In attendance: Jay, Paula, Sara, Scott, 2 Susans
We worked on the five pieces for Will's service and "Requiem."
"Requiem" - we need to slow it down a little and think FLOWY not MARCHY! Otherwise it went pretty well.
WSSR pieces - More intonation issues than normal this eve, particularly on the round (Tho my soul) and on the boys' piece (Let the Spirit). Hopefully it will partially remedied by having the full complement of choir next week - some of the issues might have been because parts were being covered by people who didn't normally sing in that order etc. Some suggestions were given about having some piano/instrumental input during the pieces (both are a cappella) to keep us on key. Small continued issue with melody folks on one note towards the end of "When we are gone." Seemed to be somewhat remedied by having Clay stand in between Chandler and Jay.
Conclusion: lots of polish/finetuning issues but parts etc. all going pretty well.
We'll see how everything is next week and see if Elaine has ideas, too.
Thank you everyone and we're all thinking of you and the family Elaine.
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Monday, November 19, 2018
Rehearsal report Monday 11/19/18
We rehearsed all five pieces for Will’s service plus Requiem. We stopped and worked on various parts when necessary but in gen we all felt things went pretty well. No particulars to report. Dynamics in general need a little more attention; parts going quite well.
In attendance: Dave, Paula, Sara, Scott, two Susans.
We figured out robes. A couple people took theirs home for de-linting, others marked their chosen robe and stole and put back in closet. We successfully talked Scott out of a robe that he really liked but was way too small for him. :)
All hope things in Michigan are going as well as possible.
Happy thanksgiving everyone and special mention for Paula who celebrates her bday Weds.
SClay
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
October and December Performances
CHOIR DATES: these are also on the calendar, posted by Susan Clay.
This post is actually by Elaine even though it says Susan- not that it matters
This post is actually by Elaine even though it says Susan- not that it matters
October 14
Give Light (
all) and Benedicta Es Chandler,
Clay and Summers
October 28
When We are Gone ( From WSSR) - as part of memorial garden bulb planting
December 9 Will Thompson’s Service
We are considering the following selections from WSSR:
- Though My Soul May Set in Darkness
- Carry it Home
- We are a Circle
- Let the Spirit
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Service for Jake Lloyd Tuesday Sept 25 at 4: 30
Hi Everyone,
Jake chose a "natural" burial-- for lack of a better word. The place is called Memorial Ecosystems Ramsey Creek Preserve. The address is
111 West Main Street Westminster. It's about 27 minutes from UUFC. We can decide tomorrow about carpooling. There is a reception at UUFC after the ceremony.
You can read more about this unique approach here: http://www.memorialecosystems.com/locations/ramseycreekpreserve/tabid/58/default.aspx
With this type of ceremony, time is of the essence.
The only ceremony will be at his graveside, and this is where we will be singing.
These events make me all cry- y and we will just do the best we can under the difficult circumstances. It is a wonderful gift we can give in such sad sad times.
We will decide tomorrow night what to sing-- it will be acapella. My idea was the buddhist song May You Be Filled with Loving Kindness. Susan Chandler suggested Comfort Me. Both are in the teal hymal. Several of us have sung these before and both songs are wonderful in different ways. I am open to other ideas as well. ( Elizabeth is not able to give any input- or I would have checked with her. )
Sara and I went to Elizabeth's today and took some food over. She was not ready to see any one yet. We did get to meet her sister, Jessica, and her adoptive father, Peter Cohen. So, she has family all around her. She is not alone.
Thanks to everyone for being part of my life. I will see you tomorrow at 6: 15
Jake chose a "natural" burial-- for lack of a better word. The place is called Memorial Ecosystems Ramsey Creek Preserve. The address is
111 West Main Street Westminster. It's about 27 minutes from UUFC. We can decide tomorrow about carpooling. There is a reception at UUFC after the ceremony.
Directions to Ramsey Creek Preserve:
https://goo.gl/maps/CMdCv489d8xYou can read more about this unique approach here: http://www.memorialecosystems.com/locations/ramseycreekpreserve/tabid/58/default.aspx
With this type of ceremony, time is of the essence.
