Week of April 11, 2016

GRCC HOME PRACTICE INSTRUCTIONS - 2015-2016 SEASON

Concert Choir April 16 Library Concert

Treble Choir Westover Hills Methodist Church Service April 17

and Rehearsals April 18-19 at Grace & Holy Trinity

Next performance for Cantare Choir - new music in bold -

ALL MUSIC MUST BE MEMORIZED FOR APRIL 18 MANDATORY REHEARSAL

Sunday, April 24, 4 p.m. German Tour Send-Off Concert - St. Michael's Episcopal Church 8706 Quaker Lane, Bon Air, 23235 - Cantare Choir

From Balcony:

Non Nobis Domine 1 min. - Cantare

Ich will den Herrn loben alle Zeit2 min - Pro Arte

Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern 3min - Cavalieri

Bach 80 no. 1 & 8 - 3 min. - Cantare

Bach 111 1st Coro5:30 min - Cantare

From Altar:

Pro Arte:

'Tis the Gift to Be Simple 1:30

Wade in the Water 1:40

Song of the Stars 4:15

Didn't It Rain 2min.

Cavalieri:

Regina Coeli- Aichinger 2 min.

Lord Don't Move 3:48

sam was a man 2:15

Amo Amas, I Love a Lass 2min.

Cantare:

A Prayer of Desmond Tutu - Oct. 17 - 2:20min                                                                                                                                    

Exhilaration Is the Breeze 2:25min

Living in a Holy City - Oct. 17 - 3:15 min.                                                                                                                                            

Plenty-A-Music 2:20 min.

Singen macht Spass 2 min

Blue Skies 2:15

Cavalieri Choir - Be prepared for April 18 Mandatory Rehearsal

MEMORIZE your part and words on these two new 3-part pieces:

Top: Wm & Josh, Middle: Owen & Shaandro, Bottom: Gavin & Mr. Pete

Regina Coeli - dotted half equals about 60 in 3/4 time and the half note equals 60 in cut time.

Amo, Amas, I Love a Lass - half note equals about 76. Note refrain repeats.

Pro Arte Choir - Be prepared for April 18 Mandatory Rehearsal

MEMORIZE your part and words on these two pieces.

'Tis the Gift to Be Simple - 4 part - Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Alto 1, Alto 2

Soprano 1 - Nina, Grace, Nyla, Dominique, Clara

Soprano 2 - Jyoti, Madeline R., Sharita, Tori-Anna, Madeleine W.

Alto 1 - Lauren, Kennedy, Danielle, Aidan, Naomi, Carson

Alto 2 - Dorcas, Amaya, Katherine, Jack, Chip

Didn't It Rain - This is a great song, but the part divisions are crazy!

Please read carefully and mark your score! Section leaders will check this on April 11.

Page 1 - All sing in unison

Page 2- Sopranos 1 and 2 sing melody in unison on the top line(see division above)

Alto 1 sing the top notes on the second line and Alto 2 sing the bottom notes on the second line

Page 3 - For "It rained forty days...." The following altos sing the second line melody:

Dorcas, Amaya, Katherine, Jack, Chip, Lauren, Kennedy

For 2-part division "Noah was glad" and "ooh" the following sopranos sing the top notes:

Clara, Dominique, Nyla, Grace, Nina, Madeleine W., Tori-Anna

And these mezzos sing the bottom notes of the top line:

Danielle, Aidan, Naomi, Carson, Jyoti, Madeline R., Sharita

For 3-part division on the 3rd system (still on page 3) with words, "Ooh, at my command!"

Top notes: Clara, Dominique, Grace, Madeleine W.

Middle notes: Nyla, Nina, Tori-Anna, Madeline R., Jyoti

Bottom notes: Danielle, Sharita, Carson, Naomi, Aidan

Page 4 (starting at pick-up note bottom 3 marked "Solo"

Dorcas and Amaya learn alto solo "Just listen...."

Tori-Anna and Dominique and Nyla learn top notes of Solo "ahs" on page 4

Aidan and Katherine and Jack learn bottom notes of Solo "ahs" on page 4 (Note that siblings have been chosen for the solo ahs, so you can practice together at home and be ready on April 4th.)

At repeat sign on page 4, all go back to the beginning until top of page 3 where verse 2. begins with the word "The" and skip to bottom of page 4 where it says "2nd time".

Page 4 bottom through top of Page 6:

Same division of parts and soloists on the 2nd verse as on the 1st verse!

Page 6 - All sing unison (sopranos top line and altos second line, but notes are the same)

Page 7 to first note top of page 8 - Use your Soprano - Mezzo - Alto division for this page:

Top line: Tori-Anna, Madeleine W., Nina, Grace, Nyla, Dominique, Clara

Middle line: Danielle, Aidan, Naomi, Carson, Jyoti, Madeline R., Sharita

Lower line:  Dorcas, Amaya, Katherine, Jack, Chip, Lauren, Kennedy

Page 8, 2nd note to the bottom of the page - Ignore top line! 

Sing in 4 part division as noted above: S1 top notes of middle line, S2 bottom notes of middle line, A1 top notes of lower line, A2 bottom notes of lower line.

Cantare Choir - Be prepared for April 18 Mandatory Rehearsal

MEMORIZE your parts and words on these two new songs:

Plenty-A-Music - SAB division - Pro Arte sing Soprano and Alto, Cavalieri sing Baritone

Singen macht Spass - Everyone learn the single line to sing in unison and in a round and Cavalieri also learn the bass-ostinato.

