Hi everybody,

 

You worked really hard this afternoon, and for the most part things went well. Oddly, though, some things which were solid last Tuesday weren't that clear this afternoon. (Having four singers gone in both the soprano and alto sessions may have contributed.)


Incidentally, we've gotten out of the habit of having our dress rehearsal the day before the performance, which was the pattern for many years. But for the past few years we've actually had the dress rehearsal on the last Tuesday before the performance, giving us a Saturday afternoon to do one final woodshedding on our own to nail down tricky places. (Don't even ask why we had to go back to our old pattern this time. Too complicated.) This year we don't have that fall-back luxury!


That's why I'm writing tonight, to give you some reminders in preparation for tomorrow's sound check. I certainly don't want to drill you and wear you out ahead of 4:00! We can also expect some adjustment issues as we find ourselves in a different space.


Movement I

  • There was some rushing particularly on quarter and eighth notes. This was particularly noticeable in the tenor section. It is crucial, as we adjust to the stage, that you follow me, not your ears. Eyes out of the books as much as possible.
  • Please look now at m.345 (p.22, final measure at top of page), the one whose fermata has been giving us some grief (pun intended). Note that the choir's fermata is on BEAT 3. Look up at Les's solo and notice that he moves in time on the second half of BEAT 2, and then we all arrive at the fermata on BEAT 3. You tuck your little note following his movement on 3 1/2.

 

Movement III

  • Be sure you've crossed out the dots, to allow space in the hooked rhythm: E-Ah Ma-ter. The orchestra's notation shows slurring, and we'll let them do that. Do not follow their lead! And please, please remember at all times A is pronounced AH, not Uh! It was disappointing to hear some voices slipping back to the lazy mouth that doesn't drop on that vowel. (That's you, sopranos and altos.)

 

Movement V

  • Overdo the dynamics!

 

Movement VII

  • Keep track, and come in on your final phrase. It lasts as long as noted. I'll try to be clear in cutting you off: the orchestra has a fermata on the last chord. In other words, it outlives you!

 

Movement X 

  • I'm going to play it safe and pull back on the lickety-split part. It's been a fun, wild ride, but we want to line up our beats and have a meaningful ending. I'll rehearse the transition so that you and the orchestra have a chance to get it all together.
  • MEMORIZE THE QUANDO CORPUS SECTION SO YOU CAN WATCH ME! You know those words, you really do.


I'm so proud of all our work together. There are a ton of details, aren't there? That's what makes it so beautiful.


See you tomorrow.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Get Ready to Party

Celebrate the term at the concert after party hosted by soprano Cheryl Randall. All are welcome (including non-members) and please bring a bite or beverage to share. Cheryl's address is 460 Leslie St SE, Salem.

Tell Us about Yourself 

In addition to ticket sales, FCO relies on grants and other funding to support our performances. When applying for grants, we often are asked to describe our members and audience-goers. You can help us better answer that question by completing this simple six-question survey. All responses are anonymous, and every response helps. 

Rehearsal Resources

Check out these resources to help learn this term's music:

Rehearsal Rules

  • Regular rehearsals run 7:00–9:30pm
  • Stay home if you are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
  • Notify Bryan Gonzalez (503-851-5351) as soon as possible if you test positive for COVID-19

Member Roster & Key Contacts

You can now download the roster of this term's members. If you cannot open the file, download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free. Please use this information for choir business only such as arranging ride shares.

Solveig Holmquist

Conductor

503-851-4509

holmqus@wou.edu

Bryan Gonzalez

President

503-851-5351

bcgonzalez@juno.com

Jessica Coons

Soprano Section Leader

503-917-9309

livingonmiracles@gmail.com

Doris Clark

Alto Section Leader

503-910-4777

daclark46@msn.com

Rebekah Wozniak-Gelzer

Tenor Section Leader

503-580-5578

j.a.rebekah@gmail.com

Phil Davis

Bass Section Leader

503-999-8200

gomapleleafs@comcast.net

Stay Alert

FCO uses text message alerts to provide important reminders and to share last-minute information. If you haven't received alerts this term, sign up now.

COVID-19

FCO no longer requires vaccination against COVID-19 or the use of masks. To protect the health and safety of everyone who interacts with our organization, please stay home if you feel unwell. Any member that tests positive for COVID-19 must report their diagnosis to FCO as soon as possible and may not participate in any FCO event until determined safe to do so according to public health guidance or their healthcare provider. FCO will not disclose the identity of any member that tests positive but will notify all members of potential exposures.

FesitvalChorale.org

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