up Rehearsal- THIS THURSDAY, Jan 26 7-9 pm

Manor Memorial United Methodist Church

9320 N Congress St

New Market, Va 22844

Monday Jan 30

6:30- 7:30 Consort Singers

7:30- 9:30 Everyone

During the two hour rehearsal, I plan to lead 1 hour of SATB singing and during the second hour, alternate with Elizabeth, and have rehearsals on the men’s and women’s music separately

Women- be ready to sing nos. 1,2 of Five Hebrew Love Songs and no. 6 of the Rachmaninoff

Men- be ready to sing Ave Maria and Bonnie Mary

SATB- be ready to sing I Carry your Heart

Feb 4- 9 am – 2:30 pm

Second Annual “Soup and Sing” choir retreat- Prince of Peace Lutheran- located between Basye and Orkney Springs- make sure to sign up on Monday night

Jan.23 schedule

2012-01-17T12:55:00.000-08:00

MWC - Jan 23 rehearsal

Below is what is on the MWC Google calendar: THIS IS CORRECT

7 pm- Tenor sectional- if you cannot come on time, let your section leader, Phil Markert know, or email bk at drbkw@shentel.net-

7:30-9:30pm EVERYONE

in addition

6:30 pm- 7:30 pm could as many of the consort singers as possible, arrive for rehearsal

I will be out of town Jan 18-22. Please address your choir concerns to Sharon, Stephen Van Stee, or Clare Ellis.

New Music in

2012-01-12T14:39:00.000-08:00

Copies of Five Hebrew Love Songs, Six Songs by Rachmaninoff and Tell My Ma- for women’s choruses have arrived – pick them up Monday Jan 16

Copies of Ave Maria for men have arrived- pick up Mon

Copies of the Trysting Place for use by Consort have arrived- pick up by Monday

Make-up rehearsal

2012-01-11T06:04:00.001-08:00

Make-up rehearsal Jan 26 7 pm Location TBA

Notes from BK for Jan.16

2012-01-10T13:02:00.000-08:00

Feb 4- Second Annual “Soup and Sing” Masterworks Chorus Retreat 9 am – 2:30 pm

PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 319 Orkney Grade, Basye, VA

Lots of fun-

Great food

Wonderful Singing

Bring a pot of soup,chowder or chili, or if you wish bread, dessert, beverage- ( more details to follow)

Cost $3 per person ( to pay for room rental and kitchen use)

Rehearsal Schedule for Jan 16- Our Third Rehearsal out of 9

6:30 pm for anyone wanting to improve their sight singing

7pm- Sectionals for sopranos

7:30- SATB- Everyone comes and stays until 9:30

What was rehearsed on Jan 9

SA- Rachmaninoff- song no 1 and song no 6- if you missed rehearsal, ask about when to sing “SLAVA”- highlight the meter and tempo changes

Five Hebrew Love Songs- no. 1- a read through

SATB

I carry your heart with me- rehearsed all- esp. p 4-12

Skip to my Lou- rehearsed all- focus on music up to page 13

Men- rehearsed

O Sinner Man

Bonnie Mary of Argyle

Consort rehearsed-

Mother I will have a Husband

Der Gang zum Liebchen

A note from Betty Karol

2011-12-14T16:16:00.001-08:00

While shaking hands with audience members after the concert on Saturday, I came to understand that Masterworks Chorus had not only given the gift of music but also

the gift of friendship

the gift of hope

the gift of peace

the gift of memories

the gift of joy

and the gift of the Good News.

Concert II Rehearsal Schedule

2011-12-12T07:43:00.000-08:00

Rehearsal Schedule for CONCERT TWO- He Sang, She Sang As of Dec 12, 2011

JAN 2

6:30- New Singers Auditions

7:30 All Women

8:15 Men arrive

8:45 Women leave, men stay until 9:30

Jan 9

7:30- All Women

8: 15 Men arrive

8:45 Women Leave, Men Stay until 9:30

Jan 16 7 pm- soprano Sectional

7:30 All Women- staying until 8:30 ( Altos may use 8:30- 9 for sectionals)

8:30 All Men til 9:30

Jan 23 7 pm Tenor Rehearsal

7:30 Everyone, staying until 9:30

Jan 30 7 pm Bass Sectional

7:30- 9:30- Everyone

FEB 4- CHOIR RETREAT at Prince of Peace Lutheran 9 am to 2:30

Soup and Sing

Feb 5 6:30 Consort

7: 30 Women staying until 9:00

8: 15 Men staying until 9:30

Feb 12 6:30 Alto Sectional

7:00 Soprano Sectional

7:30 Everyone

Feb 19 7- Consort

7:45 Men

8:30 Women

Feb 26- This is the dress rehearsal for concert location No 1 TIME and location TBA

March 1- This is the dress rehearsal for concert location No 2- Woodstock Presbyterian TIME TBA

March 2- 7:30 concert in Strasburg

March 3- 7:30 concert in Woodstock- Presbyterian Church

March 4- 3 pm Concert in New Market Reformation

December and January announcements

2011-12-11T16:42:00.000-08:00

Caroling at Shenandoah Memorial Hospital- 6:30 Monday, Dec. 12

If you want to help Lisa and Mark Seymour lead caroling at Shenandoah Place on Dec 19- contact them at mark.seymour22@verizon.net

Some of you have asked about what is next and I have been working on it this week

Jan. 2- 6:30 New Singer auditions- If you know of people who are interested, give them my phone number 740-8841 ( NINE MONDAY REHEARSALS ONLY)

7:30 ALL Women singers of Masterworks Chorus- not just the women’s chorus

8:15 Men arrive-

8:45 Women Leave, Men continue to rehearse until 9:30

Important notes from Betty Karol

2011-12-08T05:57:00.000-08:00

If you receive this before Thurs rehearsal, please print and bring a copy, otherwise you will be given a copy when you arrive

Strasburg- St Paul Lutheran 193 W. Washington St

6:30- Soloists

7:00- Women’s chorus

7:30 SATB choir- when you arrive sit in the pews in the front of the church- we will rehearse

The carols and Joy to the World- before we go on the risers

There are two entrances to the risers:

Front- through the little kitchen and to the chancel area

Back- from the empty room behind the sanctuary and up the side aisles

WOMEN’s CHORUS will enter sanctuary from the FRONT

Line up in three rows: Back Row, Chanters Middle Row, Front Row

1Magnificat- Women’s Chorus

After the Magnificat is over, the remainder of SATB CHOIR will enter-

MEN FROM THE FRONT

WOMEN FROM THE BACK using both aisles- Soprano on left side Altos on Right

SHARON will welcome audience as Choir takes place?????

2.Gloria

Fri Rory and Margaret

Sat Rory and Margaret

Sun- Bruce Johnson and all altos

Or Sharon will welcome audience here???

3.Mirabile Mysterium

4.Hodie- Soprano two will move to the right aisle

5.Cradle Carols

6.Sharon’s Solo- Gesu Bambino

7.Run to the Manger

8. Mary, Mary

Choir will exit down the side aisle and meet in the fellowhsip hall

INTERMISSION

WOMEN’S CHORUS will enter sanctuary from the FRONT to the RISERS

9.Alleluia-

Frog- Margaret

Tambourine- Marianne

Drum- Elizabeth

Solos: Marianne Houff, Martha Heisel, Remy Pangle

CHOIR WILL ENTER in Mixed Alphabet groups- some using the Front entrance

Others from the side or center aisles

10.Christmas Pops

Solos pg 11 Fri- Dianna Jett

Sat- Jenni Kimble

Sun- Dianna Jett

Pg 13 - Melisa Thomas All three times

CHOIR WILL MOVE TO SATB RISER FORMATION- but with men in the middle in the MEN’S CHORUS FORMAT - WOMEN FILL IN AROUND MEN INFORMALLY

Carols - It Came Upon- audience, choir, both with descant

O Little Town audience, choir, both with desc

We Three Kings- audience Men only on verse 2- both on last verse Elizabeth plays interlude between choir verse and last verse

AFTER THE CAROLS, WOMEN MOVE TO AN APPROXIMATE SILENT NIGHT GROUPS

Fa La LA- MEN “S CHORUS

THEN EVERYONE MOVE TO SILENT NIGHT FORMATION

Silent Night

Fri- Lisa, Jenni, Dianna

Sat- TBA

Sun- Dianna J, Bruce D, Melisa

Joy to the World

Unsold Saturday tickets

2011-12-07T06:14:00.000-08:00

We are really down to the wire with ticket availability for the Sat. concert. If you have unsold tickets, could you please let me know right away? Please bring all unsold tickets for all concerts to dress rehearsal Thursday night.

Thanks! Ramona

Pre-concert notes

2011-11-28T12:22:00.000-08:00

Nov 28- rehearsal in our usual place, but in the sanctuary Women at 6:30 Men at 7:30 Soloists- 9pm

Dec 3- Performance at the New Market Tree Lighting Ceremony- ( we are not singing outdoors, North Fork Middle School is)- we are singing in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church.

It is the old historic church across the street from the NEW LIBRARY. There is a municipal parking lot next to town offices and the post office. In New Market, follow the new street signs for LIBRARY.

Singers need to arrive by 6pm. We sing at 6:30. The keyboard and risers will need to be in the church no later than 5:45. See Mike Chambers for details

Our concert is about 20 minutes long and is free.

Performance Dress is Christmas Casual- whatever combo of red, green, white you wish to wear.

Repertoire will be: Gloria- Leavitt

Cradle Carols- Wagner

Run to the Manger- Johnson

Mary, Mary- Berg

SOLO by a MWC member- surprise!

Christmas Pops- at least the first one, two if we have time

SET UP CREW- set up for Dec 5 may take place on Dec 4- see Mike Chambers

Monday Dec 5- Rehearse at St Paul UCC in Woodstock--- 235 S. Main St. Women rehearse at 6:30 SATB at 7:30 be careful of the church Christmas decorations!

After Dec 5 rehearsal, some of the risers may need to be packed for transfer to St Paul for Thurs rehearsal- see Mike Chambers

Thursday Dec 8- Rehearse at St Paul Lutheran in Strasburg 193 W. Washington St Soloists at 6:30 Women at 7 pm SATB at 7:30

Friday Dec 9 Concert at St Paul in Strasburg- Call time 6:15 pm, Concert Time, 7:30 BLACK CONCERT ATTIRE

Risers will need to be packed for return to parking lot in Woodstock -see Mike Chambers

Sat Dec 10, Concert at St Paul UCC in Woodstock Call Time 6:15 Concert Time 7:30 BLACK CONCERT ATTIRE

Risers will need to be packed to haul to New Market- see Mike Chambers

Sun Dec 11 Concert at Reformation Lutheran in New Market Call Time 1:30 Concert Time 3 pm- address of church is 9283 N Congress St BLACK CONCERT ATTIRE

Risers will need to be packed to haul back to Woodstock

CHRISTMAS PARTY – immediately following the concert- at the New Market Community Center- bring whatever you like ,except potato products, please- Glenda and Jack Ekey are the hosts

Mon, Dec 12- 6pm Christmas Caroling at Shenandoah Memorial Hospital- come if you wish, bring a family member if you like, do not bring any additional germs into the hospital

Someone wanted to clarify the concert order

Magnificat- women

Gloria

Mirabile Mysterium

Hodie

Cradle Carols

Solo

Run to the Manger

Mary, Mary

INTERMISSION

Alleluia, Alleluia- women

Christmas Pops

Three Carols: It Came, O Little, We Three

Various Fa La la Themes- men

Silent Night for all the world

Joy to the World

Notes from 11/21

2011-11-23T07:57:00.000-08:00

Rehearsal schedule:

Monday, Nov.28 at Emmanuel Lutheran, Woodstock

Monday, Dec.5 at St. Paul's UCC, Woodstock

Thursday, Dec.8 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Strasburg

Dec.3 : Emmanuel Lutheran in New Market

set up at 6, sing at 6:30

Dec.11 Party: at the old high school in New Market (community center)

bring goodies (no potatoes)

Dec.12 Caroling: 6:30 at Shenandoah Memorial Hospital

Dress festively!

