Posts Tagged ‘dr. whitmire’

Seating for May 1

Tuesday, April 28th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-

Tonight
I look forward to seeing you tonight at 7:30 pm in Schlesinger. When you arrive, go ahead and take your seat according to this chart (see PDF). As much as possible, sit next whoever you are accustomed to seating with. We can fine tune the seating as we go.

Friday
The call is 6:00 pm. We will rehearse for 30 minutes on stage in Schlesinger.

Music
At the end of the concert there will be a box back stage for those who would like to donate their music to the Chorus Library. Rather that letting it clutter your house, let us store it for you.

Picnic
Please don’t miss The Annual Chorus Picnic on Saturday May 9 2-6 pm at the home of Fred and Judy Wulff (6551 Columbia Pike, Annandale)

Thanks
Thanks to all who attend the awards ceremony yesterday. I am honored to receive the Jean Netherton Award but there is no honor the college could give that means as much to me as your support and friendship.

Yours
-DrW

cc- Chamber Choir for #2


Thirteenth Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, April 21st, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 13th rehearsal of Spring 2015! Please sign in.

Tonight 4/21 is our final regular rehearsal for our May 1 concert
7:30- 9:10 pm ALL
9:10-9:25 pm Women
9:25-9:50 pm Chamber Choir
Soprano – Terri Lagoe, Judith Robb, Jennifer Weger, Elaine Cassel, Margaret Harrison ,Michelle Lewis
Alto – Elizabeth Bull, Melanie Casey, Deborah Peetz, Jane Roningen, Kaylee Shuey, Carol Uri
Tenor – Estee Herndon, Kristopher Kouzougian, Francisco Robles, Larry Goldschmidt, Jimy Portocarrero, James Schader
Bass – Tom Munger, Pete VandenBosch, Richard Fonda, Ray Lombardi, Matthew Relton, David Shilton

This Saturday 4/25 is a full SATB rehearsal with the woodwind quintet. Please don’t be absent.

Next Tuesday, 4/28 is our 7:30 pm Dress Rehearsal in Schlesinger. Please don’t be absent.

Still I Rise soloists – Kaylee Shuey and Joy Covington

Please don’t miss
The Annual Chorus Picnic
Saturday May 9 2-6 pm at the home of Fred and Judy Wulff
6551 Columbia Pike, Annandale


Chamber Choir

Saturday, April 18th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: The Settling Years–#2 Chamber Choir

Thanks to all who auditioned, especially altos, who were so well-prepared that I would like to have included you all, but decided on 6 to a part.
I look forward to seeing women today at 11 am.


Twelfth Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, April 14th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire:
Welcome to our 12th rehearsal of Spring 2015! Please sign in.

Your performance on Sunday was absolutely amazing. Each of our 8 movements was far and away the best rendition we ever produced. Your sound and musicianship were superb. There were countless examples of your accomplishments, but none greater than No. 6 Agnus Dei. Wow!

If you were absent on Sunday, please see me tonight. If we have previously discussed you unavoidable absence, please remind me.

Tonight 4/14 we continue rehearsing for our May 1 concert (The Settling Years, I will be earth, Still I rise [women]). After tonight we have only 1 rehearsal before our April 28 Dress Rehearsal in Schlesinger. Please don’t be absent. Tonight we continue auditions for The Settling Years No. 2 and the Still I Rise solos.

Please turn any remaining ticket money.

This Saturday 4/18 will be Women’s rehearsal.

Please don’t miss
The Annual Chorus Picnic
Saturday May 9 2-6 pm at the home of Fred and Judy Wulff

Concert
Friday 5/1/15, 7:30 pm
Schlesinger

Saturdays
April 18 women
April 25 all

SING WELL


Recital

Monday, April 13th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Lika Bozhich, voice major and former member of the chorus, will give here graduation recital this Friday at 7:30 pm in Tyler AT130. The recital will feature music by Arne, Paisiello, Ciampi, Mozart, Schumann, Dargomyzhsky, Tchaikovsky and Faurè.

Please come support this wonderful young soprano.
Yours-DrW


Wow!

Monday, April 13th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-

Your performance yesterday was absolutely amazing. Each of our 8 movements was far and away the best rendition we ever produced. Your sound and musicianship were superb. There were countless examples of your accomplishments, but none greater than No. 6 Agnus Dei. Wow!

