Rehearsal
Assistant Schedule -- 2007 is available for download (PDF
format)
MEMO
Date: May 1, 2008
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State Theater Gala
This was discussed
with the choristers on Monday; here it is in writing.
·
Arrival Time: 4:00 PM – SHARP!
You will be escorted by a State Theater representative to the
dressing rooms.
·
Where: Enter through the
back-stage door, to the left of the main entrance, as you did for
our Christmas Concert.
·
To Wear: You have two options –
you can either:
Wear
your California Blue NJYC t-shirt with any pants and comfortable
shoes. (If you bring your uniform, make sure it is in your new
NJYC garment bag!! More on that below.) ----Or----
Wear
your uniform (Do NOT forget your pearls (girls) or ties (boys). I
AM NOT BRINGING ADDITIONAL ONES WITH ME. If you forget a part of
your uniform, your parent will need to go home and get it.
***The time is
tight and the dressing rooms are small. If you choose to wear your
uniform, you must bring a t-shirt to wear over your uniform while
you eat dinner.
·
To bring: lots of water.
Dinner – you have two options. You can either:
Bring a
brown-bag dinner. -----Or----
Pizza
will be provided for you by the State Theater.
Choristers – on
Monday, we did a numbering system for where you would stand when you
are in two lines to sing “One,” and where you would be if we are in
three lines during our ‘pre-concert’ presentation. BE SURE YOU
HAVE THESE NUMBERS MEMORIZED WHEN YOU ARRIVE ON SATURDAY. I DO NOT
HAVE A MASTER LIST; YOU TOOK YOUR SLIPS OF PAPER WITH YOU TO
MEMORIZE. For those who were absent on Monday, we did not give
you a number; we will fit you in with your section on Saturday.
SO, AGAIN, BE SURE YOU ARE ON TIME. I DON’T WANT TO HEAR ‘WE GOT
LOST’ AS AN EXCUSE FOR BEING LATE.
The
order of events on Saturday:
·
Arrival and put personal items
in dressing room.
·
Rehearsal on stage
·
Dinner
·
Dress for concert
·
5:30/5:40 PM – we begin our
pre-concert presentation
·
6:00 PM: The Gala Concert begins. We will be led through the
back-stage door, enter the front of the theater, and be escorted to
the balcony. During the concert, choristers will be seated in the
balcony to enjoy the performance. At an appropriate time, you will
be escorted out the front door of the theater and through the
backstage door to be ready to enter onstage for “I Got Rhythm.”
Immediately after this, you will exit, get into your two lines, and
quietly get places on the backstage risers behind the curtain for
“One.” In the 8 measures before you sing, the curtain will rise,
and there you are!
Chaperones for State
Theatre: I will need 2 or 3 parents, in addition to Peggy
Gelsi who has already offered, to chaperone from 4:00 PM to about
5:30. Please email Mary Merten (admin@njyouthchorus.org)
if you can help out.
***EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: THERE IS TO
BE NO-NONE-ZERO TALKING FROM THE TIME YOU FINISH YOUR
PRE-CONCERT PRESENTATION TO THE TIME YOU FINISH THE CONCERT.***
The State Theater folks are being very nice in allowing you to see
the concert; they could have kept you in the dressing rooms for the
entire time. So, we cannot disrupt the patrons and parents who are
there to enjoy the performance by making noise when we enter and
leave the balcony. I don’t want any talking as we walk outside
either. IF YOU TALK, I WILL ASK YOU TO GO TO THE DRESSING
ROOM, AND REMAIN THERE UNTIL WE ARE READY TO SING AT THE END OF THE
CONCERT. I’M NOT KIDDING. You need to show your maturity,
professionalism, self-control and respect for me, and the State
Theater personnel, by not talking.
***Last reminder:
when you leave the dressing rooms, you MUST, MUST,
MUST pick up YOUR GARBAGE, YOUR HANGERS and YOUR
WATER BOTTLES. We have not had a concert yet this
year, where Kathleen, I and/or chaperones didn’t stay afterwards and
pick up trash. THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A MEMBER OF THE
NEW JERSEY YOUTH CHORUS.***
Solos:
as I explained on Monday, we won’t know exactly what time we will
begin singing until we have an audience. The doors open at 5:30
PM. As soon as folks come in, we will start to sing. It could be
5:35 PM, 5:40 PM, etc. My focus has to be the choir singing. If
every chorister who expressed interest in singing did so, that would
take up the entire 20 – 25 minutes. I hope there is time for one or
two solos, but it will probably be just that. Phil has the music
for four of you; we will just have to see what time permits.
Parents:
·
The complimentary tickets were
distributed on Monday. If you were absent, a friend of yours from
your school has your ticket.
·
Once the patrons exit, and the
choristers gather their belongings, they will be led to the lobby
where you can pick them up.
Garment Bags
As most of you
know, from Monday, an NJYC family has anonymously donated garment
bags for the Intermediate and Advanced choristers. The garment bags
have the NJYC logo, a name tag for each chorister, and a place for
shoes and accessories. This is an extremely kind and generous
gift. I can’t say thank you enough. Not only does this help each
chorister to be organized as we travel, but it certainly gives the
Chorus a professional look. I’m sure that all the Chorus families
would like to thank our donor family for this wonderful gift. Many
thanks from the bottom of my heart!!
Rehearsal on Monday, May 5
You have already
received a blast e-mail, but as another reminder: rehearsal this
Monday, May 5, will be at the New Jersey Youth Symphony building on
Central Avenue in New Providence. Follow the information in the
blast e-mail for getting directions.
Dress Rehearsal
Reminder: Dress
Rehearsal will be on Tuesday, May 13 (NOT MONDAY, MAY 12) at St.
Rose of Lima Church in Short Hills. (This is the church where we
had our Christmas Concert last year). We are not able to get into
the church on Monday, so we have to push the rehearsal to Tuesday.
Regular time – 6:00 PM.
Spring Concert
Sunday, May 18 at
4:00 PM at St. Rose of Lima Church in Short Hills. Tickets will be
sold at the door ($15.00 Adults/Children). If you can help
chaperone (Advanced/Musicianship), usher or help with ticket and CD
sales, please let Mary Merten know via email at
admin@njyouthchorus.org.
Young Men’s Ensemble
It’s a GO!!! The
Young Men’s Ensemble will begin in the fall of 2008; they will also
participate in Summer Camp. I am in the last phase of interviewing
candidates for the position, and am VERY excited about the final
candidates, and what they will be able to bring to our program.
So…..choristers and parents --- I NEED YOUR HELP TO SPREAD THE
WORD!! The Ensemble will meet on Monday evenings from 6:00 – 8:00
PM; same time as the Advanced Choir. This could give us
opportunities to collaborate on SATB literature at some point. The
Ensemble is open to young men in grades 7 – 12 with changing and
changed voices. I sure that ALL the choristers know young men with
good voices, really nice personalities, and a love of singing.
Bring them our way!
Auditions
Auditions are set
for Sunday, June 1 from 1:30 – 5:00 PM, and Saturday, June 7 from
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. This will be for new choristers
interested in any of the four choirs in the program.
