11/14/2024 – Read carefully.
Dear friends,
I know you are practicing as I speak! After rehearsal on Tuesday, I feel very confident that we will be ready. As you know, there were some problems, but with extra effort, I am sure they will be fixed by Tuesday. I loved when Phoebe remarked about Intonation, and that the singers needed more breath! That is a given – breathe early and breathe low! Stagger your intakes and make them quiet! Always listen and match! Never hold a sustained note without doing something with it! Articulate until your lips and tongue hurt! Internalize the text and mentally sing each piece! On an arc of 1 to 8, think of the most beautiful pianissimo at one and a supported, exciting fortissimo at 7.8. Never go to the number eight! The forte needs to be as beautiful and controlled as the piano. There are some pretty dramatic chords in most of the pieces we are doing. Prepare for them, lift the soft pallet and do not let it become a noise!
At this point, pitches and rhythms need to be perfect. The biggest challenge we have is to take what we have learned off the page , and sing from the heart and soul with facial expressions and twinkling eyes bringing the music to life. No wonder the following information is true on why we study music!
I look forward to our dress rehearsal. Please be ready to lineup at 6:45 at Saint Joseph Parish on Church Lane. Please bring water and lozenges if needed. Wear comfortable shoes. You do not have to wear concert dress for the rehearsal. We will start with the kids. My main concern is putting our pieces together with the organ. Hopefully they will run without a hitch! I have sent the digital program so you can look through it, and make sure your music is in order in a black folder or on your tablet. You will find the church very bright and should have no trouble seeing. Get out there and spread the word. Wouldn’t it be great to have a sell out!?
And in closing, bravo to the chamber choir for putting on a fabulous concert in support of David and to all those that came to the concert to support them. Here are some pics.
Have a great weekend, rest your voice, take care of yourself, practice and see you soon.
Excitedly,
Marty