NOVA Community Chorus

Two Concert with NOVA Chorus Singers

May 20, 2009 by Admin

From Fred: There will be two choral concerts on Sunday, June 7, at 4:00 PM. Both choirs have several singers from NOVA Chorus.
Philomela will perform a work they commissioned and helped write called "Change" at Vienna Baptist Church in Vienna, VA.
The Clerestory Choir of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, VA will perform a concert of Bach (Motet 3, Jesu, meine Freude) and Brahms (Leibeslieder, Opus 52).
Their fliers are attached: Philomela | Clerestory Choir

Picnic Photos

May 14, 2009 by Admin

Photo Gallery, from picnic on Saturday, May 9

Summer Sings

May 8, 2009 by Admin

From Fred: Here is the lineup of Summer Sings at Western Presbyterian Church, 24th. & G st. NW, Washington, DC. It's a great chance to experience singing works we have already sung or might sing in the future. You'll be surrounded by 200+ experienced singers and directed by some of the other top choral conductors in this area. You even get a quick rehearsal of the tricky choral parts before the professional soloists come "on stage" for the performance. (that's just after the break where you can purchase drinks and walk around)
I go and read along with the performance even if I have not sung it before.
JUNE 2 - MOZART REQUIEM Conducted by J. Reilly Lewis
JUNE 9 - BRAHMS REQUIEM (in German) Conducted by Tom Hall
JUNE 16 - MENDELSSOHN ELIJAH (in English) Conducted by Thomas Beveridge
JUNE 23 - FAURE REQUIEM Conducted by Robert Shafer
Admission for each event is $10; score rental, $2 (or bring your own score). Doors open at 6:45, rehearsal starts at 7:45. Parking is tricky. There is a small parking garage under the church which usually fills up by 7:15. Commercial parking a couple of blocks away. Foggy Bottom Metro is a good alternative.
See: www.westernpresbyterian.org

Chorus Picnic

May 8, 2009 by Admin

From Fred: We'll get things ready by 2 PM because pop up t-storms are more likely later in the afternoon. You may come earlier and help set up tables and benches or just walk around. Weather permitting, I'll mow the table area first and the volleyball field last.
Ul James said he would be here for the picnic if possible. Be sure and spend some time with him as our collective guest. Wendy Matthews (Band director) has a family committment or she would be here, too.

May 7, 2009 by Admin

Chorus Newsletter, May 2009

From Dr. Whitmire

May 7, 2009 by Admin

(5/6/09) Please publicize the following event in: Intercom, Events Calendar, overhead monitors, campus-wide e-mail, et al.
Piano Duo Christine and David Hagan will present a recital on Saturday, May 16, at 7:30 pm in the Tyler Recital Hall. The program will include music by Mozart, Schubert, Warlock, Brahms and Gershwin. Tickets are $20 (under 18 - $10). Proceeds benefit NOVA Community Chorus. Seating is limited. Information: 703.845.6097 or mwhitmire@nvcc.edu
PDF flyer. (Better quality than previously posted)

From Dr. Whitmire

May 7, 2009 by Admin

(5/6/09) Dear Singers-

Tonight: 7:30 Honors Recital

Tomorrow: Concert
The call is 6:30 pm in the Choral Room (At 130). At 7:00 pm we will set-up and rehearse briefly in Schlesinger.

Saturday: Chorus Picnic, 3:00 pm at the Wulff’s

Next Saturday. May 16, 7:30 pm
Chorus Benefit Concert
Christine and David Hagan, Piano Duo
Recital Hall (AT130), tickets $20; $10 - under 18
Tickets are available. Limited seating.

Summer Courses taught by DrW
MUS 101 01a Basic Musicianship (3 credits, 12 weeks, online): If count-singing or any other aspect of music theory is giving you trouble in chorus, consider taking my online Basic Musicianship (MUS 101 01a) over the summer. It is a very effective course that covers rhythm, pitch, scales harmony, intervals, chords, ear training, and many other aspects of music. The material is presented in a very engaging way, and you can complete the course from the beach!

MU 198 01a Summer Class for Singers (1 credit, first 6 weeks): If you want to improve your solo singing, consider MUS 198 02a Seminar and Project, an intensive vocal performance seminar emphasizing technique, style, diction, and interpretation. It provides an opportunity to perform and perfect the songs that you study in voice lessons. And you get to sing Chris Hagan at the piano!
6 sessions:
Tuesday 5/12, 7:30-9:30 pm
Tuesday 5/19, 7:30-9:30 pm
Tuesday 5/26, 7:30-9:30 pm
Saturday 5/30, 12:00-2:00 pm
Tuesday 6/2, 7:30-9:30 pm
Tuesday 6/9, 7:30-9:30 pm

Chorus Picnic

May 7, 2009 by Admin

(5/6/09) From Fred: For the rain it rain-eth ev-ry day (why doth that go thru my head over and over and...
None the less, our picnic will go on.
We expect the sun to shine and the beer and wine to flow.

