Rehearsal Notes & Homework - September 29

September 29 2013

Homework

Shore up the notes and rhythms in Illumina le tenebre

Ave Maria to be memorized for next week (Oct 6^th)

Magnificat to be memorized for next week (Oct 6^th)

Keep working memory & movement for I himmelen

Important Stuff

Next week’s rehearsal is from 5:30pm to 9:30pm (5:30 – 6:30 is for the Bs of all sections) because of the Nova Scotia Youth Choir concert in the afternoon (@Grace United Church in Dartmouth). Consider attending!

If you have thoughts or concerns re: clothing, please be in touch with Christina and/or Claire this week.

October 25^th Repertoire @ the Museum of Natural History in the Earth Sphere room:

Ô Magnificat          

Ô I himmelen

Ô Aglepta

Ô Illumina le tenebre

December 3^rd Repertoire:

Both sections from the Canta Mara concert, possibly another section from Constellations. Also some Christmas stuff, not memorized.

Fundraising Announcements

Fundscrip – Next order will go in over the Thanksgiving weekend (cards arrive on October 20^th). If you want to place an order, please bring a post-dated cheque for Tenille next week (October 6^th)

Wreath Fundraiser – Our goal will be to sell 200 wreaths ($2000) Order forms will come out on the 27^th of October.  Decorating day will be Saturday the 30^th of November. There will be an opportunity for people to come and pick up their wreaths during that day (Hot chocolate! Bake sale! Carols!) More info to follow.

Fundraising Goal for the year is $5900, so after the Christmas break we will still need to raise approximately $3900 – this will be when small group fundraisers come into play.

Rehearsal Notes

Aglepta

On the first page, the “Ah”s are in time, based on Christina’s beat.

Continue to use the recording to lock in the tonal relationships between sections.

Illumina le tenebre

Altos, be aware that the lower the note the longer it takes for the sound to reach the ear – sing very slightly ahead of the beat (esp. when singing parallel to the soprano line like on page 2)

Magnificat

November 3^rd – Start in the aisles

Page 5, when the chanting of words starts, move slowly into a diamond-shaped clump in the centre of the stage (see photo). Keep in line with the people in the other aisle. You should be in place by the time the chanting ends.

The diamond-shaped clump in Magnificat

Page 12 (measure 32) drift slowly away from the centre of the stage, as far away from the centre as possible by the end of the piece (see photo)

At the end of Magnificat

Ave Maria

I have added videos for the movement sections, feel free to refer to them (they are pretty good, on the way to awesome!). Note : All of the videos are unlisted, which means only people with the link (i.e. you!) can view them. :-)

Movement – notes in green are a repeat of a previous week’s movement notes (red are additions).

See standing positions in the seating order post on the blog!

A  & B– each action happens on the downbeat of the bar (even if you aren’t singing yet). Keep tension in hands and shoulders

-       Right hand forward     

-       Left hand forward

-       Cross arms to chest (pull in with shoulders) Part A shift weight slightly and turn towards right foot, Part B to left foot

-       Release arms down to the sides

On the first ending:

-       Left hand drops on the rest after “Maria” & Right hand stays in place for the downbeat at the repeat of A re-articulate with the right hand on the downbeat

Video :

http://youtu.be/ddEH3ENlBrQ

C – Reach forward with right hand, small step forward on the downbeat and hold for the bar in the following sequence (repeat movement on repeat):

M17 Sop 2

M18 Sop 1

M19 Sop 3

M20 Alto 1

M21 Alto 2

M22 Alto 3

M23 nobody moves

Video :

http://youtu.be/wmDhfcMYxLk

D – Two bar sequences this time (start with the right hand reach and step, then step and pull back in pain) in the same order as above.