Notes from BK: Performance Dates

2011-11-10T15:49:00.001-08:00

Performance Dates for MWC to know

Sat Dec 3- 6:30 pm Emmanuel Lutheran Church, New Market, We are singing indoors. The North Fork Middle School choir is singing outdoors around the Christmas Tree at 6 pm. The program is free and our part lasts about 20 minutes. A handbell choir may also be on the program

Performance Dress is Christmas, Informal- whatever combo of red, green, white you wish to wear

Repertoire will be: Gloria- Leavitt

Cradle Carols- Wagner

Run to the Manger- Johnson

Mary, Mary- Berg

SOLO by a MWC member- surprise!

Christmas Pops- at least the first one, two if we have time

Joy to the World

Meet at the church at 6:00- Emmanuel Lutheran is the old, historic church, next to the new Library in New Market- follow signs from RT 11 for Library- park in Library or Municipal parking lot

If you are on the riser/ piano crew, meet at 5:30 pm at the church- See Mike Chambers for all details

Monday Dec 5- Rehearse at St Paul UCC in Woodstock--- 235 S. Main St.

Be careful of the church Christmas decorations! Women rehearse at 6:30. SATB at 7:30.

Thursday Dec 8- Rehearse at St Paul Lutheran in Strasburg 193 W. Washington St

Women at 7 pm. SATB at 7:30

Friday Dec 9 Concert at St Paul in Strasburg- Call time 6:30 pm; Concert Time, 7:30.

BLACK CONCERT ATTIRE

Sat Dec 10, Concert at St Paul UCC in Woodstock Call Time 6:30 ; Concert Time 7:30.

BLACK CONCERT ATTIRE

Sun Dec 11 Concert at Reformation Lutheran in New Market Call Time 1:30; Concert Time 3 pm.

Address of church is 9283 N Congress St . BLACK CONCERT ATTIRE

CHRISTMAS PARTY – immediately following the concert- location TBA

November 12 Concert

2011-11-10T12:03:00.000-08:00

The Chorus of the Blue Ridge (formerly Salem Choral Society)

Saturday, November 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke.

The concert is entitled "From Sea to Shining Sea: The Music of America" as it features well-known American musicAmerica, the Beautiful, This Land Is Your Land, Simple Gifts, Oh Susanna,Shenandoah and more.

Also included is the premiere of a composition by Andrew Lewis Middle School Students, We The People, which was written as part of the annual "I Can Create Music" workshop.

Arts Chorale Concert

2011-11-08T10:02:00.000-08:00

The Arts Chorale of Winchester presents

"Gloria: A Pre-Season Holiday Concert"

Additional works by Holst, Mendelssohn, Vittoria, Mathias, Lauridsen, and others.

Saturday, November 19 at 8 p.m.

26 Boscowen St.

Winchester, Va.

Sunday, November 20 at 4 p.m.

Trinity Episcopal Church

9108 John S. Mosby Hwy.

Upperville, Va.

Admission is by donation. Suggested donation is $10 per adult.

www.artschoralewinchester.org

Notes from BK for Nov.7

2011-11-06T16:58:00.000-08:00

BK will be speaking about Masterworks Chorus at the Woodstock Lions Club , so there will be no WOMEN’s Rehearsal at 6:30pm

THE Second Sopranos are having a sectional at 7:10 with Lisa Seymour

The alto section is having a sectional at 6:30.

THE bass section is having a sectional rehearsal with Hugh- check with him about the time- I think it is 7 pm

SATB rehearsal will take place at 7:30

The time for singing at Emmanuel Lutheran in New Market, on Dec. 3—6:30 pm. Sign up on the clipboard on Monday.

Begin to think about the number of tickets you think you can sell for which concerts. Ramona Daugherty will discuss the procedure at rehearsal.

Women’s Chorus is memorizing Alleluia pages 1-6 by Nov. 14

SATB chorus- should begin memorizing Christmas Pops Trio and Gloria by Nov. 14

Please bring “O Shenandoah” by James Erb to rehearsal on Nov. 7- we will begin to sing it

See you Monday, Nov. 7

Successsful Spaghetti Supper!

2011-10-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Steve and all his helpers!

2011-10-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

Oct 27- Make- up Rehearsal 7-9 pm Manor Memorial

United Methodist Church 9320 N Congress St. New Market

Oct 28- Spaghetti Supper MWC fundraiser- Chorus sings at 6 pm

Nov 7- No 6:30-7:30 women's rehearsal section leaders may call rehearsals if so desired

Dec 3- Sing at New Market Tree Lighting-

20 minute mini- concert- thanks for the grant and a preview of Dec 11- Time TBA

Dec 8- Dress Rehearsal at St. Paul Lutheran- hold this date

Dec 9, 10, 11 Concerts

Dec 11- Christmas Party- after concert Location TBA

Mini Newsletter - October 12

2011-10-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

The music is progressing well, but we need to pick up the pace in rehearsal. We need to rehearse at least 8 songs in two hours, not six ( as we have been doing for the last few weeks).
Bring your pencils, and circle your music where you need to rehearse. Tell your section leader during the break
Visit with your singing friends before & after rehearsal, not during rehearsal
When your section is not singing aloud, this week, hum your part, so you can increase the number of times you go over the music
Listen to the mp3 and you-tube samples on the chorus blog

MARK YOUR CALENDAR- MAKE-UP REHEARSAL
THURSDAY OCT 27-- 7 pm
Manor Memorial United Methodist Church in New Market
Read your handbook. You can make-up a rehearsal with a personal rehearsal with the conductor or attending the group make-up.

This year we have 12 rehearsals before the first concert, instead of the 8 .
Weeks 1-4 Reading through the music and addressing getting organizational matters
Weeks 5-8 Digging in and correcting the mistakes made in the read through weeks
Weeks 9-12 Polishing details, memorization, performance level
and peeking ahead at the March and April concerts

For “He Sang, She Sang” and for “The Titans: Handel and Haydn” - we have 8 rehearsals for each concert! So the pace we use now, will help us learn more rapidly later

Please use this new seating chart for rehearsal Oct 17- tell me if your name is not here
CHRISTMAS CONCERT MWC SEATING CHART NO 2
Row 4 Pat Ellie Clare Jim Chad Mark Doug Rory Gene Lynn Hugh Ed
Row 3 Dianna Jenni Marianne Jania Charlie Bruce Steve Keith Jan Laura Martha Sally
Row 2 Lynn Anita Kristen Ramona Remy Gina Lisa Bruce Phil Robb Ginny Sharon Liza Karen
Row 1 Delores Else Glenda Maxine Becky Melisa Marg. Mary Sue DianeSk Diane H Bea Alice

What MWC will rehearse on Oct 17

6:30- Women’s rehearsal
Alleluia, Alleluia- The middle section
Christmas Song- the middle section
Magnificat- the second verse
Here’s to Song- all

7:30-8:30 Christmas Pops Trio- Have yourself, It’s the most
Run to the Manger
Silent Night
HODIE- A DISCUSSION OF TACTUS will answer your questions about meter
And work on pages 8 to the end
8:30- 9:00 Tenors with Elizabeth- Ave Maria, Fa, La, La,
SAB with BK- Mirabile ,Cradle Songs,
9:00-9:30- Basses with Elizabeth, Ave Maria, Fa La la
SAT with BK - Mary, Mary, Gloria

If you missed Oct 10- contact your section leader for information- also check roster for accuracy
4 measures phrases in Christmas Pops Trio
Review Gloria- entrances and exits

It is Ok to bring water to rehearsal. You may also tape the rehearsals.

SPAGHETTI SUPPER FUNDRAISER- see STEVE VAN STEE-
Friday, Oct 28, 2011 4-7 pm
St Mary’s (Pine) Lutheran , 7103 South Middle Rd, Mt Jackson
MWC singers can help :
Helpers at the Dinner
Singers- Run to the Manger- Christmas Pops- are the songs
Desserts- deliver to Shaffer’s week of event or to the event itself
Eaters of Spaghetti- YUM YUM
Send your e-flyer to friends

CHRISTMAS CONCERT TICKET SALES-
Start thinking about how many Christmas tickets (and to which concert) you will want given to you to sell- You will need to inform your section leader by Nov 7, so that you can receive your tickets on Nov14
Group Sales- Groups of ten or more have a $2 discount off each ticket- Encourage your friends to attend as a group!`
To meet the MWC Budget, the organization needs income from fundraisers and tickets.

What we rehearsed on Oct. 2

2011-10-04T16:09:00.000-07:00

Women’s Chorus
Do Re Mi Fa with hand signs
Shenandoah- Drill, pg 1, 6-8 and Read Through
Here’s to Song- Read Through, Parts rehearsal on Refrain B
Magnificat- rehearsed chant and page 2

SATB
Hodie Christus Natus- Parts drill pg 7-11 especially page 8 - 10
Then we sang through the entire piece- 3- 15
then only pages 3-10
If you missed rehearsal, you will really need to work 8-15
Mirabile Mysterium- page 6- 9, then sang p3-9- really review 6-8

Men did parts rehearsal on Ave Maria and Fa La La with Elizabeth

SAB- Cradle Songs with BK
Review carefully
Bass and Alto- m. 13-19, Sop= m 10
Bass and Alto m32-39 Sop, m- 70-73
Everyone review last page for text underlay and pitches
SAT- Mary, Mary- Reviewed pages 1-14, drilled parts on page 16-19,
Alto/tenor – watch rhythm in m 80,
soprano review m 91
Tenor m. 83-88
Everyone –review rhythm on m .100 to the end
sang entire song

Silent Night -everyone
Language groups were determined- if you missed rehearsal, ask which group you should be in
Pronunciation guide for all languages is on the back page of the music, write it in your part

Men did a read through of Fa la La and rehearsed pages-2-4- work on your enunciation of familiar text

Oct 10
Gloria - pg 7- the end -everyone learn solos on page 7- read footnote for “propter”
2nd Sopranos -add to alto part on m 71
Hodie Christus-pages 10- 15
Cradle Carols- pages 6-10
Run to the Manger- pages 5 - end and memory on page 2
Mary, Mary- pages 10-19
Shenandoah
Christmas Pops- Page 9-13 and page 20

Notes from the Artistic Director — September 27, 2011

2011-09-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

Here’s what we rehearsed on Sept 26

WOMEN

Leslie Sansome walking video, warm-ups , discussion of tone quality and acoustics
Magnificat- all of it- drilled m18-28, mark dynamics in music- there is no hard g in Magnificat-- ask for music if you do not have it- several copies were turned back in at the SATB rehearsal conclusion
Christmas Song- pages 2-4, drilled page one successfully, watch your rhythms

SATB

Hodie Christus- pages 3-6, up to measure 38 or up to “Hodie... In terra”
we drilled, in all parts, measures 5-14
also spoke rhythms and sang m. 15- 36
If your music does not have measure numbers, add them
be sure to mark when the meter is in three and when in two

Mirabile Mysterium
part Drill- measure 1-14, worked on text pronunciation
sight read through the entire piece- Sept 26 was rehearsal two on this piece
note meter in 4 and 3, learn to like harmonic seconds, follow dynamics

Christmas Pops Trio
Part Drill, pages 1-9, 12, 14,15, 20, rehearsed each of the three songs separately
Sing through the entire piece in mixed formation- Get Winter Wonderland learned quickly!