From Dr. Whitmire

May 5, 2009 by Admin

Dear Singers - As I announced earlier, my summer vocal seminar will be 1 credit, first 6 weeks. The changes have been made with the registrar. Please register if you are interested. We need 20 to make a class. If you already registered for 2 credits a refund will be issued.
Update: I should have checked all my e-mail. It looks like those have already registered for summer vocal seminar will need to re-register. Sorry for all the trouble.

From Dr. Whitmire

May 5, 2009 by Admin

(5/4/09) Dear Singers -
Reminder: There is no rehearsal tomorrow night.
You are invited to attend the Applied Voice Recital at 7:30 pm.
Leipzig Singers- I would like to rehearse our concert pieces briefly following the recital with those who are present.

From Dr. Whitmire

May 4, 2009 by Admin

(5/1/09) At 3:00 on Sunday afternoon, June 14, 2009, The McLean Symphony will perform on the main stage of the Center for the Arts at George Mason University as part of the Summer Festival of the Arts... click here (.pdf) for more information.

Security Advisory

April 29, 2009 by Admin

Attention users: If you viewed this site between April 22 and April 28:
Security of this website was compromised during the noted time period. Downloaded files, such as .pdf, .jpg, .mp3, were not affected. The server on which this website resides has since been scoured clean.
Thank you to those choristers that promptly reported these issues. With these reports, the issues were able to be immediately resolved.
Let this serve as a reminder to all users to keep their computer security and virus definitions up to date.

New flyer for Benefit Recital

April 29, 2009 by Admin

Chorus Benefit Concert
Sat. May 16, 7:30 pm
Christine and David Hagan, Piano Duo
Recital Hall (AT130), tickets $20; $10 - under 18
Flyer

From Dr. Whitmire

April 28, 2009 by Admin

Please publicize the following event in Intercom, Events Calendar, overhead monitors, campus-wide e-mail, et al.
A pdf flyer is attached.
The Alexandria Band and NOVA Community Chorus will present their Spring Concert on Thursday, May 7, at 8:00 p.m. in the Schlesinger Center. Band music will include "Dizzy Fingers" and "Italian Rhapsody." The chorus will present poems by William Shakespeare, set to music by the jazz composer George Shearing. Also on the program are selections sung be members of the chorus at the Leipzig Choral Festival in Germany last summer, and Gershwin’s "But not for me" sung by NOVA Idol winner Susan Bilodeau. No tickets are required; A donation of $5 is requested. Information: 703.845.6097 or mwhitmire@nvcc.edu

From Dr. Whitmire

April 26, 2009 by Admin

(4/25/2009) Dear Singers -
We had a fantastic rehearsal with the men today. We worked on 4. Spring because it is unaccompanied. We uncovered some pitch insecurities. Please make sure you can sing it with total pitch security. We also worked on 5. Who is Sylvia? Make sure you know exactly where the breaths are, and that you are singing sustained, shaped phrases.

Concert on Thursday, May 7
We will not sing from Oklahoma. We have only 20 minutes in the Hall and we'll need to use it with the jazz group on Songs and Sonnets.
The call is 6:30 pm in the Choral Room (At 130). At 7:00 pm we will set-up and rehearse briefly in Schlesinger.

Chorus Benefit Concert
Sat. May 16, 7:30 pm
Christine and David Hagan, Piano Duo
Recital Hall (AT130), tickets $20; $10 - under 18
Tickets will be available this Tuesday. Limited seating.

Chorus Picnic
Sat. ~~May 8~~ May 9; 3:00 pm at the Wulff's home

Basic Musicianship - If count-singing or any other aspect of music theory is giving you trouble in chorus, consider taking my online Basic Musicianship (MUS 101 01a) over the summer. It is a very effective course that covers rhythm, pitch, scales harmony, intervals, chords, ear training, and many other aspects of music. The material is presented in a very engaging way, and you can complete the course from the beach!

Summer Class for Singers - If you want to improve your solo singing, consider MUS 198 02a Seminar and Project, an intensive vocal performance seminar emphasizing technique, style, diction, and interpretation. It provides an opportunity to perform and perfect the songs that you study in voice lessons.
6 sessions:
Tuesday 5/12, 7:30-9:30 pm
Tuesday 5/19, 7:30-9:30 pm
Tuesday 5/26, 7:30-9:30 pm
Saturday 5/30, 12:00-2:00 pm
~~Monday 6/1, 7:30-9:30 pm~~ | (4/27/09) Update: Tuesday 6/2, 7:30-9:30 pm
Tuesday 6/9, 7:30-9:30 pm
(4/28/09) Update: The vocal seminar for summer will be a 6 week, 1 credit course.

