NOTES for the Week of October 22, 2023

Dear friends,

We're a week away from our bi-yearly Bel Canto Boot Camp. For those new to the group, this is special day in which we rehearse intensely, as well as have an opportunity to spend some time socializing and getting better acquainted. It's hard work, but it's fun. And it is a required part of our rehearsal season.

Boot Camp

• When:                   Saturday, October 28, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
• Where:                  Clubhouse at Rancho de Calistoga MH Park - 2412 Foothill Blvd., Calistoga
• What to Expect:   Arrive before 9:30 and spend a little time enjoying coffee and baked treats                                     before we begin. We will break for lunch around 12:30.
• What to Bring:     Your music, stand (if desired), pencil, a water bottle, and a sack lunch. 

Solstice

• This is coming, but still needs more certainty of parts and rhythms. 
• Work mm. 27-35. That section sounds particularly insecure.
• Highlight every expression mark (dynamics, tempo, slurs, etc.)

Sussex Carol

• We worked on memorization up through page 8. Work on memorization to the end.

Spotless Rose

• Work on the Norwegian pronunciation, particularly of the 2nd verse. It needs to sound confident
• We need to speed this up, and your knowledge of the language (and parts) is crucial

The World for Christmas

• We need to secure this, so that it flows. Review all parts.

Soon We Will Be Done

• We need to work parts from p. 12 to end. 
• And memorize

FOR TUESDAY, October 24

• Solstice
• The Waiting Sky
• Cantata #191 - both movements
• Spotless Rose
• The World For Christmas
• Dixit Maria
• Still, Still, Still