Gloria- singing page 1-6, counting entrances, finding entrance pitches
No Breath after m. 14 or 18-
on beat out in m. 16 – to breathe
practice rhythm and text m 21-28- know when to put on the “s” or hominbus and when to let go of the “s”
men be ready in m 36- write in m 25- Turn the page early

For Oct 3

SATB

starts at 7:30- please be prompt

Hodie –Review pages 3-6, add pages 7-14
Mirabile- pages 6 –11

Sectional rehearsal beginning at 8:10
8:10-8:25- Tenors with Elizabeth- Ave Maria and Fa La La-
               while SAB- Cradle Carols, Run to the Manger with BK

8:25- 8:35- Announcements and Break – give your announcements to Sharon, before rehearsal

8:35-9:00- Basses- Ave Maria and Fa La La with Elizabeth
               SAT – Mary, Mary, Silent Night with BK

9:00- 9:30 Soprano and Alto- with Elizabeth & section leaders
               TB- with BK, Ave Maria

Notes from artistic director 9/19 - 9/26

2011-09-20T06:19:00.001-07:00

What we rehearsed on Sept 19:

Women’s Chorus: Magnificat and Christmas Song

SATB CHORUS

Gloria

Hodie Christus Natus Est

Run to the Manger

Cradle Carols

Mary, Mary

Men:

Mary, Mary

Fa la La

Last part of Ave Maria

Pedagogy: Five Parts of the Voice- Breathing, the Initiator

Announcements:

1.Section Leaders Elected

First Soprano: Ramona Daugherty

Second Soprano: Lisa Seymour

Alto: Laura Funkhouser ( until Dec) Karen Van Stee- back up

Tenor: Phil Markert

Bass: Hugh Owen

2.Sharon invited members to ask family members and friends

if they might be interested in joining the Masterworks Chorus Guild-

the Guild primarily provides ushers at the concerts, but also does

other helpful tasks for the chorus

3. Else Carter’s husband, George is in Hospice Care.

Please keep them in your prayers this week.

Next week Repertoire: Sept 26

Women’s Chorus- wear comfortable shoes We will rehearse

Magnificat, Christmas Song, and Here’s to Song and Hodie

SATB-

Hodie Christus Natus Est

Mirabile Mysterium

Silent Night for the Whole World-

Gloria-

Christmas Pops

Mary, Mary

Announcements:

Spaghetti Dinner- Oct 28

Ads in the Chorus Concert Programs -

Business Size Card=$40 for all concerts

$15 x 12 Donor Campaign-

Help celebrate Masterworks 15th anniversary season

Artistic Director's notes

2011-09-16T06:37:00.000-07:00

If you were not at our first rehearsal on September 12th, we rehearsed the following repertoire:

Gloria

Mirabile Mysterium

Cradle Carols

Run to the Manger

Mary, Mary

Christmas Pops Trio

Silent Night for the Whole World

Joy to the World

And distributed the following: Music, Seating Chart, Voice Assignments

On September 19:

6:30- Women’s Chorus Meets

we will sing Magnificat, Here’s to Song, and Christmas Song ( I am bringing this music to rehearsal)

at 7:30 we will begin the pedagogy lessons discussing the parts of the voice. part one- breathing

For those of you who want to mark your music before the SATB rehearsal, here’s what we are rehearsing:

1.Gloria

2.Hodie Christus Natus Est- Sweelinck

3.Mirabile Mysterium

4.Cradle Carols

5. Run to the Manger

at 9 pm the Men will rehearse: Various Themes on Fa La La, and Ave Maria

at 9 pm the women will rehearse Mary, Mary with Elizabeth

Business for September 19:

Election of Section Leaders

Concert Dress

Correct contact info on Roster

2011 Season

2011-09-12T13:49:00.000-07:00

An ambitious and fun-filled season of three concert series is planned for this year:

§ “Yuletide Carols” our annual Christmas concert series will feature traditional American Christmas music and will be performed Dec 9, 10, and 11, 2011.

§ “He Sang/She Sang” will feature both the Women’s and Men’s Choruses of Masterworks Chorus in repertoire specifically designed for this type of voicing. Repertoire from composers Whitacre and Rachmaninoff as well as excerpts from Broadway shows, “1776”, “South Pacific” and “Porgy and Bess” will be performed. These performances will occur March 2, 3, and 4, 2012.

§ “The Titans: Handel and Haydn” will challenge Masterworks with two, uplifting classical compositions: Handel’s Chandos Anthem No. 9 and Haydn’s Little Organ Mass. These performances will be April 27, 28, and 29, 2012.

*In addition to our repertoire preparation this season, Masterworks Chorus rehearsals will also incorporate vocal pedagogy lessons, sight-singing skills, and foreign language coaching. It is my hope that by adding these “classroom” moments to our rehearsal, singers will end the season more confident about their singing abilities and ready to explore new heights of choral excellence. This year we will have section leaders, elected in each section, to assist in learning the music. Section leaders will meet monthly with the conductor to discuss section issues and concert preparation, as well as help make surethat all singers are aware of chorus announcements and business. Please think about nominations for your section.

*Also this year, I would like to begin a position known as Chorus Mentor. Chorus Mentors are current singers who assist new members to become acquainted with other membersand to learn the Masterworks procedures. If you would like to be a Chorus Mentor, please notify me prior to Sept. 12.

*Our first rehearsal is Monday, Sept 12. New singers will audition between 6-7 pm. Current singers will register at 7 pm and rehearsal will begin at 7:30pm, followed by an ice cream social at 9 pm. At registration, you will be asked to pay your $75 annual dues (if not paid before the 12^th) and to pay for your music for the Christmas Concert (approximately $25). You will receive a message from the treasurer, Martha Heisel, before our first rehearsal detailing the dues and encouraging you to pay your dues before September 12^th. This will greatly help Masterworks Chorus cash flow.

* Masterworks Chorus is celebrating its 15th anniversary season this year. To help us build on a great foundation and dream about a bright future, you may wish to participate in our “$15 x 12” fundraising campaign, whereby an individual may donate $15 a month for 12 months. Please speak to Martha Heisel for details about this campaign.

Looking forward to making music together again,

Dr. Betty Karol Wilson

Artistic Director

Masterworks Chorus of the Shenandoah Valley

News from BK

2011-07-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all the singers who have completed their auditions. As of now, it appears we will have 13 men and 27 women singing in MWC next season. Auditions, by appointment, will continue , throughout July until August 19. Just call me at 540-740-8841 and we can set a time. After August 19, I would prefer that you audition with new singers on Sept 12. So far, the singer with the lowest voice is Gene Bradshaw (LOW C) and the singer with the highest voice is President Sharon Waters ( HIGH C) ! We are in need of singers in all sections, but particularly in the alto and bass section.

At your auditions I have enjoyed learning more about each of you and your musical goals. I am excited about the singing year ahead of us. As I have told many of you at your auditions, it is my intention to spend more time this year on pedagogical concerns for the voice, i.e. “how to sing.” We will essentially have voice class as a portion of the rehearsal. We will also be involved in improving everyone’s sight singing skills.

I have chosen the music for Christmas and passed the titles to Julie Moomaw to place audio examples on the blog and to Sally Veach to list on the concert info on the website. I have taken into consideration your requests that you shared with me at the close of last season. I have chosen repertoire that has audio examples, has secular and sacred texts, has some renaissance and some modern music , has some familiar titles and some totally new. The Christmas music is a real potpourri of holiday music.- I have tried to find “something for everyone”

Keep watching the blog for additional info.

A Note from BK

2011-07-25T05:52:00.000-07:00

Members of MWC

Check your box of Chorus music- we will be using these pieces that you might have:

Shenandoah- arr. James Erb

Hodie Christus Natus Est- J. P. Sweelinck

Joy to the World- arr. Antony Baldwin

Seven Mondays after today, July 25, we begin rehearsal !

Keep checking the Blog for new info.

Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

2011-07-11T06:45:00.000-07:00

This is the music that will be used for auditions.

Audition scheduling in July

2011-06-25T04:11:00.000-07:00

For those of you wanting to schedule an audition/ hearing/ voice placement/ vocal health evaluation

July 12 WOODSTOCK- hopefully Emanuel, but I have not yet requested

4:00 to 6:30 pm

July 13- NEW MARKET, BK’s House

1:00 to 4:00pm

Sept 12- WOODSTOCK

6:00 pm

There will be other dates as well, so keep looking on the blog this summer.

Please email BK with your proposed time, every 5 minutes beginning on the hour:

4:00, 4:05, 4:10, etc

If more than one person signs up for the same time slot, she will call you.

BK will be unavailable for phone calls from June 25 - July 3

"Bring a Friend to Rehearsal" on July 12, 2011

2011-06-25T04:03:00.000-07:00

In years past, several MWC folks have asked me if we could gather in the summer for a rehearsal for a preview of the upcoming season’s Christmas music and to have a social event, just to keep in touch with our singing friends.
Here is your opportunity for a fun-filled evening.

Invite a friend, singer or non- singer, to come find out what it is like to be in a choir rehearsal. Your invitation and encouragement may be just the thing needed to inspire a new singer to give “MWC” a try. For a spouse, audience member, or donor, attending a rehearsal will give them greater insight into what we do and a new understanding of how choral music progresses from step one to the finished product. In addition, with a “little help from my friends” we will serve ice cream afterwards. Friends, music, ice cream- what better way to spend a Tuesday evening in July?

