Archive for the ‘Fall 2014’ Category

Spring Semester

Thursday, January 1st, 2015

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

Chorus is MUS 137 001A (subject MUS, catalog number 137, section 001A).

For previous postings regarding Spring 2015, under Archives on the right-hand side of the page, click on “Spring 2015”

For archived Summer or Fall 2014 information, please see to the right-hand side of the page, also under Archives.

Frequently Used Documents are always linked on the right side of the page:
Info for New Members (Great refresher for current members, too)
Dr. W’s Choral Singing Tips
Performance Advice (includes concert dress guidelines)
Join the Chorus

As rehearsal tracks, recordings and sheet music files become available, they are posted to the music files page, listed on the tab above.


Performance Opportunity for NOVA Community Chorus Singers – Concert on December 21

Wednesday, December 17th, 2014

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- Check this out. Happy Holidays. – DrW

On Dec 17, 2014, at 11:16 AM, Debra Smyers <debra@artsconsultinginternational.com> wrote:

Dear Mark,

There is an opportunity available for some singers from NOVA Community Chorus to perform in a concert this Sunday, December 21, 4:00 pm at the Schlesinger Concert Hall in Alexandria (flyers attached.)

We are seeking 5 altos, 5 tenors and 6 basses to join a chorus of abut 60 singers.

Dress rehearsal Saturday, Dec. 20, 7:00 – 10:00 pm at the Arlington United Methodist Church.

Please let me know of your interest.

To enter the music site:

· The music site is http://medicalmusical.org/music/.
· The Username is mmgmusic.
· The Password is mag!cflute (Notice that it is with “!” (exclamation point) not “i”)

Here is the music at a glance although you will have to enter the site above for the links to work.

* Parent Directory<http://www.medicalmusical.com/music/>
* Angels We Have Heard on High – Chorus.pdf<http://www.medicalmusical.com/music/voice/Angels%20We%20Have%20Heard%20on%20High%20-%20Chorus.pdf>
* ArmedForcesMedley-Chorus.pdf<http://www.medicalmusical.com/music/voice/ArmedForcesMedley-Chorus.pdf>
* Away in a Manger-Silent Night Dec 2013 – Chorus.pdf<http://www.medicalmusical.com/music/voice/Away%20in%20a%20Manger-Silent%20Night%20Dec%202013%20-%20Chorus.pdf>
* Glorious Night of Miracles Opener – Chorus.pdf<http://www.medicalmusical.com/music/voice/Glorious%20Night%20of%20Miracles%20Opener%20-%20Chorus.pdf>
* Glorious Night of Miracles Reprise 12-2013 – Chorus.pdf<http://www.medicalmusical.com/music/voice/Glorious%20Night%20of%20Miracles%20Reprise%2012-2013%20-%20Chorus.pdf>
* God Bless America – Chorus.pdf<http://www.medicalmusical.com/music/voice/God%20Bless%20America%20-%20Chorus.pdf>
* Good News.pdf<http://www.medicalmusical.com/music/voice/Good%20News.pdf>
* HallelujahChorus-Chorus.pdf<http://www.medicalmusical.com/music/voice/HallelujahChorus-Chorus.pdf>
* Hark the Herald Angels – Chorus.pdf<http://www.medicalmusical.com/music/voice/Hark%20the%20Herald%20Angels%20-%20Chorus.pdf>
* LetThereBePeace-Chorus.pdf<http://www.medicalmusical.com/music/voice/LetThereBePeace-Chorus.pdf>
* Maoz Tzur.pdf<http://www.medicalmusical.com/music/voice/Maoz%20Tzur.pdf>
* O Holy Night Rev Dec 2014 – Chorus.pdf<http://www.medicalmusical.com/music/voice/O%20Holy%20Night%20Rev%20Dec%202014%20-%20Chorus.pdf>
* O Little Town of Bethleham – Chorus.pdf<http://www.medicalmusical.com/music/voice/O%20Little%20Town%20of%20Bethleham%20-%20Chorus.pdf>
* PHSMarchT5Draft Chorus.pdf<http://www.medicalmusical.com/music/voice/PHSMarchT5Draft%20Chorus.pdf>
* See the Conquering Hero Comes – Chorus.pdf<http://www.medicalmusical.com/music/voice/See%20the%20Conquering%20Hero%20Comes%20-%20Chorus.pdf>
* Snowflake Waltz – Rev Dec 2014 – Chorus.pdf<http://www.medicalmusical.com/music/voice/Snowflake%20Waltz%20-%20Rev%20Dec%202014%20-%20Chorus.pdf>
* Snowflakes Waltz – Poco Meno Mosso – Chorus.pdf<http://www.medicalmusical.com/music/voice/Snowflakes%20Waltz%20-%20Poco%20Meno%20Mosso%20-%20Chorus.pdf>

