Week of March 16, 2026
Please use what would have been rehearsal time to fully work on the following:
Finish fully memorizing:
The Water is Wide
Old Joe Clark
Mountain Lullaby
Coal Tattoo
Review work we did on new pieces (recordings below) and try to work ahead:
Stand Up
As time allows, work on places you know you need to review on the rest of our repertoire:
United We Dream
Country Roads
Compassion Walks
Can You Hear
Lift Every Voice
Week of February 15, 2016
GRCC HOME PRACTICE INSTRUCTIONS - 2015-2016 SEASON
for February rehearsals at Grace & Holy Trinity
and March 6 Bach Marathon performance
February 24 Update on preparation for Bach Cantatas performance March 6th:
All choirs are making progress on the Bach Cantatas for our March 6th performance, but we aren't there yet! The pronunciation is mostly correct. The main area of concentration now is to memorize your part as if you were singing a solo. There are about a dozen people who have the beginning of each line memorized and know what is coming next. The rest of you are listening for the first two or three notes and words and then joining in which is making all the entrances weak. Practice your Cantata movements every day for a minimum of 20 minutes, more if that is what it takes. Listen to the recordings. Be sure you know the translations. Write the words on note cards. Use whatever tricks work for you to memorize. Parents, please ask your chorister to sing the Bach for you from memory. This will help them know what they don't know yet. Thank you! It will be a glorious performance if we all make this final push to master these great works by Johann Sebastian Bach.
Recordings for Bach Cantata #80 - Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGVXZePjmis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOm1_ta4rGI
Recording for Bach Cantata #111 - Was mein Gott will, das g'scheh allzeit
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_bFGwBKnOE
Week of February 8, 2016
GRCC HOME PRACTICE INSTRUCTIONS - 2015-2016 SEASON
for February rehearsals at Grace & Holy Trinity
and March 6 Bach Marathon performance
All Choirs need to put more effort into completely memorizing Bach Cantata #80 - Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott
Pronunciation reminders:
NO American "R"! Beginning R should sound "dd" as in "gross" (gddoss) or "Reich" (ddishe) Ending R should sound "ah" as in "wär" (veh-ah) and "sehr" (zeh-ah)
ie = ee as in "see"
ei = i as in "hi"
"W" sounds like "V". "V" sounds like "F".
"U" sounds like "oo" in the word "book".
"Ü" sounds like "ew" in the word "few".
Here are two recordings of Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott that are not Bach's Cantata, but that will help you with the German pronunciation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGVXZePjmis
Above is a choir from Meldorf singing Martin Luther's original version of the hymn, so the rhythm is different, but the words are clear with good pronunciation. They sing the four verses of the hymn, but we are only singing verses, 1, 3, and 4.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOm1_ta4rGI
Ignore the scooping and spread tone. However, her pronunciation is good and the text is printed as she sings, which has proved to be very helpful in memorizing it for those who have listened. Again, there are 4 verses sung here and we are not singing the second verse. She sings "alt" as a one-syllable word, but it is printed and sung in our scores as "alte" - two syllables.
It is essential that you know what you are singing for you to properly interpret and memorize the words. Here is the line for line translation:
Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, Cantata BWV 80, No. 1 (BWV 80b) 5, 8
1b. Coro
Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, ein gute Wehr und Waffen;
A sturdy fortress is our God, a good defense and shield;
Er hilft uns frei aus aller Not, die uns itzt hat betroffen.
He saves us from every distress that has now befallen us.
Der alte böse Feind, mit Ernst er's jetzt meint,
The old evil enemy is now attacking seriously,
Gross Macht und viel List sein grausam Rüstung ist,
Great power and much cunning are his dreadful armaments;
Auf Erd ist nicht seinsgleichen.
His like is not upon earth.
5. Choral
Und wenn die Welt voll Teufel wär, und wollten uns verschlingen,
And even if the world were full of devils who wanted to swallow us up,
So fürchten wir uns nicht so sehr, es soll uns doch gelingen.
We would not be much afraid; we shall succeed nevertheless;
Der Fürst dieser Welt, wie saur er sich stellt,
The Prince of this world, however threateningly he poses,
Tut er uns doch nicht, das macht, er ist gericht',
Can do nothing to us because he stands in judgment,
Ein Wörtlein kann ihn fällen.
One little word can bring him down.
8. Choral
Das Wort sie sollen lassen stahn und kein' Dank dazu haben.
They shall ignore His Word and have no thanks for it.
Er ist bei uns wohl auf dem Plan mit seinem Geist und Gaben.