Next performance for Concert Choir - Have all music memorized. Readings do not need to be memorized.

Sat. April 16, 2:00 p.m.  Lyrics, Laughter & Learning!  Richmond Public Library Gellman Room Concert, 101 E. Franklin St. 23219 - Concert Choir

Mattaponi Song of Gratitude 3 min

Cherokee Morning Song 2 min

May God Be Merciful - Tallis' Canon - Psalm 67 Matthew Parker's Psalter 1561 - 2 min.11/24

Walking in the Air 4 min.

Evening Prayer - Humperdinck -3 min11/24

(A Zoo for You - piano solo by Léa)

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands 2:30 min

The No Laugh Race - 10 min. @

Old MacDonald Had a Farm - 2 min.

Sing! - 3 min.

MEMORIZE your part this week in: Old MacDonald & Sing!

Review We're Walking in the Air - Secure your part and be able to hold it.

Soprano: Colin, Sophie, Cameron, Faith, Noelle, Lillian, Kari

Altos (top notes when divided): Austyn, Lea, Nina, Kamirra

Altos (bottom notes when divided): Brock, Lauren, Wesley, Xander

May God Be Merciful to Us

Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 1: Faith, Kamirra, Nina, Noelle, Austyn

Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 2: Lauren, Wesley, Sophie, Lily, Léa, Kari

Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 3: Brock, Cameron, Colin, Xander

Review He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, Evening Prayer, Mattaponi Song

Concert Choir - April 18 Rehearsal

We will distribute and rehearse the rest of the music for the May 14 Henricus Park performances.

Review the rounds we handed out earlier.

Next performance for Treble Choir - Have anthems in bold below memorized. Do not memorize other hymns.

Sun. April 17, 11:00 a.m. Worship Service, Westover Hills United Methodist Church, 1705 Westover Hills Blvd.   - Treble Choir

(Bach and Tchaikovsky piano preludes played by Alina)

He's Got the Whole World in His Hand

Praise the Lord with Cheerful Noise Handel

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need 664

Shalom Aléchem

Hymns to be sung with music and congregation: Lamb of God 2113, Shepherd Me O God 2058,

The King of Love My Shepherd Is 138

(Scarlatti Sonata played by Mr. Pete)

Treble Choir - April 19 Rehearsal

We will begin rehearsing the Allan Blank songs we gave you two weeks ago.

YOU CAN STILL SEE THE CANTARE CHOIR MARCH 19TH CONCERT ON THE KENNEDY CENTER WEBSITE AT THIS LINK:

http://www.kennedy-center.org/video/index/M6694

Week of April 4, 2016

Rehearsals April 11-12 at Grace & Holy Trinity

and Concert Choir April 16 Library Concert

and Treble Choir Westover Hills Methodist Church Service April 17

YOU CAN STILL SEE THE CANTARE CHOIR MARCH 19TH CONCERT ON THE KENNEDY CENTER WEBSITE AT THIS LINK:

http://www.kennedy-center.org/video/index/M6694

Next performance for Cantare Choir - new music in bold

Sunday, April 24, 4 p.m. German Tour Send-Off Concert - St. Michael's Episcopal Church 8706 Quaker Lane, Bon Air, 23235 - Cantare Choir

From Balcony:

Non Nobis Domine 1 min. - Cantare

Ich will den Herrn loben alle Zeit  2 min - Pro Arte

Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern 3min - Cavalieri

Bach 80 no. 1 & 8 - 3 min. - Cantare

Bach 111 1st Coro5:30 min - Cantare

From Altar:

Pro Arte:

'Tis the Gift to Be Simple 1:30

Wade in the Water 1:40

Song of the Stars 4:15

Didn't It Rain 2min.

Cavalieri:

Regina Coeli- Aichinger 2 min.

Lord Don't Move 3:48

sam was a man 2:15

Amo Amas, I Love a Lass 2min.

Cantare:

A Prayer of Desmond Tutu - Oct. 17 - 2:20min                                                                                                                           

Exhilaration Is the Breeze 2:25min

Living in a Holy City - Oct. 17 - 3:15 min.                                                                                                                                    

Plenty-A-Music 2:20 min.

Singen macht Spass 2 min

Blue Skies 2:15

Cavalieri Choir - Be prepared for April 11 Rehearsal

MEMORIZE your part and words on these two new 3-part pieces:

Top: Wm & Josh, Middle: Owen & Shaandro, Bottom: Gavin & Mr. Pete

Regina Coeli - dotted half equals about 60 in 3/4 time and the half note equals 60 in cut time.

Amo, Amas, I Love a Lass - half note equals about 76. Note refrain repeats.

Pro Arte Choir - Be prepared for April 11 Rehearsal

MEMORIZE your part and words on these two pieces.

'Tis the Gift to Be Simple - 4 part - Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Alto 1, Alto 2

Soprano 1 - Nina, Grace, Nyla, Dominique, Clara

Soprano 2 - Jyoti, Madeline R., Sharita, Tori-Anna, Madeleine W.

Alto 1 - Lauren, Kennedy, Danielle, Aidan, Naomi, Carson

Alto 2 - Dorcas, Amaya, Katherine, Jack, Chip

Didn't It Rain - This is a great song, but the part divisions are crazy!

Please read carefully and mark your score! Section leaders will check this on April 11.

