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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Maestra Chris reports that you had a good rehearsal last night. Thanks to all!
My day entailed 7 hours of rehearsal (no kidding) followed by a concert. I wish I had been at NOVA!
I look forward to seeing the MEN at 11:00 am on Saturday.
From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 8th rehearsal of Fall 2014!
Please sing in.
Once again, thanks for a spectacular concert last Tuesday. It was all I had hoped and more.
I am away conducting the All- County girls Choir in southern Virginia. Chris will be in charge. She will lead you through Five Mystical Songs, Christmas Day, and A Song for Peace. There will be copies of A Song for Peace.
Thanks to the fine group of women who came in on Saturday. This coming Saturday I will see MEN.
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- As you may have heard, I am home today getting over a stomach bug. but I will definately be in tomorrow and hope see Women at 11:00 am and Vocal Seminar at 12:30 pm. See you then.
Yours-DrW
Chorus (Women)- 11:00 am – 12-15 p.m.
Vocal Seminar 12:30 pm- 2:30 pm
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Thanks for a great concert last night. You were amazing. Clear articulation, beautiful tone, great rhythm and lovely smiling faces. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Soloists- You were all outstanding. And how about Sean Ganous and Chris and David! Brilliant!
Permanent Schedule Change for Chorus and Vocal Seminar. I would like to move our Saturday schedule up and hour so that I can make a train home.
Chorus- 11:00 am – 12-15 p.m.
Vocal Seminar 12:30 pm- 2:30 pm
Your schedule says no rehearsal this Saturday. However, I would like to rehearse WOMEN this Saturday at 11:00 am. Come if you can. UL wants to do an additional piece so I’d like to get started.
I will be away next Tuesday conducting the Chesterfield All-County Women’s Chorus next Tuesday. Chris will be in charge. I know you will be on your best behavior. She’ll take you through Five Mystical Songs and Christmas Day. Be sure to have your music.
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers-
Tomorrow-I look forward to seeing everyone at 12 noon for our final rehearsal before our Tuesday concert. Try to sing through your music before then.
Please turn in ticket money to your Section Leader tomorrow. You can still sell more tickets though!
On Tuesday we will rehearse at 6:00 pm in Schlesinger. Please be in your place on the risers at that time.
Vocal Seminar Students- We will meet from 1:30-2:50 pm tomorrow. I have to catch a 3:25 pm train.
See you soon-DrW
From Dr. Whitmire: Here is a riser plan (.pdf) for our concert
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- On Tuesday we are rehearsing
1- piano concerto
2- violin concerto
3- Vespers
You may come at 7:30 and listen
Or wait and come at 8:00 pm.
Saturday was wonderful. Thanks. Tuesday we’ll have the full orchestra and it will be even more exciting.
Yours- DrW
From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 6th rehearsal of Fall 2014!
Tickets are here. Each singer should have has five tickets to sell (or buy and give to your friends and family).This is going to be a wonderful concert. Spread the word! Cash or checks made to NVCC Foundation. Please turn in your ticket money next Tuesday.
Spread the word about our concert. 99% of our audience will be the people you bring.
Don’t wait. Start now.
Solos in the Vespers. We’ll rehearse each of these tonight at the end of rehearsal.
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.
Section Leaders – please let me know who needs to audition due to absences.
This Saturday (10/4) we rehearse 3:00-4:15 pm. Please do not miss this rehearsal. It has been on your schedule since August.
Next Tuesday (10/7) we rehearse at 7:30 pm in Schlesinger. This rehearsal is mandatory. Do not miss this rehearsal.
Sing Well-DrW
From Dr. Whitmire: Hello Singers- I look forward to our rehearsal on Tuesday (8/26) at 7:30 pm. The following Saturday (8/30) we will begin Saturday chorus rehearsals (Alternating women-men) from 12 noon until 1:15. Saturday rehearsals are encouraged but not required.
