Practice File Update

Hi Chorus,

I have changed the format of the practice files. Instead of listing them on the narrow panel on the right, I've placed them on their own page. The tab to access the Practice Audio Files page is at the top of this main page. I listed the audio files under song headings, which are alphabetized. As they are getting so numerous, I hope this makes it easier to find the files you want to download.

I spent all day today working on these files and have uploaded new practice files for the following songs: The Story Begins, And the Angels Sang (replaced the old file because this one sounded better), Song of Bethlehem, Joy in Judea, Cry Out, A Christmas Blessing, and My True Love Gave to Me. I also updated the Song Notes page for each of these songs and added a General Instructions category, which is at the top. The songs on the Song Notes page is also alphabetized, by the way.

Cory gave us a heads-up last Thursday that next week we will most likely be working on Lullay Aleluia and The Story Begins, so be prepared for those.

Anyone who wants a CD instead of downloading the mp3 files, please let me know--and let me know which files you want.

Oh, one more thing. You can download the Happy Birthday song we sang for Germaine at the bottom of the practice files page. :)

Thanks!
Karen

Holiday Practice Schedule

Be prepared to rehearse the Sunday after Thanksgiving (November 27). This is a mandatory practice and everyone needs to be there, so put it on your calendar. Ilene suggested everyone bring pie to eat afterwards. Sounds good to me!

Song Notes and Lyrics

Hi fellow Chorus members,

I have been working on editing the audio files from Sunday's rehearsal. I found that I had to (naturally) edit out a lot of good advice that Cory gave us as we went along; some general and some very specific to the song we were working on. I thought it would be good to preserve these tidbits, so I have created a new page on the blog called, "Song Notes." You can go there and review a lot of what Cory talked about while we were working on specific songs on Sunday. I have not included amusing anecdotes. You'll have to ask Cory for those. :)

Also on Sunday, Cory talked about connecting emotionally to the songs we're singing. I know for myself, the meaning of the song is easier to catch if I'm not focusing so much on singing correctly that I hardly notice the words. For this reason, I have also created a new page where I will be imputing the lyrics to the songs we're singing. Several are there already. This should be helpful not only to connect with the message of the song, but also to help memorize the words. You can print them out and take them along with you. When you're waiting in line at the grocery store, whip out the pages and work on memorizing the words!

Last spring, when I finally got to the point where I didn't have to be looking down at my music and words all the time, it made a huge difference in my being able to sing the songs the way Cory wants us to because I was able to watch him (instead of my music) most of the time. So, I hope this is helpful. It will take me awhile to get all the lyrics up there because I really do have a life outside of chorus. :) I probably won't type in all the jings and rings and lings in Sleighbells--just in case you're wondering!

The two new pages mentioned above can be accessed from the main blog page by clicking on the labeled tabs near the top of the page.

I am also proud to say that I have uploaded new practice files from Sunday's rehearsal for you to listen to. Ha! I finally outsmarted the recording device.
Karen

Stonegate

The location for our December 18th and 19th performances is officially called Stonegate. It is located at 2600 N. 900 West in Pleasant Grove. It is several blocks east of the Timpanogos Temple. It was formerly known as "The Old White Church."

The Daily Herald featured the building complex in a recent article.

Watch for New Files

Hi Chorus Groupies!

This weekend I'll be adding some audio files from today's practice, so watch for those. I'll send a notice around when they're ready.

Remember, no rehearsal next Thursday. Instead we will practice Sunday the 23rd at 5:30 pm.

Also, I set up a count down wigit for our December 18th performance. You can see it there on the right -->

Thanks for your support and hard work!

The Pull List

Hi Chorus Members!
As of tonight's rehearsal, we have the songs that we will be performing. The list can be seen on the right hand side of this blog. That means that the following pieces of music will not be performed this year and should be pulled from your binder, if they have not already been pulled:

A Family Christmas Spectacular
Believe
Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
Bring us Peace
Carol of the Christmas Bells
God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
Herself a Rose
I Saw Three Ships
I Wish You Christmas
In the Bleak Midwinter
On That Night in Bethlehem
Run to Bethlehem
The Shepherd's Carol

We probably all had to give up some music that we really liked. I know I did. Writers are told that in the editing process they have to "kill their darlings," meaning those phrases, pages and chapters that were well beloved and so beautifully crafted, but really don't work with the story. This is a similar situation. Fortunately, the musical "darlings" are being saved and will probably be reconsidered for performance next year.

Meanwhile, we now know the pieces we'll be performing, so we know where to put our efforts. And that is such a good thing!