Some good news was shared this evening. Our accompanist, Carol Brookshier,
was with her daughter at the hospital, awaiting the birth of a grandchild. Alto Patty Buckhannon, Carol's sister, was
also absent due to this blessed occasion. We wish Carol's daughter a happy healthy delivery!
Roz announced that she will be attending the American Choral Directors Convention in Cincinnati this month. Have a
wonderful time, Roz, and bring back some great ideas for the Chorale!
On a sad note, Kathy Hedger's father-in-law passed away this week. Our thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends.
The group seemed better prepared this week. We covered a lot of ground. After warm-up, with Roz doing double duty as
accompanist and director, we started with "The Salley Gardens' Red, Red Rose." We concentrated on carrying breath energy,
vocal intensity, and pure vowels. On "Fly Away Medley," we practiced at performance tempo. NOTE: Altos are to split on
three-note chords, with the exception of Measure 98 to the end, where Altos are to sing the bottom note. For "How Great
Thou Art/Majesty," Roz added new rests and cutoffs, and addressed phrasing. We also worked on some "Singlish." NOTE: A
typo was corrected in Measure 85, where Altos are to sing an "F," not an "E." We reviewed "For America." At concert, this
will flow into "America The Beautiful," where we focused on the areas where quarter notes are followed by eighth rests.
Hit those notes and get off of them quickly! Next up was "Lost In The Fifties Tonight." We covered "Sh-Boom," "The Book
Of Love," and "Graduation Day." A quick run-through of "Dona Nobis Pacem" with Roz attempting to accompany/support our
parts on the piano was rough, though a valiant effort! We will do much better with Roz back up there on the podium next
week. We closed out rehearsal with the moving and powerful "Canticle Of Peace."
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Monday, 2/15/10 - our sixth practice. We had a good turnout this week,
especially with a 5-inch snowfall the day before. Thankfully, the roads were not too bad tonight. Roz announced that
soprano Mona took a fall and broke her elbow. Our prayers and good wishes for Mona's recovery. Feel free to send her
a card as she heals. Onnie announced that copies of "How Great Thou Art/Majesty" have arrived for those that still need
them.
We started rehearsal with an "ear warmup", ascending in a 5-note minor scale and descending in the major scale,
singing "Mo." Challenging and fun. After a shaky beginning on "Red River Valley," Roz stressed that we need to be
using our practice CDs more in between rehearsals. In addition to note work, we worked on phrasing, staggered breathing,
dynamics, energy level and "singlish."
We did a bit better on "Let There Be Jubilant Praise," working on rhythm and being ever mindful of those rests/cut-offs.
Next was the lively "The Rising Of The Moon," with Roz focusing on dynamics.
The balance of rehearsal was spent on "The Music Man." We worked from Page 8 to the end. Roz added more rests and
instructed us on tempo changes, phrasing and dynamics. We spent some time doing note work on the more complex barbershop
harmonies, and worked on smoothing the transitions between songs in the medley. And after a little needed persuasion
from Roz, we now have a few volunteers in each section to do the "clip-clop" sounds of hoofbeats for "The Wells Fargo
Wagon" section of the piece.
We finished up with "Slow Me Down, Lord," enjoying Ken H.'s solo. Have a good week, everyone!
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Monday, 2/1/10 - our fourth practice. Copies of "The Lord Bless You and
Keep You" were returned to Onnie, since it was replaced in the lineup by "Canticle Of Peace" last week. Roz read a
letter to the editor of the Belleville News-Democrat from someone who thoroughly enjoyed our Christmas Concert. What
a special treat that was to hear!
We warmed up with "God Be In My Head;" Roz emphasized concise consonant endings and the dynamics of the piece.
She reminded everyone to always be looking up from their music so we can follow her direction.
Next up was "Down To The River To Pray." The key point this week with this Appalachian style gospel tune was: Do not
sing through the rests! In addition to working on our initially "sloppy rests" and the rhythm, Roz also added instruction
on phrasing.
"The Music Man" was fun to sing (Pages 1-10) for the first time, with Roz adding some rests, phrasing, staggered
breathing tips, and assisting us with notes and rhythms. We will continue to work on this piece next week.