The date and time:

JULY 12- TUESDAY 7:30 pm Emanuel Lutheran, Woodstock

Repertoire for the evening

Alleluia- Bernon (SSAA)

Silent Night for the Whole World (SATB)

Run to the Manger- Johnson (SATB)

Shenandoah- bring your copy( if you have one) of the Erb or Meador arrangement

2011-06-06T11:27:00.000-07:00

THANKS to all Masterworks Chorus folks who donated items, set up tables, priced, displayed, helped Else, volunteered in person, etc. for the MWC Yard Sale. I think we made about $870!!!

That is $870 we did not have in the treasury last week and we should be glad. Else is a phenomenal yard sale chairperson, so please express your personal thanks to her.

Don’t forget- coming up this week:

SUNDAY JUNE 12 4 pm Emanuel Lutheran Church, Woodstock-

Meeting with Manfred, of Music Contact International Tour Company

This is an informational program that we are lucky to receive from one of the founders of the tour company. He is in the DC area Sunday morning presenting to another choir and was gracious enough to extend his stay to visit us. His visit will give you an overview of the company and specifics about

an April festival in Charleston, SC ,
an Advent Sing in Vienna Austria, and
the possibility of a summer tour in the Baltics.

Yes, touring is fun and exciting and I think the Charleston Festival is within our reach financially and artistically. Come and learn more

MONDAY JUNE 13 at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Woodstock

6pm potluck dinner (no potatoes please) and 7pm MWC Annual Meeting

See your newsletter for more details

A chance to sing for Muhlenberg Lutheran Church service on Sunday, June 19

2011-06-06T11:26:00.001-07:00

Dear MWC singers,

I hope you recall that Elizabeth offered, and I accepted on your behalf, that MWC would sing at her church sometime this summer in lieu of having the chorus pay a venue fee when we used Muhlenberg Lutheran for the concert on April 2. As we are gathering for the annual meeting on June 13, I thought that might be a good time to also rehearse what we will sing at her church. She is suggesting we rehearse with her on June 13 and sing June 19. Elizabeth has requested “My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord.”

Email me if you cannot sing- I will find out at which of the services she would like for you to sing.

Masterworks Chorus Annual meeting on June 13, 2011

2011-06-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

MWC Yard Sale Fundraiser

2011-06-05T03:41:00.000-07:00

Load up your car! Bring donations!
Masterworks Chorus Yard Sale!

Sale Location: St. John Bosco Catholic Church, Woodstock

Th. June 2 Set up , 3 p.m. until done

Fri. June 3 Sale, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Sat. June 4 Sale, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

after May 18, Else Carter (459-4518) will be able to accept your donations.
Please call her to set up a time to meet her at the church.

This is a fun fund-raiser for Masterworks Chorus!
A great opportunity to clear out your garage or basement, while also helping to earn needed funds for the chorus. Volunteers from the chorus are needed for all the times above (spouses and helpful children are welcome to help).
Please let Else know if you are willing and able to help.

Shenandoah Valley Music Festival

2011-05-14T06:31:00.000-07:00

Take a break with these three great special events!

May 21st

Come relax at Cave Ridge Vineyard's 2nd Annual Barrels, Barbecue and Bands!

With each ticket you receive a souvenir wine glass, a complimentary glass of wine and a hot, barbecue dinner. The afternoon includes a showcase of musical talent competing for your vote. The band with the most votes wins a spot on the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival stage this summer!

Click here to find out which great bands are playing.

This event starts at 12 p.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased online atwww.caveridge.com or by calling the winery at 540-477-2585. All guests must be 21 or over. Only 300 tickets are available. Order yours now!

June 19th

Set Sail with South Pacific

Join the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival Guild for a night of lasagna and love stories. Tickets are $55 and must be reserved by May 19th. The dinner will be held at Roma Restaurant in Stephens City at 4:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre. For information and reservations contact Vicki McClinton at 540-459-9342 or vmcclint@shentel.net.

July 9th

Rock-n-Roll is alive and well with The Fabulous Hubcaps!

The Fabulous Hubcaps is one of the nation's most sought after oldies show bands. Performing together since 1974, The Fabulous Hubcaps continue to captivate audiences with their high energy tributes to original artists such as Little Richard, Sonny and Cher, James Brown, Fats Domino and Ray Charles, just to name a few.

The show starts at 8 p.m. on the Orkney Springs stage. This is a special event fundraiser for the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival. Tickets are $25 each, pavilion or lawn and can be ordered by calling the Festival office at 540-459-3396.

Be sure to check out the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and Tumblr for up-to-date information.

“Choral Music Quotes- a dialogue with your conductor”

2011-05-06T11:11:00.001-07:00

This quote comes from Alan Brown, a respected researcher in the cultural sector. The article is published in VOICE, the magazine for Chorus America.

Topic: The Shifting Sands of Demand – subtitled- Recent Trends in Arts Audience Behaviors

Desire for More Intense Experiences

“How will arts organizations capture the fecund imagination and febrile pace of the next generation...?
The answer, in part, relates to our ability to harness the power of social networking tools and to provide audiences with “things to pass along “ to their friends and family members such as audio files or digital photographs, and opportunities to interact both in person and electronically with artists and other patrons. ...soon it will be time to permit and even encourage patrons to use their cell phone cameras during performances because the images and text they capture will create memory, enhance impact and fuel word- of- mouth.”

So what do you think? How about a moment in the first Christmas concert to allow people to take photos and pass along to friends with the message to attend the second or third concert?

Let me know your opinion.

Summer Singing

2011-05-04T05:53:00.000-07:00

For those of you wanting to sing more this summer

SVCC- Patriotic concert – July 1- rehearsals began last night and are held every Tuesday night at Park View Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg. Curtis Nolley is the conductor.

I know Phil Markert is singing in this concert and I believe Laura Funkhouser is as well. Charlie and I would, but we are on family vacation then.

Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival- if you go to MWC website, find the links page, and click on SVBF you will discover they are taking singer applications online

Upcoming concerts

May 15- Voices of Lee, Baptist Church, Woodstock

May 15- Frederick Chorale, Frederick Maryland- Frederick Church of the Brethren ( Bach Magnificat and Vivaldi Dixit Dominus)

August 21- Bridgewater College Alumni Choir ( yes BK will conduct as well as Curtis Nolley and other BC grads)

Notes for the 2011-2012 Season

2011-04-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

From the meeting Apr.18, which 30 singers attended:

Here are some organizational changes and philosophies Dr. Wilson, Artistic Director would like to implement for the 2011-2012 singing season.

Auditions for every singer- It has been five years since I last held auditions for current MWC singers. I need to hear how your individual voices sound and assess them as they are maturing. Don’t be frightened of the audition. More details will follow as to what is involved exactly. Auditions for current singers will take place in June, close to the annual meeting date of June 13. That way I will have a better sense of how much music to order in July.

Section Leaders- I would like to re-institute section leaders, chosen by section vote. Section leaders will be responsible for: leading/ or organizing with sectional rehearsals, keeping attendance in the section, making sure everyone in the section is aware of announcements, assist in ticket sales, etc. Votes for section leaders will occur at the Annual Meeting, June 13.

The MWC Blog will continue to give update info after rehearsals as to what was rehearsed- We will try to update these postings 1-2 days after a rehearsal or chorus meeting

Effort will be made to provide audio rehearsal tools for singers via youtube, part rehearsal websites, and/or rehearsal CDs

Rehearsals will begin with pedagogical warm-ups.

We have great people who are members of Masterworks . Your music is appreciated by your audience and your dedication is appreciated by the conductor and the Board of Directors

Masterworks is a diverse, community chorus . Diverse in age, abilities, goals and desires. We will respect each other and rejoice in what each person has to offer.

There will be a link to review the Charleston Festival for April 12-15, 2012. The company organizing the festival is Music Contact International. The clinician is Jeffrey Redding. The cost is estimated to be $750-1000.

Letter from Michael Main

2011-04-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

Dear MWC members:

It is with great pleasure that I communicate how pleased I am that you (and all of us) enjoyed such musical satisfaction and success last weekend. I know Dr. Averitt was quite pleased with the premiere ofOver Jordan. We are all hopeful for its acceptance for publication in the near future. Will let you know how that evolves.

Any collaborative event with which I have been involved seems to have its share of snafus and roadblocks. This event had some, but perhaps not as many as some. I was so impressed with the way the two groups handled the 'stress of the moment' and proceeded positively at every turn. Fine music-making was of the highest priority with all involved, as was evident in both performances. Certainly, Sunday's performance was indeed, the icing on the cake!

I wish to extend my sincerest appreciation to Betty Karol for her collegial spirit and support...and for doing such fine work with you, her instruments. Also, to Elizabeth for taking the lead in the 'dynamic duo' with her former teacher, Richard. What a marvelous piano duo there were (are!) I know they enjoyed their musical mission and as was obvious, took it seriously.

Who knows what the future will hold for any of us. But one thing I do know, choral music in the Valley of Virginia is alive and well. Events such as ours last weekend are living proof of that...and by our continuing to provide quality choral singing to our listeners, we are assured one positive part of history. Musica Viva~!

Abiding peace and joy,

Michael~

Michael Main, Conductor/Artistic Director

The Arts Academy Chorale of Winchester

The AAC is affiliated with the Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy of Shenandoah University. www.artsacademychorale.org

More musical opportunities in the Valley

2011-04-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

If you want to hear delightful children’s voices in the new JMU Forbes center,

Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir Spring Concerts
Saturday, April 9, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 10, 7:00 p.m.
Concert, Treble & Preparatory Choirs with JMU Percussion Ensemble
Forbes Center, James Madison University
Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and JAC cardholders, and $8 for JMUstudents and youth
18 & under. For tickets, visit www.jmu.edu/JMUarts or call the Forbes Center Box Office at (540) 568-7000.

Other Concerts in our area

Shenandoah Valley Choral Society and Massanutten Brass Band

Karl Jenkins’s The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace

April 15 and April 17- Bridgewater Church of the Brethren

$12 adult/ $10 for seniors and students

Other singing opportunities- Bach Festival Choir is looking for singers- check for info on their website

Words from Your Artistic Director

2011-04-05T11:13:00.001-07:00

I was very proud of you this weekend, adjusting to various physical conditions, demands, confusion, philosophies, conductor anxieties,etc. and still making beautiful music.

Your love of singing was infectious and helped to blend the efforts of both choirs into a positive experience. I am also delighted that many of you discovered that you truly appreciated the music of the two commissions. With each run through of the music, you gained insight and understanding which enhanced and enriched your experience of the event. You sang “our four numbers” well and from the audience response, you know your music reached them and they appreciated your performances! One tiny lady, from Winchester, fought her way through a dense crowd of people to whisper in my ear that she though it was the best concert she had ever heard!

Retired English teachers, English majors , and other lovers of poetry who attended Saturday and Sunday concerts have spoken to me personally about how MUCH they enjoyed the Dickinson settings and the Rossetti “Remember Me.”

One spoke to me yesterday and said she “looked up” the poems of Emily and had spent lovely hours after the concert, enjoying the poetry again. Yes, she understood Wild Nights and thought it was terrific- storm, passion and all!