Re-auditions, for
those choristers for whom this is their first year in the Advanced
Choir, and for choristers who I feel need to be re-auditioned, will
take place during rehearsal time in the next few weeks. Specific
times will be given shortly.
Choristers moving
from Intermediate to Advanced – I will also schedule on a Monday.
Information will be sent to those families.
ASSIGNMENT
I Got Rhythm, One,
Lullaby of Broadway, Tiree Love Song, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley
Square, Testimony and Chili con Carne. Make sure you have Lullaby
and Chili down pat. New members: make sure Nightingale is down pat
as well.
Date: April 16, 2008
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Sunday’s
Concert
Place:
Our Lady of Peace Church, 111 South Street, New Providence. (near
Friendly’s)
Arrival Time:
Those singing Dome Epais: 1:30 PM. Members of last year’s choir:
1:45 PM. All other choristers: 2:05 PM.
Concert:
Begins at 3:00 PM. Will last approximately one hour, 10/15
minutes. Cost: free; freewill offering at the door.
Reception:
The church is hosting a short reception for the choristers following
the concert.
To wear:
full concert dress (you know the drill; I expect that ALL
girls will be wearing their pearls)
To bring:
water bottle
Repertoire:
all the ACDA music, Tiree Love Song, I Got Rhythm. Small ensemble:
Dome Epais. Last year’s choir: have Bonny Wood Green, Blooming
Bright Star of Belle Isle, Dirait-on and A Nightingale Sang in
Berkeley Square ready. ALL OF THIS REPERTOIRE IS MEMORIZED!!!
Mary has sent an e-mail requesting
chaperone and hair brigade help on Sunday. You know the drill;
arrive when your child arrives. And, many thanks in advance for
your help!
Those of you who live close to New
Providence, I hope you are inviting friends, neighbors, etc. This
would be a great opportunity to bring a friend who would be
interested in auditioning for the Advanced Choir next year.
A Word
about Concert Absences
In our last performance at Rutgers, and
now for our upcoming performance at OLP, I am finding out,
last-minute, that there are choristers who will be absent from
performances. All of our performances, except for the State
Theater, have been on the calendar since August. There are
certainly legitimate excuses for absences, such as observance of a
religious holiday, out of town during a school break, a family
wedding, funeral, confirmation, etc. And, for these, a family would
certainly know well in advance. What is not acceptable is absence
notification on the Monday prior to a concert, or no notification at
all. This is a disservice to your colleagues in the choir, and a
lack of respect for me and for what we do. Number of absences this
year may affect a chorister’s return to choir next year.
(PS – Alto II’s: there will be 6
missing from your section on Sunday. Please be sure you are totally
prepared.)
May 3
Update
The three Broadway singers will be
Christiane Noll (Jekyll and Hyde, Urinetown and The Mambo Kings; and
she is the one who did a workshop for us), Rachel York (City of
Angels, Les Miz and Victor/Victoria), and Aaron Lazar (Light in the
Piazza and Les Miz). The NJ Tap Ensemble will also be in the
program.
We will be singing about a 20 minutes
program prior to the 6:00 PM full concert. In the concert itself,
we will sing “One” and “I Got Rhythm.” I am still waiting for
confirmation on the time for our rehearsal late afternoon.
The State Theater is giving us one
complimentary ticket per chorister. I need to know how many tickets
to tell them. On Monday, I will have a sheet available; I need each
chorister to check Yes or No as to whether you want the
complimentary ticket. IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BE AT MONDAY’S
REHEARSAL, PLEASE E-MAIL ME THIS WEEK WITH THE
INFORMATION.
If any parent would like additional
tickets, they are giving us a discount – they will be $15.00 for
balcony tickets. To reserve these tickets, please contact Nora
Duffy at: (732) 247-7200 or
nduffy@statetheaterNJ.org
Obviously, if you would prefer a better seat, then you could just
purchase a ticket through their Box Office.
ACDA
CD’s
For all those who ordered CD’s of our
ACDA performance (and I’m surprised that more didn’t order a copy),
you have received an e-mail from Mary concerning the cost. Please
bring cash or a check made payable to NJYC this Monday. PLEASE
PUT IT IN AN ENVELOPE WITH YOUR NAME AND “ACDA CD PAYMENT” ON IT.
Are You
Coming Back?
Shortly, each chorister will need to
fill out a sheet with whether or not you are interested in returning
to NJYC next year. Seniors – you will fill out a sheet with the
number of years you have been in NJYC, and what college you will be
attending. (I just hate it when the seniors graduate!!) I will be
talking to you at rehearsal about things that I have observed this
year, and expectations for next year. All first-year members of the
Advanced Chorus will re-audition. Second-year members and up will
re-audition if I feel that I need to hear you.
Rutgers
Rhonda Hackworth, the college professor, and
the class were very impressed with your performance and
demonstration. She is very interested in having us back next year –
great job!
Crypt Choir
(Are you still missing them??) I was
remiss in not thanking Mary and J Merten for picking up the risers,
and Charlie Briggs for set-up, tear-down and return of the risers by
Paula and Ted Roper. Thanks also to the NJYC boys and some nice
dads that I roped into service for helping with this.
ASSIGNMENT
The repertoire is listed above for
Sunday’s Concert. You MUST have Tiree Love Song and I Got
Rhythm memorized and performance ready. Those singing Dome Epais
and some of the literature from last year also need to be totally
performance ready. Our time is extremely tight in the space due to
a 2:00 PM wedding recently scheduled (no, I’m not kidding). So, be
prepared! Soloists: Kasia Borowiec, Julia Gebhardt, Victoria
Zajac.
Date: April 3, 2008
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Sunday,
April 6
This Sunday is our
demonstration/workshop at Rutgers for Music Education Majors.
(Yes, this has been on the calendar since late August.)
Arrival Time:
2:15 PM (Give yourself plenty of time to find the building!)
Workshop/Demonstration:
3:00 – 4:30 PM (**You may be
finished by 4:00/4:15 PM.)
Place:
Walters Hall, Room 240. Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers
University. Please see the link, with directions as sent to me by
my contact, below. (see bottom of memo, map and directions)
To wear:
California Blue T-shirt, Black Pants, Dark Shoes. Girls: please
have your hair NEATLY pulled back from your face.
To bring:
if several of you could please bring your folder that would be
great. The students may want to see repertoire that we are working
on. Please bring a water bottle.
Repertoire:
we will do the ACDA repertoire, minus Uberlebensgross. Please take
a peek at your Christmas repertoire in your folder, especially
Ceremony of Carols, The Angel Choir and the Trumpeter. I will also
be bringing a few pieces that you and the Rutgers students can read
together.
Upcoming Concerts:
Sunday, April 20. 3:00 PM. Our Lady
of Peace, New Providence.
Saturday, May 3. 5:30 PM. State
Theater Gala, New Brunswick
Sunday, May 18. 4:00 PM. NJYC Spring
Concert. St. Rose of Lima Church, Short Hills
Friday, June 13. 7:30 PM. NJYC hosts
the Lincoln Boys Choir, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Solo
Auditions
This Monday, I will need to hear those
interested in auditioning for:
Tiree Love Song
I Got Rhythm
Solo for April 20 concert. (Please
bring your music!)