Page 1 - All sing in unison

Page 2- Sopranos 1 and 2 sing melody in unison on the top line(see division above)

Alto 1 sing the top notes on the second line and Alto 2 sing the bottom notes on the second line

Page 3 - For "It rained forty days...." The following altos sing the second line melody:

Dorcas, Amaya, Katherine, Jack, Chip, Lauren, Kennedy

For 2-part division "Noah was glad" and "ooh" the following sopranos sing the top notes:

Clara, Dominique, Nyla, Grace, Nina, Madeleine W., Tori-Anna

And these mezzos sing the bottom notes of the top line:

Danielle, Aidan, Naomi, Carson, Jyoti, Madeline R., Sharita

For 3-part division on the 3rd system (still on page 3) with words, "Ooh, at my command!"

Top notes: Clara, Dominique, Grace, Madeleine W.

Middle notes: Nyla, Nina, Tori-Anna, Madeline R., Jyoti

Bottom notes: Danielle, Sharita, Carson, Naomi, Aidan

Page 4 (starting at pick-up note bottom 3 marked "Solo"

Dorcas and Amaya learn alto solo "Just listen...."

Tori-Anna and Dominique learn top notes ofSolo "ahs" on page 4

Aidan and Katherine learn bottom notes of Solo "ahs" on page 4 (Note that siblings have been chosen for the solo ahs, so you can practice together at home and be ready on April 4th.)

At repeat sign on page 4, all go back to the beginning until top of page 3 where verse 2. begins with the word "The" and skip to bottom of page 4 where it says "2nd time".

Page 4 bottom through top of Page 6:

Same division of parts and soloists on the 2nd verse as on the 1st verse!

Page 6 - All sing unison (sopranos top line and altos second line, but notes are the same)

Page 7 to first note top of page 8 - Use your Soprano - Mezzo - Alto division for this page:

Top line: Tori-Anna, Madeleine W., Nina, Grace, Nyla, Dominique, Clara

Middle line: Danielle, Aidan, Naomi, Carson, Jyoti, Madeline R., Sharita

Lower line:  Dorcas, Amaya, Katherine, Jack, Chip, Lauren, Kennedy

Page 8, 2nd note to the bottom of the page - Ignore top line! 

Sing in 4 part division as noted above: S1 top notes of middle line, S2 bottom notes of middle line, A1 top notes of lower line, A2 bottom notes of lower line.

Cantare Choir - Be prepared for April 11 Rehearsal

MEMORIZE your parts and words on these two new songs:

Plenty-A-Music - SAB division - Pro Arte sing Soprano and Alto, Cavalieri sing Baritone

Singen macht Spass - Everyone learn the single line to sing in unison and in a round and Cavalieri also learn the bass-ostinato.

Next performance for Concert Choir

Sat. April 16, 2:00 p.m.  Lyrics, Laughter & Learning!  Richmond Public Library Gellman Room Concert, 101 E. Franklin St. 23219 - Concert Choir

Mattaponi Song of Gratitude 3 min

Cherokee Morning Song 2 min

May God Be Merciful - Tallis' Canon - Psalm 67 Matthew Parker's Psalter 1561 - 2 min.11/24

Walking in the Air 4 min.

Evening Prayer - Humperdinck -3 min11/24

(A Zoo for You - piano solo by Léa)

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands 2:30 min

The No Laugh Race - 10 min. @

Old MacDonald Had a Farm - 2 min.

Sing! - 3 min.

Concert Choir - Be prepared for April 11 Mandatory Rehearsal

MEMORIZE your part this week in: Old MacDonald & Sing!

Review We're Walking in the Air - Secure your part and be able to hold it.

Soprano: Colin, Sophie, Cameron, Faith, Noelle, Lillian, Kari

Altos (top notes when divided): Austyn, Lea, Nina, Kamirra

Altos (bottom notes when divided): Brock, Lauren, Wesley, Xander

May God Be Merciful to Us

Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 1: Faith, Kamirra, Nina, Noelle, Austyn

Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 2: Lauren, Wesley, Sophie, Lily, Léa, Kari

Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 3: Brock, Cameron, Colin, Xander

Review He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, Evening Prayer, Mattaponi Song

Next performance for Treble Choir

Sun. April 17, 11:00 a.m. Worship Service, Westover Hills United Methodist Church, 1705 Westover Hills Blvd.   - Treble Choir

(Bach and Tchaikovsky piano preludes played by Alina)

He's Got the Whole World in His Hand

Praise the Lord with Cheerful Noise Handel

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need 664

Shalom Aléchem

Hymns to be sung with music and congregation: Lamb of God 2113, Shepherd Me O God 2058,

The King of Love My Shepherd Is 138

(Scarlatti Sonata played by Mr. Pete)

Treble Choir - Be prepared for April 12 Mandatory Rehearsal

Sing from memory:

Praise the Lord with Cheerful Voice

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

Shalom Aléchem

He's Got the Whole World in His Hand

Week of March 21, 2016

GRCC HOME PRACTICE INSTRUCTIONS - 2015-2016 SEASON

for Spring Break and  

Rehearsals April 4-5 at Grace & Holy Trinity

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CANTARE CHOIR FOR AN OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AT THE KENNEDY CENTER MARCH 19!

ALL CHOIRS SHOULD WATCH THE LIVE VIDEO OF THE ENTIRE PERFORMANCE ON THE KC WEBSITE AT THIS LINK:

http://www.kennedy-center.org/video/index/M6694

Cavalieri Choir - Be prepared for April 4 Rehearsal

Learn your part and words on these two new 3-part pieces:

Top: Wm & Josh, Middle: Owen & Shaandro, Bottom: Gavin & Mr. Pete

Regina Coeli - dotted half equals about 60 in 3/4 time and the half note equals 60 in cut time.

