German Pronunciation Guides

Pronunciation mp3s are up on the website.

Click above (or go to www.symphonychorus.org: click on Singers, then on Practice Files) The pronunciation guides are NOT listed in the navigation frame on the left - you need to click on Practice Files to get to them.

As I said in rehearsal, I think my trilled "RRRs" are a bit overdone. Just avoid the American "R" (sometimes in sung German we can substitute "uh" for "R" - just like in elegantly sung English)

Good advice!

From Presentation Zen (a blog I follow):

You can learn a lot from a child...

RACHEL'S CHRISTMAS CONCERT

A couple of weeks ago I asked how many in the chorus might be interested in participating in LPO harpist Rachel Van Voorhees' annual Christmas Concert at St. Louis Cathedral. (Several SCNO members who had participated in the past offered hearty endorsements. The response was large and enthusiastic, so here is what you need to know:

You should attend one (or both) of the following music-learning rehearsals:
7:00 - 8:00 PM on Monday, November 29
and/or
8:00 - 9:00 PM on Wednesday, December 1

The mandatory "Dress" Rehearsal is
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (noon) on Saturday, December 4

All the above rehearsals will take place at St. Paul Episcopal Church.

The concert is at 6:00 PM on Sunday, December 5 at St. Louis Cathedral.

MUSIC WILL BE PROVIDED (I will be asking for a commitment from singers at Tuesday night rehearsal, so Rachel can prepare the appropriate number of folders). I'll bring a copy to tomorrow's rehearsal if you want to see the repertoire before deciding - it's nice stuff, though...

This should be a fun opportunity to sing some appealing Christmas music with harp. I hope you can participate!

Vocal Solos in Jenkins The Armed Man (March 27)

I will be auditioning to fill the following solos from the chorus:

VOCAL SOLOS Karl Jenkins The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace

1. The Armed Man: SATB tutti

2. Call to Prayer: [muezzin]

3. Kyrie: [S solo (optional - boy?)]

4. Save Me from Bloody Men: TB tutti

5. Sanctus: SATB tutti

6. Hymn before Action: SATB tutti

7. Charge!: SATB tutti

8. Angry Flames: SATB tutti; SATB solos

9. Torches: SATB tutti

10. Agnus Dei: SATB tutti

11. Now the Guns have Stopped: S or A solo (b-c2)

12. Benedictus: SATB tutti (cello solo)

13. Better is Peace: SATB tutti; "Lancelot" T or B solo, "Guinevere" S or A solo, L'homme armé SATB solos

Handel, upon being complimented on his Messiah:

I should be sorry if I only entertained them, I wish to make them better.

A cappella Lady Gaga!

These kids are good!

Tomorrow is election day...

1) Please vote

2) Please come to rehearsal (and stay for the entire rehearsal)

3) Watch the election returns once you get home (watching starting at 8 PM will not change the results)