Even so, He is with us indeed as He promised, with His spirit and gifts.
Nehmen sie uns den Leib, Gut, Ehr, Kind, und Weib,
They may take away our body, property, honor, child and wife,
Lass fahren dahin, sie habens kein' Gewinn;
Though they take all away, they have no victory;
Das Reich muss uns doch bleiben.
The Kingdom of God remains with us.
Cantare Choir - Here is line for line translation ofBach's Cantata 111:
Was mein Gott will, das g'scheh allzeit, Cantata BWV 111
1. Coro
Was mein Gott will, das g'scheh allzeit, sein Will, der ist der beste;
That which my God resolves will always be done. His will is best.
Zu helfen den'n er ist bereit, die an ihn gläuben feste.
He is ready to help those whose faith is strong.
Er hilft aus Not, der fromme Gott, und züchtiget mit Massen:
Our merciful God helps in all our need. His chastening is measured.
Wer Gott vertraut, fest auf ihn baut, den will er nicht verlassen.
Who trusts in God builds on a rock. He never is forsaken.
2. Aria Basso
Entsetze dich, mein Herze, nicht, Gott is dein Trost und Zuversicht und deiner Seele Leben.
My heart, don't be anxious! God is your comfort and confidence, and the life of your soul.
Ja, was sein weiser Rat bedacht, dem kann die Welt und Menschenmacht unmoöglich widerstreben.
Yes, when the Lord has formed a plan, no world, no power, no human can stand against it.
3. Recitativo Alto
O Törichter! der sich von Gott entzieht und wie ein Jonas dort vor Gottes Angesichte flieht;
O foolish one, who separates himself from God, and like Jonah, flees from the face of God,
Auch unser Denken ist ihm offenbar, und unsers Hauptes Haar hat er gezählet.
He, who knows our every thought and can count every hair on our head.
Wohl dem, der diesen Schutz erwählet im gläubigen Vertrauen,
Good for them, who choose protection in faithful confidence,
Auf dessen Schluss und Wort mit Hoffnung und Geduld zu schauen.
And await his guidance and word with hope and patience.
4. Aria Duetto Alto e Tenore
So geh ich mit beherzten Schritten, auch wenn mich Gott zum Grabe führt.
So we go with courageous steps even when God leads us to the grave.
Gott hat die Tage aufgeschrieben,
God has well numbered all my days,
So wird, wenn seine Hand mich rührt, des Todes Bitterkeit vertrieben.
So that when his hand will comfort me, the sting of death shall be dispelled.
5. Recitativo Soprano
Drum wenn der Tod zuletzt den Geist noch mit Gewalt aus seinem Körper reisst,
When death at last, with ruthless force, shall wrest my soul from my flesh,
So nimm ihn, Gott, in treue Vaterhände!
Then take it, Lord, with Father's hands caressing;
Wenn Teufel, Tod und Sünde mich bekriegt und meine Sterbekissen ein Kampfplatz werden müssen,
When Devil, Death, and Sinfulness assail, and in my final hour, I fall before death's power,
So hilf, damit in dir mein Glaube siegt! O seliges, gewünschtes Ende!
Ah help, that in the end, my faith prevail, O longed for goal! O precious blessing!
6. Choral
Noch eins, Herr, will ich bitten dich, du wirst mir's nicht versagen:
One more thing, Lord, will I ask of you, you would not deny me this:
Wenn mich der böse Geist anficht, lass mich doch nicht verzagen.
If I would be plagued by the evil spirit, let me not be discouraged.
Hilf, steur und wehr, ach Gott, mein Herr, zu Ehren deinem Namen.
Help, guide and protect, oh God, my Lord, to honor your name.
Wer das begehrt, dem wird's gewährt; drauf sprech ich fröhlich: Amen.
Who longs for your presence receives your grace; therefore I say joyfully: Amen.
Cantare, Cavalieriand Pro Arte Choirs program for March 19. Put extra effort into learning the new songs in bold print below. All notes should be learned by Feb. 15 and memorized by Feb. 22.
March 19 Kennedy Center - 1 hour program exactly
Cantare: Me Nyame Ye - 2 min, Tutu 2:20, Non Nobis 1 min, Bach 80 no. 1 & 8 3 min.
Pro Arte: Wade in the Water 1:40, Ich will den Herrn 2 min, Song of the Stars 4:15
Evening Prayer (from Hansel & Gretel) 3 min.