I can hear auditions prior to rehearsal
anytime after 5:00 PM, at break, and after rehearsal. IF YOU CAN
COME PRIOR TO REHEARSAL OR STAY AFTER REHEARSAL, THAT WOULD BE VERY
HELPFUL. I cannot get through all the auditions at break.
Those interested in the vocal
percussion part in Chile con Carne – I can work with you for just a
few minutes right at the end of rehearsal. I can use a few more
choristers on that part; four signed the audition sheet.
Crypt
Choir
I’m delighted that we were able to host
a choir from another country, as we did last year with the
Drakensberg Boys Choir from South Africa. I hope that you all
enjoyed the concert, and I know that those who hosted seemed to
truly enjoy their guests.
I’d like to thank all the parents who
sent in food, drinks, and paper products for the dinner. I’d
especially like to thank those who helped in the kitchen before,
during and after dinner: Mary Merten - coordinator, Georgia Haglund,
Eva Curtis, Kathleen Hoke, Laurie and Mary Briggs, Jeannette
Carlucci and Maureen Mahoney (Madarasz).
A very special thank you goes to all
of our host families; especially since the choir had to be back at
Calvary Church at 7:45 AM! Many thanks to the following families:
Hoke, Evenson, Gelsi, McManus, Nerger, Nicholson, Gebhardt,
Brown/Keenan, Wilke, Guiltinan, Sprouls, Cannon, Snyder, Badshah,
Pasternak, Morash, Burke, Dowling/Serra, Narciso. I heard great
things from each family, and from our choristers who really enjoyed
their new English friends. We even had two of our seniors who “took
a personal day” on Monday, and went into NYC to hang out with
several of the Crypt Choir kids.
All fantastic experiences – I’m so glad
you enjoyed!
ACDA CD’s
The deadline for ordering the ACDA CD’s
has been extended to this Monday, April 7. If you have not yet
contacted Mary Merten, please jot down on a paper your name, and the
number of CD’s you would like to order, and turn it in on Monday.
You will receive information during next week as to the exact price
of each CD, and you will send your payment in on Monday, April
14. The more we order, the lower the price.
Dress Rehearsal
Prior to our concert on May 18, we will
have our Dress Rehearsal at St. Rose of Lima on Tuesday, May 13. We
are not able to use the church on Monday
ASSIGNMENT
*Please review Christmas repertoire
before Sunday
*Chili con Carne: ready for May 3.
Practice the tricky transitions between sections of the music and
the key changes. Work on memorization.
*Lullaby of Broadway: ready for May 3.
*For Good: ready for May 3.
*One: ready for May 3.
*A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square:
possibly with full choir on May 3.
*Tiree Love Song: possibly ready for
April 20. Practice the first two pages and the “Ah’s.” Work on
memorization.
*I Got Rhythm: ready for April 20.
Memorize.
Last year’s choir: we will be singing
several pieces from last year’s Spring Concert on April 20. We will
run through these in the next two rehearsals. We will take a look
at: Come Ye Makers of Song, Dirait-on, Blooming Bright Star of Belle
Isle, Bonny Wood Green and A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.
We’ll see what works best.
Map and Directions for April 6th
performingartscentermap.pdf
We
will meet in Walters Hall, room 240. Mason Gross has a map of
buildings and parking at this website:
http://www.masongross.rutgers.edu/VenueLocations.html#Mason
this page has links to
parking, Route 18 construction, and provides driving directions. The
closest parking lots to Walters Hall are 79 & 79A and 73. If
necessary, lot 70 and the parking garage are also available and will
require a walking across George St. toward Voorhees Chapel, coming
to Walters from the opposite direction of the other lots. Because
the event is held on Sunday, signs about parking restrictions are
invalid (unless there are any date specific signs posted).
The one complication with
the webpage is that Walters Hall is not a MGSA performance venue, so
it's off the map. I've attached a PDF file of the performance venue
map that I adjusted with an arrow & small type that says "to bridge
& Walters Hall". Tell choristers to cross the covered bridge between
Rehearsal Hall and the MSGA ticket office. Once they cross the
bridge, the entrance to Walters Hall will be on the right. Take a
left at the vending machines, then another left at the end of that
hall. The elevator will be on the left, stairs on the right. Room
240 is upstairs down the hall from stairs & elevator.
March 28, 2008
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MARCH 29TH – CRYPT CHOIR
Arrival Time: 4:30 PM for rehearsal. Please report directly to the
church (enter through the choir room door).
Please be
on time.
Wear: something comfortable.
To
Bring: Your FULL uniform, extra water bottle, and lots of
friendliness for our guests.
Concert: begins at 7:30 PM at Calvary Episcopal Church in
Summit. Suggested donation at the door -
$10.00Adults/$5.00 Children
Please share this concert news with your family and friends,
especially high school students. This is a very fine high school
choir – worth hearing and it is not expensive to get in! It would
be great to have a wonderful turnout!!
As a reminder, the following is a
breakdown of items for dinner. There will be approximately 110
choirsters eating. Please drop your assigned dish off in the
kitchen at Calvary Episcopal Church (where the choristers had their
retreat) before 5:00 PM.
Salad -Zajac, Wuhl, Vaters, Trisler, Snyder, Smith, Salario,
Rosivack, Roper, Hu
Main Dish - Prasad, Porr, Pazniokas, O'Malley, O'Hora, Beck,
Narciso, Nacheman, Morash, Mion, Meese, McDonald, Marathe,
Mahoney, Madarasz, Libassi, Heitmann
Dessert - Kodiyalam, Joyce, Howarth, Hobble, Haglund,
Gebhardt, Forness, Falk, Evenson, Elango, Dowling, Dewil, Daifotis,
Borowiec
Dinner Rolls and Butter - Corson, Catanzaro, Coacher
Plates - Curtis (200)
Napkins - Coburn (200)
Cups - Carlucci (200)
Forks - Brennan (150)
Knives - Bradley (150)
Drinks and Ice - (water, ice tea, lemonade only) -
Atwater, Babcock, Badshah, Bonamico
Ordering ACDA CD’s
We
have received the information on ordering CD’s of our concert in
Hartford. The price will depend on the number of CD’s we order; the
more CD’s, the lower the cost. The highest cost (the least number
of CD’s) is $15.00, and it goes down from there.
If you are
interested in ordering one or more CD’s, please e-mail Mrs. Merten
by Monday, March 31, indicating how many CD’s you would like. We
will then inform you during that week of the cost of each CD, and
you then will bring a check to rehearsal the following Monday (April
7), made payable to NJYC. (We need to send the company one check
for the entire order.)
Date: March 19, 2008
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Boy’s Workshop
Thanks to all the boys from the Intermediate and Advanced choirs who
attended our workshop, “It’s a Guy Thing” on March 8. Everyone
seemed to enjoy our two clinicians, Paul Chapin and Glen Fittin…and
the Mrs. Joyce dessert table (with additional cookies from Mrs. Hoke
– thanks!). Many thanks to Mrs. Eckert (Intermediate Chorus) for
help with registration and other details. We even have some of the
new boys interested in auditioning for NJYC – hurrah!