Please let me know of your interest at your earliest convenience.

I can arrange for a small stipend payable to NOVA Community Chorus.

Thank you.

Debra
Professor Debra H. Smyers
Founder and Principal
Arts Consulting International, LLC
Local: 703-609-5469
International: 1-800-754-4507
[http://www.artsconsultinginternational.com/images/e85f5415373147d18b716e98a77c3dd5.png]<http://www.artsconsultinginternational.com/> [http://www.artsconsultinginternational.com/images/9460134fdbcd64ba093c30f8aff1c1f5.png] <https://www.facebook.com/ArtsConsultingInternational> [http://www.artsconsultinginternational.com/images/fb57374f6332fd4c60cc8ca9ece781d3.png] <http://www.linkedin.com/in/debrasmyers> [http://www.artsconsultinginternational.com/images/2ce091978b70d253b40e80a7e61fce43.png] <https://twitter.com/debrasmyers>
Arts Consulting International Connects Visual & Performing Artists to Audiences Worldwide


Brava/o

Sunday, December 14th, 2014

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-

Brava/o!!! for w wonderful concert last night. I perfect conclusion to an amazing season.

I will be at NOVA tomorrow from 5 to 9 pm for those who want to pick up the Leavitt Requiem.

Your- DrW

[Update Dec 15]: Sorry folks, I didn’t bring the music. I got a call that Brie was in the ICU and bounded out of the house. They have her situation under control, so all is well. sorry about the music.-DrW


Dr. Joseph Windham

Friday, December 12th, 2014

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-

Here is the link to last evening Fox-5DC WTTG TV segment:

http://www.myfoxdc.com/story/27608642/i-am-joseph-windham


Final Performance

Friday, December 12th, 2014

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-

Concert
I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow at Church of the Epiphany. Come before 3:00 pm and take your seats as audience members. Should the hall be overflowing, relinquish your seat and go to the Parish Hall. We will all assemble in the Parish Hall at Intermission. Our positions on the risers should be the same as Tuesday night in Schlesinger. I know this concert will be the crowning event in a wonderful semester of music-making. Please use Metro as there may be serious traffic disruptions in DC tomorrow.

Next Semester’s music
I will have copies of Requiem by Paul Leavitt tomorrow. We will sing this piece with WMPA next smelter. I encourage you to buy a copy tomorrow. Scores are $20; Checks made to WMPA. Other music for the semester will be in the campus bookstore.

Tickets
Be sure to turn in any remaining tickets and ticket money to your Section Leader tomorrow at the concert. Checks made to WMPA.

Registration
Please register for MUS 137 Chorus asap. I appreciate those singers who are seniors, but have elected to register as paying students. Alexandria Campus enrollment is quite down, so full registrations do help.
I would love to see you in one or more of my other classes. Please tell you friends about them, too.
Mus 131 Class Voice – learn to how to be the best singer you can be
Mus 121 Music Appreciation – learn about music from all over the world
Mus 163 Beginning Guitar – have fun learning to play guitar
Mus 164 Intermediate Guitar – have more fun learning to play guitar
Mus 198 Vocal Seminar – learn how to improve your solo singing

End-of-Year Donations
I have received several generous donations to the chorus. I hope everyone will consider NOVA Community Chorus when planning your end-of the year charitable giving. Make your tax-deductible check to NVCC Foundation, and give it to me to forward to the Foundation.

