Noteworthy News, August 13, 2021

Important upcoming dates:

From Wendy: I hope you will join us Monday for the last session of our Summer Sings programs. We will feature Dona Nobis Pacem by Vaughan Williams. This is an incredibly powerful work and Shohei Kobayashi will be sharing insights about this piece as we sing through it. Shohei is Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Reed College and I know you will enjoy meeting him. Did you know the text for this piece includes a poem by Walt Wittman? What do you think about the unusual ending? Come Monday and learn more! Watch for the reminder email on Monday morning from our Operations Manager Claire that will include the Zoom link and access codes for Choir members.

From Alissa: Our second Vocalize & Socialize is almost here (August 23)! This will be an excellent opportunity to get your voices in shape for our upcoming season. Be sure to register by clicking this link. We will continue to be on the outdoor basketball court at the Multnomah Arts Center. Plan on arriving early (6:45) to sign in, get your music, and socialize -- and be sure to bring a chair! All vaccinated singers are welcome. After singing, the plan is to continue the social interaction at the nearby Lucky Labrador Pub. Please also remember that the Let's Get Ready To Sing Again voice lessons series is still available on the Members and Alumni/Guest pages of our website where you can pick and choose your favorite vocalizes.... dying cow is a particular favorite of mine! In the words of Helen Hayes, "If you rest, you rust," so keep practicing! Click on the tab then scroll down the website page. Pro tip: these exercises will also help with “Voice Checks" for returning PSC members.

Auditions for new members to join PSC for our 2021-22 season will take place by appointment on August 20, 21, and 29. Click here for more information including the audition registration form. Please share this (link) with folks you may know that are looking to participate in "Portland's Choir Since 1945.

From Wendy: As you can imagine, finding a rehearsal venue during this time is quite challenging. Many of our previous rehearsal locations are not scheduling groups for Fall. We also have quite a list of requirements for our rehearsals to be safe and productive. We are pleased to announce that First Presbyterian Church in downtown Portland has been selected as our new rehearsal home for this Fall. We will be using their fellowship hall, the Geneva Room, which is right off the secure, underground parking garage. And parking in this garage is free to our members during rehearsal times. There is also access to three other spaces within the church that include pianos for sectionals. These extra rehearsal rooms will be very important for COVID safety as we will be limiting the time spent in each room. We are thrilled about First Presbyterian Church for many reasons. Here are our top 6:

  1. First Presbyterian is centrally located and on public transportation routes. (click for a map view)

  2. We get to park in their garage and can walk directly from the garage to Geneva Hall.

  3. Geneva Hall has good acoustics and lighting.

  4. There is a new HVAC system with Air Conditioning.

  5. There are 3 additional rooms with nice pianos for sectionals.

  6. First Presbyterian is excited to have us and we are excited about this new partnership as well!

And speaking of in-person rehearsal, our artistic leadership is reviewing repertoire for this Fall and believes we can start rehearsing a little later in September than originally planned and still meet our high standard of performance excellence. This new date also gives us a little more time to shake off the vocal cobwebs! (See also: Alissa’s vocal technique and practice sessions noted above). At the moment, the first rehearsal in our new venue (see above) is scheduled for Monday, September 27th. If you subscribe to our online calendar with your SmartPhone (iOS or Android) rehearsal dates should automatically update.

Alissa Deeter