No Rehearsal
Just a reminder: there is no rehearsal (sob!) this Monday, March 24.
Crypt Choir
Thank you so much to all the families who have offered to host
choristers and chaperones from the Crypt Choir. You will be
receiving the names of your guests shortly.
You have now received your assignment for the pot-luck dinner.
Please bring your dish, etc. to the kitchen when you bring your
child for rehearsal.
Because several of the choristers from Crypt Choir have food
allergies, please send a list of ingredients with your dish.
Arrival Time: 4:30 PM for rehearsal. Please report directly to the
church (enter through the choir room door).
Wear: something comfortable.
To Bring: your FULL uniform, extra water bottle, and lots of
friendliness for our guests.
Concert: begins at 7:30 PM at Calvary Episcopal Church in Summit.
Suggested donation at the door.
Following the concert, those who are hosting should report to the
Parish Hall to meet your guests.
Please share this concert news with your family and friends. It
would be great to have a wonderful turnout!!
April 6
This is the presentation at Rutgers for Music Education students. We
may need to refresh a few pieces from last year’s spring concert.
You need to come to rehearsals!
April 20 Concert; soloists
We will be singing a full program on the 20th, so I will need some
soloists for the program. If you are interested, I will have a
sign-up sheet at the next rehearsals. Please be prepared to put the
name of the piece, and how long the piece runs.
Ordering ACDA CD’s
We have received the information on ordering CD’s of our concert in
Hartford. The price will depend on the number of CD’s we order; the
more CD’s, the lower the cost. The highest cost (the least number of
CD’s) is $15.00, and it goes down from there.
If you are interested in ordering one or more CD’s, please e-mail
Mrs. Merten by Monday, March 31, indicating how many CD’s you would
like. We will then inform you during that week of the cost of each
CD, and you then will bring a check to rehearsal the following
Monday (April 7), made payable to NJYC. (We need to send the company
one check for the entire order.)
New York Harmony Sweeps A Cappella Festival this Saturday
I just received this from Choralist, in case anyone is interested:
“On Saturday, March 22, ten very talented and diverse groups will
come together at Symphony Space in NYC for this year’s regional
competition. Hosted by the 2007 New York Champions, The Fault Line,
and MC’d by Jeff LaGreca of Minimum Wage, the evening promises to be
a fabulous and fun-filled night of a cappella music! This year’s
competitors are: Classic Sounds, Cut Time, DoubleShot, L5, The
Newyorkettes, Red No. 5, ‘Round Midnight, Six13, Undercover, Vocal
Heights, with a special performance by The Fault Line! The music is
terrifically diverse and exclusively a cappella. You can vote on the
‘audience favorite’ and see which group will go on to the National
Finals in California.
The concert will take place at Peter Norton Symphony Space, 2537
Broadway at 95th Street. 7:00 PM. $22.00 advance tickets ($25.00 at
the door), $19.00 for seniors, $17.00 for students.
www.symphonyspace.org
American Boychoir on March 30
Another FYI: on Sunday, March 30 at 3:00 PM, eighty men and boys
spanning six decades will raise their voices together in song. This
musical celebration of the American Boychoir School’s 70th
Anniversary will be held at Richardson Auditorium, on the Princeton
University Campus. Vivaldi’s Gloria and portions of Pergolesi’s
Stabat Mater will be performed by the Concert Choir and the Alumni
Chorus, and accompanied by a Baroque ensemble. Additionally, all the
choirs of the American Boychoir School will sing a variety of music
by American composers, including three selections by ABS alumni. A
rousing rendition of their signature song, Brothers, Sing On!, by
the combined choirs is the grand finale. For information: (609)
258-5000.
ASSIGNMENT
We will be singing the ACDA music, and possibly Resonet in Laudibus.
Although you know this material well, it is IMPERATIVE that you go
through each piece prior to the 29th, and get it back in your head.
Please work on I Got Rhythm, Chile Con Carne and Tiree Love Song in
particular. I would like to have these ready to present for our
April 20 concert.
Date: February 20, 2008
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ACDA in Hartford
Wow – where do I begin? I think I’m
still on Cloud 9; I relive the concert over and over in my mind.
I wish all of you could have been with
me to receive all the congratulatory words from teachers and
conductors I knew, and from conductors and students I had the
pleasure to meet. I did, however, tell each person who spoke to me
that I would relay their message to you. The words to describe your
performance were: “stunning…wonderful….fabulous…outstanding…their
diction was perfect….their tone color was beautiful….this is the
reason I come to these conventions; to hear choirs like yours….the
choristers were so poised…..I loved watching the expression on their
faces….I cried….so musical….yours was the best choir of the day….I
loved your programming….your entire program was the best at ACDA….”
It was unbelievable. And so, my dear choristers, I hope you know
how incredibly proud I am of you. You did exactly what we have
worked together to do – you touched the hearts of your audience. I
will never forget your faces as you sang – your musicianship, your
joy, your emotion – truly a treasured experience. When I see you on
Monday, I will also tell you about two very nice conversations with
Brent Miller, Eastern Division President, and Barbara Tagg, Director
of the Syracuse Children’s Choir.
When I saw you as a group before you
got on the buses to return to NJ, it slipped my mind to say a huge
thank you to head chaperone Mrs. Trisler, and chaperones Mrs.
Badshah, Mrs. Cannon, Mrs. Guiltinan, Mrs. McManus, Mrs. Nicholson,
Mrs. Nerger, and Mrs. Wilke. I am so fortunate that I had such a
great team; I knew that everything would be in place, and run on
time. That was a great load off my shoulders! I’m sure you have
all read the chaperones beautiful and heartfelt comments that were
sent via e-mail. I’m very grateful for your lovely thoughts and
words; it really means a lot to me.
Choristers – I hope you came home with some treasured memories.
It’s experiences like that that are truly once in a lifetime
opportunities. I hope you will never forget the feeling.
March 8
This is our Workshop entitled “It’s a
Guy Thing.” The Workshop is open to any and all boys in grades 6 –
9, and will be held at The Presbyterian Church in Madison from 10:00
AM – 4:00 PM. [Boys – I hope you are all planning on attending, and
that you will bring several friends with you!!] The brochure is on
our website. The day will include choral rehearsals, led by Paul
and Janice Chapin, and drumming circles led by Glen Fittin
(percussionist with the “Lion King in NYC). At the end of the day,
there will be short, informal presentation for any family and
friends, as well as a short performance by “Noteworthy’s,” an a
cappella men’s ensemble from Morris Hills High School. This is
really for boys who just love music, or who would like to explore
more about singing. This is a no-pressure, fun, musical day.
We would like to have a reception at
the end of the day, and will need volunteers to send goodies, paper
products, etc. Parents of girls are more than welcome! Any
choristers willing to help at the reception…girls or boys? Please
let me know as soon as possible.