Yours-DrW


Thanks and Sad News

Monday, December 8th, 2014

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-

-First – Thanks for your most outstanding performance last night. It was truly amazing. This has been one of the most musically satisfying semester ever!

-Second- Sad news! Our dear friend Joe Windham died yesterday morning. Joe was a dear friend and one of the most noble and honorable men I have ever known. You will remember his stunning contributions to our Black History Month Celebrations- Frederick Douglas in 2013 and Langston Hughes in 2014.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7fLRIq-IOU
A Scholarship has been established in Joe’s name. If you would like to join me in contributing, please bring a check made to NVCC Foundation.

– Please turn in your WMPA ticket money to Section Leaders tomorrow.

I look forward forward to seeing you onstage at Schlesinger tomorrow night at 6:30 pm.

Yours-DrW


Christmas Day on 12/9

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2014

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
As I mentioned earlier, there a a few differences in the version of Christmas Day that we are singing with the Band on Tuesday 12/9.
-There are 7 measure of intro at the beginning
-There are 2 bars of bells before men enter at B
-There is a fermata before the alto entrance at O + 4.
See you tonight in Schlesinger.
Yours-DrW

Also
mm. 114-119 are cut
Another way to say it- the five measures before F are cut


Course Evaluation

Monday, December 1st, 2014

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- Please do the course evaluation asap. This is very important.
Thanks-MW

Please visit the course evaluation website (http://nveval.com) and to contact us at info@iotasolutions.com should they have any trouble accessing this site. Completing the online evaluation will only take a minimal amount of your time (approximately 5-10 minutes). The evaluation period ends on 12/9 and cannot be re-opened.


Vocal Seminar Students

Monday, December 1st, 2014

From Dr. Whitmire: Vocal Seminar Students-
I had said before that we would not meet this Saturday except for the recital. However, I will offer an optional class from 1:30 to 2:30 pm that will service as a dress rehearsal with Chris. If you think it makes too long a day, feel free to just come for the recital.
-DrW


Spring Schedule

Monday, December 1st, 2014

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
I have another exciting season lined up.
First, I need everyone back in January, see register asap.
Second, I need you to recruit new, skilled singers. Spread the word using the Mozart Concert link that I sent. Ellie is helping to get the word out in various media (Ellie – Please let me know if all the info you need is here).
Third, mark you calendars now, so you don’t run into unnecessary conflicts.

I will send info about getting your sheet music soon.

Yours-DrW

Spring 2015

Tuesday, 2/17/15, 7:30 pm
Dress Rehearsal
Schlesinger

Tuesday, 2/24/15, 7:30 pm
Black History Month Concert: A Tribute to Maya Angelou
with
NOVA Jazz Band
The Choir of Alfred Street Baptist Church
DEM Vocal Trio
Metropolitan Tap Ensemble
choral music by Adolphus Hailstork and Rosephanye Powell
Schlesinger

Sunday, 3/22/15, 5:00 pm
Dress Rehearsal with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic
Immanuel Church on the Hill (3606 Seminary Rd.)

Sunday, 3/29/15, 3:00 pm
Concert with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic
Requiem (Paul Leavitt)
Gorge Washington Masonic Memorial (101 Callahan Dr, Alexandria)

Sunday, 4/12/15, 3:00 pm
Concert with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic
Requiem (Paul Leavitt)
Church of the Epiphany (1317 G St. NW, Washington)

Tues 4/28/15 Chorus Dress Rehearsal
Schlesinger

Friday 5/1/15, 7:30 pm
Music of Women Composers
with
Alexandria Band
NOVA Jazz Band
Choral music by Gwyneth Walker, Hildegard von Bingen, Libby Larsen
Schlesinger


