Just a couple of reminders for the busy week ahead:

1. Abendmusik Chorus rehearses tomorrow night – Tuesday the 2^nd starting at 7:30 PM AND Wednesday night starting at 7:45 PM

2. First Plymouth Choir rehearses this Wednesday with the usual 7:15 start time.

3. Becky Shane found this cool website that actually has the vocal parts posted to learn large works. You can find the parts for “And God Said” from King David at the following web-site: http://www.cyberbass.com/Major_Works/Honegger_A/honegger.htm

Once you are at the site, find #27, “The Death of David” and then click on your corresponding part! Tutti plays all the parts together. VERY COOL – THANKS BECKY!

4. Stephen and Michelle Talarico have graciously offered to host a post concert party at their home: 1300 Patterson Drive. If you plan to attend PLEASE LET YOUR SECTION leader know Tuesday night. We ask that those attending chip in $3 per person to help defray the cost of food. You can give your $3 to your section leader. You are invited to bring your own beverage of choice!

5. You will find commitment cards for Christmas Eve in your boxes. We present the Service of Lessons and Carols twice on Christmas Eve at 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM. This is a time honored tradition at First-Plymouth and is televised at mid-night on Christmas Eve. We will be using much of the music from the concert for these services, and I hope you will all consider being part of the evening.

As we enter this very busy season, please don’t underestimate the large role you play in helping so many to celebrate this wonderful season. I hope your participation allows you to share the joy of this wonderful time of year!

Blessing to you all! AND keep yourselves well – one of the first things to go is the voice!!!!!

Jeremy

I hope you all will be able to join us at the McMaster/Ose home. They have graciously offered to host us for our first social gathering this coming Sunday, the 14^th from 3 – 7 PM. Please bring a dish to share, table service and your own beverage. It will be a delightful afternoon!

Address: <>. This is on a single block street between Lafayette and Woodsdale Boulevard (just south of 27th and Van Dorn). The house is on the east side of the street and is pale yellow with four coach lights on the front. Please come on up the driveway into the back yard.

Dear friends,

I want to thank you for a fantastic start to the year with the rehearsal last week. Just a few items to note:

1. New singers: Once again, WELCOME!!!!! You will need to be fitted for a robe. You can come early or plan to stay just a few minutes after tomorrow night.

2. We will sing this coming Sunday at BOTH the 9:00 & 10:30 Service with breakfast served between services. We will be joined by the Plymouth Brass and members of the Plymouth Ringers. It should be a great celebration of the “return of the choir!”

3. I attached a PDF copy of the Choir Calendar for the semester in an earlier email. For those who have trouble with opening that, hard copies are available in the choir room. Be sure to look it over. You can also access the info on the choir blog: http://www.firstplymouthchoir.blogspot.com/ or by going to http://www.firstplymouth.org/ and going to the music page.

4. If you didn’t fill out a Salmon colored “Choir Info Card,” please be sure to pick one up this Wednesday. EVERYONE NEEDS TO PLEASE FILL THIS OUT! J

5. I’m also still collecting “favorite hymn/anthem” cards as well as the green “choir tour” survey. This is your chance to have input.

6. Rob McMaster and Maureen Ose have VERY GRACIOUSLY agreed to host our fall kick-off party. It will be on Sunday afternoon, September 14^th. Details to follow!

ABENDMUSIK concert this Friday at 7:00 PM. You won’t want to miss Cameron Carpenter. Choir members get a $2.00 discount, but must purchase your tickets in advance! Check him out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWD6uEKYOOY&feature=related or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HrhZ1-cPJE&feature=related

~Jeremy

Dear friends:

I hope you have all had a great summer and are ready for the new season to begin. Many thanks to those of you who were able to sing with the summer choir in July!

Several important things to note:

First Plymouth Choir will begin rehearsing on Wednesday, August 27 at 7:15 PM in the choir room. We will sing for the 9:00 & 10:30 services on September 7^th with an 8:15 AM warm-up and breakfast served in-between.