Now on to our May 1 program. We have only 2 rehearsals before our April 28 Dress Rehearsal in Schlesinger. Please don’t miss either. Tomorrow we continue auditions for The Settling Year No. 2 and the Still I Rise solos.

See you then.
Yours-DrW


Eleventh Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, April 7th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 11th rehearsal of Spring 2015! Please sign in.

Tonight 4/7 we will begin rehearsing in earnest for our May concert (The Settling Years, I will be earth, Still I rise [women]). I will still leave time for at the second half of the Requiem.

Please turn all remaining ticket money. Sell more tickets if you can. Our share of the expenses for this concert are almost $5000. The orchestra has expenses too. Sell your five or buy them and give them as gifts to your friends and family (Our tickets are $10; they are $20 at the door). Cash or checks made to WMPO.

This Saturday, 4/11 will be a full rehearsal. We have to get ready for the concert.
Please don’t miss it!

Concerts
This Sunday, 4/12/15, 3:00 pm, 2:00 pm call
Church of the Epiphany (1317 G St. NW Washington)

Friday 5/1/15, 7:30 pm
Schlesinger

Saturdays (Please note changes)
April 11 all
April 18 women
April 25 all

SING WELL -DRW


Tenth Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, March 31st, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire:
Welcome to our 10th rehearsal of Spring 2015! Please sign in.

Thanks for a great Concert on Sunday. The most obvious thing was the sheer beauty of thesound. Many people remarked about that. Yes, there was a big missed entrance and a few spots that we weren’t together, but the overall effect was very good and many passages were absolutely transcendent. On April 12 we will really nail it. Paul will be there.

Absent? If you missed Sunday’s Concert for any reason, please see me. It you had previously spoken to me of an unavoidable conflict, please remind me.

Tonight 3/31 we will begin rehearsing in earnest for our May concert (The Settling Years, I will be earth, Still I rise [women]). I will still leave time for at the second half of the Requiem.

Please sell tickets. Our share of the expenses for this concert are almost $5000. The orchestra has expenses too. Sell your five or buy them and give them as gifts to your friends and family (Our tickets are $10; they are $20 at the door). Cash orchecks made to WMPO.

No Rehearsal this Saturday. Enjoy the holiday weekend.
April 11 will be a full rehearsal. We have to get ready for the concert.

Concerts
Sunday, 4/12/15, 3:00 pm, 2:00 pm call
Church of the Epiphany (1317 G St. NW Washington)

Friday 5/1/15, 7:30 pm
Schlesinger

Saturdays (Please note changes)
April 4 no rehearsal
April 11 all
April 18 women
April 25 all

—–

NOVA Community Chorus
Calendar 2015-2016

2015
Tuesday, October 20 – 7:30 pm Dress Rehearsal, Schlesinger
Tuesday, October 27 – 7:30 pm Annual Chorus Benefit Concert, Schlesinger
Sunday, November 29 – 5:00 pm Dress Rehearsal with WMPO
Tuesday, December 1 – 7:30 pm Dress Rehearsal, Schlesinger
Saturday, December 5 – 3:00 pm Concert with WMPO (Masonic Memorial)
Sunday, December 6 – 3:00 pm Concert with WMPO (Epiphany)
Thursday, December 10 – 7:30 pm NVCC Holiday Concert, Schlesinger
Sunday, December 13 – VTS Sing-Along Messiah (optional)

2016
Tuesday, February 16 – Dress Rehearsal, Schlesinger
Tuesday, February 23 – Black History Month Celebration, Schlesinger
Sunday, April 3 – Dress Rehearsal with WMPO
Sunday, April 10 – Concert with WMPO (Epiphany)
Sunday, April 17 – Concert with WMPO (Masonic Memorial)
Tuesday, April 26 – Dress Rehearsal, Schlesinger
Friday, May 6 – NVCC Spring Concert, Schlesinger


Black History Month Celebration

Saturday, March 28th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Friends- Here is a Youtube link to this year’s Black History Month Celebration.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14VhZcUatHw
I hope you will take a moment to watch. I would love to get your ideas about how we can get even more of our campus (students and faculty) involved. Diversity is our strength at the Alexandria Campus, and this is a way to celebrate that diversity in a big way.
Yours-Mark


Requiem Preparation

Friday, March 27th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers –
-I need every singer to take time tomorrow to go through the entire Requiem and work out any problems you may have. Do the Same thing on Sunday morning. If everyone does this, it will make a huge difference in our performance.
-Please carpool when possible on Sunday. At the Masonic Temple, please save the near-the-building parking spaces for our patrons.
-I look forward to seeing WOMEN tomorrow at 11:00 am.
Yours-DrW


Ninth Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, March 24th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 9th rehearsal of Spring 2015! Please sign in.