We sang a rousing "Happy Birthday" to our February celebrants, and concluded with Goodie Night, always a very popular
part of the process!
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Monday, 1/25/10 - our third practice. After opening announcements, we warmed
up with a new piece of music: "Canticle Of Peace," by Joseph M. Martin. This gentle yet powerful song was commissioned
by the Kirkwood United Methodist Church in memory of the victims of the Kirkwood, Missouri, City Hall shootings of
February 7, 2008. Note: This will take the place of "The Lord Bless You And Keep You," which will be removed from the
concert lineup. Roz will bring 10 practice CDs for "Canticle Of Praise" next week, for those who requested them.
We then worked on "The Rising Of The Moon" for the first time. This driving Irish folk song required attention to
rhythm and dynamics. Roz also gave us specific cut-off changes in various parts of the piece. We are to have a penny
whistle, a tambourine, and perhaps even a fiddle playing along with us on this one!
Continuing our steady work on "Dona Nobis Pacem," we made good progress and stopped at the bottom of Page 2. We will
continue this progressive approach on this song next week.
Next up was "Lost In The Fifties Tonight," with its short and crisp "doos", "doots" and "booms." Roz added some
cut-offs, phrasing, and reminded us that the word "baby" is to be sung as "bay-beh," not "bay-bee."
"Music Man" had some typos that were corrected by Roz, and then on to "Oh, Peter, Go Ring Dem Bells."
We sang this song right through for the first time, with Roz adding some rests and dynamics.
The rehearsal ended with Roz sharing an anecdote which I will call, "Oh, Roz, Stop Ringing Dem Chimes." Apparently,
while playing "1812 Overture" with the SAFB band, Roz was banging away at the chimes during one rehearsal, and failed
to notice that the band had stopped playing. Now that's passion!
We welcomed another tenor to our group tonight. Hooray!
President Sandy Sullivan informed us that we now have blank
notecards available with the Metro East Community Chorale logo on them. They were designed by David Klingel. Thank you,
David! Please see either Sandy or David for details.
Christmas Concert CDs remain available from Doug Cripe.
There are still some empty spaces on the Goodies Night sign-up lists for February 1st, March 1st, and April 5th.
Happy practicing!
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Monday, 1/18/10 - our second practice. Good solid rehearsal. We started work
on our opening piece for the concert, "Let There Be Jubilant Praise!", focusing on syncopation and note work. Next up was
"America, the Beautiful," with its gospel swing rhythms. We worked diligently on 6 phrases in this piece that lead with a
quarter note followed by an eighth rest. We got through the entire song and made good progress on those "hot" notes. Work
on "How Great Thou Art/Majesty" is postponed until all members have received their copies. We made some headway with
Bach's "Dona Nobis Pacem," on which questions regarding vocal tone and time signature/note value were addressed.
Roz mentioned two words regarding this piece: "Sonority" (resonance) and the beautiful "polyphony" (a texture consisting
of two or more independent melodic voices). We will carry this piece over to next week. We concluded the evening with a
run-through of "The Salley Gardens' Red, Red Rose," with Roz giving special attention to phrasing and vowel work on this
gently flowing Irish folk song.
Happy Birthday to all of our members with January birthdays! The Chorale serenaded them at last week's rehearsal.
Tonight we happily welcomed a new alto and soprano to our singing family.
Orders are still being taken for the Christmas Concert CD. They are created as each order is placed, so remember to add
your name to Doug Cripe's list. They are $5.00 each, and are beautifully mastered, thanks to Gene Hausmann and Doug.
Goodie Night is in two weeks (February 1.) President Sandy Sullivan has the sign-up sheet for members to bring snacks
for that evening.
Important Note: Solo Tryout information was posted by Roz. Please see "Our Schedule" for details. Happy practicing!
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Monday, 1/11/10, our first practice for the 2010 Spring Season - Happy
New Year, all! Nice to see everyone again. We had a lot to do and got right down to work (okay, after a little
cajoling by Roz.) Tenors had their sectional practice at 7:00. Old sheet music and practice CD's were traded in for
new ones. Thank you, Onnie!
Roz started us off by complimenting us on the Christmas concert. She loved our energy
level, among other things. I thought we did very well, too, but it's so nice to hear it from our esteemed director.