PLEASE NOTE: we would like to make sure that everyone is happy with the robe they have. Robes will not be shared this year, but we do want to make sure yours is in good condition. I need EACH of you to respond that you are good to go, OR let me know if there is some mending that needs to be done. Your response will insure that everyone has a robe that fits and looks good as well as allowing us to figure out what excess robes can be used for new people. Thank you for your assistance in this matter!

The first Abendmusik Concert of the season will be on Friday, September 5^th at 7:00 PM and will feature Cameron Carpenter. I can only tell you

that you will probably NEVER experience an organ concert like this again. Cameron's musical presentations range from classic organ works revamped to film classics such as Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark. You will want to see this amazing performer who has been called by some the "Maverick Organist." Check out the following links, and I think you will agree!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWD6uEKYOOY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HrhZ1-cPJE&feature=related

As a member of the choir, you can receive a discount on tickets you purchase for this event. If you are one who is typically bored at an organ recital – this event will change your attitude!!! Bring your friends and family!

Abendmusik Chorus Rehearsals (Men) will begin on September 10^th at 8:30 PM. The first three rehearsals (all of September) will be for the Abendmusik Men due to the fact that the first choral event will take place on November 2^nd as part of a pre-election concert that will include the UNL Men's Chorus and Grand Island Northwest Men's Chorus. Having only the men attend the first several rehearsals will allow us to get a good start on the music for that concert. Please note the extra rehearsal on Sunday, September 28^th following church – 12:00 noon – 2:00 PM for AB Men only.

Full Abendmusik Rehearsals (Men & Women) will commence on Wednesday October 1^st at 8:30 PM. Please note the additional rehearsal on Sunday, November 23^rd following church from 12 noon – 2:00 PM.

~Jeremy~

Search Committee for Director of Music~

A note from the choir president:

Hi Choir - Below is the Director of Music Search Committee. The committee will begin to meet this week. Hope your summer is well; see you at the first rehearsal on Wednesday, August 27th. Jamie Gustafson, President.

The Church Council has approved the following slate of the Search Committee for the next Director of Music at First-Plymouth. Currently, our music program will be under the able leadership of Jeremy Bankson, Acting Music Director.

Lorraine Beadell became a member of First-Plymouth in 1988 and is a 20-year Choir member. She has served on the Board of Music and Fine Arts and the Diaconate Board. She has a BSE and Master of Music degree from UNL, and has been a soloist with Lincoln Symphony, Lincoln Municipal Band, and Third Chair Chamber Players.

Janet Eskridge became a member of First-Plymouth in 1992. She currently serves on the Board of Music & Fine Arts and Stephen Ministry Leadership team. Janet has a B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master of Professional Studies in Art Therapy and Creativity Development. She is a board certified art therapist at Children's Hospital in Omaha where she developed a Healing Arts Program.

Ann Finkner serves as ex officio consultant to the committee. She is Sr. Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer for Farm Credit Services of America.

James Gustafson first joined First-Plymouth in 1981 prior to moving to Hastings and became active in the choir in 1993 after moving back to Lincoln. He serves as Choir President and has served on Choir Council. He has chaired or assisted many choir fundraisers, and initiated and co-chaired the aCross Lincoln Art Project for First-Plymouth. James is the owner of PurJava Coffee in Lincoln.

Brad Hartman became a member of First-Plymouth in 1986. He has served on the Diaconate Board, the Board of Christian Education, and currently volunteers engineering audio during the 10:30 Sunday service. In 1996 Brad began Community Connections, Inc. a business which manages internet systems for telephone companies in the region.

Jim Keck – Sr. Minister, First-Plymouth Congregational Church

Meg Lauerman has been a member of First-Plymouth since September, 1982 and currently serves as Vice-Moderator. She is the Director of Communications at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Rob McMaster has been a member of First-Plymouth Choir since 1974. He received Bachelor of Music Education degree from UNL in 1975. Rob started working at Ideal Grocery and Market in 1976 and has been a partner/manager in that business for 31 years.

Tonn Ostergard joined First-Plymouth in November, 1983 and serves as Moderator for First-Plymouth. Tonn is the CEO of Crete Carrier Corporation.

Kim Salistean became a member of First-Plymouth Church in 1986 and is a member of the Summit Strings Quartet. She currently serves as Assistant Concertmaster with the Lincoln Symphony and is a violinist with the Omaha Symphony, and the Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra. She teaches violin in her home.

FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE CHOIR COUNCIL

Please join your fellow FP Choir and Abendmusik Chorusmembers on Sunday, June 29 for two events.

First, please come sing with John Cummins on his last Sunday with us. We will sing both the 9:00 and 10:30 AM services. Call time will be the usual 8:15AM.
Then, at 5:00PM that afternoon please come to a potluck at my house - 5800 J Street, corner of J Street and Eastridge for fun and fellowship with John.

Hope you can make one or both events.
Jamie Gustafson

JUNE 2 UPDATE

THE LATEST BOSTON TRIP INFO:

You will all be thrilled to know Executive Travel has now arranged for box breakfasts for us each morning. They will include a pastry of the chef's choice, yogurt, orange juice, and a fruit selection. They will be waiting for us in the board room of the hotel each morning 1 hour prior to our scheduled departure.

Some of you have expressed concern about the expense of the dinner at the Union Oyster House on Thursday evening. We had to reserve a minimum of 50 dinners for them to accommodate us. Therefore we will owe them for a minimum of 50. I hope the savings at breakfast will enable everyone to join us for dinner. If not, the remainder of the expense will come from the choir tour fund. It is a classic Boston tourist experience with consistent high ratings. Your money will be well spent and we will have a great time together on the first night of the trip.

REHEARSAL TONIGHT:

7:00PM for all FP choir members. We will rehearse the repertoire for June 29. At 7:30PM we will continue with Boston Tour Repertoire only.

SUMMER CHOIR begins June 15 and continues through July. Rehearsal is in the choir room Sundays at 9:30AM. We then sing for the 10:30AM service each Sunday.

May 29 Update

FP CHOIRS SINGS BOTH SERVICES JUNE 1. We agreed last evening at rehearsal we would sing both services this Sunday to include the 9:00AM congregation in our "send off"for the Boston trip. Breakfast will be served between services. We (especially the 9:00 folks) certainly appreciate your willingness to add this service as it wasn't originally on the calendar.

FULL CHOIR AGAIN ON JUNE 29 for John Cummins' last Sunday. Everyone please come to rehearsal at 7:00PM on Monday, June 2 to get a brief look ahead at the anthems for June 29. We will decide together when we can rehearsal again before the 29th.

FAREWELL PARTY FOR JOHN CUMMINS: JUNE 29 5:00PM at the home of Choir Council President, Jamie Gustofsen. Details will follow about menu, etc.

May 27 update

WE'VE ROUNDED THE FINAL TURN AND IN THE FINAL STRETCH FOR BOSTON! We will cover all the repertoire for the tour Wednesday at rehearsal and sing most of it for services at First-Plymouth on Sunday, June 1. I would like us to sing both services on June 1 share our excitement with the 9:00 congregation as well. I know this is not on the calendar but I hope most of you will be able to be there for both. Choral scholars, even if you aren't going on the trip we need you at 9:00 also.

CAR POOLERS NEEDED: There are just a few who still need to coordinate rides to the airport June 5. If you are willing to take a car to Omaha for carpooling and/or you need a ride we will meet briefly following the rehearsal on Wednesday.

BREAKFASTS IN BOSTON: The original proposal indicated that the hotel accommodations included continental breakfast, which is not the case after all. There is a deli in the hotel with similar items available for purchase.

CHOIR AFTER JUNE 8: Summer Choir will begin June 15. There will be no Wednesday rehearsals but we will rehearse each Sunday morning at 9:30. Choral Scholars will sing the 9:00 AM service June 15, 22, 29. Further information regarding the July/August schedule will be forthcoming.

TOUR PARTICIPANTS PLEASE REMEMBER: White shirts and black pants and black shoes are required for the concert on Friday and are to be worn under robes on Sunday at both services. Everyone is responsible for transporting his/her own robe and folders(w/music).

I am VERY excited about our trip together. We are going to be wonderful ambassadors for First-Plymouth Church, Abendmusik, and NEBRASKA!!

Please remember our final rehearsal is next Monday, June 2 at 7:00PM.

