Chorus Picture

Here we are, getting ready for our December 19 performance at the beautiful Stone Gate historic building. We love the acoustics there! You can click on the picture to see a larger version.

An Idea For You

I thought this idea might be beneficial to you.

In the back of my black binder I have one of those zippered pencil pouches. In it, I have a couple of cough drops, a couple of tissues, an extra pencil and my reading glasses. These are things I thought I might need during a performance, but didn't want to worry about digging them out of a pocket or purse. The pouch is also where I stashed my cell phone after it embarrassed me that one Wednesday. If you do put a cell phone in it, take my advice and turn it off. :)

Anyway, just an idea. It works well for me.

Karen

In a Nutshell

Here are short synopses of the message of each of the songs we sing, in order--as I see it. You might want to read through the words and write down your own synopses.

Ding! Dong! Merrily on High: Let us joyfully join with the angels in singing and ringing bells to celebrate the glorious birth of our Savior.

Blizzard! Starting with one little snowflake, this song is a musical interpretation of swirling, dancing, drifting snow that grows into a delightful winter storm.

My Heart, Your Bethlehem: Jesus' life began with rejection. There was no room in the inn. Throughout all of history there have been those who reject Him and His message. I will make room for Him in my heart and welcome His presence. In so doing, my heart becomes His Bethlehem.

For Unto Us a Child is Born: Isaiah prophesied long ago of the birth of the Christ child. He will be born for us and will be called "Wonderful counselor," "The Mighty God," "Everlasting Father," "Prince of Peace," and he will govern the world.

Harper's Creek: We work hard day after day. Christmas Eve is time to relax with good friends and dance. Even if there's no fiddler to play music, we can dance to the music in our head and the rhythm of clapping.

Song of Bethlehem: This song chronicles the life of the Savior. He was born in Bethlehem. He grew up and lived in Galilee, where he performed great miracles and served with love. He died on Calvary's hill and rose again with power to save us all. His birth in Bethlehem was but the beginning of his incomparable life.

Lullay Alleluia: Mary's soft lullaby complements the alleluias of heavenly angels as they join in singing to the little tiny Christ child.

Cry Out! Jesus' birth is the most important event ever to occur in the history of the world. It is the good news that should be shared with the world and shouted from the rooftops! Jesus the Savior is born! Cry out the good news!

My True Love Gave to Me: Honestly, what would we do with all those crazy gifts? This song lightheartedly rejects them all but those lovely five golden rings. Yeah, we can all use golden rings.

Breath of Heaven: Mary, about to give birth for the first time, is filled with fear and apprehension and self-doubt about her role as the mother of God's son. She pleads for Heaven's strength and blessings as she humbly expresses her faithful willingness to play her part in His eternal plan.

Fum! Fum! Fum! We join with angels, bells, stars and all of nature in rejoicing in the birth of our Savior on Christmas Day.

A Silent Night Brings New Light: One silent night, long ago, brought to the world the marvelous Light--the Savior of the world, the Promised Messiah, bringing about the joyous fulfillment of age-old prophesies. And, He'll come again!

The Story Begins: This song paints the sweet domestic picture of Mary and Joseph sharing the task of caring for baby Jesus. They each tenderly rock and sing lullabies to the newborn and send up heartfelt prayers of gratitude for the birth of this important little boy.

Joy in Judea: Joy, hope, peace, love and the promise of good will filled the small town of Bethlehem and all of Judea when Jesus was born on Christmas morning.

I Ponder: The familiar events of Jesus birth are long over, but as we take time to think about that important day, we can imagine the wonder and love in the hearts of those who were there and we can almost see, hear and smell what it was like. The Creator of the world humbled himself and became the least among all of His creations. We can still invite the Savior into our lives today because He lives.

Sleigh Bells: Let's go sleigh riding with friends! We'll go fast and furious, get cold but stay warm and hear lots of sleigh bells ring as we go along!

Nutcracker Jingles: It's Jingle Bells like you've never heard it before! Tsychovsky may be rolling over in his grave over this fun rendition of his familiar Nutcraker Suite...but we're going to have fun singing it anyway!

A Christmas Blessing: May the precious gifts of love, joy, happiness and God's blessings be yours this Christmas and throughout the coming year.

Good Job!

Hi Chorus,

It's exciting to hear the difference between the way we sound now as compared with some of our earlier attempts. Cory gave us a couple of "good jobs" this week. One was on "Breath of Heaven," at the end of Thursday's rehearsal, and then today, we got the thumbs up on "Ding! Dong! Merrily on High." We can pat ourselves on the back, but briefly, because we still have 16 other songs, right? And they all need to be that good.