She also said that due to our performance, we now had a few new recruits. After welcoming them, we also applauded
our greatly-missed returning singers.
Roz then stated her goal for this Spring season. She wants to teach us
how to recognize what a pure vowel sound should be. To demonstrate, the first song we attempted was "Offertory." We
concentrated on elongating the vowels and clipping the consonants of certain words, as well as phrasing and staggered
breathing.
We sang through "Fly Away Medley", working on its various syncopated rhythms. A note from Roz: Even though
this song is "a tempo" on the practice CD's, we will need to follow Roz's tempo directions during actual practice. There
will also be solo auditions for this piece and another. Further details will be posted on the website under Our Schedule
soon. Roz led us through several cuts and transitions in "Lost In The Fifties Tonight." Section leaders, please make
sure these changes get communicated to those absent. We will be singing it soon! The various themes of "Dona Nobis
Pacem" were pointed out to us by Roz, and we practiced by everyone singing them in all of the four voice parts.
We wrapped up by singing straight through "Red River Valley," which flowingly blends into a beautiful version of "Down
In The Valley."
Goodie Night, provided by the Board, was enjoyed by all, and we thank them for all that they do.
Please note: Doug Cripe has the sign-up sheet for purchasing the Christmas Concert CD.
On a sad note, many of you may have heard that George Percivall, one of our tenors, passed away in his sleep over the
weekend. At the request of his family, the Chorale will be singing at his funeral tomorrow morning. A moving a cappella
version of "The Blessing Of Aaron" was rehearsed before adjourning for the evening.
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December 20, 2009 - Concert Sunday! We met 45 minutes before the 3:00 show
at the Shrine Church to warm up. The audience was so large the panels had to be removed from behind the north seating
area for more room. We sounded great! Hodie, our most difficult piece, seemed flawless, as were several others. Merry
Christmas, everybody!
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Monday, December 14, 2009. It's time for the show! We ran through all music; it's
sounding great. See the Schedule page for more info.
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November 23, 2009. Our fourteenth practice for the 2009 Christmas concert.
With a bad cold and a California trip I managed to miss three practices and couldn't seem to raise the energy to blog last
week. The chorale has a more polished and confident air than before. When we "are on the mark" we are more precise with
vowels, consonants, blending and timing and really sound great. But we're not yet always on the mark with some sections
lacking confidence. And the dynamics need more attention, as Roz pointed out. We have some time left to polish and refine all
those areas.
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Monday, 10/19/09, our nineth practice for the 2009 Christmas concert. We had
great attendance; Sandy mentioned we have 71 singers in all. She also reminded us of our $25 per season dues, which helps
cover the cost of music. The practice was intense and we made good progress on the songs practiced - Christmas on Broadway,
Rejoice Noel (twice), and Lullaby of Worship. Some behind the scenes humor near me: after Roz compliments us that standing
up to sing had just made us sound 30 years younger, one of the guys remarked "Hey, I was a boy soprano then!" I think his
math was off by at least another 30 years.
Ken Metze has again arranged dinner at the Shrine Restaurant following the Christmas Concert 12/20/09, $43.50 per couple.
Please let him know if you plan to attend (and pay!).
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Monday, 10/12/09, our eighth practice for the 2009 Christmas concert. We
had good attendance. We warmed up with Lullaby of Worship, then practiced intensely on Songs of Bethlehem, Celtic Noel and
Angel's Carol. So intense that a bass noted that they had never sung a certain passage correctly before tonight! The last three
are nearing concert quality!
We sang Happy Birthday again - maybe we need to get a better version of that song!
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Monday, 10/5/09, our seventh practice for the 2009 Christmas concert. We had good
attendance. We first practiced Songs of Bethlehem and bombed - Roz assigned further study on that one. The other songs went
much better - Rejoice, Noel!, Glory To The Newborn King, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and The Promise Is Near.
Roz remarked that the full choir's fortissimo reminded her of blasting away with a full pipe organ!
Sandy Sullivan thanked Roz, Carole and Ann for providing wonderful music for her son's wedding and shared with us that
the bride had the flu and had to excuse herself during the ceremony three times - covered well by the musicians. Those
unplanned surprises create the weddings you remember forever!
