News & Notes #4

January 19, 2024

Hello Mystic Friends

Thanks to all who braved the elements to come out to last weeks rehearsal, we managed to make some progress!

We have a few opportunities for soloists this season. Songs that require soloists are:

JOY

HOW I GOT OVER

SOMETHING INSIDE SO STRONG

UP ABOVE MY HEAD

OUR VOICES MATTER

TRADING MY SORROWS

During our next rehearsal I’ll go over the solo parts in each song so you’ll know what to work on. Do consider trying out, even if you haven’t before. With a little focused practice you too can join the ranks of Mystic soloists!

Solo auditions will be:

Jan 30 after rehearsal

Feb 6 before and after rehearsal

Sectional rehearsals are coming soon; if you have any specific questions re our repertoire, that’s a great time to ask them!

I’m looking forward to seeing y’all again soon!

~j.

Thank you for those who braved the cold and ice to join us for rehearsal this week. We had a record number of singers on the livestream but had a great rehearsal with Jonathan’s capable leadership, he brings out the best in us.

As we opened with Marvelous, Marvelous, the room seemed to warm! We began with He Will See You Through and the beautiful amen harmonies. Next we moved on to Joy and learned the piece building on our earlier work. We closed with the chorus from Goodness of God.

See many of you back in person next week. In the meantime, please spend some time with the playlist as it helps quite a bit.

~Alexandra 

PS: About Attendance and Sign in:

• Please remember to SIGN IN when you arrive each week.

• If you attend the livestream and want to use that towards you attendance (one livestream rehearsal will count per season), please tell our attendance team at check-in. Unfortunately, signing into the livestream chat does not automatically confirm your attendance.

THANKS!

REMINDER: Bass & Tenor Sectionals:

Next Thursday, January 25

7:00 - 7:55: Basses

8:00 - 8:55: Tenors

in the Vestry

A whole hour to focus on JUST YOUR PART! Jonathan will run through your parts for all our songs - a GREAT way to really hear and learn your part.

Alto & Soprano Sectionals:

Thursday, February 1

7:00 - 7:55: Altos

8:00 - 8:55: Sopranos

PLEASE NOTE:

• Sectional attendance is not required, but is a fabulous learning opportunity.

• Sectionals can be used as a make-up for other absences.

• Sectionals will not be livestreamed.

• Please bring a recording device if you can.

Questions about the season?

Reach out to Alexandra & Jill at:

Producers@mysticchorale.org

Our Producers are volunteers with busy lives! They will do their best to get back to you within 24 hours.

Help us find our next Administrative Director!

Dream Job Alert! 

We are seeking a new part-time Administrative Director - could this be YOU? Or do you know someone who would be a good fit? 

This is a super-flexible, 20-ish hour/week job, mostly work from home with required attendance at one weekly rehearsal, one monthly board meeting, and 3 concerts per year. Primary responsibilties include admin, communications, volunteer coordination, technology and logistics for our wonderful community chorus. 

Help us find the right person - spread the word! 

Complete job description is here:

mysticchorale.org/work-for-the-mystic-chorale/

A great way to learn and internalize our songs!

Even if you can't pick out your part (yet!), you'll learn a LOT by listening - words, timing, rhythm... keep listening and you'll get there!!

Go to the YouTube Playlist:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpdhQ9IPsYxD4Pi1P7ZY5rNipWvKsAwlV&si=f37RGeI6wFSk_dNI

In this video:

05:10 - Marvelous

08:35 - Warm ups

20:25 - He Will See You Through

1:20:00 - Joy

1:57:40 - Godness of God

PRO TIP: Click on the video to open it in YouTube. Scroll down to find "Key Moments" - you may need to click "more" to find this. Click on the song you want and the video will advance to that spot for easy review.

Welcome Virtual Singers!!

We are so glad you are joining us, and look forward to having you there "with us" in the rehearsal hall!

What you will need:

• A computer/laptop (recommended) We recommend your computer or laptop - the bigger the screen, and the better your speakers, the more you will feel "with" us. But a tablet, ipad or phone will work, too.

• Headphones, Earbuds or External Speakers (highly recommended). The better your speakers, the more you will hear the director and singers in the room.

• A place to sit and sing comfortably. We suggest an upright chair, similar to what you would find at rehearsal. A soft chair or couch is not as conducive to good singing.

How to tune into the Livestream:

At 7:30 on Tuesday, click the video preview or link below, and you'll be with us! Each week, we'll post the livestream link here in News & Notes, and on the website, here. 

If we lose the Livestream signal:

Occasionally, we lose the livestream signal due to a poor internet connection. If that happens, go to the "Just in case" backup link below. We'll try to be back up and running asap!

How to watch the video after the rehearsal:

If you miss the Livestream on Tuesday night, it will be available on our website and a YouTube Playlist   after rehearsal.  

"JUST IN CASE" - Backup Livestream Link

Occasionally, we lose the livestream signal due to a poor internet connection. If that happens, go to the "backup link" below. We'll try to be back up and running asap!

Backup link (for use ONLY if we lose the livestream):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdHUMDDVVTc

Rehearsals:  8 Tuesdays, January 2 – February 20, 7:30-9:30 pm. First Parish Unitarian, 630 Mass Ave., Arlington, MA.

Attendance Policy:

Please note that you may miss no more than 2 rehearsals to sing in the concert. New this season: You may count ONE Livestream rehearsal towards your attendance requirement. Sectional counts as make-up for a missed rehearsal.

Deadline to drop out with a refund:

Wednesday, January 10, by 12:00 noon

You will receive a refund, minus a $20 cancelation fee

Sectionals:

Basses – Thursday, January 25, 7:00-7:55

Tenors – Thursday, January 25, 8:00-8:55

Altos – Thursday, February 1, 7:00-7:55

Sopranos – Thursday, February 1, 8:00-8:55

Solo Auditions:

Tuesday, Jan 30 after rehearsal

Tuesday, Feb 6 before and after rehearsal

Snow date (if needed):

Thursday, February 15, 7:30-9:30

St John's Episcopal, 74 Pleasant St, Arlington

(one block from our regular rehearsal location)

Dress/Tech Rehearsal: Thursday, February 22, 7:00-9:30

Cary Hall, Lexington, MA

Concert: Friday, February 23, Call time 5:00 pm

Cary Hall, Lexington

Concert Attire: TBD

Where to watch the livestream or video:

https://mysticchorale.org/livestream/