Dear Singers
We will be working on flow in many pieces this week. That means working out the transitions between one section and another. Try to be aware where those transitions occur and anticipate the move from one section to the next. A great example of this work is on “Boy”.
Recording Session April 2
We will be making a recording of Bright Morning Stars (mm 51 – 85) for ad purposes. We will send it to SOPBS and KVPR as well as putting it on our website and Facebook page. The plan is to start the recorder and record one take after another so that Michael can sing with us.
It is important to do what you can to avoid contributing noise to the recording. The most obvious of these noises is the sound of pages turning. I know that it is not possible to turn a page without making any noise, but practice a quieter page turn. There may be other sounds we can eliminate as well. For example, there was the sound of a bracelet on our last term’s recording which was very hard to get rid of. Obviously, stifle coughs, etc. And then brainstorm for other noises we unwittingly make that would interfere. Thanks!
New Seats
We will implement a mixed seating arrangement on April 9. The seating arrangement mixes the different voice parts. It creates a choral sound that is better blended and better in tune since everyone is able to hear the other parts. I must say that it is a bit of a challenge to make the transition away from your comfortable sectional seating, but It works beautifully! I am, though, flexible. We will spend time fine-tuning the seating to accommodate everyone’s needs. Last term we had 10 versions before we finalized.
Of course, this means that you need to plan to be an independent singer. Know your part with the idea in mind that you will be singing next to other voice parts. Most people grow to really enjoy it!
Definition of Beauty at the beginning
We will start the rehearsal with the Definition of Beauty. Men will need to be at rehearsal at 7:40. The men will need to do their own warmups or choose to come at 7 PM to participate in our normal warmup time.
See you Tuesday!
Mark
Rehearsal Schedule
Warmups
Definition of Beauty II & III
maggie and milly and molly and may
Bright Morning Stars
Of Crows and Clusters
David’s Lamentation
Break
The Boy Who Picked Up His Feet to Fly
Ain’a That Good News
Gate Gate