It was also "Goody Night" which, as always, was quite popular.
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Monday, 9/28/09, our sixth practice for the 2009 Christmas concert. We had good
attendance - just a few empty seats. We practiced Rejoice, Noel!, Hodie Christus Natus Est, and Christmas On Broadway. We
struggled here and there and Roz polished there and here - it felt like our most difficult practice so far. But my absence
the last two weeks no doubt contributed to that feeling.
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Monday, 9/21/09, our fifth practice for the 2009 Christmas concert. Our annual
golf group party caused two of us tenors and a bass to be absent; we'll be back next week.
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Monday, 9/14/09, our fourth practice for the 2009 Christmas concert. We have some folks out with injuries and illness,
so there were a few empty chairs this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all. We spent a lot of time on two
pieces tonight, working on Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas for the very first time (a beautiful piece arranged
by our own Roz), and doing vowel work, parts and phrasing on Angels' Carol. We just had enough time near the end of
rehearsal to do a cold run-through of Songs of Bethlehem. At the end of rehearsal, Roz showed us changes she has made
in Rejoice, Noel!, which will be practiced for the first time next week. See the "Our Schedule" page for details.
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Monday, 9/7/09, our third practice for the 2009 Christmas concert. 48 singers tonight -
not bad for Labor Day. We sang The Promise Is Near, Angels' Carol, and Lullaby of Worship prior to consuming goodies. OK, OK,
maybe we're not at concert-quality yet.
Pastor Doug also has a few CD's from last year's Christmas Concert for anyone interested. Still $5.
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Monday, 8/31/09, our second practice for the 2009 Christmas concert. Wow again - 59
singers arrived. We sang Winter Moon of Bethlehem, Guide Us to Your Perfect Light, and Hodie Christus Natus Est. All three
were nearing concert-level quality at the end.
Pastor Doug has CD's from the Spring Concert for $5 and will fill additional orders. Let There Be Peace On Earth from the
CD was placed on the web site 9/3/09.
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Monday, 8/24/09, our first practice for the 2009 Christmas concert. Wow - 58
singers showed, with about seven new members! Practice was short with new music handed out, old music collected (good
job Onnie!), and goodies (thanks to the providers!) devoured beginning at 9:00. We sang Glory to the Newborn King and
Away In A Manger and attempted The promise Is Near. It was a good start!
I can hardly wait to hear those practice CD's with John Rutter's choir! But I've got to find that 3-hole punch first.
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Monday, 5/18/09 - no practice tonight! We're off for the summer.
I thought the concert at Art on the Square went very well. We only had about half the choir, and the audience was about
the same in number, though changing as some came and others went.
Then I stayed to watch and listen to the group following us, "Raw Earth." They had three belly dancers, too! They danced
a few times with those big swords (scmitars) balanced on their heads. No bloodshed, thankfully. The band had up to five
drummers, a mandolin, a bass guitar, and two saxophones. Only one vocal - Gershwin's Summertime - really well done. Their
audience was about the same size as ours. I hope to see more of the music acts next year. The art was interesting, too.
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From Sandy Sullivan, 5/17/09: Dear MECC members,
Great job today singing at Art on the Square. For those of you who are not aware, our group received a $200 check as a donation for our performance today. We received a lot of free advertisement from the Art on the Square committee and absolutely provided some good wholesome entertainment for the crowd today.
Thanks to all who showed today! It was good to see you all again.
Tafra Perryman sent me an e mail saying someone left their music folder there today. She has it and lives near me, so I am picking it up this week. If it belongs to you, let me know. If it is not claimed by August, I will bring it to our first practice for the Christmas program.
Enjoy your summer!
Sandy Sullivan
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Monday, May 11, 2009, our only practice for the Art on the Square Concert this
coming Sunday (be there at 2:40 pm - songs are asterisked on the Schedule web page). First was a wonderful pizza party
with many goodies for dessert! Nothing like
singing on a full stomach.
During warmups Onnie shared a good tip for those over 50 to always point thumbs up when raising hands overhead. This
protects the shoulders' rotator cuffs.
Practice went quite well with only a few rough spots requiring a little work. It was a short practice.