Amo, Amas, I Love a Lass - half note equals about 76. Note refrain repeats.

Pro Arte Choir - Be prepared for April 4 Rehearsal

Learn your part and words on these two pieces.

'Tis the Gift to Be Simple - 4 part - Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Alto 1, Alto 2

Soprano 1 - Nina, Grace, Nyla, Dominique, Clara

Soprano 2 - Jyoti, Madeline R., Sharita, Tori-Anna, Madeleine W.

Alto 1 - Lauren, Kennedy, Danielle, Aidan, Naomi, Carson

Alto 2 - Dorcas, Amaya, Katherine, Jack, Chip

Didn't It Rain - This is a great song, but the part divisions are crazy!

Please read carefully and mark your score! Section leaders will check this on April 4.

Page 1 - All sing in unison

Page 2- Sopranos 1 and 2 sing melody in unison on the top line(see division above)

Alto 1 sing the top notes on the second line and Alto 2 sing the bottom notes on the second line

Page 3 - For "It rained forty days...." The following altos sing the second line melody:

Dorcas, Amaya, Katherine, Jack, Chip, Lauren, Kennedy

For 2-part division "Noah was glad" and "ooh" the following sopranos sing the top notes:

Clara, Dominique, Nyla, Grace, Nina, Madeleine W., Tori-Anna

And these mezzos sing the bottom notes of the top line:

Danielle, Aidan, Naomi, Carson, Jyoti, Madeline R., Sharita

For 3-part division on the 3rd system (still on page 3) with words, "Ooh, at my command!"

Top notes: Clara, Dominique, Grace, Madeleine W.

Middle notes: Nyla, Nina, Tori-Anna, Madeline R., Jyoti

Bottom notes: Danielle, Sharita, Carson, Naomi, Aidan

Page 4 (starting at pick-up note bottom 3 marked "Solo"

Dorcas and Amaya learn alto solo "Just listen...."

Tori-Anna and Dominique learn top notes ofSolo "ahs" on page 4

Aidan and Katherine learn bottom notes of Solo "ahs" on page 4 (Note that siblings have been chosen for the solo ahs, so you can practice together at home and be ready on April 4th.)

At repeat sign on page 4, all go back to the beginning until top of page 3 where verse 2. begins with the word "The" and skip to bottom of page 4 where it says "2nd time".

Page 4 bottom through top of Page 6:

Same division of parts and soloists on the 2nd verse as on the 1st verse!

Page 6 - All sing unison (sopranos top line and altos second line, but notes are the same)

Page 7 to first note top of page 8 - Use your Soprano - Mezzo - Alto division for this page:

Top line: Tori-Anna, Madeleine W., Nina, Grace, Nyla, Dominique, Clara

Middle line: Danielle, Aidan, Naomi, Carson, Jyoti, Madeline R., Sharita

Lower line:  Dorcas, Amaya, Katherine, Jack, Chip, Lauren, Kennedy

Page 8, 2nd note to the bottom of the page - Ignore top line! 

Sing in 4 part division as noted above: S1 top notes of middle line, S2 bottom notes of middle line, A1 top notes of lower line, A2 bottom notes of lower line.

Cantare Choir - Be prepared for April 4 Rehearsal

Learn your parts and words on these two new songs:

Plenty-A-Music - SAB division - Pro Arte sing Soprano and Alto, Cavalieri sing Baritone

Singen macht Spass - Everyone learn the single line to sing in unison and in a round and Cavalieri also learn the bass-ostinato.

Next performance for Concert Choir

Sat. April 16, 2:00 p.m.  Lyrics, Laughter & Learning!  Richmond Public Library Gellman Room Concert, 101 E. Franklin St. 23219 - Concert Choir

Mattaponi Song of Gratitude 3 min

Cherokee Morning Song 2 min

May God Be Merciful - Tallis' Canon - Psalm 67 Matthew Parker's Psalter 1561 - 2 min.11/24

Walking in the Air 4 min.

Evening Prayer - Humperdinck -3 min11/24

(A Zoo for You - piano solo by Léa)

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands 2:30 min

Old MacDonald Had a Farm - 2 min.

Sing! - 3 min.

Concert Choir - Be prepared for April 4 Rehearsal

Memorize your part this week in: Old MacDonald & Sing!

Review We're Walking in the Air - Secure your part and be able to hold it.

Soprano: Colin, Sophie, Cameron, Faith, Noelle, Lillian, Kari

Altos (top notes when divided): Austyn, Lea, Nina, Kamirra

Altos (bottom notes when divided): Brock, Lauren, Wesley, Xander

May God Be Merciful to Us

Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 1: Faith, Kamirra, Nina, Noelle, Austyn

Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 2: Lauren, Wesley, Sophie, Lily, Léa, Kari

Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 3: Brock, Cameron, Colin, Xander

Review He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, Evening Prayer, Mattaponi Song

Next performance for Treble Choir

Sun. April 17, 11:00 a.m. Worship Service, Westover Hills United Methodist Church, 1705 Westover Hills Blvd.   - Treble Choir

He's Got the Whole World in His Hand

Shalom Aléchem

Praise the Lord with Cheerful Noise Handel

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need 664

Treble Choir - Be prepared for April 5 Rehearsal

Sing from memory:

Praise the Lord with Cheerful Voice

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

Week of March 14, 2016

for Cantare Kennedy Center performance March 19 and

Rehearsals March 21-22 at Grace & Holy Trinity

Next up for Cantare Choir:

March 19 Kennedy Center - 1 hour program exactly

Cantare - 9 min.

