Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Incremental Good News from Cork Festival

Received this today from the Cork Festival:

Good Afternoon Dr. Copeland,

We’re still in the process of fully correlating all the information which has reached us relating to applications, however I have just taken a quick look at our online banking and I can confirm that yes, the electronic transfer of the entry fee has been received to our account without any problems. It just cleared yesterday; notification from our bank will probably take a couple of days to reach us in the post but there is a lodgement appearing from UAB account which I take it to be your university.

Thank you for ensuring that all of your entry requirements are present and correct – I wish that all choirs were half so diligent!!

Best wishes, and we will be touch again shortly,
Lucy

Collegiate Choral Festival Final Program

9:30

Prelude

Water Night

Ola Gjeilo

Eric Whitacre

Concert Choir

University of Montevallo

Robert Wright, Director

9:50

Gloria from Mass in G

To Everything there is a Season

Goin’ to the Holy City

Franz Schubert

Rene Clausen

Joseph M. Martin

Shelton Singers

Shelton State Community College

Glinda Blackshear, Director

Dr. Mark Brown, Assistant Director

Susan Goode, Accompanist

10:10

Non più guerra, pietate

Amor, Io Sento L’Alma

Io Piango

Se per havervi, oime

Claudio Monteverdi

Morten Lauridsen

Morten Lauridsen

Morten Lauridsen

Concert Choir

Birmingham-Southern College

Lester Seigel, Director

10:30

This is the Day (Haec est dies)

i thank you God

Kol Nidre

Little David, Play on Y’ Harp

Jakob Handl

Eric Whitacre

Traditional; arr. Paul Christianson

Spiritual, arr. Timothy P. Banks

A Cappella Choir

Samford University

Timothy Paul Banks, Director

10:50

If Ye Love Me

Love Came Down

Rejoice

Thomas Tallis

Donald Grantham

Jeffery Ames

University of Montevallo

Chamber Singers

Gary Packwood, Director

11:10

Sing We and Chant It

Lux Aurumque

Elijah Rock

Thomas Morley

Eric Whitacre

arr. Moses Hogan

Concert Choir

Auburn University

William Powell, Director

11:30 – 12:40 Lunch Break

12:40

Ave Maria

Tjak!

Javier Busto

Stephen Hatfield

Collegiate Singers

University of North Alabama

Ian Loeppky, Director

1:00

Daemon Irrepit Callidus

I Am Not Yours

Ezekiel Saw de Wheel

Gyorgy Orban

Z. Randall Stroope

William Dawson

A Cappella Choir

Jacksonville State University

Patricia Corbin, Director

1:20

Weihnachten

Lux Aurumque

Ave Maria

Felix Mendelssohn

Eric Whitacre

Rihards Dubra

Jefferson State Singers

Jefferson State Community College

Jessica Hall, Director

1:40

Come Unto Me

Jesus, My All, To Heaven is Gone

Mark Blankenship

John Cennick, arr. Budahl

Concert Choir

Wallace State Community College

Mike Sparks, Director

2:00

O magnum mysterium

In Remembrance

See dat Babe

Cesar Carillo

Jeffrey Ames

Stacey Gibbs

Concert Choir

Alabama A&M University

Horace Carney, Director

Mira Kruja, Accompanist

2:20

Lovesight

Arise My Love, My Fair One

In Flanders Fields

Robert Young

Z. Randall Stroope

Stephen Chatman

Faulkner Singers

Faulkner State Community College

David Ayers, Director

2:40

Regina Coeli

O Sacrum Convivium

Song of Triumph

Romuald Twardowski

Vytautas Miškinis

Dale Grotenhuis

Concert Choir

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Philip Copeland, Director

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Another great comment from those older than 22

John Cosby is a reader of this blog . . . a guy that was in Concert Singers with me in Ole Miss. I found out tonight that he was also a big fan of Holst's Nunc Dimittis. Here is his comment to you:

That was my favorite song of the Europe tour we did in Concert Singers. The final Amen rang in Notre Dame forever, it seemed - and the audience stayed perfectly still until it finally faded. I remember having tears in my eyes when we stepped down after that.