Roz shared a sad personal note with us that explained her unusual melancholy. Roz, we all wish you Godspeed in
putting this behind you and much more happiness in the future.
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From Roz, Chorale Director, 4/30/09:
Everybody sang their little hearts out and I'm very proud of all of you.
Roz
From Sandy Sullivan, Chorale President, 4/29/09:
Dear Chorale Friends,
Congratulations on a fine job last Sunday. The comments from the audience were very positive and it was quite obvious that they were enjoying the familiar music as several people in the audience were spotted "singing along". Roz definitely chose some crowd pleasing songs.
You are now enjoying a much needed break, but don't get too comfortable. We have one more week off and then get together on May 11th at 6:30 in the rehearsal room for a thank you party of pizza and salad, desserts and drinks, all furnished by the MECC. Those performing at Art on the Square stay for rehearsal and the rest can go home after the party if they don't wish to stay. Please bring your music that night.
After Art on the Square you have the whole summer off. We will reconvene in August. Onnie will send out postcards to remind you of our start-up date. Please recruit new bodies for the Christmas concert. Our tenor and 2nd soprano numbers are pretty low, so keep an ear out for new people.
Our sunshine lady, Ruth Klingel had surgery this week. Patty Buckhannon has offered to send a card from the chorale, but it would really be nice if others from the group sent out special cards to her. (22 Windsor Dr., Belleville 62223)
THANKS AGAIN TO EVERYONE FOR THE GREAT PERFORMANCE!!!!
Sandy Sullivan
From "The Blogger" - Sunday, April 26, 3:00 pm - the Spring Concert at Zion Lutheran Church! (See the
new picture on the Home page, thanks to my wife Bonny, the photographer.) Attendance was good - my mass e-mail brought four
first-time audience members! Most of it went very well, a few things could have been better, as with most live performances.
On to the Pizza Party and the Art on the Square Concert!
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Saturday, April 25, at 8:30 am - our fourteenth and last practice for the Spring
Concert. This practice is always unusual but we have to get used to the new environment. Its nice to not set up the risers,
though the stair steps are a little too narrow. We did fit, but it will be slightly different tomorrow with everyone.
The acoustics seemed less alive than in our practice room, and will be even less with people in the room. The microphones
certainly helped the soloists and may be helping the choir more than we can tell.
As usual, perfecting the procession in and out was our biggest difficulty.
Remember to be in the Practice Room downstairs at 2:15 pm before the concert.
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Monday, April 20 - Our thirteenth practice for the 2009 Spring Concert. We practiced the more difficult pieces and
generally did well. If we can get our finger pointing right, WE'RE READY FOR THE CONCERT!
Don't forget the Saturday practice at Zion, 8:30 am. The next practice after the concert is Monday, May 11, after
the 6:30 pm Pizza Party, for the Art on the Square concert (sign up for that this Saturday).
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Monday, April 13 - Our twelvth practice for the 2009 Spring Concert. We practiced
our many rough spots on All Things Bright, God Be in My Head (dynamics), 3 Ravens (tempo), Good News (rhythm),
I Bought Me A Cat (dynamics), Rainbow (tenors and basses), and 60's Gals/Guys. We also practiced our choreography on the
60's music.
Post cards are now available to invite to the Spring Concert. (E-Mail works, too!)
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Monday, April 6, 2009 - Our eleventh practice for the 2009 Spring Concert. We ran through the entire concert, including
Joe's announcements, not stopping to fix the many rough spots. We have some work to do next week!
All four volunteers were accepted to be on the Board of Directors. Flyers for the Spring Concert are now available. And
it was "goody" night.
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Monday, March 30, 2009 - Our tenth practice for the 2009 Spring Concert. We ran through
the concert's second half - see the schedule page for the list. Seems like every song was half forgotten on the first try,
but sounded good on the second attempt. On the lighter side, we learned an Italian gesture, heard leg drums, saw that Roz
cannot simultaneously direct and play finger cymbals, and one song arranger was promoted to composer. It was a busy night!
We agreed pizza and salad night would be May 11 at 6:30 pm, followed by practice for the Art on the Square concert, all
in our usual practice room.
A new chorale roster is available - thanks, Onnie!
