Thanks to the Lambuth Singers for a fine Saturday afternoon performance at the All-Northwest audition workshop! You were able to conquer the rain, the less-than-ideal acoustic, and the hectic day to produce a well-polished end product. I really appreciated your energy, careful listening, and attention to detail.
We had 28 high school students at the workshop; I had expected more, but the bad storms undoubtedly kept many from coming. Some of the students are singers that I've been talking to and recruiting throughout their high school career, and several of them are going to audition for us. Your performances entice good singers to join our program!
Thanks again - keep up the good work!
RCB
Monday, September 25, 2006
Friday, September 22, 2006
Opinions requested - closing number for tour
Hey gang,
I'd like some feedback regarding the closing Concert Choir number for the tour program. I had originally planned to do Dave Brubeck's "All My Hope", but the players needed for the backup band wouldn't be able to go on tour.
What would you think about doing "The Awakening" again? Other than Irish Blessing, it's very rare that I want to repeat a piece even within a 4-5 year period, much less 2 years in a row. However, there are several reasons why I'm considering it:
1. You sang it so well last year;
2. It was so well received by the audience;
3. It's on the CD, which would help us sell the remaining stock;
4. Huneycutt loves it;
5. The text fits perfectly with "Tis You That Are the Music" and "Sky-Born Music" to make the closing set;
6. Since all the veterans know the piece, it wouldn't take long to put together, giving us more time for the Symphony Christmas music and Prayer of St. Patrick (which will be challenging to put together).
The downside would be that you might be tired of it, which would show in our performance.
What do you think? Posted comments welcome!
RCB
I'd like some feedback regarding the closing Concert Choir number for the tour program. I had originally planned to do Dave Brubeck's "All My Hope", but the players needed for the backup band wouldn't be able to go on tour.
What would you think about doing "The Awakening" again? Other than Irish Blessing, it's very rare that I want to repeat a piece even within a 4-5 year period, much less 2 years in a row. However, there are several reasons why I'm considering it:
1. You sang it so well last year;
2. It was so well received by the audience;
3. It's on the CD, which would help us sell the remaining stock;
4. Huneycutt loves it;
5. The text fits perfectly with "Tis You That Are the Music" and "Sky-Born Music" to make the closing set;
6. Since all the veterans know the piece, it wouldn't take long to put together, giving us more time for the Symphony Christmas music and Prayer of St. Patrick (which will be challenging to put together).
The downside would be that you might be tired of it, which would show in our performance.
What do you think? Posted comments welcome!
RCB
Kudos from Dr. Charles K. Smith
In yesterday's rehearsal, I read you a few of the words of praise regarding our CD from Dr. Charles K. Smith, but I thought I'd post them here as well so you can read them for yourself.
Dr. Smith was my mentor during my doctoral study at Michigan State University. He is one of the top conductors in the country, has a great mind and set of ears, and does not offer praise lightly. His words confirmed what I already knew: you folks are marvelous!
Here are some of the highlights:
"...the entire CD has a very good "open" sound."
Sing Unto God:
"Your Fetler is an excellent opening, with lovely tone quality, intonation, balance and drama."
Laudate Dominum:
"...perfect tempo, lovely soloist [yay Erica!], moments of espressive ritard leading to your linear choral entrance, excellent ensemble throughout"
Aus tiefer/Schaffe set:
"I like the combination of the Dietrich and Brahms, the Brahms with such linearity!"
Psalm 23 "might be my favorite of the CD."
Out of the Deep:
"I like the choir's ability to shift technique and sound from style to style. Where's my beer??"
A Boy and a Girl:
"...the choir sings so well and with fullness, accurate and clean treatment of the dissonances."
Muie rendera:
"...happy music, infectious rhythm."
Loch Lomond:
"Good male voice on Loch Lomond [hooray for John!], and a good, strong TTBB sound!"
In closing:
"The CD is full of interesting music sung very well...Congratulations on all that you are doing there, it is a pleasure to have this CD and hear your success for myself."
Wonderful words, and well-deserved! Keep up the good work - I'm proud of you all!
RCB
Dr. Smith was my mentor during my doctoral study at Michigan State University. He is one of the top conductors in the country, has a great mind and set of ears, and does not offer praise lightly. His words confirmed what I already knew: you folks are marvelous!
Here are some of the highlights:
"...the entire CD has a very good "open" sound."
Sing Unto God:
"Your Fetler is an excellent opening, with lovely tone quality, intonation, balance and drama."
Laudate Dominum:
"...perfect tempo, lovely soloist [yay Erica!], moments of espressive ritard leading to your linear choral entrance, excellent ensemble throughout"
Aus tiefer/Schaffe set:
"I like the combination of the Dietrich and Brahms, the Brahms with such linearity!"
Psalm 23 "might be my favorite of the CD."
Out of the Deep:
"I like the choir's ability to shift technique and sound from style to style. Where's my beer??"
A Boy and a Girl:
"...the choir sings so well and with fullness, accurate and clean treatment of the dissonances."
Muie rendera:
"...happy music, infectious rhythm."
Loch Lomond:
"Good male voice on Loch Lomond [hooray for John!], and a good, strong TTBB sound!"
In closing:
"The CD is full of interesting music sung very well...Congratulations on all that you are doing there, it is a pleasure to have this CD and hear your success for myself."
Wonderful words, and well-deserved! Keep up the good work - I'm proud of you all!
RCB
Friday, September 01, 2006
Reminder - opening convocation
Hey gang,
Just a reminder that we are performing "Sky-Born Music" at opening convocation next Tuesday, September 5, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Be on the risers in the sanctuary at 12:50 to warm up.
Attire: "dressy school clothes"
Men - wear a tie
Women - dress, skirt/blouse, or nice slacks
NO JEANS!
Bring your music in a black binder!
Another reminder: Several of you still need to fill out the student info form online and post to the blog! Click HERE to go to the student info form.
Have a great Labor Day weekend - see you Tuesday!
RCB
Just a reminder that we are performing "Sky-Born Music" at opening convocation next Tuesday, September 5, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Be on the risers in the sanctuary at 12:50 to warm up.
Attire: "dressy school clothes"
Men - wear a tie
Women - dress, skirt/blouse, or nice slacks
NO JEANS!
Bring your music in a black binder!
Another reminder: Several of you still need to fill out the student info form online and post to the blog! Click HERE to go to the student info form.
Have a great Labor Day weekend - see you Tuesday!
RCB
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