Nota Sept. 14, 2004

Tuesday, September 14, 2004

Welcome!

We are delighted to have you joining us this season as we learn the magnificent Rachmaninoff Vespers. A few announcements as we begin:

Practice CDs for Text. The Rachmaninoff is in Church Slavonic, which is a less-than-familiar language for many of us. We will drill pronunciation during rehearsals, and have also obtained practice CDs of the text. Also, please note that there is a pronunciation guide in the back of the score (see the last two pages). Finally, we have the very good fortune to have a native Russian speaker, our accompanist Nadia Blank, to help us through any rough spots!

Practice CDs for Music. Part-predominant practice CDs for the Rachmaninoff Vespers are available from http://www.choralone.com. CDs are $16, but if we can get a small discount for ordering multiple copies (the more we order, the better the deal). A sign-up sheet is available for those interested in obtaining a practice CD. The sign-up sheet will be available through next week’s rehearsal, after which we will place the order for CDs so that we’ll have them as soon as possible.

Rehearsal Space. As you will have noticed, we are in a new rehearsal location. (We are especially excited to have access to better parking!) As currently planned, rehearsals will normally be in the Parish Hall (entrance from the parking lot) but will occasionally be held in the church (entrance from the parking lot or front doors). Rehearsal dates to be held in the church: Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9, Nov. 16, and Dec. 7.

Chorus Rules & Attendance Policy. In the interest of achieving the highest possible performance standards, we ask that all choristers show courtesy to Arlene and to their fellow singers by following these rules:

Attend all rehearsals. Chorus is a "team sport" – everyone needs to be present to learn the material and to learn to work together as a group. If you must miss a rehearsal, notify your section leader in advance. Singers who miss 3 or more rehearsals may have to demonstrate to Arlene that they have learned the material well enough to sing in the performances.

Arrive on time. Rehearsal begins promptly at 7 pm. Coming in late is distracting for everyone else and can mean missing important information.

Pay attention. Rehearsals will proceed much more efficiently if directions do not have to be repeated multiple times. Please listen and try not to distract others who are trying to listen.

Concert Dates.

Friday, December 10, 2004, 8 pm. Arlington Community Church, Kensington

Sunday, December 12, 2004, 4 pm. St. Mary Magdalen Church, Berkeley

Concert Dress.

For women, long black slacks or skirts and long-sleeved black blouses.
For Men, black tuxedos with white shirts and black bow ties, or black suits.
For all, all music should be held in a black binder.

Please refer to our Concert Etiquette and General Information hand out as the concert dates approach.

"Shameless Plugs"

♫ Bay area Hawaiian chorus Na Leo Nahenahe will perform on Saturday, September 18, 8:30 pm at the Community Music Center of SF (544 Capp St at 21^st, San Francisco). Admission is $10 ($5 for students), and most music will be performed in Hawaiian. For further details see www.naleosf.com or call 415-647-6015 (or talk to bass Greg Suzukawa, who sings with Na Leo Nahenahe!).