Change to Call Time

Monday, December 1st, 2014

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-

To All
-Thanks for last night. What a wonderful gift you were.
-Reminder: Our 7:30 pm rehearsal tomorrow night will be in Schlesinger.
-I want you to be fresh on Sunday. To that end, the call on Sunday 12/7 will be 3:30 pm. The concert will be in progress when you arrive., so enter quietly. Wait in the lobby or in one of the rooms to the right of the auditorium. The intermission should begin at 3:45, after which we will take the stage. (Of course, you can come at 3:00 and be a part of the audience if you like). You will need to warm yourself up. We sing Holst, Olson, Vaughan Williams.
-Our Mozart Concert is on Youtube. My thanks to Joel Richard (husband of alto Kate Cantrell) for his expert video work. Here is the link. Spread word!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_5dNUUvYzI&feature=em-upload_owner

To my Vocal Seminar students: Please let me know ASAP what you will sing on this Saturday’s 3:00 pm Recital. (title and composer)

Yours-DrW


Sunday Rehearsal

Friday, November 28th, 2014

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- Ul would lie to start our portion of this Sunday’s rehearsal at 6:30 pm. See you then.
Yours-DrW


Thirteenth Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, November 25th, 2014

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 13th rehearsal of Fall 2014!

Please sign in.

Thanks for a great rehearsal on Sunday Night. You were thoroughly professional and I was very proud of yourwork.

This Sunday November 30 is our second 5:30 pm Dress Rehearsal with orchestra at Convergence (1801 N. Quaker Lane).

Tickets are here. See your Section Leader. Please sell your five tickets. We are selling them for $10–half off! Cash or checks made to WMPA.

CDs of our Mozart Concert are here. $10 cash or check to NVCC Foundation.

Tonight we will rehearse Mozart. Bring your music.
I will dismiss at 9 pm tonight, so the men can begin their baking.

Registration for Spring 2015 has begun.
Please register for MUS 137 Chorus now.

Here are my other classes. I would love to see you in one or more of them. Please tell you friends about them, too.
Mus 131 Class Voice – learn to how to be the best singer you can be
Mus 121 Music Appreciation – learn about music from all over the world
Mus 163 Beginning Guitar – have fun learning to play guitar
Mus 164 Intermediate Guitar – have more fun learning to play guitar
Mus 198 Vocal Seminar – learn how to improve your solo singing


Senior Registration

Monday, November 24th, 2014

From Peggy: Debbie asked me about senior registration. I did research and contacted NOVA’s help desk and below is info on “the day” for next semester. In short, the first day of the session is Monday, January 12. Our day when we can get as stance is the preceding Friday, January 9!!!

From Nancy: Jan 9th is if you are in person at the college. Jan 11th is the day to do this online… the day before the session begins. A Sunday ON LINE.

From Peggy: On the two days to register one in-person and another online. If you’re not sure if online will work I suppose you should go the earlier in person day.

—–
Good morning Peggy,

Thank you for chatting with us today.

We tried again and were able to get into contact with Student Services in the Alexandria campus. They informed us that Senior Citizens will be able to register at the campus the Friday before the session begins (January 9, 2015). If you would like to contact them, Alexandria Student Services office is open Monday – Thursday 8:30am-7:30pm, and Friday 11:00am – 5:00pm. You must arrive 45 mins. prior to closing time. Their phone number is 703.933.5073 and they are located in AA 194.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the College Call Center during the hours listed below. Thank you and have a great day!


[E] Vowel

Friday, November 21st, 2014

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers – I have spoken many times about how to sing the unstressed [E] vowel. You may remember me saying “not eh and not uh, more like the French vowel in boeuf.” Here is a perfect example: Silent Noon sung by John Shirley Quirk. Listen at 3:25 when he sings”when two-fold silEnce was the song.”

Enjoy-DrW

PS- John Shirley Quirk, the great English baritone, gave premieres of several Britten operas. Beginning in 1991 he taught at Peabody, and for a time he lived in Fairlington. I once ran into him at Five Guys. He died on April 7 of this year.