Yours-DrW

From Fred

April 24, 2009 by Admin

(4/23/2009) We have only one Tuesday night rehearsal (April 28) and one Saturday rehearsal (May 2 at noon) before our concert on Thursday May 7. There is no rehearsal on Tuesday, May 5 (Applied Voice Recital). And no dress rehearsal that I know of.
It is important that we continue to work with our rehearsal CDs, keyboards, etc. to master those difficult places in the music. You know - those spots you've circled and added up or down arrows because your guess doesn't match the singer on either side of you.
We can't guess those notes. We have to KNOW them. We have to OWN them.
One more thing. Concert dress is still Concert Dress - and that includes black folders. Practice using them at our next rehearsal.
Update: There is also a rehearsal for men on Saturday, 4/25, 12 - 1:15, on the schedule. The rehearsal on Saturday, 5/2 is (SATB) and is 12 - 1:15.

From Dr. Whitmire

April 24, 2009 by Admin

(4/22/2009) Dear Singers -
Thanks for all your calls and expressions of concern related to my recent bad health. Thanks to Chris and Nick for carrying on in my stead on Tuesday.
Fred called to say that folks would like a status report. Personally, I am not so sure you want too much medical information of this sort. But since I always do what Fred suggests, here goes:
<Edited for privacy>... Today I am back home and writing to you courtesy of Ozycontin [sic]. In the morning I return to the hospital... Shortly after that I expect to be good as new...
I fear that all this seems very self-indulgent. I know many folks deal with health issues that are so much more worrisome than mine. I also know that very few people enjoy the support and loving-kindness that I recieve. I am very thankful.
Yours-DrW

From Dr. Whitmire

April 21, 2009 by Admin

(4/20/2009) Dear Singers - I have spent most of the day in the hospital with what appears to be a kidney stone attack. I will not be able to come to rehearsal. I leave you in the capable hands of Chris, Nick, and Peggy. Sing Well.

Chorus Picnic

April 20, 2009 by Admin

Our annual NOVA Chorus picnic will be on Saturday, ~~May 11~~ (correction: May 9) in the afternoon (2:00 pm).
The address is 6551 Columbia Pike: between the stoplights at Sleepy Hollow Road and Whispering Lane and directly across from Belvedere Elementary School. See attached map. You may park along the access road, Fitzhugh Drive, or along Sulky Lane.
It is a pot luck affair on an old farm lot (4 acres).
We supply: tables, a cabin with bathroom and kitchenette, ice chest, paper plates, cups, spoons/forks/kinves, a few benches and chairs. Also coffee, tea, filtered water, etc.
We also have croquet and volleyball equipment which you can set up and use.
Singers bring their favorite picnic food and drink to share.
We look forward to seeing you.
Links (.jpg files): Map, Croquet Photo 1, Croquet Photo 2

From Fred

April 20, 2009 by Admin

(4/19/2009) I asked the director of our Band, Dr. Wendy Matthews, what they would play in our concert on May 7. This is her reply. I recommending including this information whenever you tell your friends and family about our joint concert.
We are playing a great piece called Italian Rhapsody featuring familiar Italian tunes, but written in a stunningly brilliant way. It is a brand new piece that was premiered in Dec. All the military bands are playing it.
We are also doing a Gershwin piece with Sue Billadeau, (she is in the chorus) the NOVA Idol winner. We also have Dizzy Fingers a clarinet feature, and a piece arranged for us by the arranger in our band Marty Tousignant. The brass band version of this piece won a brass composer competition last month at Ohio State.

From Dr. Whitmire

April 14, 2009 by Admin

Dear Singers-
* Does anyone have a copy of the choral part to the medley from Oklahoma? It's three or four sheets that I wrote out in Finale. Please let me know or bring it in.
* Tonight
~ I will dismiss women at break
~ 8:50 pm - work with men on Shearing
~ 9:15 pm - rehearse the Leipzig group
~ Next week we will resume our normal schedule.
* This Sat at noon women
* This Sat at 3:00 pm: Amanda Prices Graduation Recital

Performance Photos

April 13, 2009 by Admin

Photo Gallery, from concert on Sunday, March 29
Photo Gallery, from concert on Sunday, April 5

April 7, 2009 by Admin

Chorus Newsletter, April 2009

From Dr. Whitmire

April 6, 2009 by Admin

Dear Singers -
You were amazing last night. Here is Introit and Kyrie. Enjoy.
The link is for a .mp3 file. For most systems, click to play file, right-click to download.