Thanks for a great Dress Rehearsal on Sunday. I was very pleased by your musicianship and professionalism. I hope you could tell that this is going to be a beautiful concert.

Absent? If you missed Sunday’s Dress Rehearsal for any reason, please see me. It you had previously spoken to me of an unavoidable conflict, please remind me.

Tonight 3/24 we will rehearse all of the Requiem. Composer Paul Leavitt is planning to attend. We will also rehearse for our May concert (The Settling Years, I will be earth, Still I rise [women]) as time allows.

Rehearsal CDs for our May Concert are here ($5). All parts (SATB) are on the same CD.

Tickets are here. Please see your Section Leader. Sell your five or buy them and give them as gifts to your friends and family (Our tickets are $10; they are $20 at the door). Cash or checks made to WMPO. [Some tickets have the wrong dates. Rest assure that they will be honored.}

Sunday – Please be seated in the auditorium at 2:00 pm. At that time Matt, Francisco and Kaylee will arrange you on the risers–men center (tenors front) sopranos stage left, altos stage right. Ul will start and stop each movement. I am coming by train and will arrive just prior to start time.

Concerts
Sunday, 3/29/15, 3:00 pm Concert, 2:00 pm call
Gorge Washington Masonic Memorial (101 Callahan Dr. Alexandria)

Sunday, 4/12/15, 3:00 pm, 2:00 pm call
Church of the Epiphany (1317 G St. NW Washington)

Saturdays (Please note changes)
March 28 women
April 4 no rehearsal
April 11 men
April 18 women
April 25 all

SING WELL -DRW


Publicity

Monday, March 23rd, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Please publicize the following:

Dr. Mark Whitmire (AL) will conduct two upcoming performances with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Orchestra and NOVA Community Chorus. The concerts will include Requiem, a new work by Washington composer Paul Leavitt. The 60-piece orchestra and 80-voice chorus will be joined by four professional vocal soloists: Lisa Edwards Burrs (soprano), Grace Gori (mezzo-soprano), Patrick Cook (tenor), and Aurelius Gori (baritone). Cecelia Porter, contributing critic for The Washington Post wrote, “Paul Leavitt’s Requiem…should belong in every chorus’s repertoire…deeply expressive and skillfully written…steeped in rich contrapuntal texture…ethereal serenity.” Also on the program is the Cello Concerto of Samuel Barber with cellist Steven Framil. The performances are Sunday, March 29, at 3:00 p.m. at George Washington Masonic National Memorial (101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria) and Sunday, April 12, at 3:00 p.m. at Church of the Epiphany (1317 G Street NW, Washington, DC). Tickets at the door are $20. Half-price tickets are available for NVCC students and faculty by phoning 703-845-6097 or email mwhitmire@nvcc.edu.


Eighth Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, March 17th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 8th rehearsal of Spring 2015! Please sign in.

Thanks to all who rehearsed in sections last week during break. Special thanks to those who arranged and hosted the rehearsals.

Tonight 3/17 we will rehearse all of the Requiem. We will also rehearse for our May concert (The Settling Years, I will be earth, Still I rise [women]) as time allows.

This Saturday 3/21 at 11:00 we will have will be a full rehearsal here at NVCC. Please plan to attend.

This Sunday at 5:00 pm is our Dress Rehearsal with orchestra. The location has been changed. We will rehearse at Convergence (1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria).

A flyer is attached. Please spread the word!

Tickets are here. Please see your Section Leader. Sell your five or buy them and give them asgifts to your friends and family (Our tickets are $10; they are $20 at the door). Cash or checks made to WMPO.

Yours-DrW

Schedule

Sunday, 3/22/15, 5:00 pm Dress Rehearsal
Convergence (1801 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria)

Sunday, 3/29/15, 3:00 pm Concert, 2:00 pm call
Gorge Washington Masonic Memorial (101 Callahan Dr. Alexandria)

Sunday, 4/12/15, 3:00 pm, 2:00 pm call
Concert with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic
Church of the Epiphany (1317 G St. NW Washington)

Leavitt Requiem Scores
If you are receiving this message, but are no longer singing with us, please consider returning your Leavitt Requiem Score. You can donate it or I will pay you for it.
Everyone- If you have a Leavitt Requiem Score but have not paid for it, please do so. When I wrote a check for the scores, I was $80 short.

