Archive for the ‘Spring 2012’ Category

Fall 2012 Semester

Monday, July 16th, 2012

Regular NOVAConnect registration for all 2012 Fall semester sessions is under way. Classes begin on Wednesday, August 22. The first chorus rehearsal is on Tuesday, August 28.

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

For previous postings regarding Fall 2012, under Archives on the right-hand side of the page, click on “Fall 2012”

For archived Spring or Summer 2012 information, please see to the right-hand side of the page, also under Archives.

Reminder: 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 Guidance (includes concert dress guidelines)
Join the Chorus


Summer 2012

Monday, May 21st, 2012

For previous postings regarding Summer or Fall 2012, under Archives on the right-hand side of the page, click on “Summer 2012” or “Fall 2012”

For archived Fall 2011 or Spring 2012 information, please see to the right-hand side of the page, also under Archives.


Chorus Picnic

Friday, May 11th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Please don’t miss our Chorus Picnic tomorrow Saturday, May 12, at 3:00 pm at Barcroft Park. Barcroft Park is on Four-Mile Run between George Mason and Walter Reed. Park in the lot and take the footbridge over the creek. We are in the shelter near the playground and volleyball court. If you bring beer or wine, be very discreet, i.e. have a plastic up.

I will have CDs of Chichester Psalms, Jazz Mass and Songs of Sunset. $5 each. Cash or checks to NVCC foundation.
I will also have DVDS of Jazz Mass. $10 each. Cash or checks to NVCC foundation.

Yours- DrW


Chorus Picnic

Monday, May 7th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Please don’t miss our Chorus Picnic this Saturday, May 12, at 3:00 pm at Barcroft Park. Barcroft Park is on Four-Mile Run between George Mason and Walter Reed. Park in the lot and take the footbridge over the creek. We are in the shelter near the playground and volleyball court. A map is attached (.pdf). Bring meat for yourself and a side dish to share. If you bring beer or wine, be very discreet, i.e. have a plastic up. Please let me know if you are coming so we can make sure our ducks are in a row.

I will have CDs of Jazz Mass and Songs of Sunset. $5 each. Cash or checks to NVCC foundation.
I will also have DVDS of Jazz Mass. $10 each. Cash or checks to NVCC foundation.

Yours- DrW


Fourteenth Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, April 24th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 14th and final rehearsal of Spring 2012!  Please sign in.

This has been a great year. Chichester Psalms, Civil War, Liturgy of St. John, Jazz Mass, Songs of Sunset and now Bernstien Barber and Sondheim. We have really made music this year!

Next Fall will include Mozart’s Mass in C minor, Antiphonal choruses by Gabrielli and Monteverdi, and more. Dates will be announced soon.

Sponsor WMPO– For the past several years the chorus has been a benefactor of the Washington Philharmonic Orchestra. I hope we can support this most worthy organization again this year. If you would like to contribute, please bring you contribution this week. Make checks to NVCC Foundation and we will write a single check from us to the WMP.

Youtube – Our first performance of Songs of Sunset is on Youtube. Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDvI5rB1E_8

Photos – As you may have noticed, we had a professional photographer at the concert. His photos are available for viewing and purchase at http://stevebarryphoto.smugmug.com/

CDs
– I will have CDs of Chichester Psalms, Jazz Mass and Songs of Sunset next week. They will be only $5 each (cash or checks to NVCC Foundation).

The Spring Concert music files are posted at http://www.novachorus.org/music-files.  I have CDs for those who prefer ($5 – cash or checks to NVCC Foundation).