As many of you shared with me after the concerts, you felt that Aaron had done a great and inspiring job of putting the words into “pictures” in the music. If you would like to express your appreciation to him in writing here is his emailaaron@aarongarber.com

and his address is 258 Buckingham Court, Roanoke, Va 24019

I think many notes of thanks are due. He was extremely easy to work with and wonderful to just let us perform the music as we had rehearsed it ! I think it would be great to flood him with notes of thanks. He needs to hear what you thought so that he can continue to be inspired to compose.

Several of you have voiced your dismay that we were not meeting again until June. At one time, the plan was to use the Mondays in April to prepare “light” music for the spring fundraiser. However, The Board determined that the fundraiser should be scheduled for a future date. So, that brings up an opportunity for me to meet with interested singers and share some “one-on-one time” discussing various choir topics, that I, as Artistic Director, think need to be discussed

I would like to meet with the chorus members at 7:30 on

April 18 to discuss plans for next year and beyond:

Repertoire for next season

Number of Choirs

Auditions

Rapport among Singers

Singer Education

Travel Plans to Charleston, SC- April 2012 or other destinations

Gilbert and Sullivan opportunity in 2012

SVMF 2013

Choir of 500

Fundraising

Upcoming events

April 12- MWC Board Meeting 7 pm at Emanuel- open to all members

June 3 and 4 – Every other Year- MWC Garage Sale at St. John Bosco Catholic Church- Else Carter in Charge

Be watching the blog for details as to where to bring your goods

and how to sign up for work shifts

June 13 Annual Business Meeting and potluck dinner ( after being rained out three years- I am not calling this gathering a picnic!)

News about Chorus Members:

Kathy Ackerson’s mother-in-law passed away on Saturday, April 2

Neil Palmer, who was absent on Sunday, was attending his brother-in-law’s funeral in Philadelphia

Thank you.

Dr. Betty Karol Wilson, Artistic Director, Masterworks Chorus of the Shenandoah Valley

Michael Main: Notes on "Over Jordan"

2011-03-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

*Wayfaring Stranger
...m8, watch rhythm. m50, watch counting coming into Verse 3. m52, watch rhythm (like m8). Make all those cut-offs on 'beat 3' clean and right back in on time. Overall, observe dynamic markings.

*Pisgah
...be aware of melody (s/t) and counter melody (a/b). Verse 3, melody (t/b) and descant (a/s). Verse 4, melody (s), counter melody (b), alto and tenor parts are different! Overall, observe dynamic markings.

*Let Me Go
...Observe all rests, and do not be late coming in after rests. Internalize the eighth note pulse. Verse 2, watch rhythm m21. Verse 3, alto/tenors really need to tighten this verse...practicing with the CD will take care of it. Please work on this before Tuesday. Verse 4, beware!...it is different, especially in the bass part. m69, watch rhythm to the end. Again, observe dynamics!!

*The Promised Land
...refrain sung 7 times, with accents on "bound" and "Oh". Dynamics change with each refrain...please note. m45, s/a be ready for the transition from m44. m52-68, t/b watch rhythm/dynamics. Verse 4, t/b melody inversion. Verse 5, t/b same with melody in s/a. m111, lower dynamic one level. m119, increase dynamic level. m128, 'easy forte'...save a little for m129! Overall, observe dynamic markings.

In general:
You will notice in each piece I have mentioned (at least once!) the importance of dynamic observance. I know this is very important to the composer. I would suggest listening to the CD, following only the words and dynamics in the score. I find this most helpful, as the CD is quite clear as to the composer's intention.
Remember: Softer does not equal slower! Always keep the tempo moving forward with energy. Even in #3, "simply, flexibly" still requires "energy"!
Text: Tall vowels, please...even though on these hymns, 'spread vowels' could be considered appropriate. Also, don't forget word stress...come away from unimportant syllables. Use consonants to create rhythmic pulse without getting in the way of tempo.
I know you need to look at your score. Therefore, keep your folders 'lifted' so you can see me and your music. This also helps with your breathing~!

I will retrieve Dr. Averitt from Dulles on Monday night. I know he is quite thrilled to return to Virginia (from Seattle, where he is on sabbatical serving as composer in residence with Seattle Choral Arts) to hear the premier of this piece. Lastly, keep in mind...Tuesday will be the first time Dr. Averitt will hear the fruits of his labor, LIVE! For the composer (and for us) this is a 'priceless' moment. SO..."sing with intention", be on good behavior :-) and 'keep the music alive' between now and Tuesday.

All Good Things,

Michael

Michael Main, Conductor/Artistic Director
The Arts Academy Chorale of Winchester

O Nata Lux........ Tom Porter (translation)

2011-03-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

O nata lux de lumine "Oh light born of light"

Jesu redemptor saeculi "Jesus, redeemer of the world"

dignare clemens supplicum laudes precesque sumere

"mercifully deem worthy and accept the praises and prayers of your supplicants"

Qui carne quondam contegi dignatus es pro perditis

"Thou who once deigned to be clothed in flesh for the sake of the lost ones"

Nos membra confer effici tui beati corporis

"grant us to be made members of your blessed body"

My Soul's Been Anchored

2011-03-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

Click on the posting for 1/16 - 1/23 to get this practice video.

BIG EVENT IN MWC HISTORY!

2011-03-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

March 24- 7:30 Make-up rehearsal at Emanuel Lutheran in Woodstock- this rehearsal is primarily for people who have missed Monday night rehearsals, but anyone is welcome.

March 28- Regular Rehearsal- we will go over everything-- It has been decided that WE ARE NOT SINGING HOMELAND- IT HAS BEEN OMITTED from the program- so don’t spend time learning it!

March 29- Tuesday 7 pm- we are still waiting for info from SU and Arts Academy Chorale- there is plenty parking, no special passes or ids needed- Armstrong Hall is the building

Carpooling is a good idea- make your arrangements, privately. It will take about 45 minutes to get to Winchester.

April 2-Set- up will begin at 12:30- Mike Fravel, Melisa Thomas, are the only people I know who have definitely volunteered- we need two more. Mark Byerly of Muhlenberg will assist.

Combined choirs rehearsal begins at 3 pm. AAC will be rehearsing from 2-3, so please enter quietly and be ready to be placed in position.

AAC will break for dinner from 5-7 pm at local restaurants.

MWC will rehearse from 5-6 and break for dinner 6-7. You may bring a “brown bag” dinner if you wish. Water will be provided and a snack room will be set up.

Close by are the following restaurants on Rt. 33 East: (Before you cross the interstate) L’italia, Kyoto, ( after you cross the Interstate) El Charro, Texas Steakhouse.

In the Walmart Shopping Center is also: Panera, O’Charley’s, Ruby Tuesday, Qudoba, Aroma Grill.

Also available near the Walmart shopping center: Bravo Italian Eatery, Quiznos, Texas Roadhouse, The Gallery, Taco Bell, McAllister’s Deli, Woodhouse Grill .

Downtown: Dave’s Taverna, Mrs. Hardesty’s Tea Room ( will take small group reservation)

Here is the restaurant link is > http://www.harrisonburgtourism.com/v.php?pg=33supplied by Harrisonburg Tourism.

When and where to dress: Wear as much of your chorus costume as you can for the 3 pm rehearsal. We have a limited number of rooms and bathrooms where one can change clothes. A room for the men and a room for the women will be dedicated to this. Jan Sommerfeldt is the “Hospitality Queen” for the day- Ask her any questions that do not have to do with risers, setup, lineup.

For the Audience, there will be a MEET THE COMPOSERS from 6:45-7:15. Mr. Averritt and Mr. Garber will answer audience questions. This is not the same event as Garber’s talk to the choir around 4:30 pm.

At the end of the concert, hold your position for a photo.

April 3- We meet and rehearse at 1:30. AAC will have already been rehearsing. We will only have time for a brief refresher.

MEET THE COMPOSERS will begin at 2:15-2:45 and the concert begins at 3pm.

After the concert, AAC is hosting an elaborate reception celebrating their 10th anniversary and this collaborative concert. You and your spouse are invited.

April Concert Music List: MWC

2011-03-14T19:56:00.000-07:00

MWC alone:

O nata Lux

Cherry Tree Carol

Remember Me (women's chorus)

My Soul's Been Anchored

Joint chorus:

Garber: Three Dickinson Settings

Averitt: Over Jordan

Revised schedule for rehearsals and concerts

2011-03-14T19:33:00.000-07:00

Tues. Mar. 15, Emanuel Lutheran, Woodstock

5:30 voluntary extra rehearsal

Th. Mar.17 , at BK's 5:30 voluntary extra rehearsal (new location)

Mon. Mar 21 regular rehearsal

Th. Mar. 24 make-up rehearsal 7:30 , Woodstock

For those who have missed Monday rehearsals

Mon. Mar.28 regular rehearsal

Tues. Mar.29 Shenandoah University, Winchester

7 - 9 p.m. in Armstrong Auditorium

Sat. Apr. 2, Muhlenberg Lutheran, Harrisonburg

3-4:30 joint rehearsal of the Garber and Averitt works

4:45-5:15 conversation with Aaron Garber

5:15-5:45 MWC rehearsal of our 4 songs alone

6-7 dinner

7 :10 or so line-up

7:30 concert

Sun.Apr.3, Shenandoah University, Winchester

1:30 Armstrong Auditorium rehearsal

2:15-2:45 conversation with Averitt

3 concert

"Homeland" Gustav Holst/Arr. Stroope SATB

2011-03-06T12:18:00.000-08:00

Links to music for April 2011 concert

2011-03-04T13:10:00.000-08:00

We will be adding more links as we manage to find them!

Homeland

O Nata Lux

Farewell tae Trawarthie

Music in My Mother's House

Remember Me

Fiddler of Dooney

Cherry Tree Carol

Notes for March 7

2011-03-03T15:31:00.000-08:00

The following “shorthand” will be used for rehearsal info:

Averitt= Over Jordan 1,2,3 refers to the order of the songs in the cycle

Garber= Three Dickinson Settings- 1,2,3 refers to the order of the songs in the cycle

O Nata=O Nata Lux ; Cherry= Cherry Tree

If we sing every piece in one rehearsal, we have 11 pieces to cover! So we need to step up the speed on the learning process

For those who missed rehearsal on February 28- here is what we rehearsed

Women - O Nata; Averitt 2,3,4

Everyone sang- O Nata; Cherry Tree; Garber 1,2; Averitt 3; Homeland

Men- Averitt 1

FOR March 7 - please review your music before rehearsal, if at all possible

6:30--7:30 Women’s Number; Garber 1,2,3 ; Cherry Tree

Women bring Remember me and In My Mother’s House

If you are an SATB singer and arrive at rehearsal before 7:30, pull up a chair and join us in whatever song we are singing.

