Chartres

From Lindsey Woolley Tuller:

One of the most memorable experiences for me was our stop to Chartres Cathedral. It was incredible to be in such a historic place that people have been worshipping in for over a thousand years.

Firsts

This is a "blog series" of journal entries that the choir wrote about the France trip on the way home from Atlanta to Birmingham. I found them to be wonderfully written and some quite profound. Over the next couple of days I'm going to post them here to share with the world. We had an incredible experience in France and these words will remind us of our time together.

From Jessica (Jessie) Brown
Freshman

Not only was the trip extremely fun because we were competing, but also because we experienced a different culture and way of life. It was my first time overseas and I loved being able to see how other people live their lives.

I am so glad I'm a part of this choir because it gives me opportunities to do adventures like this. I loved exploring Paris and the many historic landmarks in France.

The best part of the trip was singing for the French people. Sometimes they had no idea what we were singing but they still appreciated us. Sharing our music with people from all over the world is a great feeling.

More Than I Hoped For

Mrs. Reynolds gave me the journal entries that the choir wrote on the way home from Atlanta to Birmingham. I found them to be wonderfully written and some quite profound. Over the next couple of days I'm going to post them here to share with the world. We had an incredible experience in France and these words will remind us of our time together.

From Tara Valentine Howard:

Through the culture shock, jet-lag, strange foods, and beautiful cities the UAB Concert Choir touched many people of many nations while doing what they do best: making beautiful music with the voices of 36 amazing musicians.

I'll never forget the way it felt to perform at Notre Dame Cathedral, Saint Rita's Church and at the competition in Tours. The people in France may not know how to smile while passing on the streets, but they sure know how to make great musicians feel appreciated. With their "chant-like" clapping, stomping, and screaming when you finish singing the best you have ever sung in your life, you can't help but feel completely satisfied and overwhelmed by the power of music as a universal language.

Although we could not understand the language of the different people, the smiles and tears of those who heard us sing proved that UAB Concert Choir is not just a choir you "hear," it is a choir you "experience."

I have never been this proud in my life and will never forget this amazing experience and opportunity to be the best I can be.

Thanks to Dr. Copeland and the UAB Music department for allowing me to be part of such a "moving" group.

Au revoir merci . . .

Choral Director Workshop

Suzanne Scivley sent me this email request:

Would you post a little info on your blog about our new Choral Directors' Workshop to be held during Music & Arts Week at Camp Sumatanga? We are trying to bring in some new blood, share the good news, etc. . . . . I know that some of your other budding choral directors might enjoy seeing our "camp experience."

The Links:

Choral Directors' Workshop to be held during Music & Arts Week at Camp Sumatanga?

big head = big brain?

I had to share this with the world:

VCU STUDY SHOWS BIG-BRAINED PEOPLE ARE SMARTER

RICHMOND, Va. (June 17, 2005) – People with bigger brains are smarter than their smaller-brained counterparts, according to a study conducted by a Virginia Commonwealth University researcher published in the journal “Intelligence.”

The study, published on line June 16, could settle a long-standing scientific debate about the relationship between brain size and intelligence. Ever since German anatomist and physiologist Frederick Tiedmann wrote in 1836 that there exists “an indisputable connection between the size of the brain and the mental energy displayed by the individual man,” scientists have been searching for biological evidence to prove his claim.

Did i mention that the doctor placed my head in the 98.5 percentile?

An International Event

Choir,

I got this request today (and I also heard two good singers-baritone and soprano). It sounds like a wonderful opportunity to share what we experienced with others at UAB. Put it on your calendar!

Here is the request:

Dear Dr. Copeland:

Thank you again for agreeing to come speak to the Phi Beta Delta honor society. We have a website where you can read more about us at www.uab.edu/isss and under the link Phi Beta Delta.

I have secured Friday, October 14th at 2pm at the Smolian International House for your group. We could easily fit 20+ of your choir without space issues. If it's the full choir let me know and we will re-evaluate the room. If you've never been by the International House, you could take a look. It's at 1600 10th Ave south. When you walk in..it's the great room. What I'm hoping for is that you can highlight your choir experiences with the Florilege Vocal du Tours and any other international endeavors you are pursuing with the Choir and maybe demonstrate a few pieces of your choice. We are greatly looking forward to this. If you have a specific title you would like me to use then please let me know and we will use that for our flyers to advertise the event.

This is what I was thinking for the flyers and brief description:

Dr. Philip Copeland and the UAB Concert Choir
Come join us for the UAB Concert Choir with Dr. Philip Copeland as they demonstrate some of their award winning repertoire and discuss their experience with the Florilege Vocal de Tours competition.