Me Nyame Ye - 2 min

Tutu 2:20

Non Nobis 1 min.

Bach 80 no. 1 & 8 3 min.

Pro Arte - 11 min.

Wade in the Water 1:40

Ich will den Herrn 2 min

Song of the Stars 4:15

Evening Prayer (from Hansel & Gretel) 3 min.

Cavalieri:-  9 min.

Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern 3min

Lord Don't Move 3:48

sam was a man 2:15 (new)

Cantare - 8 min

Holy City 3:15

Exhilaration 2:30 (new)

Blue Skies 2:15 (new)

Cavalieri Choir - Be prepared for March 19 Performance

sam was a man - Enunciate. Good dynamic contrast & energy. Add Josh to bass top p.4.

Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern - Watch director to start and maintain flowing tempo

Lord Don't Move the Mountain - Consistent tone quality over break is much improved!

Pro Arte Choir - Be prepared for March 19 Performance

Ich will den Herrn - German "u" sounds like "oo" in "book" - much improved!

Song of the Stars - Review dynamics. Watch for tempo changes and rit.

Wade in the Water - Add boys back into clapping section. All altos watch the director's measure-for-nothing at the beginning to make sure you are with the tempo!

Evening Prayer - All secure intonation on the second page! This instruction was copied directly from January and still needs improvement! Practice this and listen to yourself! Watch director for subito piano at the top of second page!

Cantare Choir - Be prepared for March 19 Performance

Blue Skies with correct scat syllables and "cool jazz" style lightly accenting every note throughout except the Carmen quote measures 44-46 which should be forte and legato. Measure 47 subito piano and back to light accents. Add catch-breath between m. 77-78. Swing eighth notes. Leave off the "g" on smilin' - nothin' - singin' - shinin' - noticin' - hurryin' - etc. Solidify harmonies pages 9-11.

Exhilaration is the Breeze - Enunciate words. This is a great poem. We want them to understand it! Watch for what is part 1 and part 2 and how long to hold notes.

Bach Cantata # 80 - 1 and 8 to sing a cappella. EVERYONE NEEDS TO MEMORIZE CORRECT NOTES, PRONUNCIATION, AND WORD-FOR-WORD TRANSLATION! Sing your part from memory for someone in your house every day this week until you can sing it with confidence and conviction! Mezzos (singing alto part) and Altos (singing tenor part) look for and attend sectional rehearsals being offered this week. Sopranos correct and learn what you didn't know at your private coaching session with Mrs. Hope this past week. Correct pronunciations: "Burg" - "u" sounds like "oo" in "book" but if you get closer thinking of it like the English word "board" with a "g" replacing the "d" I'll take it. "hält" sounds like "help" with a "t" replacing the "p". "böse" needs more "e" in the vowel.

Non nobis domine. Use the handwritten version in E Major.

Latin "o" sounds like "aw" - "Nawn nawbis daw-mee-neh" Also, same rules about Rs in Latin as German - sing "Glaw-dee-ah" for Gloria.

Living in a Holy City - More energy! Less volume! Needs to have the same lightly accented style as "Blue Skies" to keep the energy going.

Keep tempo on page 2 (don't slow down) and on page 5 (don't speed up)

Desmond Tutu - Bass note change m. 39 - Shaandro & Gavin sing 3rd space E.

Me Nyame Ye - Practice this walking and clapping. We will process onto the stage with this song and you need to enter with confidence and keep the energy going throughout. Practice in front of a mirror to make sure you are moving and singing in a joyful manner!

For March 21 rehearsal:

Pro Arte: add 'Tis the Gift to Be Simple, Didn't It Rain

Cavalieri: decide between Regina Coeli and Der Strauss. We will bring on Saturday some choices for a "fun" song for you to look at on the bus.

Cantare: add Plenty-A-Music

Next performance for Concert Choir

Sat. April 16, 2:00 p.m.  Lyrics, Laughter & Learning!  Richmond Public Library Gellman Room Concert, 101 E. Franklin St. 23219 - Concert Choir

Evening Prayer - Humperdinck -3 min11/24

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands 2:30 min

We're Walking in the Air 4 min.

Mattaponi Song of Gratitude 3 min

Cherokee Morning Song 2 min

Tallis' Canon - Psalm 67 Matthew Parker's Psalter 1561 - 2 min.11/24

A Frog Went A-Courtin' 3 min.

Friendship & Music round p. 20 - 2 min

Sumer Is A-Cumen In - 2 min.

Old MacDonald Had a Farm - 2 min.

Sing! - 3 min.

Concert Choir - Be prepared for March 21 Rehearsal

Know your part this week in: Old MacDonald & Sing!

Review We're Walking in the Air - Secure your part and be able to hold it.

