The Downeasters Soundings Weekly is a weekly email newsletter of the Downeasters Barbershop Harmony Chorus www.downeasters.org
-Please send any Barbershopping news, Chorus news and show dates, Quartet news and appearances, Notes of Interest- including Chorus Shows and other Public Entertainment dates from around New England, requests to be removed from, or added to, the distribution list, etc. to soundings.ed@gmail.com. -Deadline for submission of articles of interest to the chorus is 5:00pm Thursdays. -This, and all Soundings are available online at: http://www.issuu.com/downeasters And away we go…
Downeasters Chorus Rehearsals Downeaster Chapter Meetings Lunt Auditorium, 74 Lunt Rd, Falmouth, ME 04105
Monday, January 16, 2023
6:30pm – 8:30pm Chorus Rehearsal
In general Zoom will not be started. But, if it is, members will be notified. ~George Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/92996428874?pwd=dFNFbFVMNlJSVmdCWE0rZmxDckJTZz09 Meeting ID: 929 9642 8874 Passcode: 9b275y
Downeasters
Rehearsal Covid Rules
Wearing Masks are OPTIONAL until further notice.
Fully vaccinated, initial round. Booster is not required. - Not sick.
No positive Covid test
to Covid in the last 5 days.
Rehearsal Recap 01-09-2023
What a fun evening! I appreciate all of you who could attend or join on Zoom. And thank you for your patience with my facemask - I'm sure we'll be back and better than ever before long!
Quick recap of last night: we discussed bigger picture concepts in telling the story of a song. We talked about attitude, and subtext, and a couple other concepts to help us. This brought life to songs such as Blue Skies, Hello Mary Lou, and What a Wonderful World. And we brought our target vowels to life once again!
One quick reminder: make sure you're constantly reviewing your music. Hello Mary Lou still has rhythmic issues, and the more we choose to make mistakes like that, the harder it becomes to draw in our audience. We know how powerful some of these songs can be, so let's do everything we can do take advantage of that as much as possible!
For next week, we're going to dive into Bare Necessities, Hallelujah, Softly, and Cop on the Beat. We may also recap the songs we've done over the past two weeks.
Finally, be on the lookout for an email later today summarizing the competition chorus auditions and details! See you all next week!
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-Chris
Competition Chorus Details
Now that we've made it to 2023, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about one of the changes for next year's chorus agenda. Alongside the move to an all-voices chorus, we are adding an optional Competition Chorus element to the chorus experience. Going forward, we are still welcoming any chapter member who wishes to join us at a convention to attend. However, only those in the Competition Chorus will be invited to represent the chorus in its performance. The goal of this email is to lay out the essentials you will need to know regarding those auditions and rehearsals.
Oh, and please keep in mind as you read on: our goal is to develop and foster better singing and a better chorus, and we're excited for all to come along for the journey! But remember, this is an optional audition and group: there is no obligation to audition if people would prefer to remain solely in the performing chorus - we want you to make the best choice for you, whether or not that includes competition!
The Competition Chorus: The competition chorus is an optional, audition-only group, doing 2 songs per contest cycle
Rehearsals
o After regular chapter and business meeting, likely around 8:30 o 30-45 minutes
o All members/guests welcome, but only auditioned singers will sing
Auditions
o Use the 2 chosen contest songs
o Sing in a quartet in front of some or all of the music team, with 3 already-passed singers, which may be the music team
o Use the provided tracks and interpretation
Audition Evaluation
Singers are evaluated on the following
o Notes and words
o Vocal technique (think +1 85-90%, 0 the rest, never -1)
o Musicality: vocal independence, chorus breathing, sync, visual if possible
It's important to note that the point isn't to get through the song and nobody is expected to sing every note and word (feel free to leave words out and take individual breaths). The objective is to perform the *music* and enhance the chorus sound and performance.
Which part should I sing?
o Because the songs are challenging, it is fine, and encouraged, to think about auditioning in a part you haven't normally sung. The lead and tenor parts are fairly high. It is fine to try baritone or bass.
Other requirements
o There is an attendance requirement for the last 6-8 weeks leading up to a competition
o Be prepared! Competition chorus rehearsals need to be able to focus on *music* and members are expected to remember, and build on, previous rehearsals' progress.
Practice
o There is no formal practice for auditions but singers are encouraged to meet early/late to practice the music. Members of the music team or others can be available to help out. We want everyone to succeed! As always, please reach out to myself or anyone on the music team with questions and concerns! -Chris ~ ~ ~ ~
Upcoming Dates…
NEDistrict Calendar Listings: https://www.nedistrict.org/calendar-lists -Listing NED events and Chapter Shows!
