Normally I take Wednesday evening off from writing in my blog. However, we received some incredible news today - well incredible news for my son.
Mr. Engels, their high school choir director that led them to a sweep at competition, emailed parents today to let them know that the choir had been invited to a special invitation only competition next year in New York City. Of course, the cost of the trip is three times the norm so he sent the email to gauge parental response.
I say GO FOR IT!
What an incredible honor to be chosen for such a premier event. What an awesome city to experience the greatest that music and the arts have to offer. The trip will be five total days with an opportunity to visit Juilliard, the Metropolitan Opera House, rehearse at the historic Riverside Church and perform at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine. What's not to like???
By that time I'll hopefully have a job. Somehow we'll make it happen. Hey, he's going to Europe this summer so New York should be a whole heck of alot easier.
Regardless, I'm thrilled that they were recognized so highly to be given this honor. That alone should make them proud.
Next year - NEW YORK.
Showing posts with label choirs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label choirs. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Gettin' Interesting
Tonight was the final play rehearsal before adding the choir. They'll come in next week.
This might just get interesting.
There's all sorts of music cues and timing issues that have to be spot on. Of course, we haven't had the opportunity to work out any kinks. That's where Monday comes into play. Rehearsal is only supposed to last for two hours. I've a feeling it could go a bit long.
Those of us in the cast know just how important bringing the two components together is going to be. Don't think those in the choir have a CLUE! Plus once the sets go up we won't be able to cheat and watch each other. That's for the tech crew to worry about when they come in the following rehearsals for production week.
It may be dicey. It may not be pretty. But you know what? Every single play or musical I've ever been in, no matter how bad it may have been right up to performance, has always turned out just fine.
There's always a first time for everything though!
This might just get interesting.
There's all sorts of music cues and timing issues that have to be spot on. Of course, we haven't had the opportunity to work out any kinks. That's where Monday comes into play. Rehearsal is only supposed to last for two hours. I've a feeling it could go a bit long.
Those of us in the cast know just how important bringing the two components together is going to be. Don't think those in the choir have a CLUE! Plus once the sets go up we won't be able to cheat and watch each other. That's for the tech crew to worry about when they come in the following rehearsals for production week.
It may be dicey. It may not be pretty. But you know what? Every single play or musical I've ever been in, no matter how bad it may have been right up to performance, has always turned out just fine.
There's always a first time for everything though!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Giving In Return
It sure feels wonderful to have the opportunity to give back to those who give so much of themselves.
My church participates and hosts an annual event every year for Shepherd's Fold Ministries. It's a ministry that ministers to ministers.
Confused yet?
A pastor of one of the churches in our community started an organization ten years ago this year when he retired from his pastorate. The purpose was to provide a safe haven, a retreat for area pastors to get away with their families and spend time with other pastors to strengthen one another and support each other. The life of a pastor is one that makes it hard to make friends - REAL friends who will listen when they have frustrations, hurts, and doubts just like the rest of us do. Sometimes people in the church are best at eating and spitting out their own.
Who better to talk to about and understand what a pastor is going through than another pastor.
The ministry pays to bring in pastors from all over the state who need nourishment for their own souls and time with their own families. Our church provides the space for their conference time and then one evening our choir and orchestra gather members from other choirs and orchestras from other surrounding churches who wish to participate and we sing and play and lift up these pastors in worship.
We get to minister to the ministers.
Started out reaching pastors in Kansas. This year they brought in some pastors from Missouri too. They hope to reach pastors in other surrounding states eventually.
In all my years participating in our choir, I've never been available to be involved in this event. Priorities have to be set and I've made critique group my Thursday night priority since rejoining the choir. But since I took a break from critique for the play, I thought about doing it this year. This would be my one and only opportunity to actually participate in giving back. Only thing is that being away from home Monday night, Tuesday night, and Wednesday night I knew I'd be exhausted come Thursday.
Wasn't planning to participate then. But then our drama director for the play told us she had to be out of town this past Monday night. That left Monday for relaxing at home. That would leave me open to consider Thursday.
The door was open. I walked through it. Sure glad I did. Yes, I'm absolutely spent this evening after arriving home. Can hardly keep my eyes open sitting here writing for my blog. But my heart is full.
And I thought I gave it all away tonight too. Guess that's what is so wonderful about giving - you always get something back in return.
My church participates and hosts an annual event every year for Shepherd's Fold Ministries. It's a ministry that ministers to ministers.
Confused yet?
A pastor of one of the churches in our community started an organization ten years ago this year when he retired from his pastorate. The purpose was to provide a safe haven, a retreat for area pastors to get away with their families and spend time with other pastors to strengthen one another and support each other. The life of a pastor is one that makes it hard to make friends - REAL friends who will listen when they have frustrations, hurts, and doubts just like the rest of us do. Sometimes people in the church are best at eating and spitting out their own.
Who better to talk to about and understand what a pastor is going through than another pastor.
The ministry pays to bring in pastors from all over the state who need nourishment for their own souls and time with their own families. Our church provides the space for their conference time and then one evening our choir and orchestra gather members from other choirs and orchestras from other surrounding churches who wish to participate and we sing and play and lift up these pastors in worship.
We get to minister to the ministers.
Started out reaching pastors in Kansas. This year they brought in some pastors from Missouri too. They hope to reach pastors in other surrounding states eventually.
In all my years participating in our choir, I've never been available to be involved in this event. Priorities have to be set and I've made critique group my Thursday night priority since rejoining the choir. But since I took a break from critique for the play, I thought about doing it this year. This would be my one and only opportunity to actually participate in giving back. Only thing is that being away from home Monday night, Tuesday night, and Wednesday night I knew I'd be exhausted come Thursday.