Risers, synthesizer and amplifier will not be needed at Zion Lutheran - hurray! (almost no setup!)
Anyone interested in being on the board of directors please contact Sandy. Elections for those three year terms will be soon.
A translation from a Google search for "Gone the Rainbow's" Gaelic "Shule Aroon" refrain:
Come, come, come O love,
Come quickly to me, softly move,
Come to the door and away we'll flee,
And safe forever may my darling be.
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Monday, March 23, 2009 - Our ninth practice for the 2009 Spring Concert. We
worked on the concert's first half (23.5 minutes): A Jubilant Song, All Things Bright, God In My Head, Three Ravens,
Every Time I Feel the Spirit, A-Ain't-a That Good News, Slow Me Down, Long Time Ago, I Bought Me A Cat, Gone The Rainbow,
and American Celebration. The first song was good the first try; all the others required a little rework.
The great whodunnit: which soprano was humming through the rest?
The group picture from the 2008 Christmas Concert was added to the web site's welcome page.
The song order is now on the Schedule page.
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Monday, March 16, 2009 - Our eighth practice for the 2009 Spring Concert. We
sang The Lord Bless You and Keep You, Every Time I Feel The Spirit, A-Aint-A That Good News, 60's Chicks and 60's Guys,
and Long Time Ago. Each needed some work. 60's Guys needed so much work we tenors and basses received remedial singing
after the usual practice.
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Monday, March 9, 2009 - Our seventh practice for the 2009 Spring Concert.
We sang God Be In My Head, Let There Be Peace On Earth, the Irving Berlin Medley, Gone The Rainbow, Bought Me A Cat,
The Lord Bless You and Keep You, and Seven Ravens. Work was needed here and there, but real progress is evident.
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Monday, March 2, 2009 - Our sixth practice for the 2009 Spring Concert.
We worked on God Be In My Head, Long Time Ago, The Lord Bless You And Keep You, Every Time I Feel The Spirit,
and A-Ain't A That Good News. Still some rough spots, but improving. Goody night, too.
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Monday, February 23, 2009 - Our fifth practice for the 2009 Spring Concert. Sorry
to say I had to miss due to medical issues, but I'm sure all had a good time!
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Monday, February 16, 2009 - Our fourth practice for the 2009 Spring Concert was ladies only!
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Monday, February 9, 2009 - Our third practice for the 2009 Spring Concert was
tenors and basses only. We worked most of the practice on 60/s Guys. The last half hour was devoted to Ain-a That Good News.
Both are difficult, but progress was noticeable.
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Monday, February 2, 2009 - Our second practice for the 2009 Spring Concert.
We weren't ready for "For America." We struggled through All Things Bright and the Irving Berlin medley. We did better
on Let There Be Peace, but it is easier. We need to work those practice CD's!
Happy Birthday, Carol!
Christmas Concert CD's are available for those who ordered them - $5.00.
We voted unaminously to trade in the old synthesizer for a new one, and speakers if necessary - we have the money.
And it was "Goody Night."
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Monday, January 26, 2009 - Mother Nature threw a snow storm at us and we
cancelled the rehearsal. Work with those practice CD's instead!
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Monday, January 19, 2009 - Our second practice for the 2009 Spring Concert.
We struggled through All Things Bright and Beautiful, 60's Chicks and Guys, and For America. Not all have their
practice CD's yet. Christmas Concert CD's are in production. Note the schedule change on that page - we'll get a one
week rest to allow focus on the 60's music.
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Monday, January 12, 2009 - Our first practice for the 2009 Spring Concert. After receiving our 2009 music and
returning last year's music, welcoming several new choir members, and some warmup, we started with the two songs we'll
sing this Sunday, Jubilant Song and Aaron's Blessing. We then struggled through Ain'-A That Good News and Every Time I
Hear the Spirit. Slow Me Down Lord sounded good. My attempt at arranging Gone the Rainbow (with help from Roz) sounded
good, too, though we had a few changes. And we received our practice CD's. All in all a good start for the new year.
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Sunday, December 21, 2008 - THE CONCERT - all went extremely well. It was nice to see our prior
Director Steve Wilson and many others in the audience.
I re-designed the web site to remove the old music lists from the "Welcome" page - let me know if
something doesn't work right!