Y'all work hard on it - do it justice.

John loves the work as much as I do, I guess. We were lucky to have had the experience we had back in 1988 or 1989 . . . whichever year it was . . . we were singing that song when this year's freshmen were born. I've been waiting that long to conduct it with my own choir. PBTG, that year is finally here.

Cherith speaks to the UnderGraduates at UAB

Cherith is a Montevallo graduate and working on her Master's here at UAB. She has this message for the members of Concert Choir.

I highlight her comments because they echo my own advice:

if you're on the fence...here's my 2 cents...when i was in college - we were all poor and we didn't go on the "big trip" - we always tried, but it always fell through because people backed out. You will never have "enough" money to go, you will always have to eat beanie-weenie's, but now is the time in your life to do it. Now, 11 years later, who cares if I had eaten Ramen noodles for an entire year, I'd be thinner and I'd have had that great trip! So, bite the bullet and GO!!!

Time to get deposits to Witte

Time to fish or cut bait, choir!

Ireland deposits are due Thursday. Now is the time to step out on faith and dare something great.
Application and details are here
.

Friday, October 26, 2007

All-State Prep Session

Choir,

We're having an all-state prep session tomorrow at UAB. I've issued an open invitation to area high schools to help them work their all-state music.

The event is from 1-5:30.

1:00 SATB
2:30 SSA
4:00 TTBB

If you have "absence" or "tardy" issues, this is an ideal time to make up some deficiency's. Or meet some great kids.

Come if you want!

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Nunc on Itunes


nunc, originally uploaded by philipco.

Lot's of recordings of the Holst "Nunc Dimittis" that we are working on in Itunes. If I pick a favorite I'll let you know.

Great pic . . .

Consensus seems to be "No"

The blog tool works . . . enough of you have commented negatively about the proposed switch with opera that I'll withdraw it from discussion.

Thanks for the feedback!

Fall 2008

Choir,

I am seriously considering switching our Tuesday/Thursday class time in Fall 2008 with opera.

On Tu/Th we would meet from 3:30-4:45 instead of 2:00 - 3:15. Our MWF class time of 2-2:50 would stay the same. (with some fridays traded for saturdays)

Please give me feedback in this manner:

1. YES - that really helps me with other parts of my schedule
2. NO - that would conflict with XXXX that I take every semester
3. Or perhaps you would have something else to contribute.

Let me know fast.

Application Arrived


corktrack, originally uploaded by philipco.

Our application has been delivered to the Cork Festival.

Recording Results II: Chamber Singers

Simple Gifts 1
Simple Gifts 2
Simple Gifts 3

Which is the best Simple Gifts?

Double Double

Debussy 1
Debussy 1a

The best Dieu?

Debussy 3

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Recording Results I: Concert Choir

Song of Triumph (Grotenhuis)
Justorum Animae (Stanford)
Regina Coeli (Twardowski)
Silence of Time (Meador)
O Sacrum (Miskinis)

Next Recording Session

I returned keys to Bluff Park Methodist Church today and checked their calendar for another recording session. Two dates looked good:

November 8 and November 13

I checked the music calendar and November 8 falls the day before Opera Scenes. I therefore propose the following date to you: November 13. Let me know any problems with the date now and we'll go from there.

Upcoming rehearsal clarification

Choir,

Here are a few changes to the rehearsal schedule:

1. No choir rehearsal for ANY choir on Monday, October 29.
2. We DO have rehearsal this Thursday. I never said that we didn't.
3. We DO NOT have rehearsal this Friday for Concert Choir.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Saturday, October 20, 2007

The Quick Review

A few thoughts about tonight:

1. It was the strongest fall concert UAB has put on since I've been here, I think. Chamber Choir was extremely strong, and we can be better. I thought that was the best the Men's choir has sounded and the same is true for the Women's.

2. Easily the best performance the Women's Chorale has put forward. Thoughts:

Regina Coeli. Outstanding!! The last 12 measures or so is just incredible music. You made it exciting--even thrilling. I am considering converting.

Lost Rose: great.