Vocal Seminar Students

Friday, November 21st, 2014

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-

-This message is to all my Vocal Seminar students and those might want to join us.
-Miraculously, I am able to offer Vocal Seminar class again in the Spring (MUS 19801a, Sat 12:30-2:30 pm). It is one of my favorite course to teach. All I need now is lots of enrollments. Otherwise, they’ll shuffle me over to Basic Musicianship or some other class.
What is Vocal Seminar? you may ask. It’s a weekly opportunity for you to perform songs with a spectacular pianist (Chris Hagan) and receive instruction in vocal technique, style, diction, etc from me.
It is a very fun and rewarding class.
-Before Vocal Seminar you should take Class Voice (MUS 131, Mon/Tues 6:00-7:15 pm). There you will gain the solid vocal technique and musicianship skills you will need in Vocal Seminar. Also, lots of fun – ask around. Worth repeating if you took it before.
-The more choristers we can get into these classes, the better our chorus will sound.

See you tomorrow at 11:00 am.
Yours-DrW

PS – There will be a Voice Recital on Saturday, December 6, at 3:00 pm. Singers from my Vocal Seminar will sing. Come hear them.

PS- It would be great if some of my seniors could register as paying students. Otherwise I fear they might cancel us or reassign me before senior registration begins.

Also- 2 choristers, Tom Munger (bass) and Marty Maher (soprano), are in my Friday morning Music Appreciation (MUS12005a) class. This class has been redesigned to be be a world music course and I think this first semester has been really interesting. Check with them and see if they agree. We have had some fascinating and lively discussions.


Weekend Rehearsals

Thursday, November 20th, 2014

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-

Please don’t miss our
Saturday 11:00 am rehearsal at NOVA
or our
Sunday 5:30 pm rehearsal at Convergence

On Saturday I will have CDs of our October Mozart Concert. $10 cash or check payable to NVCC Foundation.

Yours-DrW


Twelfth Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, November 18th, 2014

From Dr. Whitmire:
Welcome to our 12th rehearsal of Fall 2014!

Please sign in.

This Saturday November 22 is a full SATB rehearsal at 11:00 am . Please plan to attend. This is our last Saturday rehearsal of the semester.

This Sunday November 23 is our 5:30 pm Dress Rehearsal with orchestra at Convergence (1801 N. Quaker Lane). Please note time change.

Tickets are here. See your Section Leader. Please sell your five tickets. We are selling them for $10–half off! Cash or checks made to WMPA.

Registration for Spring 2015 has begun. Please register for MUS 137 Chorus as soon as you are able.

Here are my other classes. I would love to see you in one or more of them. Please tell you friends about them, too.
Mus 131 Class Voice – learn to how to be the best singer you can be
Mus 121 Music Appreciation – learn about music from all over the world
Mus 163 Beginning Guitar – have fun learning to play guitar
Mus 164 Intermediate Guitar – have more fun learning to play guitar
Mus 198 Vocal Seminar – learn how to improve your solo singing


Help needed at Convergence this Sunday!

Monday, November 17th, 2014

Forwarded from Dr. Whitmire:

Dear Musicians and Singers;
To make room for our upcoming concerts at Convergence, we need to move the two large pews at Convergence. We will be able to do this on Sunday Nov 23rd. at 3:45pm and we need lots of help to move these large pews.

Please visit the sign up below if you can help. Please feel free to bring family and friends, but strong backs are a must – we don’t want anyone hurting themselves!

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a48a8a822a6f85-help


Eleventh Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, November 11th, 2014

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 11th rehearsal of Fall 2014!

Please sign in.

Next Tuesday is our last rehearsal before our November 23 Dress Rehearsal with orchestra.

Thanks to the fine group of men who came in on Saturday at 11:00 am. This coming Saturday I will see WOMEN.

The following Saturday November 22 is a full SATB rehearsal. Please plan to attend.

Registration for Spring 2015 has begun. Please register for MUS 137 Chorus assoon as you are able.

