[EastValleyChoraleMaillist] Thanks for a job well done!

[Cochran, Bruce-P56993]

Good Morning Chorale,

Thanks to everyone who participated in the concert at La Hacienda Sunday
night.  I think we ended up with 61 singers and a very enthusiastic
audience.  I appreciate everyone's contribution to the evening.  One
lady in the audience said she didn't want it to end.  Several commented
on the good selection of songs, and on the presentation of the Gospel.
One fellow who had been a choral director his entire life, said he
really enjoyed and liked the way we had parts mixed.

It was one of the most enjoyable concerts we've had for a long time.
You looked nice (men: great ties :) ), smiled frequently, sounded great,
and did an outstanding job.  If you've known me long, you know I'm not
too big on superlatives, but you earned it for last nights concert.  I
was particularly pleased with Ethan's contribution on the piano.  I
appreciate the time and effort he's spent to learn the songs. You all
seemed extra tuned in to following...both pauses/fermatas, and dynamics.
I felt like I was driving an expensive sports car responsive to my every
gesture....rather than a riding lawn mower.

That being said....
Since we will be working with choir+orchestra on Tuesday night, I wont
have much opportunity to address  choral issues, so here are a few
things to be thinking about for the songs we sang last night:

1.	Come and Receive	 --- ONLY ONE ANGEL  (look for, and
circle that line);  Be careful about rhythms in 3/4 section where we
enter.
2.	When will Messiah Come - Men sounded a little weaker than last
Tuesday's rehearsal.  Write the words "HE-MEN" on the first page
3.	In the fullness of time - Duet was nice; song felt a tiny bit
slow...probably my fault;  Singers need to look up a bit more.
4.	Love Came gently - very nice job;  I love the way you follow.
5.	Away in a Manger - Good job everyone
6.	Glorious Impossible - -nice;  great piano
7.	Our God Emmanuel - nice;  something still sounds fishy toward
the end of the song...next to last page...going into last section.
8.	Breath of Heaven --very beautiful sound. Keep up the good work.
Men: be careful about that one tricky rhythm;  Dih-vine not Dee-vine
9.	What a Wonderful Child.. Very nice job. Be carful about "wont
you" rather than "Wont-jah"
10.	What Can I give Him - Remember "Love" is a noun in this song.
Love, the give..   NOT   Love the gift...
11.	We Believe   - Men:  got to sing it like HE-MEN  (see #2)
12.	Celebrate & Sing a Song of Christmas - no complaints...maybe
smile more

It might be a good idea to mark some of these comments into your music.
Look for appropriate points in the music and write "Look at Bruce and
smile"

If at all possible, try to be on time this Tuesday. We'll need to figure
out the riser situation...possibly make some changes....get missing
music....etc.  Also, remember to wear comfortable shoes.  The risers
don't have seats...you'll be standing a lot. Remember: The better you
sing, the shorter you have to stand.

Have a great week.

Bruce

PS:  We have 10 "Guest Singers" from Crossroads singing with us for
Christmas.  How many do you know?  Can you name all 10?  Do any of them
know your name?



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