Regretting: Funny! Leigh gave very high marks to Linc and Sam for whatever they did. I never saw it! The singing was hilarious and the audience really seemed to enjoy it.

3. Superb performances for Erin and Anthony.

4. Special recognition to Jake/Kevin for pulling off a band halftime performance and choir performance in one night.

5. Concert Choir did very well. Strongest fall concert but not as strong as we could have been, eh? Quick thoughts:

Regina Coeli: Fabulous. You even remembered the little nuance I gave you before the concert on the Alleluia. This piece will get stronger as we continue singing it.

O Sacrum: Lost pitch. Men still not solid on first chord. I don't know where we lost pitch yet.

Justorum: A great performance. I took it a bit faster at the end and I think that helped it end strong. Might have gotten a little to loud at "Malitie" or however you spell that word. Top of page 3, last measure.

Lay a Garland. Bad first chord, whatever part sings the 3rd of the chord in women. Rest of it went pretty well.

In the Silence of Time: Nice nuance. Lost pitch. Had some great moments.

Black is the Color. Best job we've done on this. Didn't lose pitch! Why not? It should have!

Great and Marvelous. Exciting and powerful. Choir didn't remember to pull this part back: You AAAAALone are Holy. Everything else great.

Lord's Prayer. Quite good.

If I Got My Ticket. Great job. Not the best closer. My fault.

Ireland is UAB Approved


The paperwork came through on Friday. We are UAB Administration Approved to take our trip to Ireland during exams.

If you know businesses that might give us funds, let me know.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Words from Scott Robertson (Trinity Methodist)

UAB Concert Choir and Dr. Philip Copeland,

It was a pleasure and an honor to have you with us at Trinity in worship this past Sunday, October 14th. You added so much to the worship services and represented UAB in a wonderful way. The musical presentations were pristine and demanded everyone's full attention. I noticed that even the toddlers were drawn to the magnificent sounds that inhabited their space. I believe that God gives us a perfect musical gift. It is up to us as musicians to find it. There is no doubt that last Sunday you found that gift and it was perfect!

Please know also that each singer that I had the opportunity to speak with was very cordial and personable. They made me feel welcome in my own church! The kindness they displayed is what will bring in additional great musicians to the UAB Department of Music.

You all have something to be very proud of. I wish you all the very best in your future musical ventures.

Blessings,

R. Scott Robertson
Director of Music
Trinity United Methodist Church
Birmingham, Alabama

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Fire Alarm, Conan, and Choir Rehearsals

Does this remind you of last Friday's choir rehearsal?

Bluff Park: Tomorrow Night!

A reminder to Concert Choir:
We have a recording session Thursday evening.

Chamber Choir: 7:00 p.m.
Concert Choir: 8:00 p.m.

Location: Bluff Park Methodist Church
  • Take I-65 to the Exit 254 (Alford Avenue)

  • Go West on Alford Avenue for 2 miles to the end of the road

  • At the stop sign, turn right, then turn left at the end of that road

  • Bluff Park United Methodist Church is on the left.
Link to Google Map.

Church website

Directions to church

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Fall Concert 2007

PDF of concert and roster here. Symbols mystery finally explained.


Chamber Singers

Simple Gifts

Arr. René Clausen b. 1953


Trois Chansons

Claude Debussy 1862-1918

Dieu qu'l la fait bon regarder!

Yver, vous n'estes qu'un villain


Four Shakespeare Songs Jaakko Mäntyjärvi b. 1963

3. Double, Double Toil and Trouble


Men’s Choir

In omnem terram

Giovanni Francesco Anerio 1567-1630


Gaudeamus igitur

Johannes Brahms 1833-1897


A Hymn To God the Father

John Ness Beck 1930-1987


Women’s Chorale

Salve Regina

Miklós Kocsár b. 1933


Rose Trilogy

Eleanor Daley b. 1955

3. The Lost Rose


Regretting What I Said . . .

arr. M. George, R. Allen


Kristine Hurst, soprano

Denise Gainey, clarinet

Dale Reynolds, piano

Der Hirt auf dem Felsen (Shepherd on the Rock)

(1797-1828)