Cavalieri: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern 3min,Lord Don't Move 3:48, sam was a man 2:15 (new)
Cantare: Holy City 3:15, Exhilaration 2:30 (new) Blue Skies 2:15 (new)
Concert Choir program for April 16. Begin working on this new music.
Sat. April 16, 2:00 p.m. Lyrics, Laughter & Learning! Richmond Public Library Gellman Room Concert, 101 E. Franklin St. 23219 - Concert Choir - new songs in bold
Evening Prayer - Humperdinck -3 min ,He's Got the Whole World in His Hands 2;30 min
We're Walking in the Air 4 min Mattaponi Song of Gratitude 3 min
May God Me Merciful A Frog Went A-Courtin'
Cherokee Morning Song 2 min
Friendship & Music round p. 20 - 2 min
Sumer Is A-Cumen In - 2 min.
Old MacDonald Had a Farm - 2 min.
Sing! - 3 min.
Treble Choir - new music for April 17. Begin working on this new music.
Sun. April 17, 11:00 a.m. Worship Service, Westover Hills United Methodist Church, 1705 Westover Hills Blvd. - Treble Choir
He's Got the Whole World in His Hand
Me Nyame Ye
Praise the Lord with Cheerful Noise Handel
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need 664
CONGRATULATIONS to ALL on your excellent performances at Winfree Baptist Church! Your home practice and efforts to make up for the snowed-out rehearsal were evident in the success of your performance. We received many accolades from our appreciative audience.
Week of January 18, 2016
These instructions reference this week's mandatory rehearsals in preparation for the concert, but we also know the weather may interfere with those rehearsals. In general, GRCC follows the VCU evening class weather alerts. If VCU evening classes are cancelled, GRCC rehearsal is cancelled as well. We will also try to send an email either way. We hope we can rehearse on Monday and Tuesday, but no matter the weather please have your student practice using these instructions. Thank you for your help with this!
GRCC HOME PRACTICE INSTRUCTIONS - 2015-2016 SEASON
for Mandatory Rehearsals January 25 & 26 at Grace & Holy Trinity
and January 31 performance at Winfree Baptist Church
All Choirs need to memorize Bach Cantata #80 this week - Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott
Pronunciation reminders:
NO American "R"! Beginning R should sound "dd" as in "gross" (gddoss) or "Reich" (ddishe) Ending R should sound "ah" as in "wär" (veh-ah) and "sehr" (zeh-ah)
ie = ee as in "see"
ei = i as in "hi"
"W" sounds like "V". "V" sounds like "F".
"U" sounds like "oo" in the word "book".
"Ü" sounds like "ew" in the word "few".
I found two recordings of Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott that are not Bach's Cantata, but that will help you with the German pronunciation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGVXZePjmis
Above is a choir from Meldorf singing Martin Luther's original version of the hymn, so the rhythm is different, but the words are clear with good pronunciation. They sing the four verses of the hymn, but we are only singing verses, 1, 3, and 4.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOm1_ta4rGI
I hesitate to give you this link because the singer uses a pop style, so DO NOT copy the scooping and spread tone. However, her pronunciation is good and the text is printed as she sings, which could be very helpful in memorizing it. Again, there are 4 verses sung here and we are not singing the second verse. She sings "alt" as a one-syllable word, but it is printed and sung in our scores as "alte" - two syllables.
Cavalieri Choir - Be prepared for January 25th rehearsal
Memorize: Spoken Fugue, Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern in German and English
Review Where're You Walk and Lord Don't Move the Mountain
Pro Arte Choir - Be prepared for January 25th rehearsal
Memorize: Ich will den Herrn - same rules for German pronunciation! Know the round so you can sing it by yourself in a round with two other people. Watch out for the first and second endings on page 7 and LEARN THE 2ND ENDING AND PAGE 8 WHICH IS DIFFERENT FROM THE ROUND ON THE FIRST PAGE!
Review: Song of the Stars dynamics
Wade in the Water - mezzos secure pitch and steady rhythm in "opening oohs" - All steady beat!
Evening Prayer - All secure intonation on the second page! Semi-chorus sing first time through.
Cantare Choir - Be prepared for January 25th rehearsal
Memorize Bach Cantata # 80 - 1, 5, 8. Secure parts in 8 and 1, rhythm in 5, and words in all
Memorize "Non nobis domine" up a step in E Major. Use the handwritten version in E Major.
Latin "o" sounds like "aw" - "Nawn nawbis daw-mee-neh" Also, same rules about Rs in Latin as German - sing "Glaw-dee-ah" for Gloria.
