Noteworthy News, May 1, 2020
Virtual Sing: Monday, May 4 at our usual start time of 7 pm. We will be using Zoom with the access code https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82530842970, Meeting ID: 825 3084 2970. Remember, if you have the option, you will want to use a device with the largest screen. If you plan on using a Tablet or Smartphone, please download the app before our meeting. You will also want to create an account with Zoom before the meeting. Most of us are using the free version.
Preparing for the Biebl Ave Maria Virtual Choir Project: During this time of social distancing, making music as a group has its challenges. These particular circumstances offer a unique opportunity to chronicle our efforts to stay connected through our project. The project has two components: 1) A video montage of PSC singers making music outside of our normal choir experience and 2) An audio recording of Biebl’s Ave Maria to accompany the video montage.
The Video: We need 20 seconds (or so) of video showing you making music as we all shelter in place — this could be you singing with the rest of us during our Monday night meetups, practicing while you wash the dishes or work in your garden, teaching an online lesson, playing the piano… wherever you find yourself making music, we would appreciate your sharing it with us via a video recording. You can start submitting your video recording now. Video Recordings need to be emailed to Alissa (alissa@pschoir.org) by Friday, May 22nd.
The Audio: We will be recording the audio separately from the video in three chunks: Part 1 (mm. 1-22), Part 2 (mm. 1-40), and the Amen Coda (mm. 41-end). Anytime this coming week: create a VERY brief recording of any old thing (Happy Birthday, Dona Nobis Pacem, etc) so we can hear what your recording sounds like in case suggestions are needed to help improve the quality. Generally, you do not need a fancy microphone for good results. Singing toward the microphone area of your iPhone/smartphone usually works surprisingly well. Be sure to stay within a few feet of the mic and find a room with limited background noises. More instructions will be forthcoming for "the real" audio recordings that will be uploaded to Alissa the last week in May.
Practice with the accompaniment tracks located on the members page of our website in “Virtual Rehearsals” (scroll to the bottom portion of the page). Of course, you may join your colleagues in our Virtual Sing on Monday nights at 7:00 pm. When you practice your individual part, rehearsal tracks are available in the Listening Lab on the Members Page of the website. Check in Study Resources for breath marks and other conductor notes. Some of you have mentioned that you would prefer singing along with an actual voice rather than a piano track. We will have that ready for you in the next week or so. In the meantime, please give the accompaniment tracks a go!
From Board Member, Mark Slegers: I am proud to be on the Portland Symphonic Choir Board. As a lifelong choral director I am delighted to support the excellent performances that all of you work so diligently to bring to fruition. I was the Music Director/Minister of Music at Portland's First Unitarian Church for 39 years. My choirs achieved some definite musical milestones and I'm inspired by the professional approach that members of PSC must take to provide the highest possible level of excellence. Not being able to sing together during the Coronavirus pandemic is understandably frustrating. This has changed all our lives. The postponement of the Beethoven was an artistic interruption for us and our community. It's also been an interruption in the financial well-being of the Choir.
PSC is funded by donations, grants, ticket sales, and member dues. The cancellation of the Beethoven is a blow to our anticipated revenue. Today, we have the opportunity to offset this deficit with a vigorous fund-raising campaign to take full advantage of the $10,000 Miller Foundation challenge grant. Personally, I have given extra money from the federal relief check I just received. I urge you to join me in making whatever gift you can before June 30, our fiscal year end.
As singing members, you are the folks who care most about the Portland Symphonic Choir. I know you would want the choir to be on the most solid financial ground, especially as we prepare for our exciting 75th anniversary year. Please give what you can by mailing a check to Portland Symphonic Choir, P.O. Box 1517 Portland, Oregon 97207 or via the online portal. Thank you.
Remember to send activity photos/songs/recipes for the shared photo album on how we’re doing at home. A compilation of updates is sent via email on Mondays. Here's a link to last week's contributions: Album update You may submit your photos and/or updates to jayde@pschoir.org
Upcoming Choral (musical) events of Note: This week's edition of The Shows Must Go On YouTube Channel will feature the production of Andrew Loyd Webber's Royal Albert Hall 50th Celebration. The tribute features music from CATS, Phantom, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Sunset Boulevard. It's available to view free on Friday beginning at 11 am, Pacific Time for a limited 48-hour period online. LINK