From Dr. Whitmire

April 4, 2009 by Admin

Dear Singers -
* We had a great Women's rehearsal today. Tomorrow is going to be a wonderful concert!
* Attached is the seating chart. As you see, I have left ample chairs on the front row for anyone who feels they need a chair. I have been able to put 3 fewer singers on each level, which should relieve the crowding we experienced at the dress rehearsal.
Original riser chart | Same chart enlarged to print onto two pages for easier reading.
* Tomorrow's 2 goals:
** Watch me at all times. Only occasionally should you need to look at your music.
** Wear your most excited, ecstatic, angelic face at all times. This is music of angels.
* Ul will be setting chairs at 12:30 pm. Come help him if you can. I will see you on stage at 2:00 pm.

Stage Manager Instructions

Apr 2, 2009 by Admin

From Fred: Stage Instructions, for April 5 concert

Updated Schedule

Apr 1, 2009 by Admin

Updated (3/31/09) Chorus Schedule, Spring 2009, from Dr. Whitmire.

From Dr. Whitmire

Mar 31, 2009 by Admin

(3/30/09) Dear Singers -
* I was immensely proud of your singing last night. As I said following the performance, the first two movements were among the most transporting moments of my conducting career. We had some rhythmic and entrance problems in III (I even caught myself snapping! Just one snap. Did you hear it?). IV was very good: we raised the roof at "in excelsis". VI and VII were very good. VIII saw the return of some rhythmic problems. IX was our best ever. I will know more once I hear the recording. What I know now is that we did every movement as well as we ever have. That's as good as it gets!
* The attendance was 218. That's up from last Spring at Epiphany when we had 166. I am hoping the turn-out at BI is much better.
* I have sent our $1000.00 donation. Thanks to all who contributed. While we weren't listed on Sunday, we will soon be listed as a WMPO Benefactor.
* Please do not miss tomorrow's rehearsal. Bring your Shearing as well as Durufle.
* If, for any reason, you were not present at the concert, please contact me immediately.

Alto Sectional Rehearsal

Mar 30, 2009 by Admin

From Chorister Ellie: Optional Shearing note-learning sing-through at Ellie's house
Monday, April 6, 7:30 - 8:30 pm (or 9 pm if we need it)
I plan to work from a performance recording I have downloaded, plus plunking notes out on the keyboard. (There are errors on the practice CD for tracks 1-3, beware.) (For more details, please contact Debbie or Ellie.)

Performance Program

Mar 30, 2009 by Admin

Performance Program, from Durufle concerts, March 29 & April 5

From Dr. Whitmire

March 28, 2009 by Admin

Dear Singers -
* Please spend 2 hours today with your Durufle. Lets leave no stone unturned. We owe it to ourselves and to this beautiful music.
* Please scour your brain today for every person you might be able to bring to the concert. Make phone calls, send e-mails.
* Attached is the riser chart. There are chairs for those who need to sit. I have assigned chairs to those singers that I know need them. I have left several chairs for use by anyone who needs them. We can easily add more chairs stage left. The chart is a rough draft. Changes will be made. Be patient and flexible. I want every singer to be comfortable enough to fully devote themselves to the music.
Original riser chart | Same chart enlarged to print onto two pages for easier reading.
* Tomorrow's pre-concert rehearsal begins at 2 pm. Do not be late. At 2:00 pm please take your place on the stage. No talking on stage. Fred will make adjustments as necessary. Do not allow stage logistics to delay the start of this very important rehearsal.
* This is going to be a wonderful, transcendent concert.

Festival Chorus Opportunity

March 26, 2009 by Admin

From Dr. Whitmire: Information regarding the 2009 Voices United Festival Chorus, part of the 11th Annual Voices United Conference. The application deadline has been changed to APRIL 30th!
Admin Note: Upon further research, this site includes conference registrations forms and information: http://www.vaacda.org.
Admin is not responsible for the accuracy of this site's content, as it was not provided directly.

Directions to Epiphany

March 26, 2009 by Admin

From Stage Manager Fred:
See: www.epiphanydc.org/people/how_to_get_here.htm
The church is 1/2 block from Metro Center.
If you park in the underground lot adjacent to the church, be sure to pick up a voucher within the church. This will reduce your parking fee to $8 vs the normal $16. We usually pass the vouchers around while waiting in the Parish Hall.
When you leave the parking lot, have your voucher and $8 already in your hand when you get to the one and only exit booth. There will be many cars behind you hoping you will just wiz through checkout.