Review: Living in a Holy City - Continue to review for accuracy, especially p. 7-8
Prayer of Desmond Tutu - Mezzos singing alto line: Secure notes measures 10-19!
Me Nyame Ye - Sopranos and altos, secure pitches measures 5-6
Concert Choir - Be prepared for January 25th rehearsal
Memorize Bach Cantata No. 80 - All learn soprano line for all 3 movements in German
Memorize We're Walking in the Air - EVERYONE NEEDS TO PRACTICE MORE TO SECURE YOUR PART ON THIS SONG!
Soprano: Colin, Sophie, Cameron, Faith, Noelle, Lillian, Kari
Altos (top notes when divided): Austyn, Lea, Nina, Kamirra, Raven
Altos (bottom notes when divided): Brock, Lauren, Kaylan, Wesley, Xander
Continue to solidify your part and have memorized these four pieces:
May God Be Merciful to Us - Know your part to the end. All sing 1st verse in unison.
Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 1: Faith, Kamirra, Nina, Noelle, Austyn
Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 2: Lauren, Wesley, Sophie, Lily, Léa, Kari
Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 3: Brock, Kaylan, Cameron, Colin, Xander, Raven
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, Evening Prayer,
Mattaponi Song of Gratitude - Learn first five unison lines only in solfege and with text
Treble Choir - Be prepared for Jan. 26th rehearsal
Memorize Bach Cantata No. 80 - All learn soprano line for all 3 movements in German
Memorize Parade - Part 1: Nevaeh, Mia, Maria, Part 2:, Kylie, Tani, Matthew, Part 3: Marlena, Alina, Esme
Ven Dura - in unison, memorize words
Review: Shalom Aléchem. He's Got the Whole World, Let Us All Sing! - Secure memory
Me Nyame Ye Soprano: Kylie, Marlena, Mia, Maria, Nevaeh; Alto: Tani, Matthew, Alina, Esme
Home practice preparation for Winfree Baptist Church Jan. 31 performance
ALL GRCC CHOIRS
Program - 60 min. of music - updated January 11, 2016
Me Nyame Ye Traditional Ghanaian Praise Song
All Choirs sing in procession
Parade - A Spoken Fugue 1 min Lawrence Eisman
Treble & Cavalieri Choirs
Let Us All Sing 1 min Dr. Seuss
Shalom Alechem 2 min Goldfarb/Kalendar
Ven Dura 1-2 min Sri Lankan Folk Song
Treble Choir 5 min
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands 2:30 min Spiritual, arr. Hezekiah Brinson, Jr.
Treble & Concert Choirs 2:30
Mattaponi Song of Gratitude 3 min Sharon Sun Eagle
May God Have Mercy Upon Us 2 min Tallis' Canon, arr. Crystal Jonkman
We're Walking in the Air (Theme from The Snowman) 4 min Howard Blake
Concert Choir 9 min
Evening Prayer (from Hansel & Gretel) 3 min Engelbert Humperdinck
Semi-chorus: Dorcas Afolayan, Nina Bartlett, Nyla Harris,
Kennedy Johnson, Jack Rigdon, Madeline Rigdon
Concert & Pro Arte Choirs 3 min
Wade in the Water 1:40 Traditional Spiritual
Song of the Stars 4:15 Imant Raminsh
Ich will den Herrn 3 min? Georg Philipp Telemann
Pro Arte Choir 9 min
Where're You Walk 4 min George Frideric Handel
Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern 3 min Michael Praetorius
Lord Don't Move the Mountain 3:40 min Spiritual, arr. Hope Armstrong Erb
Cavalieri Choir 11 min
Non nobis Domine 1 min William Byrd
Prayer of Desmond Tutu 2:20 James Whitbourn
Living in a Holy City 3:15 Stephen Hatfield
Cantare Choir 7 min
Cantata BWV 80 Ein fest Burg ist unser Gott 8 min. Johann Sebastian Bach
1. Anhang: BWV 80b (Chorale setting of first movement)
5. Choral
8. Choral
All GRCC Choirs 10 min
Week of January 11, 2016
CONGRATULATIONS to the CANTARE CHOIR on your excellent performance at Westminster Canterbury on January 10th! Special recognition and thanks to the soloists: Shaandro, Jack, Clara, Owen, Josh, Nina, Dorcas, Madeline R., and Nyla, and to Mrs. Crystal for playing the Bach orchestral transcription! We received many accolades from our appreciative audience.