Girls – please talk this up at your
schools or churches as well. All the schools and churches on our
mailing list have been sent a brochure.
March
29
This is our joint concert and home-stays with the Crypt Choir from
England. We will need volunteers to host the students, as well as
their chaperones. There are 16 girls and 17 boys; one host home
will need to take 3 boys – all the other host homes will have 2 boys
or 2 girls. However, if you are able to take 4 (or more!), that
would be fine too. The ages range from about 14 – 17 or 18.
There will be 2 women and 5 men who will be chaperoning, and will
need home-stays as well. If you are able to help with this, please
e-mail Mary Merten as soon as possible.
Notes to Drakensburg Boys Choir
How about this for a small world; a
business associate of Mr. Forness is traveling to Drakensburg in
April for vacation. He has offered to take some small mementos to
them from us. If there is anyone who would like to send a
note/letter, or something small to them, please let me know. You
can bring it directly to rehearsal. If you could do this by the
middle of March or so, that would be great.
Harmonium
Workshops
Harmonium (an adult community choral ensemble led by Anne Matlack)
is sponsoring three workshops that some of you may be interested
in. On Sunday, March 9, Louise Rogers will lead a workshop on Vocal
Jazz and Improvisation, for those who love to improvise, or those
who shudder at the thought. On Sunday, March 30, Lauran Corson
(Julie’s mom!), coloratura soprano and vocal instructor, will lead a
master class for improving Vocal Performance, open to singers who
want to perform as well as those who want to learn from
observation. The last workshop will be on Sunday, April 13, and
will feature the return of Robert Isaacs, countertenor and college
faculty member, who will again amuse attendees with Improving Your
Sight-Singing. All the workshops will be held from 2:30 – 5:30 PM
at the Grace Lutheran Church, 65 East Main Street in Mendham. For
further information, please visit Harmonium’s website:
www.harmonium.org
Date: February 10, 2008
No Rehearsal
Reminder: there is no rehearsal this coming Monday, February 18.
Concert at Hilltop
I think it was great to be able to sing through our program before
Thursday. I hope you enjoyed the Men’s Ensemble, and enjoyed our
chat with them following the concert. Many thanks to all those who
supplied desserts, drinks and paper products. And now, on to
Hartford.
ACDA in Hartford
I am going to run through our entire two days together, and
hopefully answer any questions you may have.
Wednesday, February 13
Noon: 2 coach buses; depart from Xavier Center. MAKE SURE YOU ARE ON
TIME!!
Please wear your California Blue NJYC t-shirts. Any pants or jeans
are fine.
To bring: full uniform (girls – remember your pearls and PLENTY OF
BOBBY PINS, HAIRSPRAY, etc. (some hair was very sloppy yesterday),
overnight bag including toiletries, brown-bag lunch, water bottle,
snacks for both days, things to do (such as cards, small board game,
I-pod, book, Game Boy, etc.), money in an envelope with your name on
it: $37.00 (see below) and extra money (optional).
***During the bus ride, please watch the volume you use for
speaking. Save your voice for Thursday!!***
Mid-afternoon: arrive at your hotel, Holiday Inn Express – 185
Brainard Road, Hartford, CT 06114. (860) 525-1000. The rooming list
is as follows:
1. Sophie Dewill, Chloe O’Malley, Hannah Nacheman
2. Fiona Bradley, Elizabeth Borowiec, Rachel Burke
3. Elisha Hu, Kelsey Evenson, Rachel Hobble
4. Megg Howarth, Victoria Prasad, Hope Trisler
5. Mattie Coacher, Caroline Vaters, Eleni Catanzaro
6. Samantha Narciso, Christine Porr, Eleanor Haglund
7. Caitlyn Roper, Julie Corson, Keri Forness
8. Grace Leskauskas, Erin Guiltinan, Arathi Elango
9. Hattie Briggs, Cassidy Walter, Kathleen Joyce
10. Conor Sprouls, James McManus, Michael Pasternak
11. Andrew Wichman, Alex Wilke, Kevin O’Hora
12. Matt Mahoney, Harris Hoke, Eric Roper
13. Gabi Wuhl, Terry Gelsi, Meghna Marathe
14. Julia Dowling, Helen Daifoitis, Kate Brennan
15. Maria Carlucci, Laura Libassi
16. Gaya Kodiyalam, Claire Smith
17. Emilia Pazniokas, Jenna Nerger, Julia Gephardt
18. Erica McDonald, Murphy Nicholson
19. Simone Badshah, Bosook Coburn, Annie Salorio
20. Breena Beck, Melody Madarasz, Margaret Brown
21. Callie Falk, Caroline Bonamico, Katie Morash
22. Christina Rosivack, Caitlin Babcock, Brianna Meese
23. Sara Cannon, Victoria Zajac, Katie Heitmann
24. Faith Howes, Kasia Borowiec
25. Mrs. Nicholson, Mrs. Nerger
26. Mrs. Wilke, Mrs. McManus
27. Mrs. Badshah, Mrs. Cannon
28. Mrs. Trisler, Mrs. Guiltinan
29. Phil Steffani
(Rooms with two choristers: if illness prevents one chorister from
attending, arrangements will be made so that every chorister will
have a roommate.)
Mrs. Trisler will serve as head chaperone. The chaperone groups will
follow the numbers listed above:
Mrs. Nicholson - #13, 14, 18
Mrs. Nerger - #15, 16, 17
Mrs. Wilke - #1, 11, 12
Mrs. McManus - #5, 6, 10
Mrs. Badshah - #19, 20, 21
Mrs. Cannon - #22, 23, 24
Mrs. Trisler - #2, 3, 4
Mrs. Guiltinan - #7, 8, 9
5:05 PM: Board the bus on time. Proceed to Central Baptist Church
for dress rehearsal; about ½ mile.
5:30 – 5:45 PM: Warm-up. (These times are exact. Each choir is
allotted the same amount of time.) You will enter the church from
the side door; there will be student assistants there who will take
us to the gym, where we will leave coats, warm-up, get lined up,
etc. From there, we will move to the sanctuary.
5:45 – 6:30 PM: Dress Rehearsal in the sanctuary. (These times are
exact.)
6:35 PM: Board the bus for Bowl-A-Rama in Newington, CT. (about 4
miles from the church). There will be a buffet for us, so you can
eat any time during our time at the lanes. The buffet will include:
baked chicken, baked ziti, sausage and peppers, salad, rolls, meat
platter and soda. The cost for bowling includes 2 games. If you wish
to bowl additional games, it is $4.25 per game. They also have an
arcade with a pool table, etc. The arcade games take quarters. You
win tickets and redeem the tickets for prizes.
*Have fun WITHOUT screaming – you need a voice for Thursday*
*****We need to give the manager of the bowling lanes an exact count
by Tuesday. If you DO NOT intend to bowl, please let Mrs. Haglund
know by Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM.*****
Between 9:00/9:30 PM: Board the bus to return to the hotel.
11:00 PM: lights out
Thursday, February 14. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Between 6:00 – 10:00 AM: continental breakfast is served at the
hotel. This is a basic breakfast; cereal, bagels, etc.