Chorus Picnic, May 9

March 25, 2009 by Admin

From Stage Manager Fred: Our annual NOVA Chorus picnic will be held on Saturday, May 9, at Fred and Judy Wulff's residence. It will start at 2 p.m. and will be in our standard pot luck format in the standard place.
We'll send more details and a map in a few weeks. For now, mark your calendar. It's a great time to celebrate a successful concert season.

From Dr. Whitmire

March 24, 2009 by Admin

Dear Singers-
* Tonight is to our 10th rehearsal of Spring 2009! Please sign in.
* Thanks for your excellent work at Sunday's Dress Rehearsal.
* If you were not present at the Dress Rehearsal, please see me tonight.
* Absentee Audition is tonight- If you have missed more than 2 rehearsals this semester be prepared to audition to demonstrate preparedness. If in doubt, see Section Leader
* Music Majors mid-term exam is tonight.
* Our first concert is this Sunday 3/29 and Epiphany. Call is 2:00 pm. Bring your friends and family.
* 2nd Concert Sun 4/5, 2 pm call, Bishop Ireton HS

Stage Notes, etc.

March 21, 2009 by Admin

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers -
* Tomorrow (Sunday 3/22) at 5 pm is our Dress Rehearsal at B. Ireton High School. Attendance is mandatory.
* Thanks to Nick King and Chris Hagan for the excellent rehearsal on Tuesday.
* According to the sign-in sheets there were 21 absences on Tuesday! This is very disheartening to me.
Soprano-5 | Alto-11 | Tenor-5 (of 16, almost one third!) | Bass-0 Bravo!
* If you have (or will) miss more than two rehearsals during preparation for this concert, be prepared to audition to demonstrate preparedness. Audition will this Tuesday, March 24.
* Thanks to all who have made contributions to the WMPO. We will be listed in the program at the $1000 level! At a time when some of the region's finest arts organizations are folding, this is very important.
* Attached is a pdf of the seating arrangement for tomorrow. Zoom to 250%. It is a first draft. We'll make any necessary adjustments on Tuesday. In order to achieve balance I am bring 3 sopranos and 3 tenors to sing with us. Their names are in Italics. We will have to modify this seating for Epiphany.
* Jim and Fred need about 10 able-bodied persons to help with the risers. If you can help, come tomorrow at 3:45 pm.
* Please set aside time to go through all of Durufle today and again tomorrow before rehearsal. We have invested 9 weeks. We can make it pay off handsomely only if every singer is ready.
* Happy Birthday J. S. Bach!

Seating Arrangements
Program
Program Roster

Stage Manager Notes

March 16, 2009 by Admin

From Stage Manager Fred:
Our performance of the Durufle will be FIRST on the program instead of last.
- Be on time for the warmup before each performance.
- Tell your customers to be on time, too.

Counting measures of rest was far more demanding than I remembered. A couple of times I found singers around me had already started while I still had a measure or two of rests left to count. (Oops - those were 2/4 not 4/4 measures.) There are places we must count 10 to 20 measures with a mixture of 4/4 & 2/4 or 8/8, 7/8, 9/8, 12/8.

What to do? When the cue indicates it is played by flute, oboe (hautbois.), bassoon or drum - it really is. You can't miss it. Write it on your music. Note what else is going on in the orchestra while you are counting rests.

Nick said he will work on counting rests at our next rehearsal.

Choral Resource and Workshop

March 16, 2009 by Admin

From Chorister Bill: Information regarding the Singer Network website.
Please see Bill's message, and flyer.

From Chorister Peggie: Information regarding the CHORWORKS Summer Workshop
For more information.

Folders, Messiah and More

March 13, 2009 by Admin

From Stage Manager Fred:
* I was just told that Foxes is temporarily out of small black folders but more are due in store during the week of March 23. Call before going there.

* I've attached a flyer for the best Messiah Singalong in this area. Note that it is the Easter portion: Part's II and III and it's on Easter Day.
A church filled with experienced singers from the best choruses and J. Reilly Lewis conducting. Professional soloists and orchestra, too, and you are only asked for a reasonable donation to support their expenses. Get there before 7 PM so you can find a nearby parking slot and a good seat.

From Chorister Grace:
Something worth sharing with the group - I had a letter recently from Berkshire Choral Festival. If you were considering it, but thought you were too late to register, you're in luck. There are still openings in almost all voice parts for almost all weeks this summer. The only week that is full - at least as of the date of the letter - was the Verdi (Defiant) Requiem at the Spring Festival in Prague. Any singer looking for a rewarding way to spend a week in the summer can check out http://www.choralfest.org to see what music has been programmed for each week and who the conductors will be.

