Hi Everyone,
Thank you for a wonderful dress rehearsal on Wednesday night. I am really looking forward to our first concert together.
Here are a few things to review to make our concert not just stunning, but beautifully stunning!
- Carefully review the 6/4, 3/4, 5/4 meter changes in There She Stands. The note immediately following a time signature change is not consistent. Most of the time it is a half note receiving 2 counts, but occasionally, it is a dotted half note receiving 3 counts. It is not naturally felt.
- Sing through each piece with the reference recordings and review any parts with learning tracks which still give you trouble.
- Take a second look at the dynamics in all pieces. I have asked the instrumentalists to play softer so the dynamic contrast within each piece can be easily achieved.
- Review syllable stresses of words in all pieces, but especially in You Do Not Walk Alone, and Ubi Caritas. Ex. Sor-row, the 1st syllable should have a slight stress on it, and the last syllable should be slightly softer. Listen to the reference recordings to help.
- Remember to look up at entrances, cut-offs, and at the beginning of measures to make sure the choir, as a unit, makes the downbeat together. This is most important during tempo changes. .
Please arrive prior to 6 pm. We will meet in the sanctuary to finalize and review a few things. We will not run pieces. I will have a list of things to check and finalize.
You are a great group of musicians who have worked hard to put this program together, and I appreciate your dedication. I know it was a lot of work. I have always said to my choirs, “Your reward for your hard work will be an amazing performance”.
Remember music, whether you are performing or listening to it, evokes emotion, brings people together, inspires, softens the soul, and can mend a broken heart. You have the power to change someone’s life for the better. I hope you have invited someone special to the concert as we reveal the Heart of the American Soldier.
Thanks
David