Feb. 7-12 (Tue – Sun)
What: 2023 MIDWINTER: Daytona Beach, Florida
Where: Daytona Beach, Florida Links: https://www.barbershop.org/events/2023-midwinter-daytona-beach
Apr. 6 (Thu)
** Downeasters Performance **
What: Sea Dogs Opening Day Where: Hadlock Field, Portland website: www.milb.com/portland Time: 6:00pm Call Time: 5:00pm
Mar. 17-19 (Fri – Sun)
What: The Mixed Harmony Brigade of New England Where: Boxborough Regency Hotel and Conference Center 242 Adams Place Boxborough, Massachusetts Links: https://www.mhbne.org
Jul. 2-9 (Sun – Sun)
What: 2023 INTERNATIONAL: Louisville, Kentucky Where: Louisville, Kentucky Links: https://www.barbershop.org/events/2023-international-convention
Sep 22-24 (Fri-Sun)
What: THE 2023 NEW ENGLAND HARMONY BRIGADE RALLY
Where: TBA Times: TBA Link: https://www.nehb.net
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* 2023 * * 2023 * * 2023 *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Upcoming Birthdays and/or Now Showing -> Membership Anniversaries!: 13 Jan Brian Birkinbine - member of Downeasters Chapter of BHS 3 years 19 Jan John Mansfield - member of Downeasters Chapter of BHS 9 years 19 Jan Brian Birkinbine and Esther
anniversary
Birkinbine's
25 Jan Marshall Wagner's birthday
26 Jan Cy Kendrick - member of Downeasters Chapter of BHS 9 years
27 Jan Arne Gronningsater's birthday
14 Feb Brian Violette's birthday
From BHS: MidWinter Memory Videos: Keepsake - When the Saints Go Marching In (2017 Midwinter)
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-X-HOwPQYY The legendary Keepsake gets an assist from gold medalist Tim Waurick (Vocal Spectrum) on lead!
From BHS: MidWinter Memory Videos: Throwback - Brown Eyed Girl [Van Morrison cover]
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZrOLRqpMSY
Performed live at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, California 2018 Barbershop Harmony Society Midwinter Convention
From BHS: MidWinter Memory Videos: The Fairfield Four (feat. Crossroads) - Roll Jordan Roll
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGI4EtU6n6Y
Performed live at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee 2019 Barbershop Harmony Society Midwinter Convention
Signature - Listen [from Dreamgirls]
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVj0onBIe44
Performed live at the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville, Florida during the Barbershop Harmony Society's 2020 Midwinter Convention
Westminster Chorus - From Now On/Come Alive
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLfeymhR3Ck
Performed live at the Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California during the Barbershop Harmony Society's 2022 Midwinter Convention
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Lives Through Excellence In A Cappella Harmony Active
-> You can always Sing!
Mission Statement Enriching
Repertoire
Anytime at All Blue Skies
Caroline Consider Yourself God Bless America Hello Mary Lou How Deep is the Ocean I Will Go Sailing No More I'm Gonna Live Till I Die If I Loved You
New Music: Nevertheless From the First Hello Can You Feel The Love Tonight Softly, As I Leave You Sweet Caroline Hallelujah What A Wonderful World When You Wish Upon A Star How High The Moon Bare Necessities Good Luck Charm I Have Dreamed
Irish Blessing with the new tag It's a Most Unusual Day Keep The Whole World Singing Longest Time Love Me O Canada Star Spangled Banner The Cop On The Beat Tin Roof Blues Wonderful Day Medley
Christmas Music: Angels We Have heard on High Do You Hear What I Hear Go Tell It on the Mountain Hark the Herald Angels Sing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Jingle Bell Rock O Come, All Ye Faithful O Holy Night Silent Night We Wish You a Merry Christmas Winter Wonderland
Downeasters Practice Videos: Chris’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/@christopherhoward488/playlists Downeasters & Quartets Videos on YouTube: YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB2KEyK89e1G6-F0Un6EJr3NyHsMro3Lz
Leadership for 2023
President
Mike Soper <gmichaelsoper@gmail.com> Primary: (207) 400-9184 Secondary: (207) 730-5624
Secretary
Scott Kolda < mainiacsinsweden@yahoo.com > Primary: (207) 522-1020
VP - Membership
Chris Cutler-Wood < christopherjcutler@gmail.com> Primary: (860) 808-9887
VP - PR-Marketing
Kevin Schwery < schwery@gmail.com > Primary:
Director
Chris Howard < crhlehigh@gmail.com >
Primary: (201) 893-1173
Librarian
Dwight Pensiero <DJPensiero@gmail.com>
Primary: (207) 353-3244
"Soundings" Newsletter Editor
Bruce Sturgis <BStur1@gmail.com>
Primary: (207) 520-8354
Bruce Sturgis
Soundings Weekly Editor email: soundings.ed@gmail.com Downeasters Barbershop Chorus www.downeasters.org
Immediate Past President
Bill Bedford < wbedford11@gmail.com > Primary: (518) 275-5627
Treasurer Roger Buck < rcbuck9@gmail.com > Primary: (207) 879-0643 Cell: (207) 749-9059
VP - Music George Feinberg < gmfeinberg@gmail.com > Primary: (207) 615-3748
Board Member at Large Marshall Wagner <emwagner31@aol.com> Primary: (207) 232-1543
Board Member at Large Jim Johnston < jimjohnston@maine.rr.com > Primary: (207) 619-7613 Cell: (207) 400-9760
Board Member at Large Rich Parsons < repdhp@msn.com > Primary: (207) 985-9196 Cell: (207) 232-7770
Board Member at Large Sam Wainright < samwainright1@gmail.com > Primary: 207-518-8577 Cell: 860-759-4973
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