Good morning friends, I hope you’re all well and have had a good weekend? Mine was filled with work, including an all-day rehearsal on Saturday – such fun! I look forward to seeing you all again later this week.
What we did – 12th October
We started with the Vaughan Williams This is the truth, which has really come on; as we worked on, we just need to make more difference with the verses to really help them stand out. After this we split off into sectionals for the first time ever! I think I speak on everyone’s behalf in saying these were really useful, and helped us dive deep into learning the notes and feeling more confident with it all. We began by looking at How lovely are the messengers, and Sops and Altos were with me, covering all of our entries, preparing space and support for the top notes, and pairing the voices nicely. I know Tenors and Basses you spent a lot of the time getting more confident with the entries and the whole phrases.
After the break we worked on the “Amen” from the Gloria, followed by a bit of the Credo with the Sops and Altos. Tenors and Basses worked hard on the Gloria, securing entries and then putting it all in context. We ended the rehearsal in tutti, putting together How lovely are the messengers, and the “Amen”, finding some beautiful shapes in the music.
I must also say a massive thank you to Fiona for helping run these sectionals!
To Catch Up: If you missed this rehearsal, please have a look at How lovely are the messengers and really focus on the “Amen” from the Gloria using the learning resources below.
What we’ll do – 19th October
We’ll begin with a refresher of the Matin Responsory, sing through How lovely are the messengers, then split off again for sectionals, working on the Agnus Dei. After the break we’ll work on the Sanctus, and come back together at the end to put it all together.
T/B you’ll be with me, S/A will be with Fiona.
Marked Score
Attached is the marked score for this term. I ask that you please put in the markings into your parts. Having things like where to breathe already marked in the score will save so much time in rehearsals. Thank you all for your time with this!
Learning Resources
Please do use this Spotify playlist HERE. It’s got most of our pieces on, so you can hear how it all goes, and sing along to it. More will be shared in the following weeks.
Also check out a learning resource called Choralia – it’s a website that isolates each individual part, and allows you to slow it down, put it with other parts, and helps you learn your notes at home. It’s admittedly very tinny, but it’s so worth it to help learn the parts. Best thing is, it’s absolutely free! You can access it HERE.
That’s it for now, see you all on Thursday!
Ben
Cumnor Choral Society 