Home practice preparation for Winfree Baptist Church Jan. 31 performance
ALL GRCC CHOIRS
Program - 60 min. of music - updated January 11, 2016
Me Nyame Ye Traditional Ghanaian Praise Song
All Choirs sing in procession
Parade - A Spoken Fugue 1 min Lawrence Eisman
Treble & Cavalieri Choirs
Let Us All Sing 1 min Dr. Seuss
Shalom Alechem 2 min Goldfarb/Kalendar
Ven Dura 1-2 min Sri Lankan Folk Song
Treble Choir 5 min
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands 2:30 min Spiritual, arr. Hezekiah Brinson, Jr.
Treble & Concert Choirs 2:30
Mattaponi Song of Gratitude 3 min Sharon Sun Eagle
May God Have Mercy Upon Us 2 min Tallis' Canon, arr. Crystal Jonkman
We're Walking in the Air (Theme from The Snowman) 4 min Howard Blake
Concert Choir 9 min
Evening Prayer (from Hansel & Gretel) 3 min Engelbert Humperdinck
Semi-chorus: Dorcas Afolayan, Nina Bartlett, Nyla Harris,
Kennedy Johnson, Jack Rigdon, Madeline Rigdon
Concert & Pro Arte Choirs 3 min
Wade in the Water 1:40 Traditional Spiritual
Song of the Stars 4:15 Imant Raminsh
Ich will den Herrn 3 min? Georg Philipp Telemann
Pro Arte Choir 9 min
Where're You Walk 4 min George Frideric Handel
Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern 3 min Michael Praetorius
Lord Don't Move the Mountain 3:40 min Spiritual, arr. Hope Armstrong Erb
Cavalieri Choir 11 min
Non nobis Domine 1 min William Byrd
Prayer of Desmond Tutu 2:20 James Whitbourn
Living in a Holy City 3:15 Stephen Hatfield
Cantare Choir 7 min
Cantata BWV 80 Ein fest Burg ist unser Gott 8 min. Johann Sebastian Bach
1. Anhang: BWV 80b (Chorale setting of first movement)
5. Choral
8. Choral
All GRCC Choirs 10 min
Cavalieri Choir - Be prepared for January 18th rehearsal
Memorize: Spoken Fugue, Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern in German and English
Review Where're You Walk and Lord Don't Move the Mountain
Pro Arte Choir - Be prepared for January 18th rehearsal
Memorize: Ich will den Herrn
Review: Song of the Stars dynamics
Wade in the Water - mezzos secure pitch and steady rhythm in "opening oohs" - All steady beat!
Evening Prayer - All secure intonation on the second page! Semi-chorus sing first time through.
Cantare Choir - Be prepared for January 18th rehearsal
Memorize Bach Cantata # 80 - 1, 5, 8. Secure parts in 8 and 1, rhythm in 5, and words in all
Memorize "Non nobis domine" up a step in E Major.
Review: Living in a Holy City - Continue to review for accuracy, especially p. 7-8
Prayer of Desmond Tutu - Mezzos singing alto line: Secure notes measures 10-19!
Me Nyame Ye - Sopranos and altos, secure pitches measures 5-6
Concert Choir - Be prepared for January 18th rehearsal
Memorize Bach Cantata No. 80 - All learn soprano line for all 3 movements in German
Memorize We're Walking in the Air
Soprano: Colin, Sophie, Cameron, Faith, Noelle, Lillian, Kari
Altos (top notes when divided): Austyn, Lea, Nina, Kamirra, Xander
Altos (bottom notes when divided): Brock, Lauren, Kaylan, Wesley
Continue to solidify your part and have memorized these four pieces:
May God Be Merciful to Us - Know your part to the end. All sing 1st verse in unison.
Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 1: Faith, Kamirra, Nina, Noelle, Austyn
Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 2: Lauren, Wesley, Sophie, Lily, Léa, Kari
Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 3: Brock, Kaylan, Cameron, Colin, Xander
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, Evening Prayer,
Mattaponi Song of Gratitude - Learn first five unison lines only in solfege and with text
Treble Choir - Be prepared for Jan. 19th rehearsal
Memorize Bach Cantata No. 80 - All learn soprano line for all 3 movements in German
Memorize Parade - Part 1: Nevaeh, Mia, Maria, Part 2:, Kylie, Tani, Matthew, Part 3: Marlena, Alina, Esme
Ven Dura - in unison, memorize words
Review: Shalom Aléchem. He's Got the Whole World, Let Us All Sing! - Secure memory
Me Nyame Ye Soprano: Kylie, Marlena, Mia, Maria, Nevaeh; Alto: Tani, Matthew, Alina, Esme
Week of January 4, 2016
HAPPY NEW YEAR! We are off to a good start!