The only ceremony will be at his graveside, and this is where we will be singing.
These events make me all cry- y and we will just do the best we can under the difficult circumstances. It is a wonderful gift we can give in such sad sad times.
Thanks to everyone for being part of my life. I will see you tomorrow at 6: 15
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Josh Groban talks about writing RIVER
Susan Chandler suggested this song. Here's Josh Groban talking about it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2MsYjMVKBg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2MsYjMVKBg
Monday, September 17, 2018
Choir Schedule and Rehearsal Notes Updated Sept 17 2018
Sept 30
Find a Stillness # 352 (Paula will be away)
Bass: Jay and Jake
Tenor: Dave and Scott ( I think)
Alto: Sherri, Sara
Soprano: Susan and Susan and Elizabeth
Piano: Elaine
I will send audio files.
Oct 7
Meditation on Breathing (AKA When I Breath In) #1009 Turquoise Hymnal Will do at 86 BPM
Note that we are saying I not I"ll whenever this is used. For example:
"I breath in peace" not "I"ll breath in peace
Guys will sing the low C for the drone.
Susan and Susan on Descant
Everyone else on melody.
First time: Drone
Second time: Drone and Melody
Third time: ALL (Drone Melody and Descant)
Fourth time: ALL
Fifth time: ALL
Sixth time: Drone and Melody. Hold last note a bit longer then Susan and Susan will join and sing a C.
Saturday Oct 13 7 pm: Potluck party at Elaine's
3315 Gettysburg Drive Seneca
Sara Salad
Susan Chandler ?
Susan Clay - nothing - working til 6:30 - will join y'all for singing as close to 7:30 as poss.
Wanda Mac and Cheese
Sherri and Jay Scones or bread and butter
Scott ?
Dave and karen Salad
Paula ?
Jake and Elizabeth ?
Elaine Probably chicken
Oct 14
Benedictus ( Boys) if they feel ready
Give Light ALL. We will do a " flash mob" which we will talk about next rehearsal.
Bass: Jay and Jake
Tenor: Dave and Scott
Alto: Sherri, Sara, Paula, Wanda, Sara
Soprano: Susan and Susan and Elizabeth
I will send audio files.
Oct 21
*****Nothing planned for Nov yet. I am away Nov 1 - 10
Dec 2
Farewell to Theresa Does anyone have a song they know that they want to share this day? The traditional Irish Blessing :May the Road Rise up to Meet You , comes to mind.
Dec 9
Out of the Stars
Dec 23 or 24
? Parts of Winter Solstice??
******Please let me know your availability for these days as soon as you know. I can't make plans till I know who's here.
* Nella Fantasia ( Girls) We will continue to work on this .
* Susan Chandler recommends we consider a song by Josh Groban : River.
Several mentioned a group called Clanaad-- both on You Tube if you are interested.
Find a Stillness # 352 (Paula will be away)
Bass: Jay and Jake
Tenor: Dave and Scott ( I think)
Alto: Sherri, Sara
Soprano: Susan and Susan and Elizabeth
Piano: Elaine
I will send audio files.
Oct 7
Meditation on Breathing (AKA When I Breath In) #1009 Turquoise Hymnal Will do at 86 BPM
Note that we are saying I not I"ll whenever this is used. For example:
"I breath in peace" not "I"ll breath in peace
Guys will sing the low C for the drone.
Susan and Susan on Descant
Everyone else on melody.
First time: Drone
Second time: Drone and Melody
Third time: ALL (Drone Melody and Descant)
Fourth time: ALL
Fifth time: ALL
Sixth time: Drone and Melody. Hold last note a bit longer then Susan and Susan will join and sing a C.
Saturday Oct 13 7 pm: Potluck party at Elaine's
3315 Gettysburg Drive Seneca
Sara Salad
Susan Chandler ?
Susan Clay - nothing - working til 6:30 - will join y'all for singing as close to 7:30 as poss.
Wanda Mac and Cheese
Sherri and Jay Scones or bread and butter
Scott ?