This means that there will be no movement at all on measure 31 (Alto 3s will be ending their movement on measure 30)

Video :

 http://youtu.be/NBNfIq49YdI

E – Repeat of D

F – All movements at the same time. Exactly the same on the repeat (straight out of the reach in measure 47 into the downward reach at measure 40)

M40 Hands down and turn to the right

M41 Both hands up and turn to the left

M42 Hands down to sides

M43 Three shoulder pushes, lean back slightly (Right-Left-Right)

M44 Turn to face front (MMA to face Christina)

M45 Two shoulder pushes (Right-Left)

First ending:

M46 Stay still

M47 Two shoulder pushes (R-L) and then a reach forward with Right Hand and step with Left Foot

Second ending: TBD

Video :

http://youtu.be/hKIDqQsj2uE

G & H – Exactly the same movement as letters A & B

Letter I – Small steps backwards on the downbeat for 7 bars, starting on the right foot

M73 – 8 steps forward on the downbeat

M81 – Stillness

J – Exactly the same movement as letter F

Audition Results

Hi everyone!!

I was OVER THE MOON that so many of you auditioned for roles on Sunday. You were all sooooo good!!! It was seriously hard to decide and I've been labouring over this for days. Christina and I consulted this morning and this is what we've come up with. We also cast Castor & Pollux out of the auditions that we saw on Sunday.

Note that there are still other speaking lines to come in the show (introducing each Constellation) and I will be assigning those. So, if you aren't one of the roles listed below, you will likely still have some text! 

Thank you all again. Xara is so talented!!!!!!

Polaris (Magnificat solo) - Sara

Andromeda - Paige

Cassiopeia - Tenille

Calliope - Leah

Clio - Brianna

Erato - Hayley

Euterpe - Jordyn

Melpomene - Kallie

Polyhymnia - Joanna

Terpsichore - Zoe

Thalia - Colleen

Urania - Jenny

Castor -  Mackenzie

Pollux - Devon

Sunday Sept 29 + UPDATED MEMORIZATION SCHEDULE

Hi everyone!!

Thank you all for your hard work on Sunday, and for a lovely performance at the nurses' convention on Tuesday (even if we are apparently part of Dalhousie University now!) We are so thrilled at how beautiful the ensemble is sounding, and how quickly you are picking up the choreography for the show. ALL STARS!

Here's the plan for Sunday:

1:15-2:25     By Call Session - Theatre & Text Workshop - All As (S1a, S2a, A1a, A2a)
2:30-5:30     Full Company Rehearsal

This Sunday, we'll be working on the following: I Himmelan (memorized with movement), Agelpta, Illumina, Ave Maria (music and movement), Magnificat (music and movement). We will also be doing a RUN of the Prologue + Polaris at the end of rehearsal!!!!!! Yeah!

To that end, please be listening to Aglepta and Magnificat to help with your familiarization of the pieces. The YouTube version of Magnificat is posted on our Facebook group. Christina has posted an accessible version of Aglepta to the Soundcloud. She will also be posting a pronunciation guide for Magnificat to the Soundcloud ASAP.

Claire has posted a group video taken at the Xara retreat of the I Himmelan blocking. This video, our four rehearsals on this piece, and Erin's blocking notes from Sept 15 should be more than enough to help you prepare the choreography. If you still have questions about sections you are unsure of, remember that it is your responsibility to find a buddy in your section to rehearse with, just like with music.

Also, a reminder that choir fees are now overdue. For those who haven't paid their choir fees or made arrangements with Teresa, please make sure you take care of this. Teresa will be at rehearsal this Sunday at break time to collect any outstanding fees.

Thank you all for being so flexible with the changes to our set lists for the Canta Mara show. With that in mind, here's the updated memorization schedule for the next several weeks so you can be thinking ahead:

Updated Memorization Schedule:

Sept 29	I Himmelan, Warrior
Oct 6	Ave Maria, Magnificat
Oct 20	Aglepta, Illumina
Oct 27	Royals

Rehearsal Notes and Homework - Sept 22

September 22 2013

Homework

• There have been a significant number of changes to dates and repertoire for various events that are coming up. Please be sure to check the Google Calendar in order to double-check all of those dates.
• Write Sara’s words in the Magnificat onto your line so you know what is coming. Refer to the youtube recording of Xara performing this piece to get a good feel for it. Christina will post a recording of the Latin pronunciation.
• If you were absent, please make sure to get the phrasing notes for Illumina le tenebre
• Memorize I himmelen for next week (Sept 29). View Claire’s video of the movement.