Order of Music for our April 26 concert
Sure On This Shining Night
Not While I’m Around
Send in the Clowns
Life Is Happiness Indeed
Make Our Garden Grow

This Thursday, April 26 – Spring Concert, 6:00 6:30 pm Call, 7:00 7:30 pm concert

Other calendar items

Friday, April 27

4:00 pm – Voice Master Class by Dr. Karen Murphy, Professor of Collaborative Piano at Mississippi State University; Singers: Michelle McHugh, Terri LaGoe,
Jon DeHart, Brandon Homayouni

7:30 pm – Voice Recital by Jonathan Price, tenor, Masters candidate at New England Conservatory (son of former NVCC faculty Kathy Price)

Saturday, April 28, 3:00 pm

Graduation Voice Recital by Stacy Dumas, soprano (former chorus member)

Saturday, May 5, 5:00 pm
Applied Voice Recital

Saturday, May 12, 3 pm
Annual Chorus Picnic at Barcroft Park

Sing Well-DrW


Performance Flyer

Tuesday, April 24th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-Several of you have requested a flier.

Here it is!
(.pdf)
See you soon.


Saturday Rehearsal

Saturday, April 21st, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire:  Dear Singers-
I look forward to seeing everyone at today’s important full rehearsal (satb) at 1:00 pm.
For the past several years the chorus has been a benefactor of the Washington Philharmonic Orchestra. I hope we can support this most worthy organization again this year. If you would like to contribute, please bring you contribution this week. Make checks to NVCC Foundation and  we will write a single check from us to the WMP.


Summer Sings

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

From Chorister Fred:  This might be the best year for the Summer Sings program at Western Presb. Church.
(.pdf Flier attached)

Sing THE four great requiems without a rehearsal. None! It’s a wonderful experience.
Be surrounded by hundreds of good singers who know each work at performance quality.
Professional soloists, and directors of the best known choruses in this area.

Carpool with a seasoned chorus member if you can, go early and park under the church.

Only $10 entrance fee and $2 for score rental if it is not already in your library.

June 5:   Faure’ Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine
June 12: Brahms Ein Deutsches Requiem (in German)
June 19: Verdi Requiem
June 26: Mozart Requiem

Details at:  www.newdominion.org/summersings.php


Master Class

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

From Chorister Mary:  Dear Chorus,
Dr. Karen Murphy from Mississippi State University will be conducting a master class on Friday, April 27, with selected music majors from NVCC.  I came across Dr. Murphy’s bio on-line and thought I’d share it with you.  You can find her bio at  http://www.music.msstate.edu/faculty/ .
Dr. Murphy is known as a “collaborative pianist”; this is a term about which you may not be familiar.  A collaborative pianist is not just a superb accompanist.  He or she is also knowledgeable about the vocal performance practice of all classical music styles (e.g., Baroque, Romantic) and is familiar with a wide range of classical vocal repertoire.  The collaborative pianist coaches the singer on interpretation and presentation of an aria, oratorio, or art song – not so much on the singer’s vocal production technique.  (As many of you know, for the latter, the singer works closely with his or her voice teacher to identify vocal issues and to improve technique.)
So, you might ask why you should attend the master class if you were not one of the four lucky souls selected by Dr. Whitmire to be coached next Friday afternoon.  First, because there is a lot to be learned from watching a master work with each of those students (a tenor, a baritone, and two sopranos), no matter what their voice type, repertoire, or skill level.  Second, because opportunities to observe master classes taught by guest artists don’t come along that often.  And third, because the master class is free.  😉
The master class starts at 4:00.  Later that evening, at 7:30, you can enjoy Dr. Murphy’s skillful accompanying in Jonathan Price’s recital.  (Also free! )
Lastly, a reception will be held immediately after the recital.  You guessed it — free.   😉  (As Fred Wulff would say, “Wow.”)


Photo Discount

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

From Chorister Mary: Dear Chorus, in case you would be interested in ordering pictures of the Songs of Sunset concert at the Church of the Epiphany, here is a discount coupon.