Dave and karen Salad
Paula ?
Jake and Elizabeth ?
Elaine Probably chicken
Oct 14
Benedictus ( Boys) if they feel ready
Give Light ALL. We will do a " flash mob" which we will talk about next rehearsal.
Bass: Jay and Jake
Tenor: Dave and Scott
Alto: Sherri, Sara, Paula, Wanda, Sara
Soprano: Susan and Susan and Elizabeth
I will send audio files.
Oct 21
*****Nothing planned for Nov yet. I am away Nov 1 - 10
Dec 2
Farewell to Theresa Does anyone have a song they know that they want to share this day? The traditional Irish Blessing :May the Road Rise up to Meet You , comes to mind.
Dec 9
Out of the Stars
Dec 23 or 24
? Parts of Winter Solstice??
******Please let me know your availability for these days as soon as you know. I can't make plans till I know who's here.
* Nella Fantasia ( Girls) We will continue to work on this .
* Susan Chandler recommends we consider a song by Josh Groban : River.
Several mentioned a group called Clanaad-- both on You Tube if you are interested.
https://youtu.be/-DE19KL-JLA
Friday, August 31, 2018
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
When You Know Your Why , Your What Has Purpose
Kathy Crain sent this to me: VERY relevant for us
I hope you watch it and we can all reference this in rehearsal. It's not long!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=23&v=1ytFB8TrkTo
I hope you watch it and we can all reference this in rehearsal. It's not long!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=23&v=1ytFB8TrkTo
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Tentative Fall 2018 Schedule for Choir
Sept 16 We Begin Again in Love (with Congregation) #1037 Turquoise Hymnal
Sept 30 Find a Stillness # 352 ( Sara McN and Paula will be away)
Oct 7 Meditation on Breathing (AKA When I Breath In) #1009 Turquoise Hymnal
Oct 14 Benedictus ( Boys) and Nella Fantasia ( Girls)
**** IF WE ARE PREPARED****
Oct 21
*****Nothing planned for Nov yet. I am away Nov 1 - 10
Dec 2 Farewell to Theresa Does anyone have a song they know that they want to share this day? The traditional Irish Blessing (May the Road Rise up to Meet You) would be great but I don't think the choir has enough rehearsal time to take it on and do a good job.
Dec 9 Out of the Stars
Dec 23 or 24 ? Parts of Winter Solstice??
******Please let me know your availability for these days as soon as you know. I can't make plans till I know who's here.
Sept 30 Find a Stillness # 352 ( Sara McN and Paula will be away)
Oct 7 Meditation on Breathing (AKA When I Breath In) #1009 Turquoise Hymnal
Oct 14 Benedictus ( Boys) and Nella Fantasia ( Girls)
**** IF WE ARE PREPARED****
Oct 21
*****Nothing planned for Nov yet. I am away Nov 1 - 10
Dec 2 Farewell to Theresa Does anyone have a song they know that they want to share this day? The traditional Irish Blessing (May the Road Rise up to Meet You) would be great but I don't think the choir has enough rehearsal time to take it on and do a good job.
Dec 9 Out of the Stars
Dec 23 or 24 ? Parts of Winter Solstice??
******Please let me know your availability for these days as soon as you know. I can't make plans till I know who's here.
Monday, August 27, 2018
3 songs to listen to
For the Boys:
This is Simon and Garfunkel singing Benedictus by Orlando De Lassus. We may change the key. I will bring scores in 4 different keys today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXqENmau7WE
For the Girls:
This is Nella Fantasia sung by girls choir, same arrangement we have. I'm not especially skilled at foreign languages, but with Susan Clay's intro to it yesterday, and reading the score while listening to this it made much more sense to me.
For all of us: This is Adiemus for SATB I just purchased it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kdv_gKwRBcY
This is Simon and Garfunkel singing Benedictus by Orlando De Lassus. We may change the key. I will bring scores in 4 different keys today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXqENmau7WE
For the Girls:
This is Nella Fantasia sung by girls choir, same arrangement we have. I'm not especially skilled at foreign languages, but with Susan Clay's intro to it yesterday, and reading the score while listening to this it made much more sense to me.
