Hello Everyone:
Its Friday, September 17 and I’m so glad we have had the Wednesday night experience to smile about. You were all so helpful and cooperative as we got somewhat acclimated to our new rehearsal spot. Thanks to so many folks who helped in so many ways to help seat the chorus, get vaccination verifications, and set up our many electronic and technical needs. St. Christopher’s Church is a wonderful space and the folks there are so welcoming. As we listened to members speak about what each was experiencing during the singing part of the evening, the whole idea of 3-6 feet and wearing masks were noted. The required space has allowed for individual members to be just that work in a space that makes the singer hear him or herself better. This makes for a much more musical singing experience.
Sean Polan, St. Christopher’s Music Director and his staff could not be more helpful. We now know how to turn on lights, mikes, and set up space. Thanks Sean so much. And all of this is due to Linda Lang doggedly following through with the task of finding a new rehearsal space (until it’s safe to return to a more chorally adaptable spot).
So…….,the sound, ……,the music! First, the sound! As I stood on the altar facing all of you, I wasn’t sure what you would sound like. Much to all of our pleasant surprise, it was full, rich, lovely, with not much of a hint of very little breathing technique, and very little of the sound of vowels that succumbed to the horrific Buffalo accent which we all heard, used and sounded like for the last 19 months. However, there were 0 consonants. The mask, you’re out of shape, whatever, we need to work on vocal technique a bit more now than we had been doing prior to this awful pandemic.
And…..the music! I had goosebumps, tears in my eyes, along with sweat pouring off my brow, as you didn’t miss a beat of the music in the folders we had time to sing. I also saw, even with masks that many of you were deeply touched by finally gathering to sing once again. All I could think of was, “Without song, life would be a freakin’ joke”. (I just made that up!)
I am now convinced after waiting all these lonely months that we needn’t worry about your musicality that was very evident. I think and hope the Board will agree that we can jump right in with literature that is new and deserves to be sung by such a fabulous group of singers. To that end, be patient as we settle into our new BCAS.
In the meantime can we resolve to individually start doing some breathing exercises each day so that in our rehearsal time, we will be able to get to the literature sooner and so that our voices will be in far better shape to handle all of that?
Our actual beginning rehearsal is on Wednesday, October 6th, 7:00 – 9:00. This shortened time will help us acclimate better. However, if a Christmas Concert is really possible, we will lengthen the rehearsal time to 9:30. Stay tuned about that and when we will begin to seriously consider performances. It’s really all about the latest protocols regarding Covid!
For those who were not there (there were about 35 of you who said you were going to sing this semester), we all will welcome you back heartily on October 6th.
NOTE: All COVID related concerns with you and your family should be sent to me personally at mgiambrone2@verizon.net. We need to know immediately if there is any COVID issue that will impact this chorus.
Be safe and healthy and see you all on October 6th.
M