Concert Choir

Regina Coeli

Romuald Twardowski b. 1930


O sacrum convivium

Vytautas Miškinis b. 1954


Justorum Animae

Charles Villiers Stanford 1852-1924


Lay a Garland

Robert Pearsall 1795 – 1856


Silence of Time

Arr. Darmon Meader b. 1953


Black Is The Color

arr. René Clausen b. 1953


Song of Triumph

Dale Grotenhuis b. 1931


The Lord’s Prayer

arr. Jerry Jordan b. 1946


If I Got My Ticket

arr. Robert Shaw 1916-1999

Debussy Quartet

Here 'tis:

Samantha Pace, soprano
Whitney Cummins, mezzo soprano
Brian Denton, tenor
Jason Leger, baritone

Sophomore, Freshmen, and Assistant Conductors

A few things most of you didn't know:

1. Sophomore has an "O: after the "H". SophOmore
2. Freshmen is typically spelled with two E's. frEshmEn.
3. Erin will conduct the Women's Chorale on the Rose song.
4. Anthony will conduct the Brahms piece with the men.
5. I'm calling Anthony and Erin the "assistant conductors" for the year.

Great work on "Regina Coeli" today. Tomorrow we focus on "Black is the Color" (which also sounded good) and the same sex pieces.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Trinity Praise

Choir,

Great job today. I thought everything went very well today:
  • Most everyone getting there on time was fantastic.
  • Great job in 1st service, even better in 2nd service
  • You looked good, you sounded good
  • We sang five works today and did them well. Great watching, great confidence. We'll be gaining in confidence and ability every day this coming week.
Feel good about today. And take a nap.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

1008

I always miss my blogging anniversaries.

This is the 1008th post. Can you believe it?

A trip through memory lane:

Post #1 September 3, 2004
A celebration of the first 1 year anniversary.
On September 3, 2006 I had made 672 posts and had 46,982 visits.
I made a great post on September 4, 2007 - the one about the All-Bran cereal commercial. That video still cracks me up.

So, here we are on Year 4 of the Choir Blog. On this day, I average about 84 hits a day and have had 85,676 visits.

Long live the blog!

Sunday at Trinity Methodist

Here are the details for Sunday.

We will arrive dressed, alert, fed, and ready to sing at 7:45 a.m. You may need this.

Two services: 8:45 am and 11:00 am.
Donuts between services.

Music I submitted:
  • O sacrum convivium - Vytautas Miškinis b. 1954
  • Justorum Animae, Op. 38, No. 1 - Charles Villiers Stanford 1852-1924
  • Song of Triumph - Dale Grotenhuis b. 1931
  • The Lord's Prayer - Arr. Jerry Jordan b. 1946
  • If I Got My Ticket - Arr. Robert Shaw 1916-1999
Many Directions.

Directions to the church are available here and at the bottom of this post.

Here's a Google Map.

Directions From Highway 31


Traveling South from Birmingham, you will begin to see traffic lights as you enter Homewood. At the intersection with Piggly Wiggly and Shades Cahaba Elementary, turn right (west) on Oxmoor Road. You will pass Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church and Homewood Park on your right. When you get to the intersection (light) of East Hawthorne and Seminole Rd, you will see Trinity UMC on your right. Go to the next light and turn right into our large parking lot. You will find visitor parking spots there.

Directions From I-65

Traveling North towards Birmingham take the Oxmoor Road/Homewood Exit. Merge right onto Oxmoor Road. Cross Green Springs Highway. Oxmoor Road becomes Palisades Blvd. You will see Palisades shopping center on your left. At the Palisades Church of Christ, veer right where you will continue on Oxmoor Rd. Travel on Oxmoor Road through Edgewood, where there is a shopping area. You will pass Dawson Baptist on your left. At the Clermont Rd intersection (light) turn left into our large parking lot. You will find visitor parking spots there.

A blurry view of the sanctuary.