Please let me know if you would like to include anything more. If you need any equipment please also let me know that.

Small but Significant

newspaper article uab choir
Originally uploaded by philipco.

Well, we got mentioned in the newspaper today. It wasn't the front page of the Pop & Culture section, but it was in there! Thanks to Michael Huebner for getting us mentioned in his column.

Any publicity is good publicity, right?

On another small but significant note, my girls turned two today. We had a birthday party for them and a few friends on Saturday.

Enjoy your summer!

2005 Toilet Paper Awards

You asked for them . . . and here they are! (I don't know who comes up with these things)

UPDATED: ADDED CHARLES HENRY AWARD

To the non-choir member reader of this blog: these awards are all inside jokes among the choir. (stating the obvious, I know) To the choir: if you'd rather your award not be public information, just let me know and I'll remove it immediately.

Most Likely to Be Mistaken for a Gap Underwear Model
Evan Long

Hendricks-Webster Dictionary Award
Maggie Hendricks

Anything You Can Sing, I Can Sing Louder
Maggie Hendricks

I Found True Love In the UAB Choir . . . . Twice
Delia Charest

I'm Trustworthy Just . . . . Ask Nick
Charles Henry

Kevin A. Beck Straight-Tone Award
Wes Edgar

Coulda Woulda Shoulda Award . . . What Happens in Paris Stays in Paris, You Dummy
Clay Rector

Most Friendly While Inebriated
******** ********

Least Likely To Tell Her Husband the Whole Story
**** ******

“You Wouldn’t Believe It But I’m Engaged” Award
Lindsey Woolley

Mr. Clean/Dr. Ray Award
David Berg

Don Juan Award
Chris Carter

The Other White Meat Award
Kristina Banks

LuxAurumqueOnlyMySole’ Award
Erin Pair

Je Mon Ivre Des Souvenier . . Hooked Up With Chris His Freshmen Year Award . . . Sarah Labriola

“Yes, I’m a Home Schooled Catholic . . . Bite Me” Award
Leah Hains

I’m obviously attracted to **** but I Stand By My Man Award
***** ******
(Some names have been hidden to protect the health of this blog author)
Megan Ramsey

“I’m Really a Dancer at the Moulin Rouge” Award
Meghan Granlund

Best Interpretation of a French Piece Award
Katie Movelle

“I’m Hot and Five Dollars Richer” Award
Katie Fussel

The M. Hendricks “Tell It Like It Is” Award
Rachel Hicks

The “Wayfarin’ Stranger” Award
Carlee Jackson

For His dramatic demonstration of hurdling abilities, the “Future Olympic Star” Award goes to:
Linc Parrott

For following in his exact footsteps, the “Daniel R. Carlisle Memorial Award” goes to:
Linc Parrott

The Personality Transformation Via Inebriation in a Foreign Land Award:
Josh Noland
Jennifer Scively

"Blazer Glitz and Glamour Beautiful Face" Award
Linc Parrott
**** *****

International Diplomacy
Wes Edgar
Carlee Jackson

“She’s Got the Worst Thing In Her Hair” (sung to the tune of “He’s Got the Whole Thing In His Hands”) Award:
**** *****

The “We’re Just Friends” Award
Anthony and Jessie
Anthony and Lindsey
Jessie and Lindsey
Meghan and David
Katie Movelle and Chris Reid
Charles and Delia (in 2004)
Sarah and Erin

Kevin’s Trail of Tears Award
Maggie Hendricks
Maggie Hendricks
Second Tenor Section of the Salt Lake City Choir

Foreign Legion Award
Waylon Hinkle

The “I’ll Sing Loud When I Have a Solo” Award
Jonathan McNeil

The “Peed in My Pants Like A Crazy Person” Award
Jon Hood

The “Maggie Sarah and I Were Just Talking” Award
Andrew Granlund

Non Persona A Mexicana Award
Holly Sawardecker

The “Dr. Copeland Is OK After All” Award
Deborah Anderson

The “What’s That Bottle In Your Bookbag” Award
Patrick Williams

The Jos. A. Banks Tuxedo Award
Josh Noland
Andrew Granlund

Best Use of Trip T-Shirt
Anthony Concepcione

Most Likely to Make Out In Presence of a Father Figure
Patrick Williams
Holly Sawardecker

Most Likely To Communicate by Grunting
Rebekah Smith

More ACDA facts

Found out a little more information about the audition process:

79 choirs submitted recordings to be considered for performance.

23 university choirs from 11 states submitted recordings to be considered for selection.

The states in the Southern Division include: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia

Out of these 23 university choirs, 7 were selected to perform in the 2006 convention.

UAB Concert Choir was one of the seven choirs. I don't know who the other choirs will be.

