We had a marvelous Retreat this past weekend, as you all know by now. Small group, but definitely committed!!! Thanks to Kathy for getting music from Carina. Thanks to Pat for great food.
1. “Uniform”: we didn’t meet this summer as originally planned so here is my suggestion re: what women wear. Long black bottom-skirt or ‘bolero’ pants–for a more precise look we can settle on a specific number of inches from the floor. Long or 3/4 sleeves. Minimal jewelry. Conservative scarves_ Pat gave me one which can be tied in different ways to suit different people, but will be the same color as the men’s ties. Looks like a good idea to me. By following these suggestions, no one is forced into buying something not suitable. The only thing is the scarf and we need to decide on that. I will bring it to rehearsal on Sept. 12.
2. TREASURER NEEDED. Please step up to the plate to help us out here. At this point, we still have committee chairs unfilled as well, but I am focusing on Treasurer. Pat can guide you through the process. WILL YOU ????????????
3. Reminder to invite friends to come try us out on Sept. 12 at 5:30. We will arrange for a short, sweet audition with as little stress as possible.
4. The Fall Season is looking good now: several grand ideas re: December with Wind Ensemble in addition to beginning the process for the Bernstein program in April.
5. LAST POINT: if you ever wonder just how talented this area is in music, keep this in mind: last summer Alfred Community Theater did an Irving Berlin review. The intention was to find 3 pianists to play so each one could also sing. Well, by the time we started we had contacted at least 20 people in this area alone who could actually play for shows ( a big skill!), but they were all busy with other things including other shows happening around the same time! Can you imagine? 20 people here alone—I didn’t even start calling my friends in Bath, Corning,e tc. I know it’s piano and not singing, but the point is—this place is FULL of talent—must be in the water, doncha know?……
Blessings, Linda
Recordings of the Bernstein music are at
http://orpheuschorale.org/audio/index.php?dir=2010_11
If you want to purchase a copy of Chichester Psalms for your collection, I recommend Dale Warland Singers version for the Organ, Harp, Percusion version we are doing. If you want to hear the amazing full orchestra version, i recommend the Robert Shaw recording
Mark
Hi Folks …
WOW. What an absolutely wonderful retreat this weekend. You guys really impressed me (and Rebecca). I so appreciated your sight reading especially. Certainly not 100% all of the time .. but no shyness in your attempts. This helped reduce note learning time to a fraction of what it once was. You guys got it! If you’re gonna be wrong, be boldly wrong! We’ll still love you.
Here is where we are right now.
- first rehearsal Sunday September 12 – 6:30-8:30 … Hornell Presbyterian
- we will have a few opening in a few voice parts, and will hold auditions soon.. details to follow soon.
- attached is the list of returning singers and our current additions.
- please review the attached roster. If you NOT returning for Fall we need to know NOW so we can plan and announce the voice parts we are looking to audition. As per bylaws, those who do not return will need to wait for an open spot and may be asked to re-audition.
- also, review for email accuracy and phone number accuracy (i don’t have #s for some of you)
- again, there will be dues – we will follow with those details
- as for my “leave” from Orpheus, it may or may not occur, I may have a role in fall rehearsals
Draft Orpheus Roster 2010-11
Dates and Programs
- September 12th – 6:30 – 8:30 – 1st Rehearsal, -..and each Sunday following
- October 17th - Orpheus stops, Cantata Rehearsals Begins. (Orpheans are strongly encouraged to sing in cantata this year)
- Sunday, December 5th – Cantata Performance – St Anns.
- Saturday, December 11 – Orpheus Short Christmas Program with Hornell Area Wind Ensemble (xtra brush up rehearsals late Nov. and week of … TBA as required)
- 6 weeks off (refresh and relax)
- January 23rd 2011 - Resume regular Sunday Orpheus Rehearsals
- Saturday April 16, 7pm – Spring Concert “All- Bernstein” Program
Please consider your obligation to the group before committing and the 75% attendance stipulation in our bylaws. If you know you may have issues with this, please consider your obligation to your fellow singe
The Bernstein Program so far:
- Chichester Psalms (in Hebrew)
- Almighty Father (from Mass)
- Make our Garden Grown (from Candide)
- Wrong Note Rag (from Wonderful Town)
- Selections from West Side Story
To wrap up, if you will not be with us this season, or have roster corrections, please send a note to our Secretary Kathy at k_labarron@yahoo.comk_labarron@yahoo.com ASAP!!!
Thanks and see you again soon.
