Caroling

Thank you to everyone who volunteered to Christmas carol in the past couple of weeks. You brightened many people's days... now rest up and enjoy your break!

Fairmont

Excalibur did a great job at the Regency Newcastle and Fairmont Hotel last Friday. I can't wait to hear what you do for Wednesday's concert!

St. Cecilia- Feast Day Nov. 22

Yesterday was the feast of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians.
A prayer, my favorite quote from the work posted above:

Blessed Cecilia, appear in visions to all musicians,
appear and inspire! Translated daughter, come down
and startle composing mortals with immortal fire.

THANK YOU...

... choir council! You put on a wonderful retreat. It was inspired, authentic, and fun. It would not have happened without your hard work (which isn't totally finished yet, btw). Pictures to follow, but in the meantime, get some rest and know that you are appreciated by some wonderful high school students, parents, and the best "Dougie-ing" teacher you know.

The Angel Gabriel

This isn't the exact same arrangemement that we are singing, but wow! Listen to the beautifully arched phrases, look at those vowels, and the pure blend... this is what it is all about! What gorgeous singing!

Samba Mass

The video of the "Samba Mass" that I shared in class today can be found here. I hope it helps you practice!

Excalibur Homework #1

I like the balance of this group, but wish they could have done more with dynamics and phrasing. Leave your comment below for credit!

Excalibur Homework #2

A bland video, but this is the Robert Shaw festival singers. He's the conductor who had his choirs countsing until right before performance because he wanted vertical accuracy... and they sang "tee" instead of "three." Be sure to comment for credit!

Excalibur Homework #3

This will wake you up! I really hope you have your music in front of you for this one... Again, comment for credit!

Retreat Forms...

...are due by this Friday, October 15. Come join the fun!

Excalibur 2010-2011

Attention all members of the '10-'11 Excalibur ensemble:

Remember to save the date of Thursday, August 12 for our fall retreat!

We'll be at the school from 9 am- 5 pm & I will send out an informational e-mail later this week. Attendance is expected from all members, mainly because it will be fun & a great chance to re-connect and build ensemble. Just remind each other that it is coming up & offer rides, as needed!

* on a side note, look where I will be 3 days before the retreat???*

State Pics- Soloists

Dancing

Kennedy Singers: Please listen to this with your music in front of you. It is missing th last couple of pages, but you will be able to hear the transitions & patterns. If, for some reason, the link doesn't work, go to treble clef press & you will be able to find this by title on the left sidebar.

Hint: tomorrow, I will likely hear trios sing/speak their rhythms at the transition on pages 7 & 8.

State 2010

Congratulations to our state ensembles! I am so proud of all of the work you have done and feel like you all represented Kennedy very well today at CWU. It is such an honor to be asked to perform here... hopefully those who weren't able to perform today will glean some musicianship off of the performances they heard today. Maybe some of you might even start up marimba lessons, huh?



Ok- here's what you really care about... the Earth Song mixed ensemble scores. Comments first! Here's a sampling directly from the judge's sheets: thoughtful approach, good energy & tempo, tuning issues, fantastic voices in choir, balance bounces in & out, well rehearsed, solid group, love Hark I Hear- great piece for you, mostly feeling everything together... scores: II, II, I. Yes, a I. At state. Very good!!!! Remember that a II is excellent and a I means superior.




Be proud of that musical moment. I am.

Good Day, Sunshine!

Get your very own 8x10 of this shot by having your parents bid on our marvelous breakup basket!

Solo & Ensemble

Check out these pics of folks practicing at last months solo & ensemble at LHS. Can't wait to see what the ones from state look like!

Audrey & Rosemary Herold working with Dr. Glover from HCC.

Juliana Joy works on having more fun with her Italian diction.

Stuart Jennings: relaxed from the eyes down, but the forehead gives away his concentration.

Cosmo Cobb & Zach Zielinski: loving Zach's [a] vowel!



Problem solving & then... 1-2-3- ready- break!

Choruses lead the way!

Looking for some inspiration? Click here.

What a Week!!

What a busy week this has been! Many of us just jumped off of the musical right into choral assessments... I wanted to be sure to congratulate all of the choirs on their performance and decorum at assessments this week.

Here are the results:
Troubadors- Superior rating
Kennedy Singers- Excellent rating
Excalibur- Superior rating

Excalibur will be singing with Lindbergh High School in their auditorium this evening at 7 pm. All are welcome- there is a suggested donation at the door. Also, Excalibur (and Shelby- on a solo!) will be singing at Stations of the Cross tomorrow. This event is open to parents and family members as well and will begin in the gym at approximately 9:05 am.

Happy Holy Week everyone! Enjoy your spring break- you definitely earned one this year...

Sweet Judy Blue Eyes

Is there anything a music teacher won't do to entertain his/her students???

How about a video???

Piano

There are a lot of helpful tools available for you online, but here's a virtual piano to help you practice, just in case you don't have one at home!

Also- we are trying to finish this year's Benaroya Hall ad and really need your help! I NEED PICTURES of the choirs singing! Please forward them to me as a jpeg file asap. Thanks!