Rehearsal Notes from November 9, 2021

Those singing at PUC on December 10/11 - thank you for a good rehearsal. Please continue to look at the music between now and next week. We'll do a quick run through of the pieces at the end of next week's rehearsal. I will be sending Chuck recordings of the parts for There Is No Rose, today. The two pieces from Vivaldi's Gloria are on Cyberbass.com. I will also provide Chuck with links for performances.

REHEARSAL - for November 16: ALL singers are called and we will rehearse:

• Thompson Alleluia. Try to sing through it several times each week to develop vocal control and endurance at the dynamics suggested - please make sure all dynamics are highlighted.
• Barnum Sweetheart of the Sun. Again, concentrate on dynamic shades and vocal control (non-vibrato in delicate sections).
• Hogan Music Down in My Soul, begin memorization and
• Hogan I'm Gonna Sing Till the Spirit Moves in My Heart, begin memorization.

RECORDING

I've found two potential recording engineers, both of whom I think would do a great job. I have also emailed Mary Jane at Mont La Salle to see if we can use the chapel to record the 1st weekend in March (5-6), as well as the Tuesday before (1st) for a rehearsal in the space prior to recording. After talking with one of the recording engineers, the reverb at MLS can be heightened or lessened based on the proximity of the mics, and I thought it would be nice for you to sing in that space. 

Happy practicing...

Rehearsal Notes from 11/2/2021

 Dear Singers,

I apologize for not being consistent about posting, but after lasts night's rehearsal/meeting here are the take-away's:

• I will resume regularly posting notes regarding the following week's rehearsal, i.e., what to practice and what to apply to your scores.
• We all need to make Bel Canto a priority. There have been to many absences throughout this semester, which makes it difficult to move forward on the projects/goals we want to achieve. If we want to be the outstanding group which we desire to be, it will take everyone's commitment, consistency, and focus.
• Most people work better with a focused goal/deadline. This week I will try to secure both dates, venues, and times for the recording project which we will continue to prepare for. I want this project to be flawless and of the greatest musical artistry with which we are capable. The next few months are about refinement, not learning notes and rhythms. If you're needing to play catch-up, that must be done on your own time.

A few things of which to be aware. 

• A select group (some have conveyed their conflicts) of Bel Canto will be performing as part of the Pacific Union College's Christmas concert. We will be singing with the Chorale and orchestra and we may possibly sing Come and See the Newborn King. The dates are:

       Thursday, December 9, time TBA at PUC - Dress Rehearsal

       Friday, December 10, 8:00 (7:00 call time) at PUC - CONCERT

       Saturday, December 11, 4:00 (3:30 call time) at PUC - CONCERT

• I'm looking to schedule the Recording for early March. That will hopefully give Suzanne some time to recover as well as give us time for production to have the CD available for sale at our early May Concert. 
• The program for the Spring concert will be the CD repertoire labeled as Bel Canto's Favorites. We need Bel Canto emerge from Covid with a stellar performance. There may be some other repertoire along the way. 

FOR THIS NEXT REHEARSAL - November 9

Those who are singing at PUC only are called. Any who want to sing may join in. Please look at: 

• Vivaldi Gloria (first two movements) - parts are on Cyberbase
• There is No Rose (I will record parts and have those to Chuck Friday to put up)
• The Glory of the Father
• I will be passing out one other piece, a setting of O Little Town of Bethlehem on Tuesday.

FOR November 16, all singers are called and we will rehearse:

• Thompson Alleluia. Try to sing through it several times each week to develop vocal control and endurance at the dynamics suggested
• Barnum Sweetheart of the Sun. Again, concentrate on dynamic shades and vocal control (non-vibrato in delicate sections)
• Hogan Music Down in My Soul, begin memorization and
• Hogan I'm Gonna Sing Till the Spirit Moves in My Heart, begin memorization

Happy Singing,

Ted