Here are my other classes. I would love to see you in one or more of them. Please tell you friends about them, too.
Mus 131 Class Voice – learn to how to be the best singer you can be
Mus 121 Music Appreciation – learn about music from all over the world
Mus 163 Beginning Guitar – have fun learning to play guitar
Mus 164 Intermediate Guitar – have more fun learning to play guitar
Mus 198 Vocal Seminar – learn how to improve your solo singing

Tomorrow night our friend John Kocur and his Jazz groups will be at the Carlysle Club. Come out and support music at NOVA:
Date: Wednesday, 12 November 2014
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Carlyle Club; 411 John Carlyle Street; Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 548-8899


Facebook Event Postings

Tuesday, November 11th, 2014

From Admin (also listed on the Performances section):
Sun 12/7 – http://www.facebook.com/events/1562885437281504/
Tue 12/9 – http://www.facebook.com/events/1480067238884794/
Sat 12/13 – http://www.facebook.com/events/1489177968023230/


Learn Guitar

Sunday, November 9th, 2014

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- I need your help spreading the word about my upcoming classes, starting with this one. Flyer attached (.pdf). Thanks-DrW


Flyer

Sunday, November 9th, 2014

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- Attached is a flyer for our upcoming concerts with the WMPO.
Yours-DrW

Click image for Flyer PDF


Late Fall Schedule

Tuesday, November 4th, 2014

From Dr. Whitmire:
Dear Singers- Here is our late Fall Schedule. See you tonight.
Yours-DrW

Sunday, 11/23/14, 5:00 pm
Dress Rehearsal 1 with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic
Convergence (1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria)

Sunday, 11/30/14, 5:00 pm
Dress Rehearsal 2 with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic
Convergence (1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria)

Tuesday, 12/02/14, 7:30 pm
Dress Rehearsal
Schlesinger?

Sunday, 12/07/14, 3:00 pm concert; 2:00 pm call
Concert 1 with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic
Convergence (1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria)
Olson: Peace to the World
Vaughan Williams: Five Mystical Songs
Holst: Christmas Day

Tues 12/9/14, 7:30 pm; 6:30 pm call
Chorus/Band/Jazz Band Concert
Schlesinger
Mozart: Dixit, Laudate Pueri
Olson: Peace to the World
Vaughan Williams: Rise heart, Let all the world
Christmas Day

Saturday, 12/13/14, 3:00 pm; 2:00 pm call
Concert 2 with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic
Church of the Epiphany
Olson: Peace to the World
Vaughan Williams: Five Mystical Songs
Holst: Christmas Day


Music Comments From Dr. Whitmire

Saturday, November 1st, 2014

From Chorister Ellie:
Five Mystical Songs:

p. 6, no break between first and second notes, first measure last staff between spirit and bear.

p.8: Top staff, last note, turn into a dotted quarter instead of a half note, and an eighth rest and breath.

No. 5, Antiphon: “Seeeng” not “sihng”. “Let All the World” is marcato, “My God And King” has real gaps between the words. We worked on the crescendos, from pppp to ff in eleven beats if you count 1&2&3&. This happens a lot.
p. 13, first measure: we are observing the 16th note, e-ve-ry, unlike “ev’ry” on the first page.

p. 14, 4 after J, short note because the tempo picks up.
p. 15, at L, strong consonants to end GoD anD King.
p. 15, last staff, first measure: BIG breath after corner sing.

​​
Christmas Day:

The text has been changed back to Christian MEN.
All women may sing this also line. p 1.
Pronounce it Chrih sTien (no SH sound)
Sing it in two-bar phrases, legato, no flopping, no break (for example) after “Rejoice” in measure 30, or after “”bow” in measure 37.
p. 5, unison meldoy, very legato
p. 10, all women may sing the soprano line. Altos go back to our own line on p. 11. Watch those two-bar phrases.
p. 16: is RAY el, not Is RAH el.

Peace to the World
Pronounce it HA nuh KA (not noo)
Sim is “SEEM”
p. 4, top staff, big breath after the last measure “la im”
p. 14 nes gadol is NAYS gadol