Boston Trip Meeting

There is a Boston Trip Update meeting Wednesday, May 21 at 7:00PM. We will distribute hard copies of the itinerary and have time for question and answers. Here is the same itinerary for you to copy and paste to your electronic files.


ABENDMUSIK - BOSTON TOUR - JUNE 5 TO JUNE 9, 2008
Thursday, June 05, 2008
United Airlines (1)
17 Passengers
Leave Omaha 6:00 AM Arrive Chicago 7:31 AM; Leave Chicago 9:00 AM Arrive Boston 12:12 PM
Delta Airlines (2)
18 Passengers
Leave Omaha 7:00 AM Arrive Cincinnati 9:56 AM; Leave Cincinnati 10:45 AM Arrive Boston 12:50 PM
Bus to Hotel
1:15 PM
35 Passenger Bus leave Airport for the Doubletree Club Hotel Boston Bayside (15 minute drive)
Bus to Restaurant
6:15 PM
Leave Doubletree at 6:15 PM arrive at Union Oyster House for Dinner (One Check only for total bill)
Bus to Hotel
9:00 PM
Leave Union Oyster House at 9:00 PM for trip back to Doubletree Hotel
Friday, June 06, 2008
Leave Hotel
7:30 AM
By Bus from Doubletree to Woodshole (77 Miles and 1.5 hour trip)
Arrive Woodshole
9:00 AM
Leave Woodshole
9:30 AM
By Ferry from Woodshole to Martha's Vineyard
Arrive Martha's Vineyard
10:15 AM
Tour Martha's Vineyard
Host Couple will guide around Martha's Vineyard
Arrive at Church
11:30 AM
Sing at Church
12:00 PM
Tour Martha's Vineyard
1:00 PM
Continue Tour of Martha's Vineyard with Host Couple after singing at Church
Return to Ferry
5:30 PM
Ferry to Woodshole
6:15 PM
Arrive Woodshole
7:00 PM
Bus back to Doubletree
7:15 PM
Arrive at Doubletree
8:45 PM
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Bus to Copley Square
9:00 AM
10 to 15 minute drive
Rehersal
10:00 AM
Church at Copley Square
Free time
11:00 AM
Spend 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM as free time until Duck Tour
3:15 PM
Walk to Prudential Center, basically right across the Street from Copley Plaza, must be there at 3:30 PM
Duck Tour
3:30 PM
Groups must arrive 1/2 hour before 4:00 PM departure at Prudential Center. Duck Tour approx. 80 minutes
Free time
5:30 PM
Free time the rest of the evening.
Bus to Doubletree
9:00 PM
Bus from Copley Square back to hotel for those who want a ride.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Bus to Copley Square
9:00 AM
55 Passenger - Bus leaves hotel for Copley Square
Church
10:30 AM
Sing at Church in Copley Square
Lunch and free time
After Church lunch and free time until 4:00 PM
Get to Trinity Church
4:00 PM
Sing at Church
6:00 PM
Sing at Trinity Church also in Copley Square
Dinner
8:00 PM
Dinner at Skipjacks - Menu A
Bus back to Doubletree
10:00 PM
Bus leaves Skipjacks at 10:00 PM
Monday, June 09, 2008
Bus to Airport
2:45 PM
Leave Doubletree for Airport (15 minute drive)
United Airlines (1)
17 Passengers
Leave Boston 5:00 PM Arrive Chicago 6:49 PM; Leave Chicago 8:35 PM Arrive Omaha 10:07 PM
Delta Airlines (2)
18 Passengers
Leave Boston 4:10 PM Arrive Cincinnati 6:38 PM; Leave Chicago 9:00 PM Arrive Omaha 9:53 PM
Key Addresses & Phone Numbers
Doubletree Club Hotel Boston - Bayside - 240 Mt. Vernon Street, Boston, MA 02125 - Phone - 617-822-3600
Union Oyster House Restaurant - 41 Union Street, Boston, MA 02108 - Phone - 617-227-2750
Skipjacks Restaurant - 199 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116 - Phone - 617-536-3500
Boston Duck Tour - Tour departs from Huntington Ave side of the Prudential Center

May 13 Update

Thank you ALL for a thrilling Pentecost celebration on Sunday complete with a visit from the HS (herself) as she so "stunningly" touched the Lied Organ at the first service. You inspired us all with your enthusiastic rendering of the Vaughan Williams "Antiphon" as with your beautiful gentleness in the Lee Scott anthem at during the prayers. "Veni creator spiritus" indeed!