7:30- 8:30 Sectionals

Soprano and Tenor- with Elizabeth Garber 1,2,3; Cherry Tree

Baritone and Alto- with Margaret Garber 1,2, 3; Cherry

Bass- with BK- Garber 1,2,3; Averitt 1

8:30- 9:30 Garber 3; O Nata Lux; Averitt 1; Homeland

Rehearsal Monday Feb. 28; April concert rehearsals

2011-02-22T10:49:00.000-08:00

Rehearsal Monday, Feb 28

6:30-Women’s Chorus

7:30- Everyone

9:00- Men only

Bring copies of

O Nata Lux

Cherry Tree Carol

Fiddler of Dooney

Homeland

My Soul’s Been Anchored

Garber- Three Dickinson

Averitt- Over Jordan

April Concert Rehearsals

TUESDAY MARCH 29- Combined rehearsal with Arts Academy Chorale- at Shenandoah University

7:30-9:00 pm

SATURDAY APRIL 2- Rehearsal at Muhlenberg begins at 2 pm

Tentative Rehearsal Schedule- check back closer to April 2 for final schedule

2- 2:30 MWC

2:30- 3:00 AAC

3:00- 4:15 Combined Rehearsal (75 minutes to sing 8 songs)

4:15- 4:45 Off and On Stage rehearsal

4:45- 5:30 Talk with Composers Garber and Averritt

5:30- 7:00 Dinner and return to Muhlenberg

Have Restaurant hand out- will make reservations in small groups

7:10 Line Up

7:30 Concert

SUNDAY APRIL 3- Call Time at Shenandoah University for MWC is 1:30 pm; Concert is at 3pm

Tentative Rehearsal Schedule

12:30- 1:30 AAC ONLY

1:30-2:00 MWC only

2:00- 2:30 Combined Rehearsal

3:00 Concert

Feb. concert links

2011-02-20T16:54:00.000-08:00

Here's a short cut: Click on the post for 1/16 - 1/23

Notes from BK: Feb.14

2011-02-10T15:34:00.000-08:00

MONDAY, FEB 14- Yes I know it is Valentine’s Day

When you come into rehearsal, please place a check by your name on the master roster so we can give this to security at Westminster Canterbury.

Let Clare know how you are being transported- carpool with name of driver, by yourself, or if you need a ride in a 15 passenger van which Anita Smallin has offered to drive. We need to arrive around 7 pm and sing at 7:30pm. The concert is about 40-45 minutes only,

Rehearsal Schedule for Feb 14

6:30-7:30 Women’s Chorus (all Spirituals music)

7:30-9:30 SATB starting with Sometimes I Feel

at 8:00 the Men will work on Soon Ah Will Be Done and the Women will work on the three Dickinson pieces

8:30- 9:30- we run the entire program in the order given below- this is the same order as the Feb 26 and 27 concerts ,except Mr. Lynn Atkins and Dr. Carrie Stevens, guest soloists, will insert music before and after the Men’s number.

I’m Gonna Sing

All My Trials

Daniel

Take Me

And Aint I

Soon Ah Will Be

Keep Your Lamps

Sometimes I Feel

Anchored in the Lord

For Westminster we will sing the first seven and use Anchored as an encore- if we can sing it acapella throughout.

Directions to Prince of Peace

2011-02-01T06:20:00.000-08:00

Directions: From Woodstock, take Rt. 42 to Rt.263. Turn right, and stay on 263 through Basye.

You could also take Rt.11 to 263 in Mt. Jackson.

If using I-81, exit at Mt. Jackson, go to 263.

Prince of Peace, 319 Orkney Grade (Rt. 263) is on the right, about 1 mile past Basye.

MWC Retreat

2011-01-28T10:07:00.000-08:00

Saturday Feb 5,2011

Where: Prince Of Peace Lutheran Church , 317 Orkney Grade (Rt.263), a mile or so past Basye

Cost: $1 please, plus your gift of yummy foods for lunch

E REGISTER UP WITH CLARE ELLIS (cellis@shentel.net) by Feb 2

9:15 AM Coffee and Chat

9:30-9:45 Vocal Warm-ups and Things you Never Knew about MWC Members

Here’s a Teaser: Who, while living in Florida, won an award for agricultural excellence?

Who sang the role of Snow White in the second grade musical?

Who studied gymnastics while in college?

9:45-11:00 Repertoire

Over Jordan

Three Dickinson Settings

Spirituals

11:00-11:30 Choice of Classes

Vocal Production, – Hopefully with a nearby college voice instructor

Conducting 101- with BK- what is all that arm waving about?

Sight Singing Level

11:30 A Vision of MWC in our 25th Anniversary Year- 2022 Bring your dreaming cap!

12 Noon Lunch of SUPER SOUP,etc.

Notes and comments for Jan.27 and 31

2011-01-26T06:17:00.000-08:00

Jan 27 Thursday- Make Up rehearsal 7:30- 9:00 p.m.

Manor Memorial United Methodist Church, 9320 N Congress St, New Market

Thanks to all of you who did look at your music before rehearsal last Monday- that was a big help in the progress we made last week- more notes in less time- always my motto!

6:30- 7:30 Women’s Chorus

Take Me To the Water

Ain’t I a Woman

Wild Nights

7:30-9:00 SATB

All My Trials- Melisa singing solo- Do you have the refrain memorized yet?

This song is not difficult, but requires a lot of choral precision and finesse.

Daniel- Rory and Bruce J singing Solo

My Soul’s been Anchored- Anita, Sally and high top A people in the ending should sing this week.

Sometimes I Feel- need to dig in here- Tenors and sopranos made progress last week

Keep Your Lamps- look at last two pages for your memory work

9:00 Women with Margaret and Elizabeth

Over Jordan- No. 2

If I can Keep One Heart

9:00- Men with BK

Over Jordan- No 1

Soon ah Will be Done

BK: Notes for Jan.24

2011-01-18T08:46:00.000-08:00

FOR EVERYONE

Rehearsal – Monday Jan 24- this is amended from an earlier blog schedule- we need to get through 9 pieces of music- that’s pushing it

so if you can look over your music before rehearsal- GREAT, mark your dynamics, mark the beats for difficult rhythmic spots

6:30- Women of the Women’s Chorus ( Ain’t, Take Me, Daniel)

7:30- Bass Sectional with Elizabeth- (Daniel, My Soul’s,)

Alto Sectional with Margaret- (My Soul’s, Sometimes)

Soprano/Tenor Sectional with BK ( My Soul’s, Sometimes)

8:30- Everyone

“Daniel” with soloists, Bruce Johnson, Tenor, and Rory Nansel Bass Singing

“All My Trials” with Melisa singing solo EVERYONE MEMORIZE THIS SONG

“ Sometimes I Feel” the last two pages

9:00- Women with Elizabeth- Over Jordan, No. 1 and “Hope”

Men with BK- Soon Ah will be Done

Links to February Concert Practice Videos

2011-01-16T07:34:00.000-08:00

We believe that all these links work,

but please let us know if you have any problems with them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eljie17ezng: Go where I send thee

And Ain't IA Woman.avi

And Ain't IA Woman by Susan Borwick University of Florida Women's Chorale October 28th, 2009 ... And Ain't IA Woman ...

Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
Composer: Spiritual Arranger: Rosephanye Powell
Listen

Soon Ah Will Be Done/Dawson
(Men's Chorus)

Daniel, Daniel, Servant of the Lord/Undine Smith Moore

Keep Your Lamps/Andre Thomas

My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord/Moses Hogan

All My Trials/Luboff

Take Me to the Water/RolloDilworth

Another Take me to the Water

I'm gonna Sing 'til the Spirit Moves Me/Moses Hogan

Go Where I send Thee

CONCERT DATES AND LOCATIONS

"I’m gonna Sing...”

Feb 24- THURSDAY NIGHT- at Winchester- Westminster Canterbury Village 7:30 pm

Feb 26- Sat., St Paul UCC- Woodstock 7:30 pm

Feb 27- Sun., Reformation Lutheran- New Market- 3pm

“Sing a new song”

April 2- Muhlenberg Lutheran in Harrisonburg

April 3- Armstrong Hall- Shenandoah University

Notes for Jan.17

2011-01-15T12:44:00.000-08:00

If you were absent, Jan 10, please see Else to pick up your copies of the commissioned music by Aaron Garber

Hope is a Thing with Feathers

If I can keep one heart from breaking

Wild Nights

It is important for you to claim your copy. Any not claimed will be sent to Winchester to give to Arts Academy Chorale singers

Also be sure to pick up your copy of the music from Will Averitt- It will be distributed for the first time on Jan 17

JMU Women's Chorus: Go Where I Send Thee!

2011-01-10T07:42:00.000-08:00

Go Where I send Thee

February Retreat

2011-01-06T06:47:00.000-08:00

Date: Saturday, February 5

Place: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

Time: Workshops 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Potluck Lunch at noon

Directions: From Woodstock, take Rt. 42 to Rt.263. Turn right, and stay on 263 through Basye.

You could also take Rt.11 to 263 in Mt. Jackson.

If using I-81, exit at Mt. Jackson, go to 263.

Prince of Peace, 319 Orkney Grade (Rt. 263) is on the right, about 1 mile past Basye.

I would like to ask that singers who are planning to attend the MWC choir retreat on Feb 5 to

please “e-register” by contacting Clare. Also list if you are bringing chili, soup, French bread, dessert or beverage or none of listed culinary delights.

The cost of renting the building is $60, so a $1 at the door from everyone attending would be appreciated.

Here is some of what is in store for you

1. Voice Class by a local voice teacher ( not BK) Tips on Tone Production, Breath Control and Care for the Aging Voice. Two Sessions: one for Men and one for Women

2. Improving your Sight Singing ( Level 1 and Level 2)

3. Rehearsing for February and April Concerts

4. Camaraderie and Fun for All- A few door prizes are available!

5. Brief Visioning and Dreaming Session

“Masterworks Chorus 2022” at the end of the 25th anniversary year

Thanks and let Clare know by Jan 24.

Notes from BK

2011-01-05T15:24:00.000-08:00

TO Everyone

Good Start at Jan 3 rehearsal

If you missed- get your music from Else and pay Mary Sue on Jan 10

For Rehearsal Jan 10

If you have sung with MWC in the last three years, please bring the following music with you on Monday

Farewell tae Tarwathie- Leo Nestor

Fiddler of Dooney

O Nata Lux by Tom Porter

Cherry Tree Carol- Gwyneth Walker

Homeland- Randall Stroope

Go Where I Send Thee

Schedule for Jan 10

6:30- Women’s Chorus- Take me to the water ( 25 new copies have been ordered and should be here by Mon.)

The arrival of “And Ain’t I a woman” has been delayed, but familiarize yourselves with the recording on youtube

7:00- All women sectional of the Spiritual SATB music

7:30- Men join to make SATB rehearsal until 9 pm

9pm- women leave; men stay and rehearse “ Soon Ah will Be Done”

Voice Assignments:

I’m Gonna Sing

Tenor 1 plus Charlie- sing the first page

Tenor 2 will sing the tenor part in the choral accompaniment at square 10 on page 3, while tenor 1 sings in the small group

at square 20 on page 4 – baritone, bass and tenor two should sing “It was grace.... unitl m. 25 where tenor 2 drops out

m. 34 it is a divided alto part

square 44 tenor is singing top line- soprano obligato is for Sally V and Anita S

the last two measures are sung by BTA only no S

My Soul’s Been Anchored

In any three part men’s division- Tenor 2 takes the middle part, baritone and bass sing the bass part ( unless it is outside of your vocal range)- the only exception to Tenor 2 in the middle is measure 4 ,stay on a

m. 22- Sally and Anita on Lord Hallelujah- other sopranos sing Lord good Lord

m25- first tenor has the text , tenor 2 sings the hums

m.47 Sopranos- Sally, Anita, Jenni, Ramona

m. 70 is SAA

m94- SSAA, TTB

m.97- small group – Anita, Sally V on the 1st soprano

the three part chorus are SSA

Happy New Year!