There is a 15% off coupon available on the stevebarryphoto.smugmug.com website. Available for the first 20 people who use it.  Use the code 15OFFx20


Song of Sunset Performance

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire:  Hello Dr. Templin, Dr. Maphumulo, Dr. McClellan and Dr. Matthews-
I recently conducted two performances of Songs of Sunset by Frederick Delius, performed by the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic and the NOVA Community Chorus (AL) with soloists Grace Gori and Aurelius Gori. The concert was given as a part of the international celebration of the 150th anniversary of the composer’s birth, and was featured in the Delius Society’s Journal, published in the UK. A professional photographer took this shot that I thought you might enjoy seeing. One of the performances can be seen on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDvI5rB1E_8
Sincerely,
Mark


Reminder

Saturday, April 14th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Reminder: men’s rehearsal today at 1:00 pm

Correction to my last message: Our April 26 Concert begins at 7:30 pm, 6:30 pm call (as printed on your schedule)


Reception

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

From Chorister Mary: Dear NOVA Chorus members,

Dr. Mark Whitmire has invited guest artists to perform at NOVA on Friday, April 27.  Dr. Karen Murphy of Mississippi State University will be conducting a master class whose participants include members of our chorus.  The master class is scheduled for 4:00 pm, while at 7:30 pm a voice recital will be given by Jonathan Price, a tenor originally from Virginia who is completing work for his masters from the New England Conservatory.  The master class and the recital are open to everyone, and you are encouraged to come and bring your friends.  We will want to cheer on our chorus mates, learn from the master class, and enjoy a performance by an up and coming young tenor who has already performed with regional and international opera houses.

(Jonathan’s surname may ring a bell.  Two years ago, about half the women in the chorus participated in a doctoral study by Kathy Kessler Price, a former professor at NOVA, on the topic of women’s vocal issues.  Last February Kathy presented the results of her study at NOVA, and shortly after received her doctorate in Vocal Pedagogy from Kansas State University.  Jonathan is Kathy’s son.  Dr. Price now teaches at Mississippi State University and is a colleague of Dr. Murphy.)

We will have a reception for our guest artists immediately following Jonathan Price’s recital.  Carol Pellenberg, Pat Connors, and Mary Yee are coordinating the reception which will feature “finger foods”.   This message is a call for donations.  Below is a list (.pdf) of suggested food, drinks, and serving items.

Would you like to contribute to the reception? More information (.pdf)


Photos

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Photos – As you may have noticed, we had a professional photographer at the concert. His photos are available for viewing and purchase at http://stevebarryphoto.smugmug.com/
They are beautiful.


Twelfth Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- Welcome to our 12th rehearsal of Spring 2012!. Please sign in.

Too many absences – This has been a great year. Let’s end strong. Don’t miss rehearsal.

Youtube – Our first performance of Songs of Sunset is on Youtube. Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDvI5rB1E_8

Photos – As you may have noticed, we had a professional photographer at the concert. He will have photos available soon.

CDs – I will have CDs of Chichester Psalms, Jazz Mass and Songs of Sunset next week. They will be only $5 each (cash or checks to NVCC Foundation).

Spring Concert music files are posted at http://www.novachorus.org/music-files.  I have CDs for those who prefer ($5 – cash or checks to NVCC Foundation).

Order of Music for our April 26 concert
Sure On This Shining Night
Not While I’m Around
Send in the Clowns
Life Is Happiness Indeed
Make Our Garden Grow

Thursday, April 26 – Spring Concert, 6:00 6:30 pm Call, 7:00 7:30 pm concert

Save the date– Our Annual Chorus Picnic will be Saturday, May 12, starting at 3 pm. We are planning to have it at Barcroft Park on four Mile Run, just minutes from NVCC. (We’re not having it at the Wulff’s this year so that Fred can rest and get well.) More details to follow.

