Notes from Thursday, December 10th

[Daniel Fitzmaurice]

We had an excellent rehearsal last night! Thanks to Marlo, again, for providing delicious treats for our break. 

Just a little roundup of some musical notes: 

Once In Royal David's City - in procession, Katherine Holland sings v. 1 solo, then all the choirs sing v. 2 in unison (note the change), everyone will join v. 3. We are sitting in the front left pew. 

For the lessons, we will stand together when the reader bows in front of the altar and process in one line to the front of altar.. we'll figure out a proper seating/standing order Sunday. 

Adam lay y'bounden - all about "cool" ... watch me for changes in verse 3 (quiet, slow) and the very last line (loud, climax)

Emmanuel - "energetic!" .. I will accompany you at the piano, so enjoy it and sing out to the congregation, who will join you for the refrain but not the verses. 

A Christmas Carol - "simple" .. excellent work on the final difficult rhythm last night! Watch me - I'll give you everything for this one. 

Otherwise, sing out! 

A few reminders: 

No robes, but let's wear all black (or dark colors)

Look at your music beween now and Sunday, with or without the audio files - I know we haven't had much time with these pieces and I am immensely proud of your work so far! A little review here and there will make you feel more comfortable with the text, rhythms, and melodies. If you have any questions or are confused call me (203.710.2966 .. there's nothing like a private review session over the phone!)

Please arrive no later than 9 o'clock .. this will give us time to warmup, rehearse a bit with Bill, and walk through some logistics. 

Again, i am so proud of the work you have put into our ensemble so far. We only have one more rehearsal before the Christmas Eve service but I hope you'll continue to sing with us after the holidays, too! I leave you with a little quote that has been on my mind for the last few weeks ..  

The purity of unison singing, the simplicity and frugality, the humanness and warmth of this way of singing is the essence of all congregational singing...Unison singing, difficult as it is, is less of a musical than a spiritual matter. Only where each person in the group is disposed to an attitude of worship and discipline can unison singing give us the joy which is peculiar to it alone.

(from Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer) 

See you on Sunday!

Dan