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, March 20, 2023
6:00pm – 6:45pm Competition Chorus Rehearsal
6:45pm – 9:00pm Chorus Rehearsal
All singers should be individually warmed up upon arrival to each chorus session.
DEBRA LYNN WARMUP EXERCISES:
https://www.downeasters.org/dbpage.php?pg=view&dbase=rep&id=41
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
Music
Good Luck Charm I Have Dreamed
How High the Moon.
What a Wonderful World Caroline
God Bless America
Blue Skies
How High the Moon (March 20 rehearsal)
Covid Policy Reminder
"The Downeasters Chorus takes the health of our members very seriously. Members and guests are welcome to come to our meetings, as long as you are feeling well. We generally follow CDC guidelines. We require that you can produce evidence of at least the first two Covid vaccines if asked. Plus, do not visit us for at least 10 days after a flu-like illness or if you tested positive for Covid, and wait 5 days if you believe you have been in contact with someone who is ill or tested positive for Covid. If in doubt, please take a Covid test the day you plan to come."
Thank you all for a wonderful evening Monday! I must apologize for the lateness of this email, but between a busy Wednesday and Thursday, and having no power on Tuesday, this is the earliest chance I've had to sit down and send this out!
In the performing chorus, we discussed the idea of emphasizing our duets and trios and how important it is to sing along with parts that have the same rhythms as you. We also spent a lot of time discussing rhythm and how important both the correct notes AND staying in rhythm are for each of those songs. We also left with a reminder of some of the things we can do to continue to grow and save time in rehearsals, such as preparing the songs on the list each week, and bringing your sheet music with you to the risers. Especially the sheet music piece will save us countless hours of recap work...
In the competition chorus, we spent time on Good Luck Charm learning to live within the groove of the song. We also started to explore those solo/duet moments in the second verse and chorus. Next week we will work on the ending of one of the songs, the next week the other song, and the rest of the weeks are sectionals until contest. Read the notes below this for reminders and other info re: Competition Chorus
Next week, we begin work on How High the Moon. We will also continue work on What a Wonderful World and Caroline. And we will add God Bless America and Blue Skies
Reminder: we are singing the National Anthem on Sea Dogs opening day 04-06, at 6PM Details to follow, but keep it on your calendar! Also, reminder that Cay Outerbridge will be joining us for coaching on Monday, 04-10. Final reminder: quartets that wish to have time to perform for the chorus for any reason, let me know and we'll schedule it - this can be fun to debut a new song, do a dry run for a contest, or otherwise just to perform for fun!
Have a great week all - see you Monday!
-ChrisCompetition Chorus notes
A few reminders / notices regarding the competition chorus...
First, reminder that the deadline to compete at the Division contest is a passed audition by 03-27-2023.
Second, wardrobe for the contest is being finalized as we speak - stay tuned in the next few days / at Monday's meeting for the announcement.
Third, reminder that you can qualify anytime to sing with the competition chorus. Additionally, you are allowed to try multiple times. Things that will likely increase your chances of passing: knowing 100% of the notes and words, not adding breaths between words, and only singing notes and words that are correct and in your best quality. If you are in need of coaching or assistance on the way to meeting these goals, please let myself or your section leader knowwe are ready will resources and guidance!
Finally, there is now a Youtube channel for the Competition Chorus videos. The link is at the bottom - reminder that these are provided with the expectation that those that miss a session watch the recording and catch up on the work that was done - missing rehearsals is not a reason to be unprepared! Bruce, please ensure this link is placed within the Soundings!
As always, let me know if you have any questions or comments about this process!
-Chris
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7LSpeZEZy4lUObZDtgBa9kqxFpV5ykrM
Division Registration Fees for Non-performing Members
A few of our members have asked if their contest registration fee would be paid for by the chapter in the event they wish to attend, but not perform with the chorus. Your Board voted tonight in favor of paid registrations for ALL members wishing to attend a convention where the Downeasters perform. To be clear, this would be Eastern Division and District, but not Western for example or International. Those would be separate votes.
If there are any questions please feel free to contact me.
-Mike
Downeasters Annual Show!
Apr 22 (Sat) ** Downeasters Performance **
What: Downeasters Annual Show
Where: First Parish in Portland, Unitarian Universalist Church
425 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Times: 4:00 pm
Call Time: 2:30pm
Tickets to be sold at the door. Cash, Venmo, Stripe, PayPal accepted!
