REHEARSAL ANNOUNCEMENT 050219

The rehearsal announcement for this week is---that there is no rehearsal Tuesday! In fact, there are no more rehearsals until January 14th, 2020. However, there are a few items worthy of announcement' 1. Attached is a photo Christina Tarry's husband took Tuesday evening at the Gala. 2. Monday night, December 9th: Messiah Sing Along. Call time is 6:30 pm; be there with your score and all your friends. If you haven't been to one before, it will be a lot of fun. 3. If you didn't return your music/borrowed folder on Tuesday after the Gala, you can bring it to me Monday evening. Please put it in a bag of some sort, as I will have my hands full and don't want to lose anything. DO NOT return your Britten scores. If you can't get the music to me Monday, just bring it when we return in January. 4. Our holiday party will be held immediately following the Messiah Sing Along. Amy Weir has once again graciously offered her house at 531 Lorimer Road in Davidson . You should have received the Sign Up Genius invitation , and it's BYOB

Yesterday's rehearsal in DFPH was very productive. We were mixed in with Chorale singers, seated in situations where it was not easy to hear, and we worked with Dr. Keith, who will be conducting us on a couple of pieces (Still 3 and Musicological Journey). The experience should make next Sunday evening's dress rehearsal go more smoothly. A few items regarding dress rehearsal and the performances (in addition to those sent out previously): 1. There will be, in addition to over 100 singers, and full orchestra, a jazz band, and lots of dancers. It will be crowded. Watch where you're walking and don't trip over any instruments. 2. Get there early to get seated. Bring your music, folder, and a pencil (for dress rehearsal). Also bring your patience. 3. There are usually racks to hang up your coats. A secure storage space for purses and other belongings is NOT guaranteed, however. I recommend bringing the minimum necessary, and keeping it in either pockets or in your folder. Very small items (keys) could be stashed under your chair, but must not be visible to the audience. 4. Restrooms downstairs are not specified as to gender. If you are uncomfortable, I recommend going outside and waling around the corner to the lower level of the Union, where there are ample facilities. Remember, the stage/green room area will be heavily populated. Chris encouraged us to identify any notes we are unsure of, and either fix them or don't sing that note. Please remember to hold your music up so you can read the score AND watch the conductor at the same time. This should not need to be said, but Dr. Keith is conducting at somewhat different tempi than we are used to, and it is our responsibility to respond. This is especially true for Musicological Journey #9! Please invite your friends and neighbors to the Messiah Sing Along--it's free this year! And remember to bring your own score if at all possible.

1. Our next rehearsal is Sunday, November 24th, from 6-9 pm, Rehearsal will be held in DFPH, and will be combined with the Chorale. Here are some tips for rehearsing/performing in DFPH: -park in the lots surrounding the athletic building. -enter/exit by the stage door (the doors from the interior of the Union will be locked). This is the door closest to the street. -bring all your music, a pencil, and your folder and come early to find your seat. -no food is allowed on the stage level. If you need to eat, go down one level to the green room. -ONLY WATER IS ALLOWED ON STAGE AND ONLY IN CONTAINERS WITH SECURED LIDS. -do not touch the screen/back drop. -do not cross behind the backdrop to the other side of the stage—go down to the green room and up the other side. -NO SCENT! 2. The order of music we will be singing is as follows: Gloria Ring Out, Wild Bells Fum, Fum, Fum Sing Along (we don’t have those cheat sheets yet_Musicological Journey Gaudete Still, Still, Still Ring Out Ye Crystal Spheres Of course, our pieces will be interspersed with performances by the Jazz Band, the Orchestra, and the Appalachian Ensemble. I will be giving you instructions regarding turning in your music/borrowed folders at dress rehearsal or at the warm ups on the 2nd night of Gala. 3. If you have any questions regarding concert attire, ask now. Tasteful holiday bling can be added to your concert dress for this event. 4. Remember that our dress rehearsal (to which you are NOT expected to wear concert attire) is Sunday, December 1st, from 6 -10 pm in DFPH. Attendance at this is mandatory unless specifically approved by Chris. 5. The Messiah Sing Along is Monday, December 9th in DCPC. Call time is 6:30 pm. If at all possible, bring your own score or borrow one from your church. The college has a limited number of scores to lend and students will definitely need those. This year the Sing Along is free for all attending, so tell all your friends. Watch for information from Lexi regarding the holiday party immediately following the Sing Along. 6. The annual Vespers service is Sunday, December 8th at 7:30 pm (preludes start at 7 pm) in DCPC. This is a lovely service, with music by the Chorale, and well worth your time. If you are so inclined, the Roadies could use your help at 1 pm that afternoon, setting up the risers, chairs , music stands, and pew candles. If you are interested, contact Bob Cameron at rcamero1@gmail.com . 7. No rehearsals from Dec 10th to the middle of January. We will resume rehearsals on January 14that 6:30 pm. So DO NOT turn in your Britten scores. Better yet, don’t bring them to the Gala.