Be proud of yourself, UAB. It is quite prestigious to be selected for such a performance.

Some ACDA Details

Date: February 22-25, 2006

The Hall looks like this:






Other Details:
http://acdaonline.org/Southern/charleston2006.html

Highlights of the convention will include: a performance by CANTUS, the West Virginia All-State Chamber Choir, a worship event at the Charleston Baptist Temple, honor choirs, performing choirs, interest sessions, and much more. The Clay Center is an exciting new concert facility in Charleston. Most choral performances, including the Honor Choirs, will be held in this venue.

The Charleston Civic Center is the site for interest sessions, reading sessions, and exhibits. Located just 8 blocks apart with a mall, hotels, and eating venues in between, these facilities are perfect for our convention. Travel around Charleston will be short distances and easy to negotiate.

Charleston, West Virginia offers a unique conference setting: the first-class meeting facilities of a cosmopolitan city with plenty of West Virginia tradition and hospitality. The city is accessible, affordable, and safe, yet filled with a variety of historic, scenic, and entertaining attractions.

Choral Scholar Needed: Highlands Methodist

Position available for Choral Scholar
at Highlands United Methodist Church (Historic 5 Points South)

Contact:
Richard Phillips
Director of Music/Organist
933-8751




Highlands United Methodist Church has several positions available immediately for good singers. The commitment is Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings.

The salary range is $1500.00- $2,000.00 a year.

Contact Person: Rick Phillips, at 933-8751.

Fabulous News: UAB is ACDA Bound!

Just got this news today--15 minutes ago!

UAB Choir has been accepted to perform at the ACDA Convention in February.

The official notification:

June 7, 2005

Dear Philip,

As chair of the 2006 Southern Division Convention of the American Choral Directors Association, I am pleased to inform you that the University of Alabama at Birmingham Concert Choir has been successful in the audition process. Your choir will appear in a concert session at this convention.

The audition was accomplished as a completely blind process. Adjudicators were aware only of the type of choir that was heard.

I send you my congratulations and best wishes as you prepare for your appearance. A more detailed acceptance letter with forms to be completed and returned will be coming via regular mail. Please complete these and return them as quickly as possible.


Sincerely,

Sara Lynn Baird
ACDA Southern Division President

It is FABULOUS NEWS. And a Long-Term, 5-Year Goal of mine here at UAB. FANTASTIC!!!

Check out UAB home page

www.uab.edu

The Official Press Release

Posted on June 2, 2005 at 10:48 a.m.

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Concert Choir won two awards at the 34th annual Tours Festival in France in May.

The choir competed in two categories and made it to the finals in both. The choir won the Prix Du Ministère de La Culture, an award given for best interpretation of a French choral work, and shared the top award in the Mixed Choirs Category.

“The UAB Concert Choir’s participation in this prestigious festival is continued evidence of the Department of Music’s world-class quality instruction and of the exceptional talent in the students it attracts,” said Jeff. W Reynolds, D.M.A., chairman of the UAB Department of Music. “These recognitions, together with many other national and international appearances by UAB faculty and students, confirm our commitment to being a leader in music education.”

The Florilège Vocal de Tours is held in Tours, France. The UAB Choir was one of two university choirs from the United States invited to participate; five university choirs from the U.S. applied. Seventeen choirs from 12 countries participated.

Nearly half of the 36 competing members of the UAB Concert Choir are in their first year of choir, said UAB Choir Director Philip Copeland, D.M.A.

“For a young choir to do this well in an international competition is quite an accomplishment,” Copeland said. “I couldn’t be more proud of our students and I am glad to have won this recognition for UAB.”

Delia Charest, a senior at UAB, said the choir sang their best performance ever on the competition’s opening night. The audience response was “amazing,” she said.

“People who could not speak any English came up to us to tell us how much we moved them. One French man told us that the spirit was with us, all around us, and I truly believe that,” she said. The trip also featured two concerts in Paris churches, including a special honor — a concert at the historic Cathedral of Notre Dame. Choirs are selected to perform there only after a recording and program are evaluated.

“Singing there was an incredible experience for our students,” Copeland said. “Many students remarked on how meaningful the concert was in historic Notre Dame.”

Plans for the UAB Concert Choir’s 2005-06 season include a Christmas performance of Handel’s “Messiah” with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and Mozart’s “Solemn Vespers” in New York’s Carnegie Hall.

Like A CRAZYPERSON

IMG_6615
Originally uploaded by philipco.

Ok . . .

For all those who tried to save my photos before (Megan & Lauren) please try again. I changed a setting that should allow anyone to access it.

Here is the link:

And wasn't it great to have Jon on the trip?