Soprano: Colin, Sophie, Cameron, Faith, Noelle, Lillian, Kari

Altos (top notes when divided): Austyn, Lea, Nina, Kamirra

Altos (bottom notes when divided): Brock, Lauren, Wesley, Xander

May God Be Merciful to Us

Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 1: Faith, Kamirra, Nina, Noelle, Austyn

Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 2: Lauren, Wesley, Sophie, Lily, Léa, Kari

Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 3: Brock, Cameron, Colin, Xander

Review He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, Evening Prayer, Mattaponi Song

Next performance for Treble Choir

Sun. April 17, 11:00 a.m. Worship Service, Westover Hills United Methodist Church, 1705 Westover Hills Blvd.   - Treble Choir

He's Got the Whole World in His Hand

Shalom Aléchem

Praise the Lord with Cheerful Noise Handel

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need 664

Treble Choir - Be prepared for March 22 rehearsal

Sing from memory:

Praise the Lord with Cheerful Voice

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

Week of March 7th, 2016

GRCC HOME PRACTICE INSTRUCTIONS - 2015-2016 SEASON

for Rehearsals March 14-15 at Grace & Holy Trinity

and Cantare Kennedy Center performance March 19

Congratulations to all GRCC Ensembles on a masterful performance at the Bach Marathon on March 6th! You received many accolades for your German pronunciation, beautiful tone, and musicianship. Special kudos to our soloists, Josh, Madeline, Clara and Jack, and to our organist Mrs. Crystal! We are proud of all of you for your extra effort to learn this great music.

Next up for Cantare Choir:

March 19 Kennedy Center - 1 hour program exactly

Cantare:

Me Nyame Ye - 2 min

Tutu 2:20

Non Nobis 1 min.

Bach 80 no. 1 & 8? 3 min.

Pro Arte:

Wade in the Water 1:40

Ich will den Herrn 2 min

Song of the Stars 4:15

Evening Prayer (from Hansel & Gretel) 3 min.

Cavalieri:

Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern 3min

Lord Don't Move 3:48

sam was a man 2:15 (new)

Cantare:

Holy City 3:15

Exhilaration 2:30 (new)

Blue Skies 2:15 (new)

Cavalieri Choir - Be prepared for March 14 Mandatory Rehearsal

Memorize: sam was a man

Review Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern

Lord Don't Move the Mountain - keep volume and tone quality even over the break

Pro Arte Choir - Be prepared for March 14 Mandatory Rehearsal

Review: Ich will den Herrn - German "u" sounds like "oo" in "book"!

Review: Song of the Stars dynamics. Watch for tempo changes and rit.

Wade in the Water - This was the best ever Monday. Keep it up.

Evening Prayer - All secure intonation on the second page! (This instruction was copied directly from January and still needs improvement! Practice this and listen to yourself!

Cantare Choir - Be prepared for March 14 Mandatory Rehearsal

Memorize Blue Skies with correct scat syllables and "cool jazz" style lightly accenting each note where indicated. Swing eighth notes. Leave off the "g" on smilin' - nothin' - singin' - shinin' - noticin' - hurryin' - etc. Solidify harmonies pages 9-11.

Memorize Exhilaration is the Breeze - Enunciate words. This is a great poem. We want them to understand it! Be sure to learn rhythms correctly. There are some tricky ones.

Memorize Bach Cantata # 80 - 1 and 8 to sing a cappella at the Kennedy Center. Correct pronunciations: "Burg" - "u" sounds like "oo" in "book" but if you get closer thinking of it like the English word "board" with a "g" replacing the "d" I'll take it. "hält" sounds like "help" with a "t" replacing the "p". "böse" needs more "e" in the vowel. Listen to the recordings for help in pronunciation only. Some of the notes and rhythms are different.

Review Non nobis domine. Use the handwritten version in E Major.

Latin "o" sounds like "aw" - "Nawn nawbis daw-mee-neh" Also, same rules about Rs in Latin as German - sing "Glaw-dee-ah" for Gloria.

Review Living in a Holy City - Keep tempo on page 2 (don't slow down) and on page 5 (don't speed up)

Review Prayer of Desmond Tutu - Secure notes measures 10-19, and 35 to the end.

Me Nyame Ye - practice this walking and clapping.

Next performance for Concert Choir

Sat. April 16, 2:00 p.m.  Lyrics, Laughter & Learning!  Richmond Public Library Gellman Room Concert, 101 E. Franklin St. 23219 - Concert Choir

Evening Prayer - Humperdinck -3 min11/24

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands 2:30 min

We're Walking in the Air 4 min.

Mattaponi Song of Gratitude 3 min

Cherokee Morning Song 2 min

Tallis' Canon - Psalm 67 Matthew Parker's Psalter 1561 - 2 min.11/24

A Frog Went A-Courtin' 3 min.

Friendship & Music round p. 20 - 2 min

Sumer Is A-Cumen In - 2 min.

Old MacDonald Had a Farm - 2 min.

Sing! - 3 min.

Concert Choir - Be prepared for March 14 Rehearsal

Learn your part this week in: Old MacDonald & Sing!

Review We're Walking in the Air - Secure your part and be able to hold it.

Soprano: Colin, Sophie, Cameron, Faith, Noelle, Lillian, Kari

Altos (top notes when divided): Austyn, Lea, Nina, Kamirra

Altos (bottom notes when divided): Brock, Lauren, Wesley, Xander

May God Be Merciful to Us

Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 1: Faith, Kamirra, Nina, Noelle, Austyn

Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 2: Lauren, Wesley, Sophie, Lily, Léa, Kari

Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 3: Brock, Cameron, Colin, Xander

Review He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, Evening Prayer, Mattaponi Song

Next performance for Treble Choir

Sun. April 17, 11:00 a.m. Worship Service, Westover Hills United Methodist Church, 1705 Westover Hills Blvd.   - Treble Choir

He's Got the Whole World in His Hand

Shalom Aléchem

Praise the Lord with Cheerful Noise Handel

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

Treble Choir - Be prepared for March 15 rehearsal

Learn notes, words and rhythms this week:

Praise the Lord with Cheerful Voice

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

Week of February 29, 2016

March 2, 2016 - Home practice notes for the rest of the week:
We had good rehearsals this week and moments in all choirs that sounded confident and beautiful. Keep practicing 20 to 30 minutes every day this week to memorize the words, particularly the beginning of each phrase, so that we all enter securely. You will be glad for your efforts on Sunday, and probably even happier 30 years from now when you still remember this magnificent music.
Parents, please take time to have your chorister sing the music to you from memory at home. This is the best way for them to know they know it.