Other calendar items

Friday, April 27
4:00 pm – Voice Master Class by Dr. Karen Murphy, Professor of Collaborative Piano at Mississippi State University; Singers: Michelle McHugh, Terri LaGoe, Jon DeHart, Brandon Homayouni
7:30 pm – Voice Recital by Jonathan Price, tenor, Masters candidate at New England Conservatory (son of former NVCC faculty Kathy Price)

Saturday, April 28, 3:00 pm
Graduation Voice Recital by Stacy Dumas, soprano (former chorus member)

Sing Well-DrW


Songs of Sunset

Monday, April 9th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire:  Check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDvI5rB1E_8
Yours-DrW

—–

[April 7, 2012] An amateur recording of the March 31 performance is posted on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDvI5rB1E_8


Women’s Rehearsal

Saturday, April 7th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Reminder: women’s rehearsal today at 1 pm


Performance Recording

Thursday, April 5th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Here is a the finale of Songs of Sunset (.mp3) from Sunday afternoon. We will have CDs available.
Yours-DrW


Eleventh Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 11th rehearsal of Spring 2012! Please sign in.

Thanks for your magnificent singing on Saturday and Sunday. You really captured the warmth and longing of the music. Moreover, thanks for keeping faith while we brought to life a piece of music that is not easily accessible. It could not have been more rewarding for me—I hope the same for you.

If you missed the either concert for any reason, please contact me immediately. If you have already spoken to me about your absence, please remind me.

Tickets– Be sure to turn is your checks and cash or tickets to your section leader. Basses, you may give any outstanding checks and cash or tickets tom me as Ray will be out tomorrow night.

The Spring Concert music files are now posted at http://www.novachorus.org/music-files. Hurray Kate.

I have CDs for those who prefer ($5 – cash or checks to NVCC Foundation).

Please bring your music for our April 26 concert.
Make Our Garden Grow
Life Is Happiness Indeed
Not While I’m Around
Send in the Clowns
Sure On This Shining Night

Late Spring 2012 Schedule
Thursday, April 26, 7:30 pm Band/Chorus Spring Concert, Schlesinger Center
Other Calendar items
Friday, April 27
4:00 pm – Voice Master Class by Dr. Karen Murphy, Professor of Collaborative Piano at Mississippi State University; Singers: Michelle McHugh, Terri LaGoe, Jon DeHart, Brandon Homayouni
7:30 pm – Voice Recital by Jonathan Price, tenor, Masters candidate at New England Conservatory (son of former NVCC faculty Kathy Price)


Donate Music

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

From. Dr. Whitmire: Dear singers- If you would be willing to donate of loan a copy of Chichester Psalms or the Rutter Gloria, please bring the music tomorrow night.
Thanks. -DrW


After Concert

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-

Thanks for your magnificent singing yesterday. You really captured the warmth and longing of the music. Moreover, thanks for keeping faith while we brought to life a piece of music that is not easily accessible. It could not have been more rewarding for me—I hope the same for you.

Be sure to turn is your checks and cash or tickets to your section leader. Basses, you may give any outstanding checks and cash or tickets tom me as Ray will be out tomorrow night.

The Spring Concert music files are now posted at http://www.novachorus.org/music-files. Hurray Kate.
I will bring more CDs for those who prefer ($5).

Yours-DrW


Practice

Friday, March 30th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Please find a couple of hours between now and 2:00 pm tomorrow to practice Songs of Sunset. It will make all the difference.
Tomorrow I will give Kate the rehearsal tracks for our 04-26-12 concert and she will post them at novachorus.org/music-files. I will bring CDs tomorrow for those of you who prefer CDs. $5 cash or check to NVCC Foundation.
Yours-DrW


Summer Class

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: SINGERS
PLEASE NOTE THIS SUMMER CLASS

If you are a singer who would like to improve your performing skills, register for my Vocal Repertoire.

MUS 198  |  Seminar And Project Vocal Repertoire  |  1.00 cr  |  Six Week – First
11299  |  040A  |  T 7:30PM – 9:55PM  |  AT-0130  |  Alexandria  |  Whitmire, Mark A

Topics will include vocal technique, musical style, and expression.

The course will include one individual 25-minute coaching session with Dr. Whitmire to be arranged before and after the class meeting time.