Home practice preparation for January performances
Cantare Choir - Westminster Canterbury Jan. 10
ALL GRCC CHOIRS - Winfree Baptist Church Jan. 31
Cavalieri Choir - Be prepared for January 10th performance and Jan. 11th rehearsal
Sing from memory: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern in German AND ENGLISH.
Review Where're You Walk and Lord Don't Move the Mountain
We Three Kings - soloists: Owen verse 2, Shaandro verse 3, Josh verse 4 - memorize
Looking ahead to January 11 rehearsal - Learn "If I Got My Ticket"
Pro Arte Choir - Be prepared for January 10th performance and Jan. 11th rehearsal
Sing from memory: Song of the Stars, Wade in the Water,
Evening Prayer - Nina & Dorcas soloists
Looking ahead to January 11 rehearsal - Learn Ich will den Herrn
Cantare Choir - Be prepared for January 10th performance and Jan. 11th rehearsal
Sing with scores: Bach Cantata No. 111 - Coro 1. Duetto 4. and Choral 6.
Bass Aria 2. - Shaandro, Alto Recit 3. Jack, Soprano Recit 5. Clara
Sing from memory: Living in a Holy City - REVIEW AND MEMORIZE CORRECTLY
Prayer of Desmond Tutu - Madeline R. speaker, Nyla soprano solo - INNER PARTS BE SURE YOU KNOW YOUR PITCHES WHEN YOU TAKE THE REPEAT
Looking ahead to Jan. 11 rehearsal - Learn "Non nobis", Bach Cantata No. 80, Me Nyame Ye
Concert Choir - Be prepared for January 11th rehearsal
Memorize We're Walking in the Air
Soprano: Colin, Sophie, Cameron, Faith, Noelle, Lillian, Kari
Altos (top notes when divided): Austyn, Lea, Nina, Kamirra, Xander
Altos (bottom notes when divided): Brock, Lauren, Kaylan, Wesley
Continue to solidify your part and have memorized these four pieces:
May God Be Merciful to Us - Know your part to the end. All sing 1st verse in unison.
Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 1: Faith, Kamirra, Nina, Noelle, Austyn
Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 2: Lauren, Wesley, Sophie, Lily, Léa, Kari
Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 3: Brock, Kaylan, Cameron, Colin, Xander
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, Evening Prayer,
Mattaponi Song of Gratitude - Learn first five unison lines only in solfege and with text
Learn Bach Cantata No. 80 and review Me Nyame Ye
Treble Choir - Be prepared for Jan. 12th rehearsal
Learn Bach Cantata No. 80 in German.
Ven Dura - in unison, memorize words - we will try this as a round and maybe add a dance
Review: Shalom Aléchem. He's Got the Whole World, Let Us All Sing! - Secure memory
Parade - Part 1: Nevaeh, Mia, Maria, Part 2:, Kylie, Tani, Matthew, Part 3: Marlena, Alina, Lawrence
Me Nyame Ye Soprano: Kylie, Marlena, Mia, Maria, Nevaeh; Alto: Tani, Matthew, Alina, Lawrence
Winter Break
THANK YOU to all the GRCC Choirs for the joyful music you presented in December at the Riverfront Plaza Grand Illumination, the Richmond Symphony "Let It Snow" concerts, and the Festival of Holidays at Brookdale Imperial Plaza Retirement Community. You impressed your audiences with your well-prepared and excellent performances and warmed our hearts with your exuberant and loving spirits both on stage and in rehearsals.
Enjoy the WCVE TV Holiday Special that concludes with GRCC singing "We Wish You a Joyful Holiday." http://video.ideastations.org/video/2365619379/
The president and publisher of the Richmond Times Dispatch, Tom Silvestri, filled the back page of the Sunday Dec. 20 Commentary section with his humorous and complimentary account of performing with us in the RSO "Let It Snow" concerts. Here is the link:
http://www.richmond.com/opinion/our-opinion/tom-silvestri/article_19ed306e-61df-5cb5-91a1-5bfe14b4ea0f.html
Home practice preparation for January performances
Cantare Choir - Westminster Canterbury Jan. 10
ALL GRCC CHOIRS - Winfree Baptist Church Jan. 31
Cavalieri Choir - Be prepared for Mandatory January 4th rehearsal
Sing from memory: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, Where're You Walk,
Lord Don't Move the Mountain
We Three Kings - soloists: Owen verse 2, Shaandro verse 3, Josh verse 4 - memorize
Looking ahead to January 31 concert - Learn "If I Got My Ticket"
Pro Arte Choir - Be prepared for Mandatory January 4th rehearsal
Sing from memory: Song of the Stars, Wade in the Water,
Evening Prayer - Nina & Dorcas soloists
Cantare Choir - Be prepared for Mandatory January 4th rehearsal
Sing with scores: Bach Cantata No. 111 - Coro 1. Duetto 4. and Choral 6.