For all of us: This is Adiemus for SATB I just purchased it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kdv_gKwRBcY
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Review of Choir Plans
Hi Everyone,
Here's what we talked about last night:
We are taking a summer break . I will write a note in The Weekly Connection letting people know that we are open to requests, as possible .
Our next rehearsal will be
Monday July 30
We will review the song we worked on last night: Love Train / Put a Little Love in Your Heart
Monday August 6
Same Plan
Monday August 13
I am away. I believe we decided not to meet.
Monday August 20
Resume regular rehearsals
SUNDAY AUGUST 26
Perform Love Train/ Put a Little Love in Your Heart.
Sara's Surgery is June 12. Let me know if you'd like to be part of the Love / Food Train. don't worry Sara, we won't inundate you with too much.
Sara: let me know when Shelby's flight is and we can arrange a ride for her.
Southeast District Choral Fest:
What it is: opportunity to sing, learn from and socialize with other UU choirs
Where: UU Fellowship Winston - Salem NC ( about 3.5 hours drive)
When: Sat Sept 29 and Sunday Sept 30
Fee: $25 per person for which I w
I will get more details about Saturday's start time and we can decide if we need to leave Friday night.
YouTube:
https://youtu.be/IG-tPk6aCxA
What to do:
1. let me know by July 30 so I can RSVP and get scores for you
Do you want to request Home Hospitality?
2. I will ask UU admin to download and print as many scores as we need
3. Learn your part by using the score and rehearsal track listed below
Here's what we talked about last night:
We are taking a summer break . I will write a note in The Weekly Connection letting people know that we are open to requests, as possible .
Our next rehearsal will be
Monday July 30
We will review the song we worked on last night: Love Train / Put a Little Love in Your Heart
Monday August 6
Same Plan
Monday August 13
I am away. I believe we decided not to meet.
Monday August 20
Resume regular rehearsals
SUNDAY AUGUST 26
Perform Love Train/ Put a Little Love in Your Heart.
Sara's Surgery is June 12. Let me know if you'd like to be part of the Love / Food Train. don't worry Sara, we won't inundate you with too much.
Sara: let me know when Shelby's flight is and we can arrange a ride for her.
Southeast District Choral Fest:
What it is: opportunity to sing, learn from and socialize with other UU choirs
Where: UU Fellowship Winston - Salem NC ( about 3.5 hours drive)
When: Sat Sept 29 and Sunday Sept 30
Fee: $25 per person for which I w
I will get more details about Saturday's start time and we can decide if we need to leave Friday night.
YouTube:
https://youtu.be/IG-tPk6aCxA
What to do:
1. let me know by July 30 so I can RSVP and get scores for you
Do you want to request Home Hospitality?
2. I will ask UU admin to download and print as many scores as we need
3. Learn your part by using the score and rehearsal track listed below
Here's the whole letter:
Dear UU Musicians,
I'm writing once again with information about the Southeast District UU Choral Fest, hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Winston-Salem, NC, September 29-30. A combined choir of singers from all over the district will prepare youA Mass For Unitarian Universalists (text by the Rev. Frances Dearman). We will rehearse together throughout the day on Saturday. In the evening we will have a concert on which individual choirs may perform for each other. Sunday morning we will perform the Missa Brevis with orchestra(!) at the 10:30 a.m. worship service.
Sheet Music: The Missa Brevis is free to Unitarian Universalist choirs. Here is a link to a pdf of the score:
Rehearsal Tracks: In order to facilitate easier learning for your singers, we have invested in sung rehearsal tracks. Below is a link to my dropbox containing the tracks, arranged by voice type. You can open them in your dropbox OR you can download the tracks directly to your computer without having a dropbox account.
Registration:
Online registration will open July 1 and close Sept 1. The cost for participation is $25 per person and includes three excellent meals, plus a pick-up breakfast at registration, snacks, and a wine, cheese, & dessert reception following the Saturday night concert. Recommendations for area lodging will be provided and home hospitality will be made available for those who need it. Please request home hospitality by August 15.