Click image for Flyer PDF


Rehearsals

Tuesday, March 10th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Thanks again to those folks who are hosting tonight’s section rehearsals and other rehearsals during the week. Please attend if at all possible. If not, meet with someone in your section this week to work on the Requiem.

Please work on the unaccompanied sections
I. mm 33-38
II. mm 53-58
V. mm 78-84
VI. the whole movement
Also work on XIII. mm 115-120. This was very difficult at my Sunday night rehearsal with the orchestra.

Please spread the word about the concert. Invite your friends. A flyer is attached. Tickets will be ready on 3/17.

Yours-DrW

Click image for Flyer PDF


Section Rehearsals

Thursday, March 5th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
-Thanks to all who are hosting section rehearsals during the coming week.
-Everyone, please try at attend your section rehearsal. If you can’t make it, arrange to meet with someone in your section to practice together at least once during the coming week.
– Please focus on 6. Agnus Dei. It is unaccompanied. The orchestra does not play at all.
-Women- I look forward to seeing you on Saturday at 11 am.

Your-DrW

Oh the weather outside is frightful,
but the Requiem is so delightful,
and since you’ve no place to go
learn your music more, more and more.


Seventh Rehearsal Preview

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 7th rehearsal of Spring 2015!

Please sign in.

Tonight 3/3 we will rehearse Requiem movements 6-9. We will also rehearse for our May concert (The Settling Years, I will be earth, Still I rise [women]).

Next Tuesday 3/10 there is no rehearsal due to Spring Break. But I trust that you will get together on your own and practice. It will be a big help. Brava! to Ellie and the altos who gathered at her house last night for a rehearsal.

Saturday 3/21 will be a full rehearsal at 11:00 am. Please plan to attend.

Get ready! After tonight we have only one regular Tuesday rehearsal (3/17) before our Sunday 3/22 dress rehearsal with orchestra.

Last Tuesday was amazing! I hope that you enjoyed our BHM Concert as much as I did. Your singing was spectacular. Moreover, the goodwill and wonderful spirit of love that you displayed was an inspiration to all.

Yours-DrW

Schedule

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

Sunday, 3/29/15, 3:00 pm Concert, 2:00 pm call
Gorge Washington Masonic Memorial (101 Callahan Dr. Alexandria)

Sunday, 4/12/15, 3:00 pm, 2:00 pm call
Concert with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic
Church of the Epiphany (1317 G St. NW Washington)


Sheet Music

Monday, March 2nd, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- The bookstore has ordered a 90 copies of three pieces. I have ordered 100 copies of the Requiem. (There are 85 of us). Hopefully everyone has all their music by now. If not here are links to order what you need. Please use next day delivery.
See you tomorrow. -DrW

Leavitt Requiem
http://www.paulleavittmusic.com/Requiem_scores.html

Still I rise (Powell) [women only]
http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/still-i-rise-sheet-music/5808963

I will be earth (Walker)
http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/i-will-be-earth-sheet-music/715625

The Settling Years (Larsen)
http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/the-settling-years-sheet-music/711140


Chorus Calibration

Monday, March 2nd, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- Let’ get calibrated. Including tomorrow, we have only we have only two regular Tuesday rehearsals before our 3/22 dress rehearsal with orchestra.
Likewise, we have only two Saturdays. Please note Sat. 3/21 will be a full rehearsal. Please plan to attend.

Tomorrow will will rehearse movements 6-9. See you then.

Tuesday Rehearsals
1. March 3
March 10 no rehearsal
2. March 17

11:00 am Saturday Rehearsals
1. March 7 women
March 14 no rehearsal
2. March 21 men full Rehearsal

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

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

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

Yours-DrW


Black History Month Celebration (dedicated to Dr. Joseph Windham)

Saturday, February 28th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Friends – Thanks to all who were able to attend our Black History Month Celebration last Tuesday. More than 150 students were involved in the event.
My special thanks to Jimmy and the faculty who participated: Elizabeth Bull, Christine Hagan, John Kocur, Maria Rynn, Agnes Malicka, Kate Al-Shamma, Angela Terry and NOVA Studio and who designed the poster and program, and Linda Vitello and her staff.
The celebration was dedicated to Dr. Joseph Windham. Joe’s wife Marilyn and their two children were present. Our dear friend Joe was certainly there is spirit.