Bass Aria 2. - Shaandro, Alto Recit 3. Jack, Soprano Recit 5. Clara
Sing from memory: Living in a Holy City,
Prayer of Desmond Tutu - Madeline R. speaker, Nyla soprano solo
Looking ahead to 1/31 concert - Learn "Non nobis", solidify Bach Cantata No. 80, Me Nyame Ye
Concert Choir - Be prepared for January 4th rehearsal
Learn your part over break with the goal to have it memorized by Jan. 11th rehearsal:
We're Walking in the Air - Sopranos: Colin, Sophie, Cameron, Faith, Noelle, Lillian, Kari
Altos (top notes when divided): Austyn, Lea, Nina, Kamirra, Xander
Altos (bottom notes when divided): Brock, Lauren, Kaylan, Wesley
Continue to solidify your part and have memorized these four pieces:
May God Be Merciful to Us - Know your part to the end. All sing 1st verse in unison.
Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 1: Faith, Kamirra, Nina, Noelle, Austyn
Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 2: Lauren, Wesley, Sophie, Lily, Léa, Kari
Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 3: Brock, Kaylan, Cameron, Colin, Xander
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, Evening Prayer,
Mattaponi Song of Gratitude - Learn first five unison lines only in solfege and with text
Learn Bach Cantata No. 80 and review Me Nyame Ye
Treble Choir - Be prepared for Jan. 5th rehearsal
Learn Bach Cantata No. 80 in German.
Ven Dura - in unison, memorize words - we will try this as a round and maybe add a dance
Review: Shalom Aléchem. He's Got the Whole World, Let Us All Sing! - Secure memory
Parade - Part 1: Mia, Maria, Part 2: Nevaeh, Tani, Matthew, Part 3: Marlena, Alena
Me Nyame Ye Soprano: Marlena, Mia, Maria, Nevaeh; Alto: Tani, Matthew, Alina
Home practice preparation and concert logistics for Dec. 2-6 Let It Snow performances Concert Choir, Pro Arte Choir and Cavalieri Choir
Concert order and movement:
You will sing several times in the program interspersed with orchestra only pieces.
1st set after one orchestra piece:
Seasonal Sounds - all 3 choirs standing in the order we seated you Nov. 30 at the front of the stage. Use your scores (without a folder.) Have it mostly memorized so you can keep your head up and enjoy singing it. At the 11/30 rehearsal most people had their heads buried in their scores. You know what you need to do.
Cavalieri take Pro Arte scores off stage with them and put scores in a crate we will have for you while Kei talks. Concert Choir hold "Seasonal Sounds" scores by your side while you sing with Pro Arte......
Evening Prayer - from memory - 6 soloist step in front as we did 11/30 and sopranos and altos step apart so that no chorus members are hidden by the 6 soloists in the middle.
Concert Choir leave the stage and put "Seasonal Sounds" scores in the crate while Cavalieri move back on stage, and Pro Arte reconfigure in your normal 2 rows to sing....
We Wish You a Joyful Holiday - from memory - Lots of animation and joy!!!
Leave stage.
(6 pieces you are not involved in)
Pro Arte return to stage for....
Song of the Stars - from memory - We will rehearse it from memory as well on 12/2.
Concert Choir and Cavalieri Choir join Pro Arte Choir on stage for......
Spirit of the Season - from memory!
INTERMISSION - Go to warm-up room to retrieve your "Seasonal Sounds" and put it safely in your blue GRCC bag. Be sure your black folder is ready with yellow sing-along, Hallelujah Chorus and Merry Christmas (Home Alone) scores.
After intermission during first orchestral piece, GRCC goes around to the audience entrances to sing...
Somewhere in My Memory from the aisles from memory. Walk in the two back entrances when the orchestra begins "Somewhere...." and go down the two aisles of the orchestra section - sopranos and tenors on one side, altos and basses on the other - definitely smiling at people as they come and maybe shaking hands. The first singer in each line should be almost at the stage when you stop to sing from there facing the conductor on stage. Then when the next instrumental interlude happens, all turn around and the tenors and basses meet in the aisle behind the orchestra section sopranos and altos following and all line up behind the orchestra section of the audience to sing the last bit while holding hands. We will try this on 12/2.