I've been thinking about this lately, and decided it might be beneficial to post a few tips on singing with Cory. So, here are some things you need to know about Cory:

1. He is a professional level conductor. Seriously, we're so lucky to have him. I know he is tough sometimes, but if he wasn't, we would never reach our potential. With Cory at the helm, at least we have hope.
2. He expects us to approach this chorus with professionalism. That means we show up on time. It means we learn our parts. It means we show respect for one another. It means the director of the chorus is the boss. Think how you would act if you were in the Tabernacle Choir. That's how we should act.
3. Cory never asks us to do something he wouldn't do himself. Have you ever known him to be late (without at least letting us know ahead of time)? Have you known him to miss a rehearsal, even when he's sick? I have frankly been concerned about him a couple of times when he came to rehearsal when he really should have been in bed. He doesn't ask us to be any more dedicated than he is to the chorus. He's not getting paid for his time either, and he has a family too.
4. Cory hates excuses. I would recommend you not make them. At all. My daughter's math teacher has the following sign on the wall: "Don't make excuses, make improvements." Cory has made similar remarks. I think we would all do well to follow that advice.
5. Cory hears everything. He can tell if you're having a bad voice day. He can tell if you're coming down with a cold. He can tell if you're off pitch. He can tell if you don't know your part. You can't hide from him.

I am planning on updating some of the audio files to reflect a more current version of how we sound. It will probably take me a couple of days. I'll let you know when they're updated.

My True Love Swooped

Hi Chorus,

I hope you're all healthy and getting ready for tomorrow's Relief Society program. I am going to bring a list of the 6 songs in order on a little piece of paper and tape to put them in your binders if you wish to.

Meanwhile, I sent Cory a copy of the "My True Love Gave to Me" that we sang on Dec. 1, where we tried swooping on the word "swimming." Remember that? Well, Cory and I both agree that it does not sound good. Here's a link where you can download it and have a listen: My True Love Swooped

I think you'll agree as well that it's going to be much better to sing the song as it is written. So, that is the plan.

See you soon! Remember, women wear your black dress or skirt/blouse with black hose and shoes and men, wear your black pants and white shirts. Joe said he should have the ties for tomorrow too.

Karen

The Song List for Wednesday

Here's the songs, in order, that we will be performing on Wednesday.

1. Song of Bethlehem
2. Breath of Heaven
3. Lullay Alleluia
4. My Heart, Your Bethlehem
5. For Unto Us a Child is Born
6. A Silent Night Brings New Light

Our performance Wednesday will be at the Lehi North Stake Center on 600 E and 3200 N. Be there at 7:00 pm in the Relief Society Room to warm up.

New Chart for Ding! Dong! Merrily on High

Okay, I know you're all just waiting to see this. Here's the chart for our December 1st rehearsal of Ding! Dong! Merrily on High:

Now, the first thing you need to know is that gremlins got to my recorder and recorded everything at "Low" on Thursday. Not sure how that happened. So, I had to amplify it. The volume is still not as loud as the past two recordings, but the relative dynamics are still visible. As you can see, the first couple of "Glorias" are very triangular--still. And, the women still out-sustained the men. Sorry guys, the proof is in the picture. Better luck next time.  I've circled the two "Glorias" just before the very end. I wouldn't call them rectangular, but maybe pregnant triangles. It's really not much different from our last rehearsal. Let's try again for rectangles at tomorrow's rehearsal. And men, come on! Really? You gonna let the women out-sing you?

Pray For Each Other

Hi Chorus,

Just a reminder that Cory asked us to pray for each other. We need to pray for good health and strength for our group. Remember that Sunday is fast Sunday, which is a great opportunity to dedicate our fast to the members of the Chorus. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer, and with all of us praying together, I expect to see miracles. :)

The Order of the Songs

Okay, Folks,

Here's the order of the songs as we will perform them.

1. Ding! Dong! Merrily on high
2. Blizzard!
3. My Heart, Your Bethlehem
4. For Unto Us a Child is Born
5. Harper's Creek
6. Song of Bethlehem
7. Lullay Alleluia
8. Cry Out!
9. My True Love Gave to Me
10. Breath of Heaven
11. Fum, Fum, Fum
12. A Silent Night Brings New Light
13. The Story Begins
14. Joy in Judea
15. I Ponder
16. Sleigh Bells
17. Nutcracker Jingles
18. A Christmas Blessing

Okay. That's it. Ladies, if you haven't gotten your scarf/wrap money to me, please do so ASAP. Men, you need to get your money for ties to Joe.