Dropped the Ball & Apologies

I'm so sorry folks, I completely dropped the ball on practice cd's this semester. They take so much time to make that I kept putting them off for when I had time but now I'm to the point where it's so late in the semester that I wonder if they would even be helpful? Please use the links on this blog as I really believe they are extremely helpful. A BIG thanks to those of you who have updated me on links that no longer work or have mistakes. I'm glad to know that some of you are using the links and hope you find them helpful!


Thanks to those who gave me feedback on last week's rehearsal, specifically on "Hymn of Praise #1" - I'm sorry if it felt like I was scolding you. I was trying to express my disappointment that it didn't go as well as I thought it could have and I also wanted everyone to know that I was serious when I gave #1 as an assignment a few weeks ago. I realize that singing it all together in SATB is definitely different from singing it on your own or with your section or even with one other group...I will definitely take that into consideration during our SATB rehearsals. I am very sorry if I made anyone feel bad. Please know that I love this choir!

Thinking of you......

 

Hey everybody!
I heard that you guys may have cracked some jokes about me while I'm away. I thought you should see this picture (taken tonight in Hawaii) as proof of my hard work while on vacation. Note that I had to wait until sunset each night to practice from our ocean view room because the sunshine reflected so brightly off the pages during the day that it was blinding! And the heat of the sun beat down upon me so much that I was forced to just lay there and sip on my cold fruity drink. Boy, it has been so hard but I know it will pay off! See you this Thursday! :) hehehehe
With all the love in my heart,
Erin

"Hymn of Praise" Recording

I've been searching for an English recording of "Hymn of Praise" (Lobgesang) but haven't found one yet. I spoke with Loren Squires and he said he's been using the London Symphony recording (in German). You can also find this recording on iTunes. I will let you know if we find one in English.

Please remember to use the MIDI files that are listed on the right side of this blog under Spring Repertoire.

Hope this helps!
Erin

Letter from Temple Presidency

Dear Sister Gray,

As a Temple Presidency we would like to thank you, Sister Larson, Brother Oldroyd and all the choir members for the beautiful presentations at our Temple Devotional. The choir brought a strong spirit to the devotional as no spoken word could have brought. I hope many members of the congregation expressed to you, as they did to us, the spiritual experience they enjoyed by your presentations. We appreciate the choirs' willingness to support the Temple.

May the choir continue to touch and uplift our community and the Church. Thanks for your time and effort to that end.

Sincerely,
St. Paul MN Temple Presidency

Change in Concert Dates

I received a message from Loren Squires saying that the dates he originally gave me for the spring concert were incorrect. Here are the new dates/times:

Fri – Apr 30, 7:30 PM
New Brighton, FREE ADMISSION

Sat – May 1, 7:30 PM
Concert St. Mark’s in Shakopee, Tickets Required

Sat – May 8, 7:30 PM
Concert All Saints Catholic Church in Lakeville, Tickets Required

Click HERE for a Spring 2010 Calendar and Member's Guide

Welcome Back!!!

Happy New Year everyone!

Welcome back!!! Yes, it's time to begin a new semester! A very exciting semester indeed!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! We traveled to North Carolina and had a blast with my family. Ate great barbecue, hush puppies, fried turkey, the works! I need a good rehearsal to start working off what I gained over the holidays! YIKES! :)

We need a few things from each of you:

1. Please let me know by Wednesday evening if you are NOT singing with us this semester. If I don't hear from you, I'll assume you ARE returning. We have several women who are auditioning for the chorale this week so we need to know how many we can accept. There are are only a few men who will be auditioning so please help us get the word out! :)

2. Please check rehearsal/performance dates in the member's guide to make sure you will be available (the rehearsal calendar will be posted tonight). If there is a conflict, please let me know RIGHT AWAY so we can determine if you should sing or wait until next semester. Thanks.

3. Bring your black folders this Thursday, a bottle of water and your pencil. You will receive the music for the fireside only. You will receive the music for the semester next week. This week's rehearsal will be quite busy...please arrive before 7:00 so we can begin on time with everyone present. Thanks! :)

4. If you have a yellow "Choir Book" published by the church, please bring it with you.

5. This event is open to men who are not members of the chorale. If you know of a good male singer who can learn this music in one evening (like the rest of us!), please invite them and let me know. Thanks.

We're singing two pieces for the 10th Anniversary Fireside of the Temple Dedication:
1. "Come O Thou King of Kings" with Organ 4 hands
2. "Hosannah Anthem" from the "Choir Book"

Dates/Times:
1. Thursday - January 7th, 7:00 - 9:00 PM - St. Paul Stake Center in New Brighton - Rehearsal with MMC
2. Saturday - January 9th, 6:00 PM Call Time, Fireside begins at 7:00 PM - Oakdale Stake Center by temple - Concert dress - Spouses or significant others are welcome to attend!!!

I'm excited to see you all again and am looking forward to a very exciting and fun semester!!!

Warmest regards,
Erin

Concert tonight at Meadowood Shores

Thank you all so much for the wonderful concerts you gave on Saturday. For me, it was one of the greatest experiences with the choir so far! You sang beautifully and with great emotion....the spirit there was incredible! Thank you!

Just a reminder to meet at Meadowood Shores tonight at 7:00 PM. We will be singing everything on the program except "O Come O Come Emmanuel". We will even try to sneak in "Nutcracker Jingles" as a fun piece. Don't forget your Christmas sweaters!!! Families are welcome! Friends too! :)

Directions:
1. Go north on Silver Lake Road from 694.
2. Pass Rice Creek Road
3. Turn left after Taco John's (there is a white sign with green letters that says, "Meadowood Shores".)
4. Go straight until you see the three story building. There should be enough parking for everyone. If not, you can park at Snyders.

Meadowood Shores
2100 Silver Lake Road Northwest, New Brighton, MN 55112
(651) 604-2900‎

See you tonight!