Class will meet May 15, May 22, May 29, June 5, June 12, June 19
The course will be limited to twelve students.
Christine Hagan will be the accompanist.
If you have any questions, contact
Dr. Mark Whitmire
703-845-6097 or mwhitmire@nvcc.edu


Tenth Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 10th rehearsal of Spring 2012! Please sign in.

Thanks for a great Dress Rehearsal on Sunday night. I hope you enjoyed the opportunity to hear our excellent soloists, Grace and Rex Gori.

If you missed the Dress Rehearsal for any reason, please contact me immediately. If you have already spoken to me about your absence, please remind me.

Thanks also for your patience and professionalism in dealing with the crowdedness. At our Saturday concert at Church of the Epiphany there will be much more room, since we will bring the sopranos and altos around the sides of the stage. At our Sunday concert at Bishop Ireton. I would like to have the first six sopranos go beyond the riser and stand on the floor. Likewise we’ll have six altos stand on the floor next to the risers. The timpani will move over.

Tickets for Songs of Sunset are here. See your Section Leader. I hope that each singer will sell five tickets. You might consider buying them and giving them to friends. Our tickets are half the price at the door.

Please bring your music for our April 26 concert.
Make Our Garden Grow
Life Is Happiness Indeed

Not While I’m Around (not the same version as in years past)
Send in the Clowns (not the same version as in years past)
Sure On This Shining Night
We will not sing Under the Greenwood Tree. Hold on to it and I will try to program it for a future concert.

Late Spring 2012 Schedule
Saturday, March 31, 2:00 pm Call; 3:00 pm Concert at Church of the Epiphany
Sunday, April 1, 2:00 pm Call; 3:00 pm Concert at Bishop Ireton HS
Thursday, April 26, 7:30 pm Band/Chorus Spring Concert, Schlesinger Center

Other Calendar item
Friday, April 27
4:00 pm – Voice Master Class by Dr. Karen Murphy, Professor of Collaborative Piano at Mississippi State University
7:30 pm – Voice Recital by Jonathan Price, tenor, Masters candidate at New England Conservatory (son of former NVCC faculty Kathy Price)


Performance Attire

Sunday, March 25th, 2012

[Reposting] Please review the concert performance attire guidelines as listed in the Performance Guidance (.pdf) document, always posted to the right.

Men’s Concert Dress
A tuxedo, white dress shirt or formal shirt with black bow tie, black shoes and socks. If you don’t own a tux and don’t wish to rent one, a black or dark blue suit is permitted in this chorus. You can often pick up used tuxedos at rental stores or secondhand locations.

Women’s Concert Dress
Dress Options
Floor length dresses or separates (top with floor length skirt or formal dress slacks)
Floor length means to the ankle/top of the shoe.

Color
Black matte finish

Neckline
Modest, unadorned “V” neckline. No ruffles, no flounces, no collar, no cleavage

Sleeves
Long sleeves or 3/4 sleeves

Footwear
Black shoes with black hosiery

Accessories
Jewelry should be unobtrusive–modest, not flashy.
[Purses should not be brought on stage. Options are to lock it in your car or in a room identified for such use at the performance venue. If you choose a skirt or slacks with pockets, you may be able to carry all you need there. If you are using a ring binder for your music, a pencil case clamped in with your music can hold keys, a comb and lipstick.]

The following are NOT be acceptable:
Slacks: Leggings, chinos, denim jeans, khaki-style, any pant that would expose the midriff
Fabrics: Velvet, satin/shiny fabrics, sheer/see-through fabrics like chiffon or lace, sequined fabrics, heavily patterned fabrics

Chorus members are encouraged to look at websites of vendors specializing in outfitting ensembles to get an idea of the overall look of formality we are trying to achieve. If you need to purchase garments to fit the profile, the following websites are just a few we looked at that have appropriate clothing choices. The profile is basic enough that you may be able to find “the right stuff” at a local department store. You may already own an outfit that fits the profile, or you may be able to borrow one from a friend or family member.
http://www.formalfashionsinc.com/
http://www.formalwear-outlet.com/