2/7/2025 – Friday missive. Read to the end!

Once again, Tuesday’s rehearsal was lively and productive. I really appreciate everyone’s hard work. As you know, we are getting down to the wire and possibly looking at a snow interruption. But that will not slow us down.

Had a zoom call with the board of the SSO and we have such an exciting event to prepare for. Do spread the word and get your tickets quickly. It is assigned seating and you get to choose your seats so first come first serve. Dress rehearsal is 7-9:45 on Friday the 7th. Our call time on Sunday, March 9 in the choir room at Bel Air High school is at 2 PM. The SSO is organizing a get together at MaGerks Restaurant afterwards to celebrate and mingle. You will be getting an invitation soon and we would appreciate if you would respond. Yay or nay.

And watching the weather, there is a large possibility that you will be at home on Zoom on Tuesday night from 7 to 9. Melissa will send out a link if needed. We will make a decision by Monday at 5 PM if in person is canceled. Michael hopes to join in and give you much needed markings. When you sign in, Melissa will take role and you will keep your mic on mute. You will get announcements, exercises, markings, and then will practice at home together with everyone. Of course no one will be able to hear you, but you will hear yourself and know where you need to focus.

It is imperative that we keep on track. The same schedule will be for either Zoom or in person. It is hard to believe that we did weekly virtual rehearsals for a year and a half.  I do not miss those days!

So here we go:

Warmups: solfege patterns and round # 4.

Ride the Chariot. Try without music. This has to rock on March 9th!

Didn’t my Lord Deliver Daniel. Be careful with the syncopations and clarity of words. This is so much fun. Listen to your last performance.

Finish Caritas. Ladies, the beginning is all YOU!!!

Finish Munera Pacis.

Begin Nox, the fastest and most difficult movement. The most important thing you can do is say the words in rhythm up to tempo over and over again. Then everything else will fall in place. It is extremely dramatic and will be more fun if you can get out of your music. Michael will appreciate that!

Hymn to the Fallen. So beautiful and poignant.

If everyone approaches this rehearsal with energy and preparation, no matter if we are in person or on Zoom, we should be good! If you are snowed in, there is no excuse not to be online.

That does it for me! Have a wonderful weekend, stay healthy or get healthy and sing through everything during the week. It is a wonderful way to lose yourself in beauty!

Musical hugs,

Marty