You can sleep in, or relax in the morning. Keep in low-key and
quiet.
11:00 AM – check out time. Keep your uniform and a toothbrush and
toothpaste with you; do not put these on the bus.
11:15 AM: begin lunch. The hotel does not have a restaurant. You
will have a catered lunch in their conference room. The lunch will
include: fruit and cheese platter, chicken ceasar sald, chicken
noodle soup, roll, chocolate chip cookies, water bottle.
The Conference Room can hold 40, so lunch will have to be done in
two shifts. (Chaperones: you can decide how to divide the group.)
Girls: have your hair done before you come to lunch. After the last
group has eaten lunch, they will allow us to use the Conference Room
for the girls to change. The boys can use the Men’s Room. Some girls
in the first shift can also use the Ladies Room to change.
12:00 PM: finish loading the buses with your street clothes that you
wore in the morning. The caterer will have your box dinners prepared
(this is what you gave Mrs. Haglund your order for). Choristers will
need to pick your dinner up, and load it on the bus as well.
12:40 PM: depart for Central Baptist Church
We will have about ½ hour to unload from the buses, warm-up, etc. 15
minutes prior to our concert, they will move us to the holding area.
2:00 PM: We perform brilliantly.
2:30 PM: return to the warm-up area to retrieve coats.
We will not know until Wednesday if there will be space to hear the
Bucks HS Men’s Ensemble or Harvard. If not, you will board the buses
for the return trip home. (We are checking into changing out of
uniform for the return trip home.)
Pick-up at Xavier: our departure time is a little questionable, so
the best bet is for each chorister to call home once you are on the
bus. It looks like it will be earlier than originally anticipated.
Cost for meals and bowling: $37.00 (includes buffet dinner on
Wednesday, bowling, buffet lunch on Thursday and box dinner on
Thursday). If you ARE NOT going to bowl, it will be $11.00 less.
***Please have this money IN AN ENVELOPE WITH YOUR NAME ON IT. YOU
WILL HAND IT TO YOUR CHAPERONE WHEN YOU BOARD THE BUS AT THE XAVIER
CENTER ON WEDNESDAY.
Chaperones: you are responsible for –
Bringing a small first aid kit
Collecting the envelope of money from each chorister in your group
as they get on the bus at Xavier. Turn the money over to Debra
Trisler as needed.
Check that each chorister in your group gets checked into the
appropriate room and that you know where each chorister’s room is.
Check that each chorister in your group gets on the bus at the
appropriate time.
Oversee the choristers at the bowling alley.
Check that each chorister is in his/her correct room prior to lights
out on Wednesday.
Make sure that each chorister has eaten on Thursday.
Make sure each chorister does a final check of his/her room prior to
check-out on Thursday. Each chorister needs to pick up his/her box
dinner.
Additional suggestion: duck tape or pins in case a hem comes down.
Choristers – this is for you too: proper manners and etiquette needs
to be on display at all times. This includes the vocal volume on the
bus to Hartford, no running in the halls, yelling or using the hotel
phone to call room to room at the hotel, and most important –
displaying listening skills. Be quiet and courteous when needed.
Listen to your chaperones, and all other adults who need to speak to
you or give directions. This is where your maturity, respect and
support will be tested. I will not be traveling on the bus with you,
nor will I be staying in the same hotel, since I am attending the
entire Convention. I expect the best behavior at all times, and the
best respect for your chaperones.
Windy City Festival
The next payment for $700.00 is due today.
Date: January 23, 2008
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Choristers: preparation and attendance
As you all know, three weeks tomorrow
is our performance in Hartford for the ACDA Convention. I know that
choristers are busy with mid-terms and school drama productions.
Some parents and/or choristers have spoken with me personally
concerning conflicts – thank you. However, since returning in
January, there have been 10 – 15 choristers absent every rehearsal.
As much as I appreciate that you are practicing at home, it is not
the same as rehearsing and tweaking this music together. On Monday,
for instance, there were markings given in “Omnia Sol,” a change was
made to “Riawanna,” and we rehearsed processing in the church.
These next rehearsals are critical.
YOU NEED TO BE THERE.
As far as preparation – many
choristers are clearly working diligently at home. Others are not.
“Uberlebensgross” still needs much work. I asked how many
choristers had worked with their CD recording of this piece this
week; a smattering of hands went up. You have the perfect
opportunity to rehearse vocals and hear the percussion parts up to
tempo. Why isn’t it being done? After Monday’s rehearsal, I was
questioning whether or not to keep “Uberlebensgross” in the
program. I would be very disappointed, and embarrassed, if I had to
remove it. As I thought more about it, I realize that it is not
fair to those who have diligently prepared. So, if need be, I will
remove choristers, who are not adequately prepared, from singing
that piece in Hartford. This is what I will be listening to on
Monday:
-
Pg. 5: ms. 22 – pg. 6, ms. 35.
-
Pg. 6: ms. 36 – 43 (know the pattern
in ms. 36 – 39 so that ms. 40 – 43 are correct.)
-
Pg. 7: ms. 52 – 55.
-
Pg. 9: ms. 61 – 63 for Sop. I and
II. (This is critical.)
Throughout, all the claps and stomps
must be spot-on.
I was encouraged by “Omnia Sol” and
“Ergen Deda.” The tweaks we made with these pieces on Monday will
work well. I think “Testimony” will be fine, and once we work a bit
more on “Lake Isle” this week, we should be in pretty good shape
with that. “Riawanna” and “Uberlebensgross” still need much
attention. For “Riawanna,” if there are choristers who could add an
owl, a ‘pitched’ loon (as we talked about on Monday), that would be
great. Some unusual animal sounds are always welcome! In addition,
please make sure you know your ‘box’ right on, clearly – and which
note you stop on.
Tickets for our concert: some parents
who had requested tickets are now not going to be traveling to
Hartford, so we do have several extra tickets if anyone is
interested. Please contact Georgia Haglund directly.
Additional Rehearsal
Schedule; Please note changes
Sunday, February 3, Super Bowl Sunday –
I obviously did not check my ‘sports’ calendar before I chose the
rehearsal time. Instead of 4:00 – 6:00 PM, the rehearsal will be
from 2:00-4:00 PM at Xavier. (GO
GIANTS!!!)
In last week’s Memo, I did not list
Monday, February 4. This will be at Xavier, and run from 5:30 –
8:00 PM.
Friday, February 8 – it looks like we
will be able to rehearse at Hilltop Presbyterian Church in Mendham;
this is where our concert is on Feb. 10. This rehearsal will run
from 5:30 – 7:00 PM. Please note the change in
time.
Concert Date
A wonderful opportunity just came in
this morning. It is not set yet (I may know more by Monday), but
please mark May 3 in the evening as a tentative concert date.
Chocolate Fest
Only 9 days to go!! I hope that you
have all sent the e-mail announcement to everyone in your address
book. (Choristers – you too!) I think the vendor line-up looks
great; many from last year will be back, but we have added a few
different chocolatiers, as well as vendors selling different kinds
of jewelry, unusual items, food products, etc. It will be great.