Rehearsal Notes

On Vepsian Pathways and Vem kan segla have both been cut from this show. Pakkanen has been added. There have been some minor changes to the running order, more information to come.

Ave Maria

Sop 1a please join Sop 1b the first time at A

Sopranos please be sure that your timing is exactly lined up with the pulse underneath.

Focus on becoming familiar with the structure of the piece (repeats, second endings) so that you are less dependant on the score.

Movement – notes in green are a repeat of a previous week’s movement notes (red are additions).

See standing positions in the seating order post on the blog!

A  & B– each action happens on the downbeat of the bar (even if you aren’t singing yet). Keep tension in hands and shoulders

-       Right hand forward     

-       Left hand forward

-       Cross arms to chest (pull in with shoulders) Part A shift weight slightly and turn towards right foot, Part B to left foot

-       Release arms down to the sides

On the first ending:

-       Left hand drops on the rest after “Maria” & Right hand stays in place for the downbeat at the repeat of A re-articulate with the right hand on the downbeat

C – Reach forward with right hand, small step forward on the downbeat and hold for the bar in the following sequence (repeat movement on repeat):

M17 Sop 2

M18 Sop 1

M19 Sop 3

M20 Alto 1

M21 Alto 2

M22 Alto 3

M23 nobody moves

D – Two bar sequences this time (start with the right hand reach and step, then step and pull back in pain) in the same order as above.

This means that there will be no movement at all on measure 31 (Alto 3s will be ending their movement on measure 30)

E – Repeat of D

F – All movements at the same time. Exactly the same on the repeat (straight out of the reach in measure 47 into the downward reach at measure 40)

M40 Hands down and turn to the right

M41 Both hands up and turn to the right

M42 Hands down to sides

M43 Three shoulder pushes, lean back slightly (Right-Left-Right)

M44 Turn to face front (MMA to face Christina)

M45 Two shoulder pushes (Right-Left)

First ending:

M46 Stay still

M47 Two shoulder pushes (R-L) and then a reach forward with Right Hand and step with Left Hand

Second ending: TBD

G & H – Exactly the same movement as letters A & B

Magnificat

Check the seating chart post for confirmation of which part you sing in this piece.

Starting on page 5, your “prayers” are in your own time, and you go through them only once.

 

Illumina le tenebre

When rehearsing, please observe the phrasing we went over in rehearsal.

Aglepta

Casting a spell over Andromeda

Use recording as reference

Info for Sunday Sept 22

Hi everyone!!

Thank you for your hard work on Sunday at rehearsal, as well as on Monday night with Radio Radio. It's so great for us to be collaborating with professional artists and with CBC, so thank you for your energy, professionalism, and flexibility. As we go forward with this collaboration, we're going to try lots of new and fun things that are a bit out of our normal comfort zones and we know you will all rise to the challenge!

By now I hope you've all read Christina's Facebook post about changing the dates of Constellations on account of the Creative NS Awards Gala. It was a decision made with much consideration and weighing of options, and we are so grateful to you all for being flexible and accommodating. It also means that Constellations will have more time to become perfect and polished!

In light of this news, some important information:

CHANGES TO SHOW ORDER

We have decided to slightly change the order of Constellations to better suit the storytelling of the show. Here's the plan:

• We are cutting the "interlude" of Northern Lights. Lyra and Andromeda will run back to back.
• We are relocating Revontulet to Castor & Pollux. The text actually works perfectly to imagine two heroes on horseback galloping through the sky to save lost sailors (read it over for yourself!)
• We are cutting Vem Kan Segla & Vepsian Pathways and instead will be singing Pakkanen after Revontulet in Castor & Pollux (see below for running order). Many of you already know Pakkanen, so that will help to familiarize the group with the piece.

Canta Mara:

Here's what we'll be doing for the Canta Mara performance on November 3rd. It's coming up quickly!!! We have decided to do the Prologue + Polaris, and Castor/Pollux + Epilogue. Here's the breakdown:

Set 1:

I himmelan
Ave Maria
Magnificat

Set 2:

Revontulet
Pakkanen
Lux Aeterna

We know this is a big memorization change for you all to have to have Revontulet ready for November 3. However, with only six major pieces to focus on for November 3rd, we feel confident in our success.