(1 orchestra song)
Yes, Virginia - starring Wesley Buskey!
(2 more orchestra songs)
All choirs return to stage having picked up their black folders containing...
yellow sing-along, Hallelujah Chorus and Merry Christmas (Home Alone) scores.
END OF CONCERT
CONCERT CHOIR - Your beautiful singing at the Thanksgiving Service November 24th at Grace & Holy Trinity Church was a great way to start the holiday. Special thanks to Psalm cantors Brock, Léa, and Wesley (who filled in at the last minute!) and to Colin and Austyn for your solo duet in Evening Prayer. The choir's good intonation and strong unison singing in Mattaponi Song of Gratitude set the tone of the service well. Thank you to Mrs. Crystal for her setting of Tallis' Canon, and to the choir for giving it a strong premiere performance!
Preparation for Nov. 16-17 & 23-24 Rehearsals
Please learn YOUR assigned part BEFORE you arrive at rehearsal.
Rehearsal time should be used to put the music together.
CONCERT CHOIR NEXT PERFORMANCE: Tues, Nov. 24, 7 p.m. Grace & Holy Trinity Thanksgiving Service, 8 N. Laurel St. RVA 23220
Prelude: Mattaponi Song of Gratitude
Psalm 126 - Cantors - Brock, Léa, Xander
Offertory: May God Be Merciful to Us (Tallis' Canon)
Communion: He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, Evening Prayer
Concert Choir - Be prepared for Nov. 16 & 23 rehearsals
May God Be Merciful to Us - Know your part to the end. All sing 1st verse in unison.
Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 1: Faith, Kamirra, Nina, Noelle, Austyn
Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 2: Lauren, Wesley, Sophie, Lily, Léa
Verses 2 & 3 these choristers sing Voice part 3: Brock, Kaylan, Cameron, Colin, Xander
Mattaponi Song of Gratitude - Learn first five unison lines only in solfege and with text.
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands - Review words and breaths.
Evening Prayer - Humperdinck- Work on intonation and dynamics.
Colin and Austyn be prepared to sing solo duet for Nov. 24th.
Psalm 126. Cantors: Brock, Léa, and Xander
Memorize melody only: Seasonal Sounds, Spirit of the Season, Somewhere in My Memory
Merry Christmas (Home Alone)- Sopranos-Part I and Altos Part II. Use scores.
Hallelujah Chorus Sing Soprano and Alto parts. Use scores.
CANTARE CHOIR - Congratulations on a successful concert at St. Michael's. Special thanks go to soloists Josh, Jack, Clara, Nina, Dorcas, Nyla and Madeline R. The Bach Cantata was a good 1st performance. You will need to learn Duet #4 and secure your part for all other movements for our January 10th performance of the entire cantata.
For the next 2 1/2 weeks spend your primary practice time on the music for the Dec. 4-5-6 concerts.
Cavalieri Choir - Be prepared for Nov. 16 & 23 rehearsals
Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern 3min. in German and English
Pro Arte Choir - Be prepared for Nov. 16 & 23 rehearsals
Evening Prayer - Humperdinck- Work on intonation and dynamics.
Song of the Stars - Know your part solidly! It will be very different with orchestra!
Cantare Choir - Be prepared for Nov. 16 & 23 rehearsals
We Wish You a Joyful Holiday - Secure your part in the refrain, especially mezzos!
Memorize melody only: Seasonal Sounds, Spirit of the Season, Somewhere in My Memory
Merry Christmas (Home Alone)- sopranos & tenors-Part I, altos & basses Part II. Use scores.
Hallelujah Chorus Pro Arte sing soprano and alto. Cavalieri sing tenor and bass Use scores.
Treble Choir - Be prepared for Nov. 17 & 24 rehearsals
Ven Dura - in unison, memorize
Shalom Aléchem - in unison with repeat, memorize
Let Us All Sing! - in unison
The No Laugh Race
Me Nyame Ye Soprano and Alto parts
We Wish You a Joyful Holiday - learn words and tune
SING-ALONGS: all in unison with word sheet
Winter Wonderland, America the Beautiful, My Dreydl, S'Vivon, Jingle Bells, Deck the Hall, Joy to the World, Silent Night, We Wish You a Joyful Holiday