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Saturday, December 20, 2008 - our "Dress Rehearsal" went well. The only song we sang completely was
"Hodie." The started each of the others and did some of the endings. And we practiced entering and leaving
the risers. We were done within an hour. Of course setting up and removing the risers was another half hour
on each end.
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Monday, December 15, 2008 - practice cancelled due to icy conditions and forecast. Practice from
the CD's several times to get ready for the dress rehearsal Saturday and concert Sunday.
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Monday, December 8, 2008, our seventeenth practice. We concentrated on some problem areas like Hodie (separate
the notes), Angels We Have Heard (Glaw-dee-ah), Ding Dong (shorten the "ah" in Gloria), Carol of the Little
King, Winter Wonderland (rhythym), With A Ring, Calypso Medley (rhythym), and Stille Nacht (German pronunciation).
"Star Carol" and "Love Came Down at Christmas" were scratched to shorten the program.
A new, official Chorale Picture will be taken at the Christmas Concert.
A new concert January 18th, 2:00 pm, at United Methodist Church on Belleville's East Main Street was proposed;
please let Sandy Sullivan know next Monday if you can sing at that concert.
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Monday, December 1, our sixteenth practice. We sang through the entire concert, standing, complete
with Joe wargo commentation. It went quite well, though we tenors missed an entrance in Hodie and struggled
with the Drummer Boy Bolero portion. Standing through an hour and fifteen minutes will be a challenge,
especially if it is warm on the risers. There may be more in chairs (or wishing they were) than usual.
The concert flyers are available and one was added to the web site. Post cards are also available.
The goodies were delicious-looking, but I cut way back due to too much Thanksgiving feasting last week.
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Monday, November 24, our fifteenth practice. Roz provided two very nice, professionally-done photos
of her and Carole for our web site - see their web pages! Also noted on the Schedule page are those songs
without verbal introductions.Practice of the second half of the songs went well, with enough time left
over to tackle Hodie. All is sounding better. I feel more comfortable with the music than ever as the
practice CD's have allowed more and better practice time. Most of my practice time is now a cappella to remove
all crutches.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Monday, November 17, our fourteenth practice. Practice ran through the first half songs. It went so
well we also did "Fruitcake" and listened to Take Six's versions of "Hark the Angels Sings" (very crisply
done) and "Little Drummer Boy" (we wouldn't have known what song it was!). You can now see the concert order
on the Web Site's Schedule page, and our Fruitcake recipe as well!
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Monday, November 10, our thirteenth practice. We got our 2008-2009 Picture Directory for only $1.00
- it really is nice and well done. The practice went fairly well; our entrances are getting stronger, but
the first time through a song is still a bit ragged. Next week we tackle the entire first half of the concert
(see the Schedule page for the list).
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Monday, November 3, our twelveth practice. Doug made a last call for pictures for the Picture Directory.
Practice went well; we broke at 9:00 for "goody" night. I ate too much as usual.
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Monday, October 27, our eleventh practice. It's no longer warm outside, but the trees are beautiful,
changing every day!
We started practice with "Hodie," and its sounding much better. A little "Angels We Have Heard On High"
carried us into our short break. We then worked on "Fruitcake," followed by the Calypso Medley, which seemed
to need a lot of work.
Doug finished the picture taking for the directory.
We will record "The Blessing of Aaron" next week.
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Monday, October 20, our tenth practice. It's still warm, but that will change the rest of this week.
We worked on "Love Came Down for Christmas" a lot, then "Angels We Have Heard On High," "Candlelight
Carol," "Carol of the Little King," and "The Little Drummer Boy." We closed with "Holiday Blessing." It
continues to sound better each week once we get the song reviewed and refreshed in our minds. The
practice CD's do seem to be have an impact beyond Don being upset over hearing Shirley's parts all the
way from Dayton, Ohio yesterday.
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Monday, October 13, our ninth practice. It's still warm! We worked on Star Carol, Angels We have Heard,
Ding Dong Merrily On High, Hodie, Go Tell It, and Drummer Boy. Though there are trouble spots yet, we're
starting to sing like we know the music.
Doug's picture-taking continued.
