WEEK of August 25, 2026

Dear friends,

NOTE: You should have received an invite for the Bel Canto mixer/party on Sunday, September 6 4:30-6:30. There is a "what to bring" list of foods. Some that might allow you to do some experimental cooking/preparation. Please make sure and RSvP to either Hunter or Vania.

For some unknown reason, the scores for The Work of Christmas are delayed another month. Consequently, I cancelled the order. For those who need it, please download it from the Bel Canto Resources Page and print it out. 

Also, please double check your music. I'm missing a copy of Gabriel's Message. If you by chance picked up two, please let me know. Lisa vS is in need of it.

We will continue working on listening and blending for beautiful tone. Please rehearse independently with that in mind.

Ngothando - there is a pronuncation guide on the Resources site. Please practice the song with IsiZulu language. The click is on the 2nd syllable of Son*qoba. 

Nino Dios - practice the Spanish rhythmically, independent of the pitches until you are comfortable putting them together. Start slowly for accuracy and then gradually speed up. Remember to make the "d" consonant by slightly tapping the aveleor ridge (behind upper front teeth) with the tongue. Also ll is not a very soft "j" sound rather than "y."

The Holly and the Ivy - we worked through the notes and rhythms with words on this. Please not the rhythm on sweet singing in the choir. Sweet is 2 beats.

The Darkest Midnight - we worked through the notes and rhythms up to page 9. Please look finish going through your pitches and rhythms to the end. At the end of each verse, I will conduct mm. 13, 25, 38 in 3/4 rather than the 6/8.

For TUESDAY, September 1

• A Choral Christmas Overture
• Patapan
• The Everlasting Flame (practice on oo) - there will be a Hebrew pronunciation guide shortly
• Silent Night

Week of August 18, 2026

Dear friends,

It was great to gather and begin Bel Canto's 12th Season. We welcomed Lindsay Stark and Jack James and look forward to welcoming Daria Adams. We talked about how we all can participate in making Bel Canto's sound which should be energized, resonant, and unified, and how that will take everyone's commitment and concentration. In your weekly rehearsing, practice your notes, but also practice with that tone in mind.

It was also stressed that we listen more. The best choirs have the best ears. Listen for intonation, listen for vowel color, and listen for syncronicity. We'll continue with exercises that build your listening skills.

NOTE: As we come together this season, we're planning a Kick-off event on Saturday, September 5. This will be an opportunity to meet new singers and get better acquainted with one another. Please put it on your calendar.

This week, I will finish getting the part recordings to Chuck so he can upload them. Please use them to help you learn your parts during the week. We want to use our rehearsals to rehearse with one another, not to hammer out notes and rhythms.

FOR Tuesday, August 25 Rehearsal

Three Nativity Carols: The Holly and the Ivy

• Work through parts on these. 
• The middle treble part will be Lisa vS, Vania, Brittany, Joanna, Cassi. 
• Remember to highlight every expressive marking (dyanmics and tempo)

The Darkest Midnight in December

• Work through parts on this

Ngothando

• Sing through on a neutral syllable (doh) to become sure of parts and rhythms
• This will be memorized.

Ninos Dios

• Work through the notes and rhythms on doo
• NOTE: the meter marking at the top of measure 12 should be 3 quarter beats, and measure 25 should be 4 quarter beats.

The Work of Christmas

• For those for whom this is new, this will be our encore and you can lean on your neighbors who know it. This will be memorized. 

See You Soon!

 Friends,

Here is Ted's concert blurb for this season:

Celebrate the season with Bel Canto Napa Valley's holiday concert, Beyond All Mortal Dreams. This year's program features music spanning six centuries, from cherished carols to contemporary choral works inspired by the themes of Advent, Christmas, and Hanukkah.

Known for its artistic excellence and expressive performances, Bel Canto will be joined by professional instrumentalists including harp, oboe, celesta, percussion, and strings. Join us for an inspiring program of music that reflects the hope, peace, joy, and wonder of the holiday season.

Tickets for all concerts are now available on our website so you can start telling your friends.

Reference recordings and some part recordings are posted on the Resources Site.

Looking forward to seeing you all next Tuesday.

Chuck