Thursday Thoughts

Thanks for a good rehearsal on Tuesday.  We are still working out the listening issues at First Baptist and I will continue to experiment with seating arrangements until we can finalize an arrangement whereby you are comfortable and can hear the other sections in the choir.

For those who missed rehearsal take note that the choir has finished learning a number of pieces on the program, so make sure you are up to speed by next Tuesday. 

Next Tuesday the rep list will be as follows:

i thank You God - Whitacre (performance ready - basses/baritones, this needs a little more work - baritones your part is integral in the 4 part men's texture and it begins with really secure pitches. Begin at m. 8)

Kyrie -  Palestrina (learn the final Kyrie - remember it is in 2; I will rehearse from the Christe on)

Then Shall I Leap Into Love - Enman (we have finished learning this and we'll stitch it together)

Nunc Dimittis - Part (the only part left to teach is m. 1-40 so I'll begin there, also review m. 107-end)

Agneau de Dieu - Lang (mark in your scores where it goes from 2 to 3 as this is not clearly already marked in the score. don't underestimate this relatively easy piece - the changes in tempi - both marked and inferred, dynamics and integration with the quartet need careful attention in order to get it off the page.

Rosa Mystica - Balfour (work on dynamics, perform through)

Totus Tuus - Togni (Tristan will perform through)

Agnus Dei - Barber (I need to work this so please know the score, Note the following divisi changes: P. 8 m. 2 - S2 the phrase and sing top part of the alto stave until P. 9 m. 2 where you join the top stave singing your regular S2 part.  Tutti Camerata altos sing up to P. 8, m. 2 beat 2, then tacit until m. 3,  beat 3 where you sing the A2 line until P. 9 m2. 2 where you sing the unision alto line. Please S2s and Altos mark your scores accordingly. )

Please note the following announcements:

- watch your email for an announcement from Marsha Curry re a special AGM on Tuesday, May 3 from 9-9:30 pm. Rehearsal on Tuesday May 3 begins at 6:45pm.

- final auditions for solos next Tuesday or at a time you have confirmed with me.

- SNSC rehearsals: I would like you to come on Saturdays April 30 and May 21. The understanding was that HCS would attend at least 3 SNSC rehearsals to prepare for the second half of the concert. Some of you have not attended any.  As I mentioned on Tuesday, do not arrive at the rehearsal the Saturday before the concert (May 21) and sight read your way through this rep.

Finally, thank you all for some really lovely moments last Tuesday.  Women, the blend of both sopranos and altos in the Palestrina and the duet in the Part was gorgeous. The sound in the mixed formation of the Palestrina was also exciting - this is what I'm trying to achieve. I also want to welcome new S2, Claire Legere,  and hope you feel welcome in this wonderful collection of musicians.   For those of you who don't know Claire, she is also on the Camerata board, is an artistic partner with Xara and is finishing her Masters thesis (UBC) here in NS.

Have a wonderful Easter holiday with your family and friends.  Stay healthy!