2010-12-19T12:54:00.000-08:00

Be Sure to mark your concert dates

Feb 24, 26,27

April 2, 3

Other Dates to Save

Soup and Sing- Feb 5 10:30 am- Singers retreat- location TBA

Fundraiser- May 1 in the afternoon or evening

Rehearsal info

Jan 3 - Welcome Back!

6:30- Auditions for New Singers-Openings in All sections

7:30- 8:30 Repertoire for Spirituals Concert introduced

8:30-9:00 Sight Singing and Vocal Pedagogy

9:00- 9:30- Premier of “ Three Dickinson Settings” by Aaron Garber, MWC commissioned piece for April 2 and 3 concerts

Jan 10 -

6:30- Women’s Chorus

“Take Me to the Water” by Rollo Dilworth some members of the women’s chorus already own this

“And Ain’t I a Woman”-by Susan Bortwick New Music –get it from BK

7:00- Spirituals Sectional rehearsal for all the women

7:30- Spirituals Repertoire for everyone

8:30 Sight Singing and Vocal Pedagogy

9:00-Spirituals Sectional rehearsal for the men -Women may go home early

Jan 17-

6:30 Women’ Chorus

7:00 Women’s Sectional

7:30-9:30 EVERYONE- Spirituals and Rep for April

Jan 23-

6:30 Men’s and Women’s Sectionals- held separately- Spirituals and Apr 2 rep

7:30-8:30 Everyone

8:30-9:00 Rudiments of Choral Singing

9:00-9:30 Spirituals

Jan 30 -

6:30- 7:00 Sight Singing and Vocal Pedagogy

7:00-7:30 Women’s Chorus

7:30-9:30 Everyone

From Betty Karol

2010-12-07T16:48:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all the singers who performed in the four “Tidings of Joy” concerts this weekend. I received many compliments on your behalf. People really enjoyed the “upbeat” nature of the program and the enthusiasm in your presentation.

Many people commented positively on your diction, your precision, and the power of your voices. I think the audience really enjoyed the two different versions of the carols. That is an idea we will probably repeat next year. I know some audience members wept while you sang, ( not because you sang poorly). As you each know, Christmas music and the emotions it evokes are very powerful and also full of healing. So your gift of music was enjoyed on many levels. Of the four concerts, I thought Saturday afternoon was technically your best. However there were wonderful moments on Saturday night and lots of joy on Sunday.

Thanks to all the soloists who sang so bravely and well. I apologize for the delays in the pre- concert review on Sunday, for mistaken cues on Saturday night, and for not insisting you sing on risers on Friday night. Thanks for your dedication to MWC and to presenting choral music to the citizens of Shenandoah County. Please thank your excellent accompanists and your hard-working board members. There is no one “star” Choir is a community and one I enjoy.

Thank you for the teapot. Come over anytime for a cup

Schedule for Dec. and Jan.

2010-12-06T13:17:00.000-08:00

No MWC Rehearsals Dec 6,13,20,27.

Caroling at Shenandoah Memorial Hospital- Dec 13 , 6:30 pm – Meet in the Lobby Anyone can come

Next Rehearsal

MONDAY- Jan 3, 2011

6:30 Auditions for new singers

7:15 Pick up your new music

7:30 Everyone SATB singing

Notes from BK: Music for the February Concert

2010-12-06T06:23:00.000-08:00

If you are not going to participate in the Feb concerts, please let BK or Kathy Ackerson know before Jan 2

MWC Singers- we are ordering music to the Spirituals concert
if you have the following- please let BK know

Women only- Take me to the Water- Rollo Dillworth ( bought 2009 fall )

Here's what we are singing

I' m Gonna Sing til the Spirit Moves in My Heart- Moses Hogan
Daniel ,Daniel Servant of the Lord- Undine Smith Moore
All My Trials- Norman Luboff
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child- Rosephanye Powell
My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord- Moses
Keep Your Lamps- Andre Thomas

Women- Take Me To the Water- Dilworth

Men- Soon Ah Will Be Done- Dawson

I will be happy to have soloists prepare the music of Harry T Burleigh or William Grant Still

Rehearsals begin Jan 2
Concerts are Feb 24, 26, 27

Rehearsals for the April SING A NEW SONG concert will begin in Feb. and run concurrent with the Spirituals rehearsal for that month

Tidings from BK

2010-11-29T05:37:00.000-08:00

Here you'll find a printed text of Hodie accompanied by a recording of the music.

http://www.notamos.co.uk/101238.shtml

Last tidings

2010-11-11T06:39:00.000-08:00

Magnificat in B-flat by Stanford

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsbWHMfQXzE

Hark, the Herald Angels Sing by Wilberg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naXD3hNIEeE

Two More Tidings

2010-11-09T08:27:00.000-08:00

For Magnificat and Hark the Herald, click on the posting for 08/01 - 08/08

Women's Chorus: Exaudi was posted 8/11.

Links to some of the Tidings of Joy music

2010-11-09T07:38:00.000-08:00

There's a Song in the Air
Go to www.sbmp.com main site. Select choral music, then Christmas, then mixed voices and scroll down to There's a Song in the Air, arr. Ken Berg. Click on the "arrow" next to the speaker symbol to listen to the song.

Dan Forrest: Venite Adoremus http://www.lorenz.com/Med/Sample/10_3615R.mp3
Meet Dan Forrest, the composer, and listen to a recording of Venite Adoremus.
http://www.danforrest.com/?page_id=9
There is a box on the left side of this page with a listing of his compositions. Scroll down to the Venite Adoramus and click on it.

GOD REST YE MERRY, GENTLEMEN catalog #3299331 at J.W. Pepper
Click on the line below, then click on MP 3 audio
http://www.jwpepper.com/3299331.item

What we covered Nov 2

2010-11-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

Women- Exaudi, the beginning and the transition to the 2nd ending ,reviewed memorized mid section
There is no Rose- final two pages- feel the underlying "bell swing" pulse- be very sure of pitches a and d- "lasso" your spinning sound
Wexford Carol- text text text- keep reading the words away from the music, be able to sing your part in a women's trio

SATB- Need very rounded vowels
Magnificat- clean up releases, group breath, dynamics- listen to Keith's youtube recording for ideas of where to improve
Hodie Christus- went through the entire piece twice, with accompaniment by two keyboards- review the" Laetantur archangeli" section and the "canunt
God Rest Ye- page 5 especially
There's a Song in the Air- especially pages 8-12- This song is less familiar to all of you and everyone could use a "look through" before rehearsal
An Olde English Christmas- added Coventry Carol
Deck the Hall- reviewed last page- clean up the fast notes, watch the dynamics
Hark the Herald -Review

Margaret Figgins will conduct rehearsal on Nov 8
- Please make every effort to be present
Make an individual appointment with BK if you want to sing solo

2010-11-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

Additional rehearsals - if you can come, you are welcome to my assistance

Tenor and Bass- Thurs Nov 4, at 7 pm at Wilson 's - The Apple Blossom Inn 9317 N Congress St New Market, Va - come to the front door- look for a note Apple Pie to be served afterward

Regularly Scheduled Make-up Rehearsal - Thursday Nov 18 at 7 pm Location TBA

Soprano- Alto Rehearsal- Sunday Nov 21 at 2 pm at Wilson's 9317 N. Congress St New market ,VA- come to the front door and look for a note Tea to be served afterward
Please note time change from 3 pm to 2pm- I have guests arriving at the B&B at 4 pm!

There's a Song in the Air

2010-09-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

Go to www.sbmp.com main site. Select choral music, then Christmas, then mixed voices and scroll down to There's a Song in the Air, arr. Ken Berg. Click on the "arrow" next to the speaker symbol to listen to the song.

Rutter - Deck the Hall

2010-09-21T05:50:00.000-07:00

GOD REST YE MERRY, GENTLEMEN catalog #3299331 at J.W. Pepper

2010-09-21T05:40:00.000-07:00

Click on the line below, then click on MP 3 audio

GOD REST YE MERRY, GENTLEMEN catalog #3299331 at J.W. Pepper

VocalEssence - Carol of the Magi by John Rutter (American premiere)

2010-09-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

Exaudi! Laudate!

2010-08-11T16:15:00.000-07:00

2010-08-06T15:38:00.000-07:00

Beat the hassle of waiting in line! Send in your MWC dues before the first rehearsal: $50 if you're doing all the concerts; $25 per concert otherwise.

Mail them to Masterworks Chorus PO Box 752 Woodstock VA 22664

Nunc Dimittis in B Flat - Stanford

2010-08-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

Magnificat in B flat - Stanford

2010-08-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

VocalEssence - What Sweeter Music by John Rutter

2010-08-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

Lift up your heads, O ye gates

2010-08-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

2010-08-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

Do you intend to sing during the 2010-2011 season?

2010-06-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

Dr. Wilson will be ordering music on July 10, so she needs to have an accurate number of returning singers.
By July 8, please email Dr. Wilson with your intentions regarding participating in MWC during the 2010-2011 season. If you have questions reqarding concert dates or concert repertoire, please email Dr. Wilson. Her address is drbkw@shentel.net

If you are not returning and wish to donate and or sell either your evening gown or tuxedo, please let Kathy Ackerson know. Your contribution of chorus wardrobe could assist a new singer.

Summer news and requests

2010-06-10T02:53:00.000-07:00

Liza Coffman, MWC secretary, suggested that the chorus be polled for suggestions for favorite carols or other Christmas music they would like programmed into the 2010 Christmas concert, so, please send your request to Dr. Betty Karol Wilson drbkw@shentel.net by July 1.

Be watching for an email, in the next two weeks, from Dr. Wilson requesting a response from those intending to sing in the 2010-2011 season. We need to order the new music by July 12, so I need to have a rough idea of how many copies to order .

Also be watching for the Sept audition dates for new singers and the August vocal interviews for current members.

Four Poems submitted for commissioned work

2010-06-07T03:08:00.000-07:00

Below are the four poems we are sending to the composer, Aaron Garber, for his consideration for our commissioned work:

NUMBER ONE-- SELECTIONS From Rumi

Those who don’t feel this love pulling them like a river
Those who don’t drink dawn like a cup of Springwater
Or take in sunset like supper,
Those who don’t want to change,
Let them sleep.

Rise up nimbly
And go on your strange journey
To the ocean of meanings.
The stream knows
It can’t stay on the mountain.