Things to note for this week: CHOIR COUNCIL ELECTIONS
CC elections will take place NEXT Wednesday during rehearsal (at the break). The terms of office for new members will begin after the Boston trip. Please refer to your handbooks for the list of responsibilities of members. The one additional responsibility is that of the weekly maintenance of the boxes of those in your section. Because of the typical small slate of candidates, we are ENCOURAGING "WRITE-INs." Be prepared to submit those between now and the May 21 rehearsal.

Candidates:
Soprano: Sarah Gauger, Deanne Hyde (will elect 2)
Alto: Linda Zabel, Becky Shane (will elect 2)
Tenor: Stephen Talarico, John Reinert (will elect 2)
Bass: Michael Trutna (will elect 1)
Vice President: Jane Mehrens

Boston Trip update:
We need to know your preference for 2 things: Please let us know at rehearsal this week.
1. the final update meeting May 21 or May 28 at 6:30PM.
2. the final rehearsal Sun June 1 or Mon June 2 (time depends on the day)

*Please note - the dress code for the Martha's Vineyard concert is white tops, black pants and black full shoes for men and women. Short sleeves are acceptable. The black pants and black full shoes with our vestments is required for our Sunday services as well. I strongly suggest simply packing another white shirt/top for Sunday as well.

May 5 update

THANK YOU to Susan Stuart for hosting the fantastic Derby party yesterday at her beautiful home. A special thank you to Karin Van Deun for her wonderful coordination of the menu and to all of you who prepared the delicious food. The spread was wonderful and a grand time was had by all.
SPECIAL PRAYERS for Karin who suffered a bad fall on Friday evening and was not able to be with us.

CHOIR COUNCIL ELECTIONS will be held Wednesday, May 14 during rehearsal. Those interested in serving on the council please contact council president, Robin Forke ASAP.

REMINDER: Rehearsal begins at 7:15 for FP choir and those joining us for the Boston trip. Thanks to those who joined us today for service. All those going to Boston are welcome to join us on Sundays as we include Boston repertoire in services.

Calendar/Lincoln Marathon Update

PLEASE NOTE: the calendar now shows FPC/AB Rehearsal on Wednesdays at 7:15PM. Repertoire for the Boston Tour will be incorporated into the Sunday services throughout the month so one rehearsal time will serve both purposes.

ALSO: the Lincoln Marathon is this Sunday morning. Normal Blvd will be closed all morning to traffic. Other streets near First-Plymouth are a part of the course as well. Please allow for this in your travel time to rehearsal and service THIS SUNDAY, May 4.

SEE YOU AT THE DERBY PARTY TOMORROW!

April 29 Update

A HUGE THANK YOU to all of you for a spectacular concert on Sunday afternoon. You were your usual ultra professional best in performance. That excellence was especially appreciated by Jeremy and me while the organ was misbehaving and we were making places for those who had not yet been with us prior to the concert. Your graciousness and professionalism in these collaborative events sends such a wonderful message to the greater community as well. I am so proud of you.

Now LET'S PARTY!!

Please sign up tomorrow night to come to the Kentucky Derby Party at the Stuarts!! It was great fun last year and that's why the Stuarts offered to host it again. We must live up to that cheer again!! You are welcome to bring things other that the items on the suggested menu, just please let Karin Van Deun know so we can plan a place for whatever it is on the buffet. The time is 3:00-6:00 this Saturday, May 3 at Jim and Susan Stuart's. Don't forget your HATS!

Also, remember John Heineman's invitation for Concert, Cake, and Cocktails in honor of his birthday. The celebration is May 10 beginning at First-Plymouth at 7:00pm with an organ concert by Jeremy and continuing at John's home for cocktails and cake.

REHEARSALS CONTINUE

Please check the calendar above for the rehearsal schedule from now until the Boston Trip. See you tomorrow.

