2/21/2025 – Very important. Please read to the end.
Dear singers,
Firstly, a message from Mike.
Hello, DCC!
It was such a joy to see you all on Tuesday evening! Your warmth and kindness always make me feel so welcome and appreciated, and I truly love working with you.
I was incredibly pleased with your progress on Illuminare! Over the next few weeks, I’d love for you to focus on a few key areas. Early next week, I’ll send you detailed markings for breaths and phrasing to help refine our interpretation.
I’ll be working with the orchestra on Tuesday, and after hearing them, I’ll have even more insights to share. Looking forward to making even more beautiful music together!
Splendor –
- Phrasing! Please make sure that you are singing through the entire phrase. For example, measures 5 -7, please connect both of those musical ideas.
- Over articulate the “g” on Gloriae
Caritas –
- Please bring out moving lines. Especially the inner parts in the SSAA section at the beginning of the movement.
- Please make the Pacis in measure 73 a magical moment.
- Keep practicing a beautiful light “ah” vowel throughout!
Nox –
- Altos, please LOVE this opening section. It is all about you!
- For the rest of the movement, please keep the rhythms crisp and the singing light! Use the text to get you through these quick passages.
Munera Pacis –
- I would make sure that you are taking deep and full breaths every time! This will allow the support for these beautiful lines.
- Again, if you have the inner moving parts, please bring them out of the texture.
Illuminare His –
- ENERGY! Even though this is smooth and beautiful at times. Make sure that you keep the energy and excitement for the entire movement.
Thank you all and I will see you in a few weeks! 🙂
Mike
Secondly from Greg
Wide Open Spaces
–Be sure to observe Roy’s markings for where to breathe and where rests were added
-Dry t’s or d’s (part of, out in)
-Youth choir only on the “doo” section
Jubilate Deo
-Don’t slow down at Rehearsal A or Rehearsal I
-Solidify words and rhythm at Rehearsal B and C
-Start soft and crescendo slowly at Rehearsal E
-Subito piano for mm. 138-139
Didn’ My Lord
–Don’t slow down while we’re in the fast section!
-Watch syncopations starting at m. 33 and m. 49
-Fermata on “oh” in m. 72
Ride the Chariot
–Don’t slow down at transitions
Now from me!
I can’t thank you enough for all your notes, well wishes and prayers. Treatments have started and a plan is in place. Ray and I are very hopeful and positive going forward. Ray is impressed with his medical team so full speed ahead.
I am flying home on Sunday and look forward to getting back to work. Lots of rehearsals and concerts coming up, and hopefully the weather will improve and temperatures warm up. I certainly have been spoiled down here!
All reports that came to me about Tuesday‘s rehearsal were extremely positive. I appreciate your preparation and hard work and feel that this Tuesday’s rehearsal will be smashing! Work on the notes above and look for Michael’s score markings on Monday. After talking with Sheldon, he agrees with me that a light “d”in front of the vowels Hymn to the fallen would be useful. Will also help with projection and articulation of the repeated notes.
Here is our agenda for Tuesday:
Round #6 in various keys and combinations as our warmup.
Spark and Breath
Wide open spaces
With One Voice
Didn’t my Lord Deliver Daniel
Hands
******************************
Ride the Chariot
Illuminare
Hymn to the Fallen
Jubilate Deo
As we run these pieces, take notes of problems spots and we will then address. Pitches and rhythms need to be precise by rehearsal. Can’t be going over parts at this point.
Thank you to all who have supported Project C.U.R.E. so far. If you have not given yet, please go to the sign-up genius and help out there. Patty has sent you the schedule and we will celebrate your efforts as we pack those kits!
I am very excited about the opportunity to work with Randall in April 2026. His major work Franklin sounds intriguing and the fact that our commissioned work will be featured is pretty darn sweet! Please answer the survey as soon as possible so we can get an idea of the interest.
A reminder about the concert on March 2 at Saint James at 2 PM. Come out and support your chamber choir. We will be doing some very cool music and Lori Geckle will be tickling the ivories!
Please respond to the SSO‘s request for interest in the after concert get together at McGerks restaurant in Bel Air.
Invite folks to like/follow Deer Creek Chorale on Instagram and Facebook. Circulate the electronic posters and help us spread the word about our three upcoming concerts.
Looking ahead, the Tuesday before Easter, April 15th, will be off for Spring break.
A reminder about concert dress: all black. Look spiffy and sophisticated. Ladies, pearls.
I think that is it for me. I look forward to seeing everyone and absorbing your love and support through our joint music making.
Musical hugs,
Marty