We very much appreciate this note from one of our parents yesterday:
[Our daughter] has been working very, very hard on the cantata.  Her school chorus teacher and former piano teacher are helping her.  I am also helping her practice at home using the youtube recording.  It is such a beautiful piece -- it gives me great pleasure to hear it, and as a mom, to know that my daughter has been exposed to it.  Thank you!

Thank you all for your efforts and excellent music-making! See you Sunday!

Week of February 15, 2016

GRCC HOME PRACTICE INSTRUCTIONS - 2015-2016 SEASON

for February rehearsals at Grace & Holy Trinity

and March 6 Bach Marathon performance

February 24 Update on preparation for Bach Cantatas performance March 6th:

All choirs are making progress on the Bach Cantatas for our March 6th performance, but we aren't there yet! The pronunciation is mostly correct. The main area of concentration now is to memorize your part as if you were singing a solo. There are about a dozen people who have the beginning of each line memorized and know what is coming next. The rest of you are listening for the first two or three notes and words and then joining in which is making all the entrances weak. Practice your Cantata movements every day for a minimum of 20 minutes, more if that is what it takes. Listen to the recordings. Be sure you know the translations. Write the words on note cards. Use whatever tricks work for you to memorize. Parents, please ask your chorister to sing the Bach for you from memory. This will help them know what they don't know yet. Thank you! It will be a glorious performance if we all make this final push to master these great works by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Recordings for Bach Cantata #80 - Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGVXZePjmis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOm1_ta4rGI

Recording for Bach Cantata #111 - Was mein Gott will, das g'scheh allzeit

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_bFGwBKnOE

Week of February 8, 2016

GRCC HOME PRACTICE INSTRUCTIONS - 2015-2016 SEASON

for February rehearsals at Grace & Holy Trinity

and March 6 Bach Marathon performance

All Choirs need to put more effort into completely memorizing Bach Cantata #80 - Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott

Pronunciation reminders:

NO American "R"! Beginning R should sound "dd" as in "gross" (gddoss) or "Reich" (ddishe) Ending R should sound "ah" as in "wär" (veh-ah) and "sehr" (zeh-ah)

ie = ee as in "see"

ei = i as in "hi"

"W" sounds like "V". "V" sounds like "F".

"U" sounds like "oo" in the word "book".

"Ü" sounds like "ew" in the word "few".

Here are two recordings of Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott that are not Bach's Cantata, but that will help you with the German pronunciation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGVXZePjmis

Above is a choir from Meldorf singing Martin Luther's original version of the hymn, so the rhythm is different, but the words are clear with good pronunciation. They sing the four verses of the hymn, but we are only singing verses, 1, 3, and 4.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOm1_ta4rGI

Ignore the scooping and spread tone. However, her pronunciation is good and the text is printed as she sings, which has proved to be very helpful in memorizing it for those who have listened. Again, there are 4 verses sung here and we are not singing the second verse. She sings "alt" as a one-syllable word, but it is printed and sung in our scores as "alte" - two syllables.

It is essential that you know what you are singing for you to properly interpret and memorize the words. Here is the line for line translation:

Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, Cantata BWV 80, No. 1 (BWV 80b) 5, 8

1b. Coro

Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, ein gute Wehr und Waffen;

A sturdy fortress is our God, a good defense and shield;

Er hilft uns frei aus aller Not, die uns itzt hat betroffen.

He saves us from every distress that has now befallen us.

Der alte böse Feind, mit Ernst er's jetzt meint,

The old evil enemy is now attacking seriously,

Gross Macht und viel List sein grausam Rüstung ist,

Great power and much cunning are his dreadful armaments;

Auf Erd ist nicht seinsgleichen.

His like is not upon earth.

5.   Choral

Und wenn die Welt voll Teufel wär, und wollten uns verschlingen,

And even if the world were full of devils who wanted to swallow us up,

So fürchten wir uns nicht so sehr, es soll uns doch gelingen.

We would not be much afraid; we shall succeed nevertheless;

Der Fürst dieser Welt, wie saur er sich stellt,

The Prince of this world, however threateningly he poses,

Tut er uns doch nicht, das macht, er ist gericht',

Can do nothing to us because he stands in judgment,

Ein Wörtlein kann ihn fällen.

One little word can bring him down.

8.   Choral

Das Wort sie sollen lassen stahn und kein' Dank dazu haben.

They shall ignore His Word and have no thanks for it.

Er ist bei uns wohl auf dem Plan mit seinem Geist und Gaben.

Even so, He is with us indeed as He promised, with His spirit and gifts.

Nehmen sie uns den Leib, Gut, Ehr, Kind, und Weib,

They may take away our body, property, honor, child and wife,

Lass fahren dahin, sie habens kein' Gewinn;

Though they take all away, they have no victory;

Das Reich muss uns doch bleiben.

The Kingdom of God remains with us.