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Upcoming College Choral Festival

It looks like these schools will be attending the college choral festival this year. It looks like a great group of schools . . . and notice once again who isn't in attendance

Schools attending:

Alabama A&M
Auburn University
Birmingham Southern (FIRST YEAR!)
Faulkner State (First Year!)
Jacksonville State University
Jeff State Community College (Apologies for leaving it off the first time)
Northeast Alabama Community College
Samford
Shelton State Community College
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Montevallo
University of North Alabama
Wallace State

Monday, October 08, 2007

Trip update

These people became NO's:

Elizabeth Banister
Matt Bodiford
Chase Dowdy
Patrick Edwards
Howard Hall
Danielle Hardy
Nancy Lewis
Erica Parrish
Kiyoshi Scissum

These are the Yes's that have paid the $20:

Sami Ashley
Lori Ayler
Brian Bastow
Ron Baxter
Justin Beatty
Matt Cantor
Anthony Concepcion
Jeremy Concepcion
Whitney Cummins
Michael Dees
Brian Denton
Emily Fledderman
Rachel Fleischman
Meredith Foster
Aislinn Glennon
Jenny Harmon
Madison Holler
Chris Josof
Mark Kunkel
Steven Lane
Jason Leger
Lindsey Lingerfelt
Micah Loggins
Sadie Mason-Smith
Katie Movelle
Roxy Nelson
Lauren Nolen
Erin Pair
Dana Palmore
Lincoln Parrott
Maegan Reid
Rhea Reuter
Jonathan Riddle
Matt Russell
Martin Schulz
Jenny Smith
Jennifer Thorp
Crystal Whatley
Caitlin Wittkop

I still need payment or a NO from:
Ashley Davis
Alex Fecanin
Katie Harris
Jonathan Hood
Bobbie Kirby
Harry Miree
Samantha Pace
Jake Richey

I have these guests from the choir members going that have paid:
Mother Palmore
Boyfriend Palmore
Father Wittkop
Wife Copeland
Dale Reynolds
Philip Copeland
Sister Reid

Found: Roxy's blog

My blog search tools are letting me down . . . it took over two weeks to find Roxy's blog.

Friday, October 05, 2007

Betty Sue Shepherd Memorial Scholarship Fund

The Betty Sue Shepherd Memorial Scholarship Fund
Vestavia Hills Baptist Church

For the remainder of the 2007-2008 academic year, awards will be made in the amount of $1500.

Purposes

The Betty Sue Shepherd Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established for the following purposes:

* To provide a nurturing church home for student musicians who attend the colleges in the Birmingham area;
* To provide a musical environment for these students in which they can be growing musicians;
* To provide scholarship assistance for these students.



Selection

The Betty Sue Shepherd Memorial Scholarship Fund Committee will seek to name a group of “Shepherd Scholars” for each academic year. The criteria for selection will be:

* a student must be a professing Christian;
* a student must be a competent choral singer, as judged by audition with the Minister of Music;
* a student must fit into the profile of current needs of the Sanctuary Choir, i.e. a need for singers of a certain voice part, as opposed to a surplus of singers in another voice part.
* a student must present a letter of recommendation from a significant mentor, i.e. a professor, a student minister, a pastor;
* a student must demonstrate the ability to be responsible and punctual; (This can be addressed in the letter of recommendation, or through the presentation of material such as a transcript of outstanding grades, or a statement from an employer.)
* a student must demonstrate through an oral interview a desire to be a participant in the church family of Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. It is the hope of the Scholarship Committee that students will have a positive experience at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church which leads them to desire to be affiliated with the church through membership or joint membership with their home church. Since church membership is a choice that should be made based upon a variety of experiences and factors, it is not considered to be a qualification for the scholarship award.



Awards

The amount and number of scholarship awards will be determined each academic year by the scholarship committee. They will result from the amount of the proceeds at the annual Betty Sue Shepherd Memorial Concert, conducted each spring by the Music Ministry, in addition to any additional funds made available through donation or interest accrual.

Awards will be dispersed after each semester of participation in the Sanctuary Choir. The award will be dispersed directly to the student’s account at the college. In the case of graduating seniors, arrangements will be made on an individual basis to be certain the award reaches the student.