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Monday, October 6, our eighth practice. It's still warm outside - it can't last much longer! Attendance
was down a little from last week's high for unknown reasons.
Roz surely has a mighty whistle to call the practice to order! She said she learned that in junior high.
We worked on Christmas on Broadway - seems we mostly forgot it since it was last practiced - and Sleigh
Ride. I see a need to review all the songs on the practice CD weekly to keep the memory alive. We broke at
9:00 for "goody night" and I consumed too many delicious calories, as usual.
Pastor Doug Cripe is taking pictures of all members to compile a directory with pictures, to be sold to
members for $1.00 each to cover costs. That's a great idea!
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Monday, September 29, our seventh practice - my how time flies. The practice highlight
was Roz's birthday! A gentleman doesn't ask how many. Chocolate-on-chocolate cake and singing ensued.
Our most difficult piece, Hodie, was practiced with "ahs" instead of words. It eventually
sounded good, but finding your place, without words, if lost was impossible. The rest of the
practice went extremely well, and attendance was way up with the Cardinal baseball season's end.
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Monday, September 22, our sixth practice. A normal and good practice, though without
an accompanist. First up was Stille Nacht, trying to perfect the German, and also communicating
that Peace, Peace would be united with this work.
We worked a lot on Love Came Down at Christmas.
The men's parts on Drummer Boy was a lot more fun than I thought
singing a drum part would be. We closed with a little work on Christmas on Broadway.
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Monday, September 15, our fifth practice. A higher priority, our annual golf group party,
called for three of us male singers.
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Monday, September 8, our fourth practice. We tenors began our first sectional
practice by choosing "Hodie" as our subject matter. We were doing pretty well with the words.
Once we returned to "does" with the rest of the chorale we struggled. When everybody is
singing the same syllables its harder to keep your place.
Otherwise a very normal practice, with greater focus on detail than prior weeks. So the only
other song practiced was "Christmas on Broadway."
I got my practice CD - watch out now!
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Monday, September 1, 7:30 pm, our third practice. A very normal practice, except
attendance was a little low, perhaps 80%, due to the holiday. The basses had the first
sectional practice at 7:00 so the rest of us gawked when we arrived.
Our warmup breathing exercise was actually quite good: Straighten the spine and uplift
the chest so that the upper chest is sloped back. Then fill the lower chest with breath and
tighten the abdominal muscles for support.
Note the Director Web Page now features Rosalind rather than Steve Wilson. I wonder if she
still likes to travel.
The songs for this week's practice focus are now listed on the Schedule Web Page.
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Monday, August 25, 7:30 pm, our second practice for Christmas, was a fairly normal practice
working on "With A Ring and a Jingle and a Pop," "The Star Carol," "Ding Dong Merrily On High"
and "Holiday Blessing."
We got sad news that Steve Wilson's father passed away. Steve was our director for last season and
many seasons prior. About twelve of us volunteered to sing at the funeral Saturday, 8/30, and did
sing. Steve was able to cantor, amazingly. All was in New Baden . . . "You can't get lost in New Baden."
The decision to begin half-hour sectional practices before the regular 7:30 practicies was also
announced. We agreed there would be a Labor Day rehearsal, also.
Oops - guess I have to sign up for a practice CD!
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Monday August 18, 2008, 7:30 pm, our first practice for the Christmas concert. We had a great
showing with 54 singers, our Directer, Roz, and Accompanist, Carole. First order of business
was to exchange last season's music for this season's music - thanks Onnie for your
efficiency. But you could have told us it was in concert order BEFORE we had filed it into
our notebooks. Then purchase CD's of our last concert from Gene Houseman. Next find a place to
sit in our sections.
Our warmup included some stretching - thank God my back didn't go out! Then we
warmed up with a new trick of trying to sing notes we read from Roz's fingers. Most of us do
better from paper! We then worked through "Stille Nacht" and "The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy."
Roz promised us practice CD's next week which will have our separate parts then the entire
choir for each song. Wow - that's a lot of work! These should prove to be very helpful.
We broke up a little before 9 for "goodies" which were all too cholesterol-producing for me.
It all looked very good, though.
Now to rearrange that music one more time.
See the four new pictures from the Spring, 2008 Concert on the Photos page!
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