Mark
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Hi Folks…
I know that Linda has been in touch with some of this and i just wanted to expand a bit….
Yes its true .. i have a new promotion at work and i need a little space to start. And Yes, I have requested a leave from Orpheus for the Fall. Our officers enthusiastically recommended that we do not stall our wonderful development and have accepted to the tasks to keep things rolling.
I had been considering an all Leonard Bernstein program for Spring and your officers are focused on working on this amazing (and challenging) music along with another short Christmas program.
I plan on attending some or all of the upcoming retreat. This event will be an important jump start for the group.
This “Tentatively Firm” spring program below will embrace the wonderfully diverse styles of Bernstein’s choral music. It will range from Modern Sacred Classical to Musical Theatre. Selections will include:
Chichester Psalms (in Hebrew)
Almighty Father (from Mass)
Make Our Garden Grow (from Candide)
Wrong Note Rag (from Wonderful Town)
And some selections from West Side Story
I have a few other wonderful Bernstein pieces in the hopper inside my head.. but I see this group as the core.
I have uploaded a few recordings and samples at http://orpheuschorale.org/audio/index.php?dir=2010_11
Note: Do not fear the Psalms … embrace this music (remember how Whitacre felt before we learned those pieces) .. Several Orpheans know this piece and will attest to how the music will stick with you forever, (ummm.. once we decipher the rhythms) …
This program will offer challenge, variety and the Leonard Bernstein “brand”. Lots to be enthusiastic about.
Best to you all,
Mark
PS. And Yes, at this moment, I do plan on directing Cantata which will start Mid-October as usual.
What a powerful and meaningful expression we provided yesterday at Bud’s memorial. Jeanne and many family members personally thanked me (meaning us) .. each very moved and very grateful for Orpheus’ contribution. It was very moving to hear the family emphasize the meaning of music in Bud’s life and to know that we were a part of that. Folks .. Orpheus is certainly about music, but we are also about each other. This is very important to us. I am so proud of that.
Thank you to those of you who were free and able to participate.
Mark
Reminder – 6:30 tomorrow (Thursday) rehearsal for Bud Berry’s Memorial.
At Hornell Presby…
Please review the music before rehearsal if you have it .. and please have a listen to the files at
http://orpheuschorale.org/audio/singme/
Thanks, See ya then
Mark
Hello
For those of you who are singing with us for Bud’s memorial service.
We’ll be at the Hornell Presbyterian Church for our rehearsal on Thursday, July 8th. – 6:30 pm..
Here is the team as I have it .. if anyone else’s plans have changed and would like to join us … we’d love to have you.
| Lisa Sanford |
| Pat Wiggers |
| Bev Packard |
| Barb Stephens |
| Jim Varner |
| Bob Andrews |
| Jack Morris |
| Bill Sitzman |
| Cindy Veazey |
| Marsha Andrews |
| Laurel Buckwalter |
| Elaine Egmond |
| Amanda Snyder |
| Tom Boyle |
| Earl Packard |
| John Buckwalter |
| Looking forward to it.. |
| Mark |
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Info for Bud’s Memorial
- Rehearsal: Thursday July 8 at 6:30 - Place: TBA
- Service: Saturday, July 10 – Warmup 9:30 am (Service at 10 am) – Episcopal Church Canaseraga,
Practice Files and Recording available at http://orpheuschorale.org/audio/singme/ (Thanks Bob!!)
Hey Gang
We have about 14 affirmatives for a rehearsal either wed or thursday July 7 or 8. If you havent responded to the survey invite please do it ASAP.
Also .. i am missing multiple copies of “Sing Me To Heaven” .. is there any chance this was not collected and you have copies? … please let me know ..
Thanks, Mark (mark@opus57.com)
Folks …
We have been invited to sing at a memorial service for Bud Berry. I would like to do this if we can get a critical mass.
We would need 1 rehearsal to learn/re-learn “Sing Me to Heaven” Any current or former member of Orpheus is invited to sing. The service is on Sat. July 10 at 10am at Episcopal Church in Canaseraga.
I sent out a meeting wizard survey to get a feel for who/when is available for rehearsal. I have proposed several dates on the week preceeding.
PLEASE consider this. And PLEASE respond to this survey ASAP. Even if you are unavailable.
I sincerely hope that we can honor Bud’s memeory and be a source of comfort to Jeanne and all of those who loved and admired Bud.
Questions? … email me at mark@opus57.com .. but please respond and pass the word to former members…
Thanks,
Mark