Yours-DrW
From Dr. Whitmire: Hello Art and John- Please update all online calendars with the following information. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks-MW
NOVA Community Chorus Schedule Fall 2014- Spring 2015 (.pdf)
Tuesday, 10/14/14, 7:30 pm
Annual Chorus Benefit Concert
An all-Mozart program including
Concerto No. 10 for two pianos, K. 365/316a
Christine Hagan and David Hagan, pianists
Violin Concerto in G, K. 216 (Movement 1)
Sean Ganous, violin
Solemn Vespers of the Confessor, K339
Schlesinger Center
No tickets required, donations requested
Sunday, 12/07/14, 3:00 pm
Concert with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic
Vaughn Williams: Five Mystical Songs (Aurelius Gori, baritone)
Holst: Christmas Day
Convergence (1801 N Quaker Ln, Alexandria) http://ourconvergence.org/arts
For discount tickets call 703-845-6097 or email mwhitmire@nvcc.edu
Tuesday 12/9/14, 7:30 pm
Winter Concert with Chorus, Band and Jazz Band
Schlesinger Center
Holst: Christmas Day
No tickets required, donations requested
Saturday, 12/13/14, 2:00 pm call, 3:00 pm concert
Concert with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic
Vaughn Williams: Five Mystical Songs (Aurelius Gori, baritone)
Holst: Christmas Day
Church of the Epiphany (1317 G St. NW Washington DC)
For discount tickets call 703-845-6097 or email mwhitmire@nvcc.edu
Tuesday, 2/24, 7:30 pm
Black History Month Celebration
Guest Artists: Joyce Garrett and the Choir of Alfred Street Baptist Church
Schlesinger Center
No tickets required, donations requested
Sunday, 3/29, 3:00 pm
Concert with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic
Masonic Memorial (101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria)
Paul Mealor: Requiem
For discount tickets call 703-845-6097 or email mwhitmire@nvcc.edu
Saturday, 4/12, 3:00 pm
Concert with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic
Church of the Epiphany (1317 G St. NW Washington DC)
Paul Mealor: Requiem
For discount tickets call 703-845-6097 or email mwhitmire@nvcc.edu
Friday, 5/01 7:30pm
Spring Concert with Chorus, Band and Jazz Band
Choral Music by Women Composers
Schlesinger Center
No tickets required, donations requested
From Bass Section Leader Ray: I’ve just learned that the memorial service for James Schlesinger will be held at Schlesinger Center at approx. the same time as our rehearsal. Parking may be a problem. Might be a good idea to come early.
From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- Please pay close attention to the following information.
Course Evaluations
I have enjoyed having you in chorus this semester. It is very important that you complete an on-line course evaluation. Go to http://nveval.com. Do it right away as the evaluation period ends soon. Go to info@iotasolutions.com should you have any trouble.
New On-time Registration Policy
I would really like to have you in chorus and one of my other classes next semester. NOVA has a new On-time Registration Policy that requires all students to be registered by 11:59 pm on the day before the first class meeting. There will be no late-add period. Fall 2014 registration is already under way for continuing students, so register now. (It is not clear how this change affects seniors, but I am assured that the process has been improved.)
Chorus Schedule
–Today 4/26 – 3:00 pm Full Rehearsal in AT130
– This Tuesday 4/29 – 7:30 pm Dress Rehearsal in Schlesinger
-Saturday 5/3 – no rehearsal
-Tuesday 5/6 – 7:30 pm concert in Schlesinger (6:30 pm call)
-Saturday 5/10, 2-6 pm Chorus Picnic at the Wulff home
Other Upcoming MUSIC AT NOVA Events
Today, April 26: Instrumental Recital, Tyler 130, 7:00 pm
Thursday, May 1: Dr. Patrick Cook Voice Studio Class, Tyler 132: 6-8:30 pm. All are invited.
Saturday, May 3: Voice Recital; Tyler 130; 5:00 pm
Saturday, May 3: Chamber Ensembles Recital, Tyler 130; 7:30 pm
Monday, May 5: Beginning/Intermediate Guitar Recital, Tyler 130, 8:00 pm
From Dr. Whitmire: Welcome to our 12th rehearsal of Spring 2014! Please sign in.
Next semester preview
Five Mystical Songs (Vaughan Williams)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5JvpL6nyTc
Vespers of the Confessor (Mozart)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljLWf6IQe5Q
Schedule
-This Thurs., April 24 – 7:45 pm rehearsal w/ Band (Stomp Your Foot)
-This Saturday 4/26 – 3:00 pm Full Rehearsal in AT130
– Next Tuesday 4/29 – 7:30 pm Dress Rehearsal in Schlesinger
-Saturday 5/3 – no rehearsal
-Tuesday 5/6 – 7:30 pm concert in Schlesinger (6:30 pm call)
-Saturday 5/10, 2-6 pm Chorus Picnic at the Wulff home
Concert Order
The Road Not Taken
Come In
The Telephone
A Girl’s Garden
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Choose Something Like a Star
Sing Well