Dr. C

April 22 AB Concert Week Update

I hope you all had a wonderful Sunday off and you are "Ret ta go" for this week's rehearsals and concert. I'm very excited about this concert and our collaboration with the UNL choirs. Please invite families, friends and neighbors to come enjoy it!!

Tickets for choir members. We will do the usual "by one, get one free" for adults. We would also like to give free tickets to all choir members children under 16.

Please check the calendar here on the blog for a reminder of our rehearsal schedule this week, AND the remainder of the rehearsals prior to our Boston trip.

Thanks to Sally and Becky for getting the new slideshow of some of our Boston sights and venues posted here. We are about to have a much greater capability to feature photos, etc on the blog. Always something to look forward to.

DERBY PARTY SIGN UP - there are precious few signed up for the Derby Party, May 3, 3:00-6:00PM at the Stuarts. It will be our big celebration post-concert. I want everyone possible to be there. WE NEED YOU TO SIGN UP TO BRING A SIDE DISH TOO!!! Please use the sheets on the choir room door. We want plenty of good food like last year. Don't forget your hats!!

See you tomorrow night at rehearsal !
Dr. C

April 15 Blog Update:

Happy tax day to all of you! At least that deadline is now behind all of us one way or another.

Please remember we have a Boston Tour Meeting tomorrow evening at 6:15 PM
I have lots of exciting info to share with you about all aspects of the trip. There is only one final approval I need at the meeting tomorrow and all our arrangements will be done. Here are the websites of the two Boston churches in which we will sing. Check them out in preparation for our meeting. http://www.oldsouth.org/ http://www.trinitychurchboston.org/

Abendmusik Chorus begins at 8 PM this Wednesday evening (April 16).

The FP Choir does not sing this Sunday (April 20). It is Confirmation Sunday and the Youth Orchestra is playing for both services. It is a good time to catch your breath before our big week of rehearsals and concert. Of course, you are always welcome to attend the services on a Sunday off.

It’s time again to think about section-leader elections. Those interested in being a section-leader in the choir, please contact Choir Council President, Robin Forke. The section leaders make up the choir council. It is also time to select a Vice-President. Remember, it is a three-year term: first year as V-P (President-Elect), second year as President and third year as Past President.

The section leader job description from the handbook reads:

Section Leaders represent their respective sections in several ways, so should be welcoming in their approach to individuals who voice concerns or opinions. They are responsible for recording attendance at rehearsals and concerts, and for sending postcards, emails or making phone calls to members of their section who have been absent without notifying a Section Leader or signing out on the board. Section Leaders serve for a term of two years.

Also, this …

Those who are elected to represent the choir meet at least once a month at a time convenient and agreeable to all. The Vice-President and Section Leaders are elected in the spring and being their duties on June 1st. Nominations will be solicited in the weeks preceding the election. Two people represent each vocal section on the council (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, & Bass). One Leader from each section will be elected per year. The remaining Section Leader is replaced with following year.

Blog Update Schedule:

In keeping with our current schedule of weekly communication, it is my goal to post a weekly update on Tuesday afternoon/evening. If further info is needed following rehearsal then I will do another update Thursday afternoon/evening. If you have something to be considered for posting, please send it to my church e-mail address by 5 PM on Mondays and by 10 AM on Thursdays. Hopefully, the blog can be our single source for all information.

Whodunit?

Susan Stuart is getting a group together to attend the Mystery Dinner Theater production “Whodunit?” April 20, 6:00PM, Pilgrim Hall.
It is expected to be a sell-out, so please let her know soon if you would like to be part of the group. She will need to know (and have your $15.00) by next Wednesday. Please email or call her.
It should be a great show. We hope you will all consider attending!

April 9 NEWS

Ghana Sunday - April 13. We sing the 10:30 service with regular 9:30 rehearsal. Please wear your most colorful blouses and shirts. Those replace our vestments on that day.

Boston Trip Meeting - Wednesday, April 16, 6:15PM in the choir room. All those going on the Boston trip are asked to meet for an update on our exciting visit to that wonderful city.

