NOTES for Week of September 21, 2025

Dear friends,

Here are the highlights for your focus this week.

Jubilate Deo

• CHOIR II had a good rehearsal and we got notes and rhythms with the words all the way to the end. Please review that this week to keep it fresh in your mind.
• CHOIR I will meet this week at 6:30. Please review your notes and rhythms to the end of the piece in preparation.

The Angel's Message

• This is coming, but many of you are struggling with the words. Verse by verse:

1. Practice reciting the words in rhythm. Start slowly and work up your speed. 
2. Do the same with the notes on a neutral syllable.
3. Put both together and practice at a slower speed until you can speed up to the tempo.

Season of Light

• Continue your practice incorporating the dynamics. It makes such a difference when you sing expressively.
• Make sure your diction is clear - you're storytelling.

Gloria - 1st Movement (Gloria)

• We are making cuts in this. Cut mm. 38-56, 64-74, 98-104, 113-121 (Altos will not sing in m. 112).
• Review your pitches, rhythms, and words 
• Sing with clean, Italianate Latin (accurate vowels, dentalized consonents, and rolled r's)

Gloria - 4th Movement (Gratias Agimus Tibi)

• Review your pitches, rhythms, and words

Gloria - 11th Movement (Cum Sancto Spiritu)

• We did a cursory run through of this. Much of this is similar to the "familiar" Gloria.

Nutcracker Medley (Trepak p. 9)

• Anna and Dan will sing the melody as noted before (top line in mm. 37-52, 77-87)
• Basses will omit low E-flats and D's in mm. 69-76
• Larry will sing the upper G in mm. 97-103.

For TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025

CHOIR I will meet at 6:30 to go through Jubilate Deo. Review your parts to the end.
All others will meet at 7:00

• Gloria (movements 1 and 2)
• Frostbound
• Angels We Have Heard on High
• O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
• 30-Second Merry Christmas