Embracing the plateau - 12.9.2010
Dear friends,
Because of your hard work, ongoing discipline, and skillful focus, you enabled our choir at last night's rehearsal to leap from our learning plateau to a rich new dimension of colour, beauty, and communication. The positive energy that we individually and collectively contribute towards our mission propels us forward through the process of preparing for our Dawn of Redeeming Grace. We can begin now to see the light on the horizon of how compelling and meaningful our story will be on December 19. We must all continue offering our best as we eagerly await the culmination of our gatherings. Continue to live and love through the frustrations and challenges of the plateaus we will encounter on our way. That time in the desert makes the time in the oasis so much more worthwhile.
A few of you have requested that we offer an extra optional rehearsal this weekend, and, as always, I am happy to oblige! For anyone who feels they would benefit from some more singing time together, please feel welcome to join us this Sunday (December 12) from 12:45-2:00 in Mayflower Hall at the church. You can bring a list of sections or pieces you would like to work on, and I will try to make the time as helpful to you as it can be. Please do not feel guilty if you can not come, but please do feel welcomed and encouraged to attend if you can.
In addition to the practice suggestions I offered you on Tuesday (which are still valuable on this Thursday, by the way!), here are a few additional thoughts to consider:
1. Please notice that the markings for LUX AURUMQUE are now available on our choir blog:www.firstplymouthchoir.blogspot.com In addition to processing these ideas, I would encourage you to work carefully on the transitions between sections to be certain that you are absolutely comfortable with the pitches and sonorities at these seams in the piece-- for instance-- women measure 8 to 9 and then measure 12-13; men-- measure 29 into 30, then ms. 37 to 38-- with the keychange.
2. Mary boychild-- while the score suggests differently (3 times), we will sing the section beginning on p. 5 TWO times. That means: cross out the second ending on page 9, and make the third ending the new second ending. Always remember to be attentive on the last two bars for the molto ritard. Thanks for getting into the groove of this piece last night. : )
3. O Morning Star-- Jeremy did such a good job of helping us rhythmically settle into this piece last night. Don't lose that progress-- practice countsinging, remember where the repeats and endings are, and continue to articulate the syncopations with conviction and commitment.
4. Stuff your green sheet (Joy to the World) in between p. 7 and 8 of O GLORIOUS LIGHT. We will begin that carol immediately after p. 7 has been sung.
5. Remember these timeless adjectives as you approach most any cadence during the Advent season: "Softest, sweetest, warmest, most beautiful" Why not?
A plane has to rev up on the jetway a good while before it can soar, and it takes several minutes before it gets to its true cruising altitude. We are off the ground by now, to be sure, but we are still on our way to find our tail wind. Thanks for all you have done to make it a safe, comfortable flight so far! We all can look forward to arriving at an amazing, wonderful destination.
Grace and peace,
TT
p.s. For Sunday morning, all men are invited to sing for the 10:30 service. Please plan to gather in the choir room at 9:30 a.m.