Pictured: Lisa Edward Burrs, Soprano; Marilyn Windham; Mark Whitmire
Pictured: Lisa Edward Burrs, Soprano; Marilyn Windham; Mark Whitmire


Saturday

Friday, February 27th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Hello Singers- awesome job on Tuesday! What a night! I look forward to seeing MEN tomorrow at 11 am. Please bring your music for the May concert.
Yours-DrW


Dress Rehearsal

Saturday, February 21st, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Thanks for a fabulous rehearsal today. What a concert we are going to have! It is hard to know what will be the high point – there are so many contenders. Your singing was very compelling, and then there were the tappers, DeMarcus, and Alfred Street! And wait till you hear Lisa’s set. Please spread the word. Bring your friends and family. They will be so glad that you did.

Here is a group singing “Comin’ to town” from The Settling Years that we will be starting on March 3. These guys look pretty good…good eye contact
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-j90L30ZqE

But I like these guys. I’d like us to look (and sound) like them
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Abv3n9g2CkM

Do you agree? I think one of the keys is that they singing without music. So, let’s sing Great Day and In that great gettin up mornin without music. Tomorrow you’ll be snowbound, so spend the days singing your spirituals without music. You may have to doctor up and few spots, but you’ ll be suprised that you actually already know this music.

The call on Tuesday is 6:00 pm in the Choir Room. Please be on time so that we can put the final touches on this great program.

Yours-DrW


Rehearsal

Friday, February 20th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Friends-
-I look forward to seeing everyone at tomorrow’s 11:00 am rehearsal in Schlesinger. Please arrive early so that we can start promptly at 11:00 am.
-Upon arrival, take a copy of the program (.pdf attached) so that you will know the order. We’ll save our color programs for the audience.
-Musicians may take a seat on the stage: Choirs on the risers–Alfred Street stage left, NOVA Chorus stage right. Jazz Band in chairs downstage left. Dancers and actors may sit in the audience chairs.
-My goal is that we have a show that flows smoothly and that everyone feel totally comfortable with their performance.
Yours-DrW


Rehearsal

Monday, February 16th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Friends-
As you know, the weather looks bad for tomorrow night and it is a near certainty that the college will close. Therefore, I have moved our dress rehearsal to Saturday morning 2/21 at 11:00 am in Schlesinger Center. Please make every possible effort to be there (with all your participants). In the meanwhile, use your time to make sure you perform your role as well as you can.
Yours -DrW


Concert Program

Sunday, February 15th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
We are first on the program. We sing:

Great Day
Motherless child
In that great gettin’ up mornin

At the end of the program we sing Lift every voice.

The auditioned group sings Wake up, my soul just before Lift every voice.

I have attached the complete program (.pdf) for your perusal.

I need some folks to fold and staple programs. Let me know if you around campus Tomorrow or Tuesday and can help.

Spread the word! E-mail, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Telephone, Smoke-signals. We want to have a great crowd for a great program!

Yours-DrW

Click image for Flyer PDF


Concert Promotion

Friday, February 13th, 2015

From Dr. Whitmire: This year’s Black History Month Celebration (dedicated to the memory of our friend and teacher Dr. Joseph Windham) is on Tuesday, February 24, at 7:30 pm in Schlesinger. It will be an exciting and moving event, as you can see from the line-up of performers. I hope you are able to attend and bring your students.

Black History Month Celebration
Tuesday, February 24, 7:30 p.m.
Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, Alexandria

Dedicated to the Memory of our Friend and Teacher
Dr. Joe Windham

featuring music by

Joyce Garrett and the renowned
Choir of Alfred Street Baptist Church

NOVA Jazz Ensemble (John Kocur, Director)

NOVA Community Chorus (Dr. Mark Whitmire, Director)

Dr. Lisa Edwards Burrs, soprano

DEM Vocal Trio

The Metropolitan Youth Tap Ensemble

Prose readings by Maya Angelou
Read by NOVA Drama Students of Dr. Kate Al-Shamma

Art work by NOVA Studio (Angela Terry, supervisor)

No tickets are required. A donation is requested.

For more information: 703-845-6097; mwhitmire@nvcc.edu

Click image for Flyer PDF