There are 3 presenters: Joseph Gabriel, renowned Pastry Chef of The
Pluckemin Inn will be doing a cake decorating demonstration, Tad Van
Leer, renowned chocolate maker from J. Emanuel Chocolatier discusses
the history of chocolate, and will offer chocolate samples, and
Christopher Cree, New Jersey’s only Master of Wine, will be
discussing wines that go with chocolate, and conducting a wine
tasting. The Advanced Chorus will perform at approximately 1:30
PM.
I want to thank our various Chairmen:
Event Chair: Charlie Briggs; Silent Auction: Alice McManus;
Decorations: Kathleen Hoke, (with assistance from Georgia Haglund);
NJYC table: Nancy Rosivack and Peggy Gelsi, Admissions Table:
Terry Meese; Vendor Phone Calls and Centerpiece for Admissions
Area: Janet Smith.
I’d also like to thank those choristers
who have volunteered to help on the day of Chocolate Fest: Hattie
Briggs, Mattie Coacher, Keri Forness, Terry Gelsi, Erin Guiltinan,
Megg Howarth, Kathleen Joyce, Matt Mahoney, James McManus, Brianna
Meese, Katie Morash, Cassidy Walter and Alex Wilke.
Silent Auction: I know that you have
personally received an e-mail from Mary Merten concerning donating
to the Silent Auction. We still need many families to step forward
and help with this. To date, the following families have
contributed: Bonamico, Briggs, Corson, Curtis, Dowling, Howarth,
Eckert, Engel, Falk, Forness, Gebhardt, Harrison, Hoke, Johnson,
Joyce, Madarasz, Meese, Morash, Prasad, Roper, Salario, Trisler,
Vaters, Weldon, Wichman and Wilke. Many, many thanks to all!
February 10
This is our first reception of several
reception/dinners we will host this year. Please consider if you
would be able to bake/send in desserts for a reception following our
joint concert with the Bucks HS Men’s Ensemble.
March 29
This is the date we are hosting the
Crypt Choir from England. They will be doing home stays with us
(just as the Drakensberg Choir did last year). There are 33 high
school students, (16 boys and 17 girls) and 7 adults (2 women and 5
men). Please be thinking about whether you would consider hosting a
group of 2 or more in your home. We will need to have sign-ups for
that shortly.
Date: January 9, 2008
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The word of the day is “practice”
Christmas Concert
Seems so long ago, doesn’t it? I was very pleased with the
performance at the Community Theater. I hope everyone who had
friends and family there enjoyed it.
I’d like to thank the chaperones for the State Theater, NJPAC and
the Community Theater: Lisa Wichman, Angie Prasad, Jackie Hu, Maddie
Marathe, Charlie Briggs for transporting risers, and Gretchen
Atwater and Laurel Brockman (Intermediate) for helping on the 16th
in the lobby.
I do have to make one critical comment: there was much trash left
behind following the concert at the Community Theater. Anything you
leave behind ends up being cleaned up by some member of NJYC; this
time, it was Mr. Roper and Kathleen Joyce. It only takes a moment to
throw away your trash and pick up your water bottle. Also, as you
were seated in the Community Theater while the other groups
performed, there was too much chit chat. Ms. Flynn got up and went
back, and it still did not improve. (This was not the whole choir,
but I don’t know specifically who it was.) It is a disruption for
audience members. And, you should be the ones who set the fine
example for the younger choir members. Remember, in all you do, it’s
the whole package. You may have a stunning performance, but if your
behavior on or off stage is less than what it should be, it takes
away from any positive impact you may have made. I’m sure, that in
our upcoming concerts, I won’t need to speak about this again.
The word of the day is “practice”
Carmina Burana
For those of you who volunteered to participate, please be on
the look-out for e-mail information for this Monday’s rehearsal at
Xavier.
The word of the day is “practice”
Chocolate Fest
It’s almost here! It was a wonderful event, and a wonderful
success last year. We would like it to be even better this year. We
don’t run several fundraisers (as practically every other choir
does), so we are counting on this being a tremendous success. In
order to do that, we need help and support from every chorus family.
You just received an e-mail reminder notice about the Silent
Auction. We are also in need of help on Friday evening, Feb. 1 for
set-up, Saturday morning, Feb. 2, Admission at the door, Decorations
and Clean-up. There is a meeting this coming Monday, January 14 at
6:00 PM. This is open to anyone who is willing to work or help. If
you are unable to attend, but can help with any of the jobs listed
above, please contact Charlie Briggs. Many hands make light work!
The word of the day is “practice”
Upcoming Events
This is to update your calendar: (there are no new listings of
concerts)
Saturday, January 19, 8:00 PM. Carmina Burana. Calvary Church in
Summit. (Select ensemble)
Saturday, February 2, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Chocolate Fest. Olde Mill
Inn, Basking Ridge.
Sunday, February 10, 3:00 PM. Joint concert with Central Bucks High
School West Men’s Ensemble. Hilltop Presbyterian Church, Mendham.
Feb. 13/14: Eastern Division ACDA, Hartford, Conn.
Saturday, March 8: Boys Workshop, Grades 6 – 9, with Paul and Janice
Chapin (choral music) and Glen Fittin (drumming circle). 9:30 AM –
4:00 PM. (Open to all boys in the community.)
Saturday, March 29, 7:30 PM. Joint concert with the Crypt Choir from
King’s School, Canterbury, England. Calvary Church, Summit.
Home-stays.
Sunday, April 6, 3:00 PM. Mini-demonstration/performance – Rutgers
University.
Sunday, April 20, 3:00 PM. Concert at Our Lady of Peace, New
Providence.
Sunday, May 18, 3:00 PM. Spring Concert
Friday, June 13, 7:30 PM. Joint concert with Lincoln Boys Choir.
St. Peter’s Church, Morristown.
June 25 – 29. Windy City Festival. Chicago.
August 24 – 27: Summer Camp.
ASSIGNMENT
Did I mention that the word of the day was “practice?”
Choristers, I can’t tell you how important it is for you to work at
home. For this Monday, you should have the following prepared:
Riawanna: you must have your “box” known clearly; get your pitch,
and which note you hold the “a” of “Ri – a –wanna.” Those of you
doing wind, bird, loon or animal sounds must be ready. Overtone
singing – are you all practicing it?
Uberlebensgross: the piece is completed. The 3 measures at the
bottom of the second page, with the stamp-claps between – very
important to work hard on these. Memorization must be complete by
this Monday, or the following Monday.
Omnia Sol: we will work to get to the heart of the piece.
Please review the Lake Isle of Innisfree, Ergen Deda and Testimony.
We may need to add an extra rehearsal or two; let’s see how Monday
goes.
Date: December 13, 2007
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December 16 Concert
This Memo is being sent to all three choirs.
Please read carefully for information that pertains specifically to
your choir.
Arrival Time and Schedule
12:45 PM – Advanced
Choir **
2:30 PM – The house
opens to the audience
3:00 PM – Concert
begins
*It is IMPERATIVE
that each choir arrives on time. There are specific times for each
choir’s rehearsal, as well as the instrumentalists. The concert
WILL begin on time.