Kentucky Derby Party - Saturday, May 3, 3:00PM. Susan Stuart has graciously offered to host us once again, and I am so grateful. We had such a wonderful time last year and look forward to that much and more this time. Your most festive "Derby Hat" is your addmission at the door. Karin Van Deun has offered to coordinate the food. We would like for you to sign up to prepare and bring one of the following items on the menu. Sign-up sheets will be available at rehearsal on April 16. Karin will contact you with the recipes.

Beef brisket, Mint Julips and Soft Drinks and Mint Iced Tea will be provided.

Appetizers: Benedictine spread
Cheese bisquits (not what you think...but wonderful...trust me)
Party mix and nuts

Vegetables: Charleston Cheese Grits
Fresh asparagus

Salad: Bibb Lettuce with strawberries, green onions, toasted almonds, and
poppy seed dressing.

Dessert: Derby Pie

AB Concert Rehearsal Schedule - please check the calendar above once again for the rehearsal schedule the week of April 20-27. We need everyone there in preparation for a wonderful concert with our friends from UN-L.

Congratulations to Julie Doerr, the new champion of the 24th annual Lincoln spelling bee. We are so proud of you, Julie. The First-Plymouth contingent gathered for “the last hurrah” at P.O. Pears and, of course, we were the most enthusiastic of the 200+ attendees. Julie defeated 20 expert spellers from the Lincoln area. Her winning word was “isinglass.” We broke into a rousing rendition of “Surrey with the fringe on top” from Rogers and Hammerstein’s OKLAHOMA! which contains “isinglass” in the lyrics.

AB Rehearsal April 6 - UPDATE

The AB Chorus rehearsal on April 6 will be from 4:00-5:30pm STRAVINSKY ONLY. The Choir Council will meet following the rehearsal from 5:30-6:00pm.

April 1 Update: NO FOOLING!

My deepest gratitude and praise to all of you who were a part of the Holy Week and Easter celebrations at First-Plymouth. You outdid yourselves with beautiful singing. The compliments continue to come in. I am very proud and grateful.

We continue Wednesday evening with our regular rehearsal schedule. We are now focused on our big push to the Abendmusik Concert, April 27. Please consult the calendar to refresh your memory of the performance week rehearsal schedule. It's not too early to talk with me about potential conflicts that could have come up since we published the calendar.

THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 6 - FP Choir sings BOTH services with The Summit Strings. The president of the denomination, John Thomas, will be our guest preacher. We would like a full choir loft. Breakfast will be served between services.

BOSTON TRIP UPDATE:
With our final payment made, here's an overview of our intinerary. The choir council will determine the date for a trip meeting in the next couple of weeks, where a detailed itinerary will be distributed.

Thursday, June 5 Depart Omaha for Boston in early AM
Arrive Boston in early afternoon
Coach to hotel for check-in, then to Copley Square/Back Bay Area
Sight-seeing on your own.
Coach to group 'Welcome to Boston' dinner at Union Oyster House.
Coach back to hotel with option to stay in city for late evening socializing.

Friday, June 6 Early morning Coach to Ferry to depart for Martha's Vineyard
Arrive Vineyard Haven mid-morning and prep for noontime concert.
Group lunch with our hosts and sightseeing by coach lead by our hosts.
Return late afternoon by ferry; arrive Boston for dinner on your own.
Coach service back to hotel at designated time.

Saturday, June 7 Mid-morning coach to rehearsal at Old South Church, Copley Square.
Lunch and dinner on your own.
Afternoon Duckboat Tours (included in tour price) for everyone.
- departures at times following ample time for lunch.
- remainder of afternoon free for sight seeing, etc. on your own.
Coach return to hotel from Copley Square/Back Bay Area aprox. 9pm.

Sunday, June 8 8am coach departure to Old South Church, Copley Square
FP Tour Choir sings Sunday AM service at Old South
Lunch and afternoon on your own
4pm rehearsal at Trinity Church, Copley Square
FP Tour Choir and Trinity Church Choir sing Sunday evening service
at Trinity Church.
8pm - Farewell tour dinner (included in tour price) at Skipjacks Seafood
across Clarendon Street from Trinity Church.
Coach return to hotel following dinner or late night socializing on your own.

Monday, June 9 Return to Omaha from Boston