Performance Venues

March 9, 2009 by Admin

Reminder: Information regarding our performance venues is listed on the Performances Page. It has been updated to include an additional link on the Church of the Epiphany's website, for directions and parking.

Black Music Folders

March 6, 2009 by Admin

From Chorister Ellie: Foxes Music has small black music folders, the size of our Durufle and Shakespeare music. $7. A good investment for our crowded venues.
If you want, they will UPS it to you overnight for an additional $7.25. Call (703) 533-7393, ask for choral department.
Foxes Music; 416 S. Washington St; Falls Church, VA 22046; (703) 533-7393 www.foxesmusic.com

Update: You can also have your music wire bound, with black front and back covers, at Staples or Kinko's. The cost is minimal.

More Performance Promotion

March 4, 2009 by Admin

Color Flyer for our Durufle concerts, March 29 & April 5

Facebook Page

March 3, 2009 by Admin

We now have a Facebook "Page" for the group. The public page is here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/NOVA-Community-Chorus/53919288886
Log in to Facebook to see more, contribute, become a "fan" of our group, and share our information with others. Information can also be shared with people outside of Facebook.
We are asking for volunteer "administrators" of the Page. Facebook experience preferred. Please see Kate.

From Dr. Whitmire

March 3, 2009 by Admin

Dear Singers -
* Tonight is our 7th rehearsal of Spring 2009!
* Choeur d'enfants - We will rehearse tonight at the end of rehearsal
* Attendance - If you have (or will) miss more than two rehearsals during preparation for this concert, be prepared to audition to demonstrate preparedness. Audition will be Tuesday, March 24.
* This Saturday at noon-women
* We have a chorus page on now Facebook. Pass along your ideas about how to best make use of it to Kate.
* The Band Children's Concert is this Friday at 8. Let Wendy (wmatthews @ nvcc . edu) know if you can usher.
* WMPO - As we have talked about, it is very important that we maintain our relationship with the orchestra. The main way to do so is bring an audience. Another idea: In the past, many of you purchased your five tickets and presented me with a check for $75 that I have passed along to the WMPO. Also, some of you donated to the WMPO at our last concert. My idea: Give your contributions to me and we will become an official patron of the orchestra with our name listed in the program. If you want to do this, make checks to NVCC Foundation. More PR for us.

From Dr. Whitmire

February 27, 2009 by Admin

(2/26/09) Dear Singers -
Thanks for a very rewarding rehearsal on Tuesday. I can tell that you are working hard. If we can keep up the good work, the artistic dividends will pay off handsomely. We have two more regular Tuesday rehearsals: 3/3 and 3/17. I will be out on 3/17 hosting a concert by Westminster Choir College. Nick King will be your conductor. I know you will work hard for him.
Saturday at noon: MEN. I hope everyone can attend.

More Performance Promotion

February 25, 2009 by Admin

From Chorister Shellie: Need another example of what e-mail text to send to your friends? See Shellie's text.

Schedule for Fall 2009

February 24, 2009 by Admin

Chorus Schedule, for Fall 2009, from Dr. Whitmire (tentative 2/24/09)

Performance Promotion

February 24, 2009 by Admin

From Stage Manager Fred: some ideas on how to promote our performances to your friends: Fred's e-mail
Flyer for our Durufle concerts, March 29 & April 5

More from Dr. Whitmire

February 24, 2009 by Admin

Dear Singers -

It is very important that we have great attendance at both of our upcoming performances of the Durufle Requiem. It is up to you to insure that your friends and family are in attendance. Our continued collaborate with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic depends upon our ability to generate an audience.

As you see below the attendance at our October 2008 concert was less that our April 2008 concert. Earlier this month the WMPO had an audience of 258 at Bishop Ireton, which is larger than the attendance when we sang with them in October 2008.

December 2007 (Poulenc) Schlesinger 222, Epiphany 166, Total 388
April 2008 (Vaughan Williams) Schlesinger 348, Epiphany 154, Total 502
October 2008 (Mendelssohn) Bishop Ireton 251, Epiphany 226, Total 477

We should be able to double the WMPO audience when we perform with them. That would require that If every member of the chorus bring 5 guests. It should not be difficult, since the concerts are free of charge.

As always, flyers will be available, publicity will be sent out, and every effort will be made to spread the word. But the reality is: in a music-saturated environment like Metro DC, the audience will be the people that you bring.

I know you will rise to the occasion. You always have.

