Hello everyone,
My - what a fabulous Choir Posse we have this year - I look forward to making music with you.
Here's a little follow-up re: vocal anatomy.
Here's a video of SATB singing - vocal folds (aka, "cords") The comments for this video are particularly puerile and witless; ignore them
Basic vocal anatomy
Opera singer - vocal folds of a soprano in action!
Good explanation of vocal cords and associated anatomy / function
The divine Ms. Cecelia Bartoli, supreme Queen of glottal articulation!
Inspiration for our sopranos: Diana Damrau, Queen of the Night!
Inspiration for our tenors and basses!
Placido Domingo for the tenors!
Fischer-Dieskau for the baritones!
Altos, I have not forgotten you - take a listen - This is Hilary Summers, who is more properly classified as a dramatic contralto.
Here is Hilary Summers singing the famous "Habanera" from Bizet's opera, "Carmen."
ONGOING RESOURCE:
Dr. Lloyd W. Hanson - one of the best vocal pedagogues ANYWHERE. Here is his blog.
Hoping that all of you enjoyed a summer that was (in turn) restful, exciting, energizing, lazy, productive, creative, and flat-out FUN :-)
RETURNING STUDENTS: Please check your Seattle U email for an important message from Doc. The annual meeting for returning choirfolk is on Tuesday, September 19 at Doc's house. BE THERE!!!
We have lots of wonderful music planned this year, including Fresh Music! Yes, recent and new compositions by some of our own folk:
Nicky Manlove - "His Eye is on the Sparrow," first performed Spring 2017, to be performed at Lenten Prayer, 2018
Maria Dougherty (now Maria Vega) - "Adoramus Te, Christe" - classic piece written some years ago, featured on the new Chapel Choir CD! - to be performed at Christmas 2017)
Joseph Tancioco - "Silent Night" arrangement, our perennial favorite at Christmas, PLUS a new arrangement commissioned for Spring 2018!)
Doc - "Love's Lament," first performed 2015, plus a new piece - both to be performed at Lenten Prayer 2018)
Lee - Missa Animae "Kyrie" (Christmas 2017), Missa Animae "Sanctus" and "Agnus Dei" (Lenten Prayer 2018), PLUS a new piece commissioned for Spring 2018 concert!)
Question for us all: What act/s of revolutionary empowerment can and WILL we perform for ourselves and others this coming academic year? Yes, learning to read music is /definitely/ an act of revolutionary empowerment! So is learning to sing well. So is maintaining a consistent, disciplined approach to our work together. Think about it!!
See you soon!
In musical solidarity,
Lee
PS. Here's a little marching music to set you on your way: the divine Ms. Aretha Franklin!
When the physician prescribes a medication for you and instructs you to take, say, 3 a day for seven consecutive days - don't stop taking the meds at Day 3 just because you feel better!
It's called a "course" of medication for a reason ;-)
Every group made enormous, significant progress this past week and a half.
You really heeded instruction and you Took The Musical Meds.
It's now Day 3. You are feeling and sounding much better!
And - you are not done with the course of medication.
Use this "hiatus" to devote more time and careful attention to your music.
Plan your work for the day. Make a little chart to track pieces worked on, days worked, and specific tasks and accomplishments for each piece.
Something like this, perhaps -
Listen to the choral recordings!
Go over your specific part(s)
MAKE SURE YOUR CONCERT OUTFIT IS COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED, PACKED UP AND READY TO TRANSPORT ON FRIDAY.
There's still a long way to go before April 21. Every day is crucial to our individual and collective success.
Hello tenors and basses,
With permission from Daniel Dovinh (choir/SU alum and founder - director of the acapella group Sostenuto), I am posting these clips of "Loch Lomond" and of the Vittoria "Magnificat." Enjoy!
can't get this thing to put them in chronological order -
First, Vittoria "Magnificat"
Here's "Loch Lomond" at Daniel's senior voice/conducting recital:
