May 26, 2008

Dear Choir member:

A special thanks to those who were able to be in church on Sunday. Although our group was not large, we did a very nice 4-part harmonization of Touch the Earth Lightly (we will probably use that hymn in worship next year), and a strong presentation of Rutter’s setting of the canticle Benedictus es, Domine. This Thursday we have a bass section leader candidate visiting. Among other things, we will be rehearsing Dawson’s Ain’a That Good News, Marshall’s Awake, My Heart, and a piece I wrote, which sets e e cummings’ I thank you God. I look forward to seeing you at rehearsal if you’re in town, even if you’re not singing on Sunday.

Bring your calendars to rehearsal so we can plan our choir party. Some concern has been expressed about the plan to get together on June 15. Another suggestion was June 14; others weren’t as concerned about Fathers’ Day. What do you think?

June 8 was designated as Choir Recognition Sunday; since several choir members will be out of town Fr. Larry and I decided to postpone the day to September 28 (that will give us time to plan and prepare some special music). I do hope that you know how much the congregation appreciates the work that you do. Special events like the Five Mystical Songs bring appreciative comments to the fore, but we hear them regularly through the year. On a personal note: you’ve made my first season with you a pleasure. I’ve enjoyed making music and worshipping with you, and look forward to seeing you this summer as we move into a more informal Summer Choir mode.

Upcoming dates:

Thursday May 29: 7:30 rehearsal. A prospective bass section leader will be visiting us.
Sunday June 1: 9:00 call for 10:00 service
Thursday June 7: 7:30 rehearsal (our last for the summer)
Sunday June 8: 9:00 call for 10:00 service
Sunday June 15: 9:00 rehearsal for 10:00 service. Last Sunday of the Choir year

 

Upcoming repertoire

June 1: City of God—Dan Schutte; I heard the voice of Jesus say—Thomas Tallis (his Third Tune with somewhat more contemporary words that continue the spirit of Five Mystical Songs)

June 8: Awake, My Heart—Jane Marshall

June 15: I thank you God—Robert Adams (text by e e cummings)

Yours in Christ

bob