From Dr. Whitmire

February 24, 2009 by Admin

(2/23/09) Dear Singers -
* Tomorrow is to our 6th rehearsal of Spring 2009! We have only 2 Tuesday rehearsals before our March 22 Dress Rehearsal with the orchestra: 3/3, 3/17.
* Please note these changes in our Saturday schedule (posted 02/10): 3/7 women, 3/14 everyone SATB
* Choeur d'enfants - Thanks to all who auditioned. There will be a group of 12: Whitney, Carol P, Grace, Carol U, Debbie, Terri, Peggy, Shellie, Marty, Judy, Amanda, Lisa (I won't use all the altos on the higher passages)
* As per the composer's suggestion, the following sections will be sung by a small group of women: III 34 to the end; VIII 93-94; IX until 101
* The following sections may be sung by the Choeur d'enfants: I 4-5, 13-16; VII 75-78; It will depend on our ability to stay on pitch
* This Saturday at noon-men

February 23, 2009 by Admin

Chorus Newsletter, March 2009

Children's Concert

Feb 19, 2009 by Admin

Friday, March 6 @ 8:00 pm. The Alexandria Band's Children's Concert. Free Admission. Donations accepted.

The flyer (click the image for the PDF)

From Dr. Whitmire

Feb 17, 2009 by Admin

Dear Singers -
* Tonight is our 5th rehearsal of Spring 2009!
* We have only 3 Tuesday rehearsals before our March 22 Dress Rehearsal with the orchestra: 2/24, 3/3, 3/17
* Please note these changes in our Saturday schedule (posted 02/10): 3/7-women; 3/14-everyone (SATB)
* Choer d'enfants - As per the composer's suggestion, the following sections will be sung by a small group of women (soprano or alto) who are able to make a child-like tone: III 34-36; VIII 93-94; IX until 101. Auditions will be this Saturday at 1:15 pm. If you cannot attend this Saturday, I will hear you after chorus on Tuesday.
* Attendance: Please try not to be absent. If you miss more than two rehearsals during preparation for a concert, you will be asked to audition to demonstrate preparedness. Audition will be Tuesday, March 24.
* This Saturday at noon-women

From Dr. Whitmire

Feb 13, 2009 by Admin

Tuesday, March 24, 9:15 pm Absentee audition - for all who have missed more than two rehearsals - be prepared to sing any selection from the Durufle Requiem
Tuesday, March 24, 9:30 pm Music Majors Chorus Exam - be prepared to sing any selection from the Durufle Requiem

Performance Guidelines and Schedule Changes

Feb 11, 2009 by Admin

Schedule Changes (2/9/09)
Saturday, March 7. 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm women only (was everyone)
Saturday, March 14. 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm full rehearsal (new addition)

Need to know concert dress guidelines? What to expect at dress rehearsals? See the Performance Tips. It is recommended that all members review this document.

Reminder: Performance locations. including maps, are listed on the Performances page.

From Dr. Whitmire

Feb 10, 2009 by Admin

From Dr. Whitmire (2/9/09) - Dear Singers: Today I learned that a member of our chorus and his family were evicted from their home. Of course, I cannot share the name. I am going to give the family some money, just because it feels right. If you would would like to help, give me the cash and I will pass it along. These are tough times for many. Yours-DrW

Feb 9, 2009 by Admin

Chorus Newsletter, February 2009

Links to iTunes

Feb 6, 2009, by Admin

UPDATED: Thank you to chorister Ellie for the suggestion:
iTunes allows users to preview songs for free by offering 30 second samples of each track. Users can also purchase individual songs and albums.
Please note: When a user clicks on an iTunes link, the web browser will try to detect whether the user already has iTunes installed on their computer. If they do, the user will go directly to your intended destination on the iTunes Music Store. If they don’t, they will automatically be directed to the iTunes download page.

Songs and Sonnets, composed by George Shearer. Tracks 8 through 14 on "Feel the Spirit," recorded by the Cambridge Singers and John Rutter.

Durufle Requiem. Tracks 8 through 16 on "Faure: Requiem & Durufle: Requiem," recorded by the Atlanta Symphony Chorus, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, James Morris, Judith Blegen & Robert Shaw.

Rehearsal Track Added

Feb 4, 2009, by Admin

A Durufle rehearsal track for No. 4 Sanctus for Soprano 2 has been added to the Music Files page.

Rehearsal Track Added

Feb 2, 2009, by Admin

A Durufle rehearsal track for No. 7 Lux Aeterna for Basses has been added to the Music Files page.

Rehearsal Policy

Feb 2, 2009, by Admin

From Dr. Whitmire (1/31/09) - Dear Singers: The forecast for Tuesday shows the possibility of snow showers. Since we can not afford any more missed rehearsals, I would like to institute the following policy: If the college is closed on any Tuesday due to weather, we will have a full (SATB) make-up rehearsal the following Saturday at noon.
I trust that you are working with your CD regularly. If we are to reach our potential as as chorus, every singer must know their part. There can be no followers.

Alto Sectional Rehearsals

Jan 29, 2009 by Admin

From Section Leader Debbie:
Dear NOVA Chorus Altos - Ellie, Alto extraordinaire, has offered to host alto sectionals at her home on the following Monday evenings, 7:30 - 9:00 pm : February 2, 9 and 16
We will sing along with the practice CD and the Durufle recording, plus there is a keyboard for "note issues." Please let me or Ellie know if you will be attending one of these extra rehearsals. (For more details, please contact Debbie or Ellie.)

Snow Closing

Jan 26, 2009 by Admin

From NVCC: ALERT -- SNOW Update
Tuesday January 27, 2009, Northern Virginia Community College will be canceling afternoon and evening classes at 2:00 p.m. The college will close at 3:00 p.m. for faculty and staff. All evening activities are cancelled.

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers - The college has closed. There will be no rehearsal tonight. Please spend tonight and the rest of the week mastering the movements from the worksheet: 1, 3, 7, 9. Next week we will begin 2, 4, 6, 8. Listen to the recording for guidance with the Latin diction. Please work diligently with your CD. I encourage you to get together in groups. We cannot afford to fall behind in our preparation. Stay safe - DrW
Saturday's rehearsal will remain as scheduled: men

Music Files and More...

Jan 16, 2009 by Admin

Durufle rehearsal tracks, along with an updated CD track listing printout, for Alto have been added to the Music Files page.

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers - Thanks for a great rehearsal on Tuesday! It was truly amazing. And what a wonderful group of new singers we have. This is going to be the best season ever. You are going to adore the Durufle Requiem. I have decided to cancel Saturday's Women's Section Rehearsal. I am feeling a bit under the weather; besides, I am hearing that I95 North is going to be impossible on Saturday due to Inauguration traffic. As most of you know, this is something that I almost never do. I know you will all work hard with your CDs, and I encourage you to get together with members of your section and work. Start with the movements that appear on your Durufle worksheets. This makes our Saturday, January 24, 12 noon make-up rehearsal all the more important, so be sure to attend.

From Dr. Whitmire: Here is a reminder about Friday's appearance by Jonathan Vassar and the Speckled Bird (NOVA Coffeehouse) at the Kennedy Center in D.C. this Friday evening, January 16, at 6:00 pm. Flyer here.

http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/artist_detail.cfm?artist_id=JNVSRSPCBR

http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/

http://www.myspace.com/jonathanvassar

Music Files

Jan 14, 2009 by Admin

Rehearsal Tracks for the Durufle and the Shearing have been added to the Music Files page.
Please note that the Durufle alto tracks will be posted once available.
Corrected Shearing CD track listings have been posted for Alto and Bass.

Info from first rehearsal

Jan 14, 2009 by Admin

Rehearsal Schedule, handout from Dr. Whitmire, 1/13/09

Durufle Worksheets, handout from Dr. Whitmire, 1/13/09

Need to acquire the Durufle sheet music? Buy online from SheetMusicPlus.com: Direct link to Durufle Requiem
or call ahead to local shops, including:

foxesmusic.com

musicalsource.com

dalemusic.com

Music files, along with a corrected Alto track listing printout, will be posted shortly.

Jan 12, 2009 by Admin

Chorus Newsletter, January 2009

Semester Schedule

Jan 7, 2009 by Admin

A message from Dr. Whitmire. Includes semester schedule. (2 pages)

Rehearsal Tracks

Jan 6, 2009 by Admin

Rehearsal Tracks for Alto and Bass have been added to the Music Files page. Please note that these are files from a previous semester.

NVCC classes begin on Monday, January 12. The first chorus rehearsal is Tuesday, January 13.

Spring 2009

Dec 16, 2008 by Admin

Performance Tracks have been added to the Music Files page

Please see below for previous postings regarding Spring 2009.

For archived Fall 2008 information, please see to the right-hand side of the page, under Archives.

News

Dec 7, 2008 by Admin

From Dr. Whitmire:
Dear Singers - As you see, the bookstore cannot stock the Durufle Requiem. You will need to order online from Sheetmusicplus.com. Below you will find the exact info. You can also order the music from Foxes or Dale Music. Order now. Do not delay.
Requiem, Op. 9 - Chorus Part - $ 9.95
By Maurice Durufle (1902-1986). Op. 9. Vocal score for SATB choir. Organ part sold separately (50560468). 32 pages. Published by Durand. (HL.50561317)
Link to Sheet Music Plus

Schedule

Apr 16, 2008 by Admin

Chorus Schedule, for Fall 2008 - Spring 2009, from Dr. Whitmire.