Noteworthy News, May 15, 2020
Virtual Sing: Monday, May 18 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.
We are now working on TWO pieces: the Biebl Ave Maria and Abendlied by Josef Rheinberger. The music for both is available within the new Members section of our website, pschoir.org as are several study aides and score markings. The music is also attached to today's Noteworthy News. Many Choir members report that it is far easier to work with the music by downloading and printing it rather than using their computer screen. It's easier to pencil-in the markings, too!
Check out our fundraising progress on the Challenge opportunity with the Miller Foundation by looking at the "funding thermometer" on our website: pschoir.org. Remember that a $10 donation becomes $20 and of course, $100 becomes $200!
And to make it official, Ralph Nelson is indeed THE Tenor Section Leader (he had previously agreed to be the interim). Congratulations Ralph!
Alissa is loving the audio/video files being sent to her: Please keep them coming! We would love to have more of you participate in the fun on Monday evenings as we build a product that will be forward-facing to the online community. It will include video clips of you making music at home. We want as many of our members as possible represented in that footage. See details below to create a short video of yourself singing, in most cases using a smartphone (iPhone).
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).
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 week/weekend: 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 (next week) 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 p.m. 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. A new version of the accompaniment track with direction is now available on the Members page and the direct links to both sections on YouTube is included here: LINK and LINK.
From Wendy: It has been so great to see you on Monday nights. You are a great source of joy and inspiration to Alissa and me as we look ahead to what the future holds. We have begun strategizing ways to reach our audience and community via online and social media… And we need your help! We have two asks:
Please send us any ideas for education, outreach, and artistic projects that will help reach our audiences and community.
If you are interested in being on a brainstorming task force, please let us know.
Please send all responses to: wbamonte@comcast.net. Thanks in advance for sharing your creativity with us.
Upcoming Choral (musical) events of Note: This week's edition of The Shows Must Go On YouTube Channel will feature the production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats. It's available to view free on Friday beginning at 11 am, Pacific Time for a limited 48-hour period online. LINK
OPB is broadcasting the Bernstein Mass as part of their Great Performances series this Sunday, May 17 at noon and again on Saturday, May 23 at 1 am (DVR opportunity). This work was performed by the Oregon Symphony and featured US just a few years ago.