Noteworthy News, June 5, 2020
Virtual Sing: Monday, June 8 social time begins at 6:45 with warmups at 7 pm. We will be using Zoom with access code https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84875891208?pwd=dUZIK2N4dWQ0cy8xTWg3cWJxT0l2UT09.
We are now working on THREE projects: the Biebl Ave Maria, Abendlied by Josef Rheinberger, AND a new one, Lift Every Voice and Sing. See Wendy's notes below regarding this new piece. No additional time is planned to rehearse the Biebl although Alissa has agreed to extend the deadline a few days to upload your recordings. For detailed recording instructions, notice the section in the Members Area of the website (pschoir.org), cleverly labeled Instructions to Record Ave Maria.
I've received feedback that some folks didn't understand that last week's survey request was a new one, asking for feedback on why you sing, why sing with PSC, and your opinion on when you would be comfortable getting together as a group (in the same space). Thank you for the 44 responses received to date. I would really like to hear back from everyone. Here's the link so your thoughts can be noted. (Link to survey)
From Wendy: We are going to embark on a new virtual choir project beginning Monday. We will be asking choral singers across the country to join us in singing the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing. We are reaching out to all the singers we know, especially African America choirs, with the hope that they will join us. For the recording, Alissa’s friend, Darieon Malone will be playing piano and my friend, Dorcas Smith (of the Brown Sisters), will be a soloist and also arranging the piece. We are doing this project as an expression of solidarity and support, using the greatest resource we have -- our voices! Here is PSC’s statement of support and solidarity:
BLACK LIVES MATTER It is unacceptable that our black neighbors, colleagues, and fellow artists continue to suffer from oppression and injustice. The Portland Symphonic Choir stands in solidarity with all who condemn racial violence and we resolve to use our voices, our platform, and our humanity to promote a culture of inclusivity and equality for all.
Everyone is welcome to participate in this project. There will be music, foundation tracks, and information on our website very soon. In the meantime, attached to this Noteworthy News is a copy of the hymn and a sample track for reference. Please print both pages of the music for Monday so you have the text. Dorcas is working on the arrangement. Stay tuned!
From Alissa: Mark your calendars for the next Deeterabend, June 28, 3:00 at the DeeterHaus und studio. Anyone interested in singing should be in touch with me (alissa@pschoir.org).
Upcoming Choral (musical) events of Note: Steve Lewis, our accompanist, will be featured on the Artslandia Happy Hour series TODAY (Friday) at 5 pm. Click for more info --> LINK
The Shows Must Go On series on YouTube is taking a break this week in recognition of the world wide attention on acts of racism and Black Lives Matter.