Scholarship awards are understood to be offered for one year. While it is the desire of the committee to develop long-lasting relationships with the Shepherd Scholars, awards must be determined by the amount of funds available and the personnel needs of the choir. Each recipient must re-apply for subsequent years, however positive experience as a Shepherd Scholar will be considered when new awards are being determined.

Expectations of the Students

Shepherd Scholars will be viewed as musical leaders within Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. They will be expected to fulfill that role in their activity and behavior. They will also represent the name and legacy of Dr. Betty Sue Shepherd, and seek to exemplify the ideals presented in her musical and spiritual life: musical and intellectual excellence, spiritual commitment, and generous stewardship of her musical gifts.

It will be understood that Shepherd Scholars will act as responsible members of the Sanctuary Choir. While an excellent attendance record at rehearsals and services is expected, it is also expected that these students will occasionally go home on weekends and school breaks, participate in tours of their college ensembles, or have conflicts on Wednesdays. They should let the Minister of Music know of their absences in advance as much as is possible. There will be certain times during which special concerts and events take place. These will be announced far in advance, and Shepherd Scholars should understand that their attendance is required. Participation is expected during the two semesters of the regular school year. While students would be welcomed during the summer term, no scholarship funds will be awarded for participation during the summer.

As musical leaders, each Shepherd Scholar should look for other ways of contributing musically, i.e. solo singing, adult ensemble, helping in children’s or youth choirs, ringing in the handbell choir.

It is also understood that these students are participating in the broader congregation. They should look for other means of participation, i.e. Sunday School, student fellowships or Bible studies.

Expectations of the Church

Students should expect to participate in a church environment that is rewarding spiritually, intellectually, musically and socially.

Students should expect the church to act as a “home away from home,” nurturing them and demonstrating concern for them.

Amount of Award

For the remainder of the 2007-2008 academic year, awards will be made in the amount of $1500. They will be dispersed in two equal amounts at the end of the fall semester and at the end of the spring semester.

Application

Students who are interested in applying for the Betty Sue Shepherd Memorial Scholarship should assemble their letter of recommendation and any accompanying material, and make an appointment for an interview and audition by contacting:

Terre Johnson, Ph.D.
Minister of Music
Vestavia Hills Baptist Church
2600 Vestavia Drive
Birmingham, AL 35216
(205)979-5920
Terre@VHBC.com

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Numbers for Ireland

Choir,

I'm coming close to having the music picked for Ireland. I need to know if anything has changed with your intention to go.

Are all those who said YES still a definite yes?
For those who said "PROBABLY YES," have you decided between YES or NO?
There are a few who were a weak "probably yes." I'm calling those Maybe's. Anything changed?
Finally, any NO's having a change of heart besides Lauren?

The touring company would like the trip to cap out at 47 singers, two faculty. There are 56 students listed below. We'll take every student who wants to go, but I need to know some hard numbers soon. Please contact me by email and let me know your intention.

Thanks!

Ayler Lori Yes a1
Cummins Whitney Yes a1
Fleischman Rachael Yes a1
Holler Madison Yes a1
Kirby Barbara
a1
Movelle Katie Probably Yes a1
Reuter Rhea Yes a1
Wittkop Caitlin Yes a1
Davis Ashley
a2
Glennon Aislinn Probably Yes a2
Hardy Danielle Probably Yes a2
Lewis Nancy MAYBE a2
Parrish Erica Probably Yes a2
Smith Jenny Yes a2
Thorp Jennifer Probably Yes a2
Beatty Justin Probably Yes b1
Bodiford Matt "Budda" MAYBE b1
Cantor Matt Probably Yes b1
Lane Steven Yes b1
Leger Jason M Yes b1
Schulz Martin Probably Yes b1
Bastow Brian Probably Yes b2
Baxter Ron Probably Yes b2
Dowdy Chase
b2
Edwards Patrick Probably Yes b2
Fecanin Alex Yes b2
Hall Howard Probably Yes b2
Josof Chris Yes b2
Loggins Micah NO b2
Arrington Ashley Yes s1
Ashley Sami Yes s1
Bannister Elizabeth Yes s1
Foster Meredith Yes s1
Harris Katie Yes s1
Nolen Lauren Yes s1
Pace Samantha Probably Yes s1
Pair Erin Yes s1
Harmon Jennifer Probably Yes s2
Mason-Smith Sadie MAYBE s2
Nelson Roxy Probably Yes s2
Palmore Dana Probably Yes s2
Reid Maegan Probably Yes s2
Roche Jackie Probably Yes s2
Whatley Crystal Yes s2
Denton Brian Yes t1
Hood Jonathan Probably Yes t1
Kunkel Mark Travis Yes t1
Parrott R.Lincoln Yes t1
Russell Matt Probably Yes t1
Scissum Kiyoshi Probably Yes t1
Concepion Anthony Yes t2
Concepion Jeremy Yes t2
Dees Michael Yes t2
Lingerfelt Lindsey Yes t2
Miree Harry Yes t2
Richey Jake Probably Yes t2