To enter the
theater: as you face the theater, go down the alley to the left of
the building, and enter through the stage door.
To Wear
Musicianship Class
and Intermediate Chorus – arrive in uniform. (Musicianship Class –
you are wearing your ‘Sunday best.’) Advanced Chorus – you may
arrive in uniform, or change during the time the other choirs are
rehearsing on stage. Reminder: the changing rooms are not large.
Intermediate and Advanced choristers: double and triple check that
you have your full uniform. Girls: please check your hems.
To Bring
Intermediate and
Advanced Choirs: plenty of water, enough snacks and something to do
during the down time (a book, cards, small game, etc.). The
chaperones will not run out and get water for you, so be sure you
have enough with you. You will be allowed to keep a water bottle at
your seat in the theater during the performance.
All choirs will be
seated in the last rows of the theater during the performance.
Pictures/Videos/Audio
Pick-Up After
Concert
Choristers will be
dismissed from the stage. Parents are to meet their child by the
stage area. Parents are not permitted on stage or backstage.
Weather
Well, the weather
forecast is looking a little more in our favor. Hopefully, the snow
will end Sunday morning, and the roads will be fine. If the concert
has to be canceled, the decision will be made by 10:00 AM on Sunday
morning and an email will be sent to notify all families.
If we have to
postpone the concert, we will look at a possible re-schedule for
either Friday evening, December 21 or Saturday evening, December 22.
For All
Choristers
Please review all
your music carefully. Rehearsal time will be tight on Sunday.
Advanced choristers: please be sure you know ALL verses of the
carols.
Monday, December
17
Musicianship
Class: no rehearsal
Intermediate
Chorus: regular rehearsal for everyone. In addition to the
birthday treats, anyone can send in snacks or treats for a nice
holiday celebration!
Advanced Chorus:
regular rehearsal for everyone. Ditto on the treats!
Date: December 5, 2007
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Lyrics
***Choristers*** -- at the end of this Memo, you will find the
text of “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”
These are the two carols that will be used on Friday and Saturday as
a Sing-a-Long with the audience. I am sorry this has to be sprung on
you so late. I have asked my contact at NJSO about the Finale since
August. I finally received the titles and the carol text yesterday
afternoon. You already know the first verse of “O Come All Ye
Faithful.” The second verse is different from what we have learned
for our concert. For “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” the melody is the
traditional English folk melody. You need to have the text memorized
for Friday’s rehearsal. We could use a paper with the words on it on
stage, but I think that would look unprofessional. Again, I am so
sorry for this late assignment.
Friday, December 7
• 2:45/2:50 PM: the busses depart from Xavier to the State
Theater in New Brunswick. (For those not traveling on the bus, our
arrival time is supposed to be 4:00 PM. The busses will drop us off
on Livingston St. Next to the theater is an alleyway that leads to
an entrance that is closed off to the stage. If you arrive before
the busses do, please wait for the group so we can enter together.)
• I will leave my cell on: (908) 247-1321.
• To bring: your full uniform (I am not bringing any ‘extras,’ so
make sure you have everything), girls – plenty of hair supplies,
brown-bag dinner, plenty of water, extra snacks, something to do
(cards, book, game, etc.).
• FYI: water bottles will be allowed on stage during the rehearsal,
but not during the performance.
• Following the Dress Rehearsal, you have until approximately 6:40
PM to eat. Following dinner, you will change, and we will have time
back on stage for warm-up/final instructions. We clear the stage at
7:25 PM, and at 7:30 PM, the House opens for the concert. The
concert begins at 8:00 PM.
• Following the concert, all choristers will return to the dressing
rooms to collect their belongings. You need to make sure all trash
is disposed of, and the rooms are left exactly as we found them. I
do not expect the chaperones to pick up your garbage, hangers, hair
pins, water bottles, etc. I will be the last to leave, and I don’t
expect to have to clean up any mess either.
• One of the NJSO personnel will walk the choristers, as a group, to
the lobby to be picked up by your parents/car pool.
Saturday, December 8
• 6:20 PM: arrive at NJPAC. Enter the building on Center Street
at the stage door entrance. (As you face NJPAC, it is to the left of
the main entrance.) You will need to push the security button and
identify yourself as being with NJYC. Go down the alley and enter
through the security entrance. You will be directed to the upstairs
dressing rooms.
• 6:30 PM: our warm-up on stage begins.
• Please arrive dressed in uniform; girls – have your hair done.
• To bring: plenty of water, a snack, something to do.
• FYI: water bottles are NOT permitted on stage at all.
• The concert begins at 8:00 PM.
• Following the concert, it is the same procedure as State Theater.
You will return to the dressing rooms to pick up your belongings.
All trash will be thrown away, and the rooms will look tidy. One of
the NJSO personnel will walk the choristers, as a group, to the
lobby to be picked up by parents/carpool.
Monday, December 10
• All of our instrumentalists will be present for rehearsal.
There are specific rehearsal times for each instrumentalist, so it
is extremely important that ALL choristers be PRESENT and ON TIME!
Rehearsal is regular time; 6:00 – 8:00 PM.
Sunday, December 16
• 12:45 PM: Advanced Chorus begins rehearsal at the Mayo Center
in Morristown. You will enter through the stage entrance; when
facing the theater, follow the sidewalk to the left down the length
of the building. There will be door you can enter; it gives you
access to the back stage.
• You may arrive dressed in uniform, or change at the Center. FYI:
the dressing rooms are not large.
• To bring: full uniform (or come dressed in full uniform), plenty
of water, snacks, something to do.
• The concert begins at 3:00 PM.
• Following the concert, you will proceed to our holding area back
stage to collect your belongings. All trash will be thrown away, and
the rooms will be left tidy. You will walk out to the lobby to meet
your parents/family.
Monday, December 17
• Regular rehearsal.
• We will celebrate the December birthdays at this rehearsal.
Besides the birthday bakers, if anyone else would like to send in
any goodies, drinks, etc., that would be great. It would be nice to
have a festive little party.
This Just In
This was forwarded to us from Judy Falk (Callie’s mom). If you
are interested, the contact information is listed.
“I am a graduate student at NYU in the 2nd year of the film program,
and I’m producing a short film titled “Rev” for my classmate, the
award-winning director Micah Schaffer. Our film’s main character is
a youth minister, and we are looking for between 10 and 15 young
teenagers (ages 13 – 16) to sing in a church choir for one scene of
the film. If there’s a group of singers that is available, that
would be wonderful, but individual actors are fine as well. It would
involve one day of filming, most likely the 15th of December. They
can respond to me at this address with pic/resume.”
Josh Hetzler
(212) 365-8067
j_hetzler@yahoo.com
ASSIGNMENT
Please review ALL of your music. Focus on the vowels and
declamation of the text.
CAROLS FOR SING-A-LONG
O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL
O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels!
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
Sing, alleluia,
All ye choirs of angels;
O sing, all ye blissful ones of heav'n above.
Glory to God
In the highest glory!
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth!
Date: November 28, 2007
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Performance Information
The following |