General Admission (Adult) - $20
Students - $10
Groups (four or more) - $15
Children (age 5 and under) - FREE
Upcoming Dates…
NEDistrict Calendar Listings: https://www.nedistrict.org/calendar-lists
-Listing NED events and Chapter Shows!
* 2023 * * 2023 * * 2023 *
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
Mar. 31 (Fri)
What: Yarmouth's Got Talent - Student Performance Event - Volunteers
Where: Yarmouth Performing Arts Center at Yarmouth HS, 286 West Elm Street
Times: 7:00 pm
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
Apr. 10 (Mon) ** Downeasters Coaching **
What: Cay Outerbridge Coaching
Where: Lunt Auditorium Rehearsal Hall
Times: 6:00 pm
Apr 15 (Sat)
What: Fundraiser for the Bath-Brunswick Respite Care Program
Nor'easters, FairWinds Mixed Chorus, and quartets Windjammers, Ebb Tide and Heart 'n Soul
Where: United Methodist Church, 320 Church Rd, Brunswick
Times: 2:00 pm
Tickets are $15 at the door
Apr 14-16 (Fri-Sun) ** Downeasters Performance **
What: Eastern Regional Convention & Contests
Where: Resort & Conference Center at Hyannis
35 Scudder Avenue Hyannis, MA, 02601
Link: https://www.nedistrict.org/calendar/2023/4/21/ned-eastern-convention
Apr 22 (Sat)
** Downeasters Performance **
What: Downeasters Annual Show
Where: First Parish in Portland, Unitarian Universalist Church
425 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Times: 4:00 pm
Call Time: 2:30pm
Tickets to be sold at the door. Cash, Venmo, Stripe, PayPal accepted!
General Admission (Adult) - $20
Students - $10
Groups (four or more) - $15
Children (age 5 and under) - FREE
Jul. 2-9 (Sun – Sun)
What: 2023 INTERNATIONAL: Louisville, Kentucky
Where: Louisville, Kentucky
Links: https://www.barbershop.org/events/2023-international-convention
Aug 3-6 (Fri-Sun)
What: Harmony Explosion Camp
Where: Worcester State University Worcester, MA
Times: TBA
Link: https://www.nedistrict.org/calendar/2023/8/3/harmony-explosion-camp
Aug 18-20 (Fri-Sun)
What: 2023 Meredith Bay Barbershop Jamboree
Where: Meredith, New Hampshire
Times: TBA
Link: https://www.nedistrict.org/jamboree
Sep 22-24 (Fri-Sun)
What: THE 2023
ENGLAND
Where: TBA
Times: TBA
Link: https://www.nehb.net
Oct 27-29 (Fri-Sun) ** Downeasters Performance **
What: NED '23 Fall District Convention & Contests
Where: TBA
Times: TBA
Link: https://www.nedistrict.org/calendar/2023/10/27/ned-23-fall-district-convention
Dec. 9 (Sat) ** Downeasters Performance **
What: CHRISTMAS PRELUDE - CHURCH AT THE CAPE
Where: 3 Langsford Road
Cape Porpoise, Maine 04014
Link: https://www.churchonthecape.org
Upcoming Birthdays and/or Now Showing -> Member Anniversaries!:
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62VrG8NLgBQ
What a Wonderful World · Ringmasters
Ringmasters IV
From YouTube:
GQ and Instant Classic - Tonight, Tonight
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piHKgDwNBtE
GQ and Instant Classic perform their final song at the 2022 BHS Late Night Showcase. 7/7/2022
Mission Statement
Enriching Lives Through Excellence In A Cappella Harmony Active Repertoire -> You can always Sing!
Bare Necessities
Blue Skies
Can You Feel The Love Tonight
Caroline
Cop On The Beat
From the First Hello
God Bless America
Good Luck Charm*competition
Hallelujah
Hello Mary Lou
How High The Moon
I Have Dreamed*competition
Irish Blessing
Nevertheless
O Canada
Softly, As I Leave You
Star Spangled Banner
Sweet Caroline
What A Wonderful World
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 Competition Chorus Videos:
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7LSpeZEZy4lUObZDtgBa9kqxFpV5ykrM
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
Downeasters Leadership for 2023
President
Mike Soper <gmichaelsoper@gmail.com>
Primary: (207) 400-9184
Secondary: (207) 730-5624
Immediate Past President
Bill Bedford < wbedford11@gmail.com >
Primary: (518) 275-5627
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
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