Leave and don’t look away from the sun as you go,
In whose light you’re sometimes crescent,
Sometimes full.
Rumi, a 13th century mystic poet
　
　
NUBMER TWO---- MOST MEN KNOW LOVE

Most men know love but as part of life;
They hide it in some corner of the breast,
Even from themselves; and only when they rest
In brief pauses of that daily strife,
Wherewith the world might else be not so rife,
They draw forth (as one draws forth a toy
To soothe some ardent, kiss exacting boy)
And hold it up to sister, child, or wife.
Ah me! why may not love and life be one?
Why walk we thus alone, when by our side,
Love like a visible God, might be our guide?
How would the marts be noble! and the street,
Worn like a dungeon floor by weary feet,
Seem then a golden court-way of the Sun!
Henry Timrod (1828-1867) American
　

NUMBER THREE- “HOPE” IS THE THING WITH FEATHERS

“Hope” is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops-- at all.

And sweetest-- in the Gale--- is heard
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little Bird
That keeps so many warm.

I’ve heard it in the chillest land
And on the strangest Sea
Yet, never, in Extremity
It asked a crumb-- of Me.
Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) American

　
Number Four - THE TREES

The trees are coming into leaf
Like something almost being said,
The recent buds relax and spread,
Their greeness is a kind of grief.

Is it that they are born again
And we grow old? No, they die, too.
Their yearly trick of looking new
Is written down in rings of grain.

Yet still the unresting castles thresh
In fullgrown thickness every May.
Last year is dead, they seem to say
Begin afresh, afresh, afresh.
--Philip Larkin, written 1967, English

Ideas, Requests, and Offerings for the summer

2010-05-31T05:59:00.000-07:00

Remember: Masterworks Chorus Annual meeting, June 7, at 7:00 pm at Emanuel Lutheran Church (rehearsal venue). Please bring an hors-d'oeuvre or a dessert to share.

Take a look at the "Why We Sing" page on our website (www.masterworkschorus.com). We would like your help in updating this essay. Here's your chance to express why the arts, in general, and singing, in particular, are important to you. We would like to update this page on the website. Please send your ideas to drbkw@shentel.net.

Needed: a volunteer to review and revise the Chorus Handbook. Please let BK know if you are interested.

Save the dates:
Christmas Concerts: December 3, 4, 5, 2010
Spring Concerts: April 2, 3, 2011

Private Voice Lessons with Dr. Betty Karol Wilson are available this summer. $25.00 a half hour lesson. Call 540-740-3747 to schedule. Dr. Wilson is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing.

Off topic

2010-05-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

How to put together a virtual choir.

2010-05-03T12:59:00.000-07:00

Rehearsal- May 3- tonight- at Emanuel, Woodstock- in the sanctuary, but not on risers

women at 6:30- we will run the three songs
Men and everyone else at 7:30 pm-
Duet for Cantata 37 at 8:50 pm

Please make sure you have the text in your music for Jesu Joy of Man's desiring

I am open on Thursday May 6 for for anyone who wants extra rehearsal- at my house in New Market- you name the time

Monday- May 10 at Emanuel Woodstock
in the sanctuary on risers
Soloists at 6;30 pm- Gina and Jenni
Duet Singers at 7:00 pm
Everyone at 7:30- complete run through- organists, soloists, choir, everything but the cello solo

Tuesday- May 11 in Harrisonburg- Muhlenberg Lutheran
Dress Rehearsal
THIS IS A ONE SHOT rehearsal with the orchestra

Be early, sit in the sanctuary pews, and be patient
will rehearse cantata first, likely through twice and then send orchestra and soloists home
then run the remainder of the program
everything will be sung or played but not in concert order

THERE IS NO REHEARSAL ON MAY 13

Call for concert on May 14- Woodstock is
6:00 for the women
6:30 for everyone else
7:30 concert

May 15- Saturday in Harrisonburg
Riser set up for concert is 5:30
Call for the concert on May 15 is 6:00 for SATB,
must vacate sanctuary at 7
Concert is at 7:30

May 16 Sunday in New Market
Riser set up at 1:00
Call for concert on May 16 is 1:30pm
vacate the hall by 2:30
Concert at 3 pm

Reminder:- Have you sent your email concert announcement
have you put announcement in bulletin or put up a poster in your town?

Here's the Bourree again!

2010-04-28T15:38:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Julie's searching; she finally found another version. 1960's?

Spring 2010 Important Dates

2010-04-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

Monday, May 10 - Regular times - Rehearsal at Emanuel Lutheran, Woodstock

Tuesday, May 11 - 7:30 pm - Rehearsal at Muhlenberg Lutheran, Harrisonburg
with instrumentalists and vocalists (see map below)

View Larger Map

Friday, May 14 - 6:15 call, 7:30 concert - Emanuel Lutheran, Woodstock

Saturday, May 15 - 6:15 call, 7:30 concert - Muhlenburg Lutheran, Harrisonburg

Sunday, May 16 -2:00 call, 3:00 concert - Reformation Lutheran, New Market
Picnic to follow in Wilson backyard
Spouses welcome - "Pot Luck" salads and desserts

Monday, June 7 Annual Masterworks Chorus business meeting

We are looking for text suggestions for new commissioned work

2010-04-09T04:12:00.000-07:00

Masterworks Chorus is commissioning a new composition for our April 2011 concert. It will be prepared by Aaron Garber, conductor of the Salem Choral Society and the Jefferson Choral Society. Google his name and check out his accomplishments.
BK needs help in selecting the text for this commission. Martha H and Ellie have agreed to help. If you want to serve on the text selection committee, please e-mail BK If you do not want to sit on the committee, but want to suggest a text, please do so.

Volunteers are needed!

2010-04-09T04:07:00.000-07:00

We are looking for volunteers to distribute Bach concert posters in

Middletown
New Market
Strasburg
Woodstock
Edinburg
Harrisonburg

Volunteers are also needed to prepare direct mail to art folks mailing list for Bach concert

Please see Clare or BK if you can help

2010-03-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

Here are some links for the May 2010 Bach Concert

Link to Wie der Hirsch - Felix Mendelssohn

Link to Ye Sons of Israel for Women's Chorus (this is in Latin; we are singing it in English)

Link to "Bourree" by Bach, sung by Swingle Singers

Link to Wir eilen mit schwachen by Bach, for Women's chorus

Link to Bach's Cantata BWV 37

Link to Ave Maria (for womens chorus)

Link to Bach Cantata Chorale

Another link to Bach Cantata Chorale

Part 10 of the video below,at approximately 3:25 minutes into the video.

2010-03-24T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hello, Masterworks Chorus members!

This is Diane Hanson.

John Chilton has agreed to allow me to post here on his Masterworks Chorus blog, since he is in the process of moving and will not be singing with us until some time in the future when he moves back to Orkney Springs, and therefore will not be maintaining the blog as he has in the past.

For the last several years, John has maintained the blog as the place for chorus members to go to get rehearsal information, concert information, council meeting minutes, and, maybe most importantly, links to videos and/or soundtracks of music we are singing. (Thanks to John for the great job he has been doing!)

Julie Moomaw and I will attempt to take John's place and post important stuff on the blog. Bear with us. It will surely not be done as efficiently as John was doing it, but we do hope to bring you whatever we can find that is helpful. Julie will search the web and youtube for the musical information that we need, and I will post it. Be patient with us; we may have a bit of a learning curve!

Church choir gets 1.4 million YouTube Hits

2010-03-03T06:58:00.000-08:00

Story here. Their YouTube page here.

Oh. My.

2010-02-26T08:42:00.001-08:00

Better brains through music

2010-02-21T12:36:00.000-08:00

This is your brain on singing

BBC:

If a person's "speech centre" is damaged by a stroke, they can learn to use their "singing centre" instead.
...
Previous brain imaging studies have shown that this "singing centre" is overdeveloped in the brains of professional singers.

During the therapy sessions, patients are taught to put their words to simple melodies.

Professor Schlaug said that after a single session, a stroke patients who was are not able to form any intelligible words learned to say the phrase "I am thirsty" by combining each syllable with the note of a melody.

Have trouble hearing conversations at a party?

Try practicing the piano before you leave the house.

Musicians—from karaoke singers to professional cello players—are better able to hear targeted sounds in a noisy environment, according to new research that adds to evidence that music makes the brain work better.

1.19.10 Board minutes

2010-02-16T18:21:00.000-08:00

Here.

Masterworks Chorus Blog

Links to "He Sang, She Sang" music

Notes for Jan.26 and 30

Jan.23 schedule

New Music in

Make-up rehearsal

Notes from BK for Jan.16

A note from Betty Karol

Concert II Rehearsal Schedule

December and January announcements

Important notes from Betty Karol

Unsold Saturday tickets

Pre-concert notes

Notes from 11/21

Notes from BK: Performance Dates

November 12 Concert

Arts Chorale Concert

Notes from BK for Nov.7

Successsful Spaghetti Supper!

Mini Newsletter - October 12

What we rehearsed on Oct. 2

Notes from the Artistic Director — September 27, 2011

Notes from artistic director 9/19 - 9/26

Artistic Director's notes

2011 Season

News from BK

A Note from BK

Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

Audition scheduling in July

"Bring a Friend to Rehearsal" on July 12, 2011

A chance to sing for Muhlenberg Lutheran Church service on Sunday, June 19

Masterworks Chorus Annual meeting on June 13, 2011

MWC Yard Sale Fundraiser

Shenandoah Valley Music Festival

“Choral Music Quotes- a dialogue with your conductor”

Summer Singing

Notes for the 2011-2012 Season

Letter from Michael Main

More musical opportunities in the Valley

Words from Your Artistic Director

Michael Main: Notes on "Over Jordan"

O Nata Lux........ Tom Porter (translation)

My Soul's Been Anchored

BIG EVENT IN MWC HISTORY!

April Concert Music List: MWC

Revised schedule for rehearsals and concerts

"Homeland" Gustav Holst/Arr. Stroope SATB

Links to music for April 2011 concert

Notes for March 7

Rehearsal Monday Feb. 28; April concert rehearsals

Feb. concert links

Notes from BK: Feb.14

Directions to Prince of Peace

MWC Retreat

Notes and comments for Jan.27 and 31

BK: Notes for Jan.24

Links to February Concert Practice Videos

We believe that all these links work,

but please let us know if you have any problems with them.

And Ain't IA Woman.avi

Notes for Jan.17

JMU Women's Chorus: Go Where I Send Thee!

February Retreat

Notes from BK

Happy New Year!

From Betty Karol

Schedule for Dec. and Jan.

Notes from BK: Music for the February Concert

Tidings from BK

Last tidings

Two More Tidings

More links to Tidings of Joy music

Links to some of the Tidings of Joy music

What we covered Nov 2

There's a Song in the Air

Rutter - Deck the Hall

GOD REST YE MERRY, GENTLEMEN catalog #3299331 at J.W. Pepper

VocalEssence - Carol of the Magi by John Rutter (American premiere)

Exaudi! Laudate!

Nunc Dimittis in B Flat - Stanford