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Excerpts from a recent email conversation

You might find this interesting--I received permission to share it with you:

Philip,

By the way, since I have never corresponded with you before, I want to take the opportunity to congratulate you on your performance at Southern ACDA in Charleston a year and a half ago-for me it was the highlight of the convention.

Regards,
Dennis Malfatti, D.M.A.

Wow . . .

Thanks for the fabulous compliment! There were a lot of great choirs there (from some very prestigious schools). Would you mind me asking what made our concert the highlight to you?

Philip,

I've gotten used to hearing some very good sounding choirs at ACDA and yours was certainly one of them. But, in general, I am often disappointed with the repertoire I hear. Your program at Charleston ACDA, however, I found very exciting and performed not just with a good sound but, more importantly in my opinion, with conviction of interpretation. Of specific interest to me was that your performance was my first encounter with the composer Miskinis. Although I haven't yet performed any of his stuff, your performance certainly peaked my interest in his music and I have enjoyed reading through some of his scores.


Best,
Dennis Malfatti

Monday, October 01, 2007

Ireland: Look Ahead Now - Classes and Itinerary

Choir,

You need to be looking ahead now to your classes for spring semester. If possible, we would like you to contact your professors THIS semester and letting them know about leaving during the exam period NEXT semester. Think about it . . . it will make you look good to alert your professors about the conflict before the semester even begins.

Dean Bert Brouwer and Chairman Jeff Reynolds have given their blessing on our planned trip with the stipulation that we do everything in our power to officially alert professors to our upcoming conflict.

So . . . don't contact them right now . . . but be thinking about it. When the time is right, I will give you all of the information you will need to properly inform your professor of our trip.

This is how the itinerary is shaping up:

29, Tuesday—Evening departure from Atlanta.

30, Wednesday—Upon arrival in Shannon this morning, board the motorcoach for the drive to Cork to participate in the prestigious Fleischmann International Trophy as part of the 54th Cork International Choral Festival. Upon arrival in Cork, check into our hotel for a five-night stay (based on centrally located Jury’s Inn). Dinner is independent.

01, Thursday—Participation in the Cork International Choral Festival.

02, Friday—Participation in the Cork International Choral Festival.

03, Saturday—Participation in the Cork International Choral Festival.

04, Sunday—Participation in the Cork International Choral Festival.

05, Monday—After breakfast, we'll board the motorcoach for our transfer to Dublin. Upon arrival in Dublin, a panoramic tour will give us an introduction to the capital city of Ireland with views of Halfpenny Bridge, the Guinness Brewery, O'Connell Street, the historic Post Office, the elegant Customs House, and Georgian Dublin. After our tour, we'll stop at St. Patrick's Cathedral, with time to explore this famous religious structure. In the late afternoon, check into the hotel for overnight accommodations. Dinner is planned at nearby restaurant.

06, Tuesday—Half-day sightseeing tour in Dublin, including a visit to Trinity College Dublin to see the famous Celtic-Christian manuscript, The Book of Kells. The book was moved to Trinity College in the 17thcentury and contains the four gospels in Latin. The remainder of the day is at leisure and dinner is independent.

07, Wednesday—A motorcoach transfer will be provided to the Dublin Airport.

News


newspaper, originally uploaded by philipco.