October 6th Rehearsal

Considering the results of the poll on our Facebook page, we have moved the rehearsal on Oct 6th to 5:30-9:30 pm (by-call session is 5:30-6:30 pm). Please let us know if this creates conflicts for you and we will work to sort it out.

Choir Fees

Reminder that your choir fees are due this Sunday September 22nd!!!! Our treasurer, Teresa Hames, will be at rehearsal during break this week to collect your fees. Cash or cheque please. As per your choir handbook, payment is due in full OR in a payment schedule that is agreed upon with Teresa. It is your responsibility to email her directly to do so: teresamhames@gmail.com

Sunday Sept 22

Here's the By-Call schedule for this Sunday:

1:15-2:00     Alto Sectional
2:00-2:25     Auditions - Muses
2:30             Full company rehearsal

To help you plan your practice time this week, here's what we'll be working on in the full company rehearsal: Ave Maria (music + movement), Revontulet, Magnificat, Pakkanen (you'll get music this week), and Lux Aeterna. We'll take the last twenty minutes of rehearsal to look at the music for the critical care nurse's conference: One Voice and Farewell to Nova Scotia.

We'll be posting another blog post this week about important dates for the fall, since there's been so many changes. THANK YOU ALL for being so amazing. Xara is getting some major attention these days and we want to take all the opportunities we can to shine!!!!!

Radio Radio Links

J'savais pas mieux :

9 Piece Luggage Set :

Guess What :

Rehearsal Notes & Homework Sept 15

Homework

Muse auditions on Sept 22 at 2pm – we will be using the excerpt of text that Claire gave out on Sunday.

Memorize Royals for Sept 22

Memorize I himmelen  for Sept 29

Listen to Christina’s MP3 of the pronunciation for Revontulet

Listen to Revontulet and sing along with it. Focus on the last two pages in your practice to make sure you have the notes and entries correct.

If you were absent, make sure to get the letter markings in Revontulet

Reherasal Notes

Warrior

In general, you need to minimize the breaths in the middle of phrases. Always maintain the feel of the phrase.

I himmelen

Review of movement:

Sops begin stage right.

Altos begin stage left.

Nelle & Shannon start centre stage facing each other.

Measure 1 – 19 process to triangle places, one step per measure. People in the back of the clump should start moving at the same time as the people at the front. Move like mystical, mysterious beings.

Measure 20 – 30 Movement in canon. On the reach (right arm & leg), make eye contact with someone across the room. Hand comes down by the downbeat of 31.

Measure 32 – 48 Walk to new places, keep the space balanced. Acknowledge the people you pass with eye contact.

Measure 48 – 59 Movement in canon.

Measure  60 –76 First 8 steps get to the East of Shannon and Nelle (if you are already there,  just mill around a bit) Next 8 steps, walk towards the West. Look up at the heavens!

Measure 76  Movement in canon

Measure 87 Shannon turn West

Measure 88 Nelle turn West

Measure 88 Small Choir turn West

Ave Maria

Rhythmic sections, figure out together who will breathe when.

In this piece, the nuance of the articulation is the most important thing.

Movement

See standing positions in the seating order post on the blog!

A – each action happens on the downbeat of the bar (even if you aren’t singing yet). Keep tension in hands and shoulders

-       Right hand forward     

-       Left hand forward

-       Cross arms to chest (pull in with shoulders)

-       Release arms down to the sides

On the repeat:

-       Left hand drops on the rest after “Maria”

-       Right hand stays in place for the downbeat at the repeat of A

On Vepsian Pathways

The beginning of the Castor & Pollux constellation.

My sister, my cricket – we’re supposed to do something, but let’s go and play instead!

Revontulet

Page 3, 3^rd system – Anyone who is part A (4-part split) does the scooping up, while Bs hold the cord.

At letter G – (3-part split) Alto Bs start the rhythm while Alto As hold the cord. The rest of the piece is a 4-part split.