Cantare Choir - Here is line for line translation ofBach's Cantata 111:

Was mein Gott will, das g'scheh allzeit, Cantata BWV 111

1.   Coro

Was mein Gott will, das g'scheh allzeit, sein Will, der ist der beste;

That which my God resolves will always be done. His will is best.

Zu helfen den'n er ist bereit, die an ihn gläuben feste.

He is ready to help those whose faith is strong.

Er hilft aus Not, der fromme Gott, und züchtiget mit Massen:

Our merciful God helps in all our need. His chastening is measured.

Wer Gott vertraut, fest auf ihn baut, den will er nicht verlassen.

Who trusts in God builds on a rock. He never is forsaken.

2.   Aria Basso

Entsetze dich, mein Herze, nicht, Gott is dein Trost und Zuversicht und deiner Seele Leben.

My heart, don't be anxious! God is your comfort and confidence, and the life of your soul.

Ja, was sein weiser Rat bedacht, dem kann die Welt und Menschenmacht unmoöglich widerstreben.

Yes, when the Lord has formed a plan, no world, no power, no human can stand against it.

3.   Recitativo Alto

O Törichter! der sich von Gott entzieht und wie ein Jonas dort vor Gottes Angesichte flieht;

O foolish one, who separates himself from God, and like Jonah, flees from the face of God,

Auch unser Denken ist ihm offenbar, und unsers Hauptes Haar hat er gezählet.

He, who knows our every thought and can count every hair on our head.

Wohl dem, der diesen Schutz erwählet im gläubigen Vertrauen,

Good for them, who choose protection in faithful confidence,

Auf dessen Schluss und Wort mit Hoffnung und Geduld zu schauen.

And await his guidance and word with hope and patience.

4.   Aria Duetto Alto e Tenore

So geh ich mit beherzten Schritten, auch wenn mich Gott zum Grabe führt.

So we go with courageous steps even when God leads us to the grave.

Gott hat die Tage aufgeschrieben,

God has well numbered all my days,

So wird, wenn seine Hand mich rührt, des Todes Bitterkeit vertrieben.

So that when his hand will comfort me, the sting of death shall be dispelled.

5.   Recitativo Soprano

Drum wenn der Tod zuletzt den Geist noch mit Gewalt aus seinem Körper reisst,

When death at last, with ruthless force, shall wrest my soul from my flesh,

So nimm ihn, Gott, in treue Vaterhände!

Then take it, Lord, with Father's hands caressing;

Wenn Teufel, Tod und Sünde mich bekriegt und meine Sterbekissen ein Kampfplatz werden müssen,

When Devil, Death, and Sinfulness assail, and in my final hour, I fall before death's power,

So hilf, damit in dir mein Glaube siegt! O seliges, gewünschtes Ende!

Ah help, that in the end, my faith prevail, O longed for goal! O precious blessing!

6.   Choral

Noch eins, Herr, will ich bitten dich, du wirst mir's nicht versagen:

One more thing, Lord, will I ask of you, you would not deny me this:

Wenn mich der böse Geist anficht, lass mich doch nicht verzagen.

If I would be plagued by the evil spirit, let me not be discouraged.

Hilf, steur und wehr, ach Gott, mein Herr, zu Ehren deinem Namen.

Help, guide and protect, oh God, my Lord, to honor your name.

Wer das begehrt, dem wird's gewährt; drauf sprech ich fröhlich: Amen.

Who longs for your presence receives your grace; therefore I say joyfully: Amen.

Cantare, Cavalieriand Pro Arte Choirs program for March 19. Put extra effort into learning the new songs in bold print below. All notes should be learned by Feb. 15 and memorized by Feb. 22.

March 19 Kennedy Center - 1 hour program exactly

Cantare: Me Nyame Ye - 2 min, Tutu 2:20, Non Nobis 1 min, Bach 80 no. 1 & 8 3 min.

Pro Arte: Wade in the Water 1:40, Ich will den Herrn 2 min, Song of the Stars 4:15

Evening Prayer (from Hansel & Gretel) 3 min.

Cavalieri: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern 3min,Lord Don't Move 3:48, sam was a man 2:15 (new)

Cantare: Holy City 3:15, Exhilaration 2:30 (new) Blue Skies 2:15 (new)

Concert Choir program for April 16. Begin working on this new music.

Sat. April 16, 2:00 p.m.  Lyrics, Laughter & Learning!  Richmond Public Library Gellman Room Concert, 101 E. Franklin St. 23219 - Concert Choir - new songs in bold

Evening Prayer - Humperdinck -3 min                                                   ,He's Got the Whole World in His Hands 2;30 min

We're Walking in the Air 4 min                                                                                          Mattaponi Song of Gratitude 3 min

May God Me Merciful                                                                                                                             A Frog Went A-Courtin'

Cherokee Morning Song 2 min

Friendship & Music round p. 20 - 2 min

Sumer Is A-Cumen In - 2 min.

Old MacDonald Had a Farm - 2 min.

Sing! - 3 min.

Treble Choir - new music for April 17. Begin working on this new music.

Sun. April 17, 11:00 a.m. Worship Service, Westover Hills United Methodist Church, 1705 Westover Hills Blvd.   - Treble Choir

He's Got the Whole World in His Hand

Me Nyame Ye

Praise the Lord with Cheerful Noise Handel

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need 664

CONGRATULATIONS to ALL on your excellent performances at Winfree Baptist Church! Your home practice and efforts to make up for the snowed-out rehearsal were evident in the success of your performance. We received many accolades from our appreciative audience.