12/18/2020 – Marty’s Missives – Greetings from Sanibel and Important Announcements

I hope you are enjoying holiday preparations and having opportunities to sing somewhere/somehow. I actually am singing for all the services here at St. Michael’s. I practice and then record for later showing. It is sad not to be singing with the choir and am looking forward to the day we can once again join our voices in joyful and spirited song!

Lots of things have been happening behind the scenes and I am so proud and thankful to Lance and Cris for keeping us financially solvent and of course to you, our supporters. I am so touched that nearly 50% of you have given to our Fall campaign. I know it was unrealistic to hope for 100% but I understand that some have helped in other ways. It is not too late if you want to make a small gift before the end of the year. I am determined that our organization will not only survive but thrive after this pandemic is controlled. Many community choirs have been inactive or have even folded during these challenging times so I feel super thankful for our team!!!!!

Do not forget to tune in to our special Musical Christmas Card on youtube this Sunday. I hope you enjoy watching as much as we enjoyed making it. Please share with your friends and family. I guarantee it will put you in the holiday spirit and excited for what is to come.

A reminder as you order online that anything ordered on Amazon smile benefits us. Please make sure we are registered as your charity and then with every purchase, we get a small percentage. Every little bit helps.

Now for some exciting news. Any schedule is dependent upon the CDC guidelines but I am confident that the vaccine will be available sooner rather than later so optimistically, I am hoping for this scenario.

January 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 23 virtual rehearsals.

March 2, 9, 16, 23, hybrid with some singers with Shisa at Bethel.

March 30 Sectionals begin TBS, April 6, 13, 20.

April 27 full rehearsal outside

May 1 or 2, depending on weather, outdoor concert at either the Goucher parking lot, Star Bright Farm, or another venue in Harford County. I am working with the Harford Land Trust on this and Ladew.

Now for repertoire. Obviously, we are not doing the Mozart this season. Will save for our 15th anniversary season 2021-2022. We will be revisiting the selections that we semi/learned and never performed. Included in this will finally be the premiere of our commissioned work “From Mountain to Forest to River.”

Check out this list and if you are missing anything, let me know and I will work with Melissa and Donna to help you.

Viva La Musica!  Brunner

Wake Me a song

Alway Something Sings (back by popular demand)

Roots

How Can I Keep from Singing (doing as a virtual choir as well)

The Water is Wide

Let the River Run

Unclouded Day

Hope

Hand in Hand

With One voice

We are One

New selections: In Paradisum by Stroope and Africa

Video due by February 8 with the launch on the Spring solstice March 21.

Danny and I are hoping many of you will participate. We will set up filming spots if you are uncomfortable at home. Many of you were sad not to have been in Roots. You now have ANOTHER chance. In a separate email, you will have the link to a piano learning file of How Can I keep from singing with the correct tempi and nuance included.

I think that is it until after the holidays. I will be back in Maryland by January 4. Many of you have asked for my address here: 244 Christofer Court, Sanibel, Fl. 33957.

The Deer Creek Chorale family continues to be one of my most precious gifts and the greatest gift would be to be back together in 2021! Enjoy your reimagined holiday celebrations, stay well, be kind and keep singing!!!

Humbly and with gratitude,

Marty