If you plan to join us in September, please drop me a message soon - it will inform our planning to know about how many intend to participate. I have already heard from Black Mountain, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Morehead City, Peace Fellowship, Wilmington, and Roanoke, confirming their interest in participating. If you do not wish to be contacted anymore, please let me know that as well.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Mignon Dobbins
Music Director
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
4055 Robinhood Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Mobile: 336.413.2074
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Choir Planning
Hi Everyone,
I had a meeting with Terre today and here's my current plan- subject to change! When I say sing something on a particular date it always carries the caveats: if ready, if no one is away, in bad voice, etc etc
In Progress and Planned :
Heart of the Mother May 13
The Rose May 20 which is Volunteer Recognition
Kosi R'vaya June 3 which is New Member and Kids Bridging Ceremony
In Future- requested for June 10 not promised
I Can't Keep Quiet The worship committee has requested the women sing this for our last service on social action . That's 6 rehearsals away.
In Future: no date set probably next Fall
Benedictus-- the guys first breakout piece. I'm hoping Paula will agree to work with them in the back room while Sara and Susan and Elizabeth and I work on
Higher Love Sara Susan Elaine Elizabeth
Love Train / Put a Little Love in Your Heart August 26 Welcome Back Day
I had a meeting with Terre today and here's my current plan- subject to change! When I say sing something on a particular date it always carries the caveats: if ready, if no one is away, in bad voice, etc etc
In Progress and Planned :
Heart of the Mother May 13
The Rose May 20 which is Volunteer Recognition
Kosi R'vaya June 3 which is New Member and Kids Bridging Ceremony
In Future- requested for June 10 not promised
I Can't Keep Quiet The worship committee has requested the women sing this for our last service on social action . That's 6 rehearsals away.
In Future: no date set probably next Fall
Benedictus-- the guys first breakout piece. I'm hoping Paula will agree to work with them in the back room while Sara and Susan and Elizabeth and I work on
Higher Love Sara Susan Elaine Elizabeth
Love Train / Put a Little Love in Your Heart August 26 Welcome Back Day
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Souper Supper
I hope Scott doesn't mind me taking over this organizational piece of the souper supper. I had some time before my first student and figure he's still reading all the "Dear President " emails that accumulated overnight..... So here's what I culled from the emails and my memory of our discussion so far. Let me know if your change your mind in a significant way. Don't care if the type of soup changes, but it would be good to know if the soup changes to dessert..... Hey Jake, no pressure, but I'm eager to see what you bring!
( insert smiley face)
I'm sending this via email to Elizabeth and Jake and Dave since I'm not sure they are bloggers yet.
SOUPER SUPPER PLANNING
Wednesday April 25 2018 6: 30 - 7: 30 in the Social Room
Set up (at 5: 30 ? 6 p? ) Scott ,
(Elaine Sara and Susan are not avail)
Clean up Elaine
NEED 2 or 3 each of soups, salads and desserts
SALAD 1 Elaine
SALAD 2 Paula
SALAD 3 Elizabeth and Jake ( cornbread too)
SOUP 1 Vegan gluten free chilli Susan Clay
SOUP 2 Crock Pot of Soup Scott
SOUP 3 Chicken and Sausage Gumbo Dave and Karen Sanders
DESSERT 1 Elizabeth and Jake
DESSERT 2
DESSERT 3
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
23rd Psalm
I just saw that my last post included a LOT of videos of this song.
Meant to give you just one. The 2 I like most are
The Anderson College which I now cant identify--
and the one titled Bobby McFerrin conducting.
On my phone the Bobby McFerrin conducting one is about 15 down in the list and you see two ladies and a very blue tint over the screen-- in case this helps.
Upcoming Choir Dates
Confirmed:
Feb 11 is gonna be a musical day!
I know this Rose Will Open Jay and Scott
Little Willow Elaine and Sara
Safe with Me everyone
Possible but not scheduled:
March 25
Heart of the Mother
May 13
23rd Psalm Bobby McFerrin Arrangement in green hymnal
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