Hello Everyone:
At least last night we were cooler than we were going to be at the HS. Again, much thanks to Kim Harrison, Caitlyn (volunteer student who ran mics, and helped set up and take down), Cory Morrow, SH Music liaison, the Jasens, and Doug and Margo and many BCAS members for all the work they did to get the rehearsal started on time. We are incredibly lucky to have such a good relationship with SH and its music department.
Now, about the rehearsal. Overall, you handled much of the time and issues well considering a new venue, new riser placements, a combo which was amplified (and you weren’t), soloists absent, some I knew about) and standing for a very long time. These five major new rehearsal issues probably led to the lack of concentration that I’m sure you also noticed as time went on. From my perspective, intonation and note and rhythm accuracy on the part of chorus and soloists (certainly not all or everyone), along with some ensemble issues, were frustrating to many of you as they were with me. I could see it on many faces. Making sure each and every singer’s scores are marked will help confusion which leads to heads buried in scores…a very wide-spread problem. We all know that this is not easy music. It’s tricky stuff and achieving excellent ensemble with 115 singers singing rapid tempi, much of it syncopated while standing on risers where you can’t hear each other is something we all have to overcome. I take full responsibility for the sloppiness last night. How can you help me? Please take some time with your music this week, especially on the parts that you find difficult. You know where they are. We’re almost there folks. The last concert of the season. Hang in there.
There are also so many other things you all are doing besides BCAS prep. I get it. AND lots of BCAS stuff is being organized and dealt with. So many projects. Minds wander, we’re all beyond tired, you have families, children and babies to take care of, jobs that need you to be ON every day. Music is therapeutic. Or it should be. Let’s do all we can to ensure that.
I am 100% sure that you want this particular concert to go as perfectly as a live performance can go. But’s it’s not just about a finale for me. I’m the least of what you are performing for. How about a sell-out, friendly and loving crowd, new audiences hearing BCAS for the first time, family and friends who LOVE this venue and genre of music; yourselves, etc. We all want to have a great experience during an outstanding performance. Let’s also prove to David that BCAS ‘brings it to the concert’. I’m sure it will help his summer vacation as he prepares for September to know that you’re all with him too! It will help me go into the sunset as a happy camper.
Next week we’re at the RIV with lots going on. Again, there will be riser set up, mic tests, lighting tests. Your concentration will be tested once again. I have my $$ on all of you.
Have a wonderful weekend. The weather is changing. That should help.
Love you muchly,
M