Week of September 22, 2026

Hello friends,

Just a reminder that we have Bel Canto BOOT CAMP coming up on October 10th. For you who are new, this is a chance to run through everything and get a sense of where we are and where we need to go in terms of the music. It's also a chance to make music and make connections with one another. Our social team will be in touch to talk more about the latter. I would like to have our notes and rhythms solid by that point, so if you're still uncertain, really make the effort to iron that out. It will be in the clubhouse at Rancho de Calistoga. 2412 Foothill Blvd. in Calistoga. 

Nino Dios

• Keep running this with a attention to a) dynamically arched phrases; b) Spanish pronunciation--remember dental consonants (d, n, t, l); c) practice transitions at mm. 15/16 and 22/23.
• If you have 16th-notes, articulate those lightly.
• Remember this is based on a dance. Keep it buoyant.

Three Nativity Carols

1.    The Holly and the Ivy

• Please note the differences in rhythms of each verse.
• SOP I, pay attention to the different pitches on playing of the organ.
• I'd like this to have an overall detached articulation and crisp diction rather than smooth.

2.    This Endris Night

• Beautiful phrasing on this, Trebles, keep it up. Continue to do the same thing Tenor/Bass.
• Be 100% confident of you pitches so you're not thrown off by dissonant chords--when perhaps you are a 1/2-step different than another part, ex: mm. 47 where BII sing an E-natural along with Alto I E-flat.
• If you have a comfortable E, Basses and Altos can enter a m. 60 on Why art to make the entrance easier.

The Everlasting Flame

• In m. 9 move from mm to oo, then in m. 10 to oh, then in m. 11 to ah. Create dimuendo by closing lips on ah.
• Highlight and sing your slurred notes accordingly.
• NOTE all dynamics. There are many and they are quickly changing, even almost abrupt.

The Work of Christmas

• If you don't have a copy, please go to the Resources Site and print it out. 
• Altos really make the most of the slurs in mm. 39-44.
• Sing the [zIk] of music moving closer to [zik] - translated closer to a gentle closed ee placement rather than a broad ihk sound.
• Make sure you have more than enough breath on the last line so we can sustain the fermata without vibrato.

For TUESDAY, September 29

Wonder Tidings (Three Nativity Carols)

Awake, Arise

Silent Night

A Choral Christmas Overture