Wasn't planning to participate then. But then our drama director for the play told us she had to be out of town this past Monday night. That left Monday for relaxing at home. That would leave me open to consider Thursday.
The door was open. I walked through it. Sure glad I did. Yes, I'm absolutely spent this evening after arriving home. Can hardly keep my eyes open sitting here writing for my blog. But my heart is full.
And I thought I gave it all away tonight too. Guess that's what is so wonderful about giving - you always get something back in return.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.
Tonight was my son's first choir performance of his sophomore year.
If I may use an 80's lingo - it was AWESOME!
One of the numbers his class did just about brought down the house. They sang "Do You Love Me" and at the beginning my son had a speaking solo part. He rocked it out. It was completely obvious that he had fun with that one.
Alot of the music they did was from the 80's era - I loved every minute of it! So up my alley, as well as alot of other parents too, I'm sure. They did "Freeze Frame" a song I'd completely forgotten about. They jazzed it up with these glow in the dark gloves and these big glow-in-the-dark rubber bands that they had attached to their hands and feet and they framed themselves in it. Totally cool (totally!).
Sorry, I just had a Valley Girl moment there.
The newer parents were just in awe of the performance. I told some of them to wait until the end of the year review. That will completely knock their socks off.
Mr. Engels, once again you have completely outdone yourself.
I can hardly wait to see what's next!
If I may use an 80's lingo - it was AWESOME!
One of the numbers his class did just about brought down the house. They sang "Do You Love Me" and at the beginning my son had a speaking solo part. He rocked it out. It was completely obvious that he had fun with that one.
Alot of the music they did was from the 80's era - I loved every minute of it! So up my alley, as well as alot of other parents too, I'm sure. They did "Freeze Frame" a song I'd completely forgotten about. They jazzed it up with these glow in the dark gloves and these big glow-in-the-dark rubber bands that they had attached to their hands and feet and they framed themselves in it. Totally cool (totally!).
Sorry, I just had a Valley Girl moment there.
The newer parents were just in awe of the performance. I told some of them to wait until the end of the year review. That will completely knock their socks off.
Mr. Engels, once again you have completely outdone yourself.
I can hardly wait to see what's next!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Raising the Rafters
Ah, Wednesdays are back!
We started back to choir again this evening. Typically our church shuts down for the month of July since so many people are out on vacation this time of the year. Classes are not in session, youth activities are out the window (there's camps though), and choir takes a well-deserved hiatus...more like a breather.
That's a singer's joke.
The hiatus starts out well and good. We're usually gone that first Sunday in July anyway because of Indy Day and vacation week. Second Sunday I'm enjoying the view from the pew. By the third Sunday I'm thinking the break was good, but I'm ready to sing again. We're not even going to talk about what I'm like by the fourth Sunday. Needless to say they have to hog-tie me to a pew to keep me from raiding the choir loft and singing solo.
It gets pretty ugly for a musician who can't make some music.
So the big opening practice for August is soooooo great (a bit early this year, but who's complaining?). The lungs are ready and willing and the vocal cords feel like they've got webbing growing on them, but by the second song we're belting out the choruses and raising the rafters.
I'm a soprano, can't you tell?
Most of my family has confirmed they're visiting for Thanksgiving this year. I'm hoping I can convince them to all hang around at least until after church on Sunday. It would make me so proud to take up a couple of pews and show off my entire clan. Then we can ALL belt it out together and become our own little family choir.
Just hope we don't scare the pastor away.
We started back to choir again this evening. Typically our church shuts down for the month of July since so many people are out on vacation this time of the year. Classes are not in session, youth activities are out the window (there's camps though), and choir takes a well-deserved hiatus...more like a breather.
That's a singer's joke.
The hiatus starts out well and good. We're usually gone that first Sunday in July anyway because of Indy Day and vacation week. Second Sunday I'm enjoying the view from the pew. By the third Sunday I'm thinking the break was good, but I'm ready to sing again. We're not even going to talk about what I'm like by the fourth Sunday. Needless to say they have to hog-tie me to a pew to keep me from raiding the choir loft and singing solo.
It gets pretty ugly for a musician who can't make some music.
So the big opening practice for August is soooooo great (a bit early this year, but who's complaining?). The lungs are ready and willing and the vocal cords feel like they've got webbing growing on them, but by the second song we're belting out the choruses and raising the rafters.
I'm a soprano, can't you tell?
Most of my family has confirmed they're visiting for Thanksgiving this year. I'm hoping I can convince them to all hang around at least until after church on Sunday. It would make me so proud to take up a couple of pews and show off my entire clan. Then we can ALL belt it out together and become our own little family choir.
Just hope we don't scare the pastor away.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Going Out With A Bang
Tonight is my son's huge end-of-the-year choir performance.
He just informed me this morning that he has to have a blue shirt and an orange shirt for the performance. They'll have their official shirt also - that's three shirts for one performance. I'm just happy he already has said colors of shirts. My thoughts and prayers go out to other parents who are currently tearing through stores looking for an orange shirt. It can't be a pretty sight - trust me, I've been there. My son is the king of last minute surprises. Can't tell you how many times we've been on the way to school only to have him pipe up:
"Oh, Mom - I need posterboard for a project today."
"Oh, Mom - I need five bucks today for the school play."
"Oh, Mom - do you happen to have a dozen cookies lying around unattended at this very moment?"
But I digress.
The dancing portion hasn't thrilled him. This will be their only performance where everyone will participate in the dancing sequences, which is probably why they aren't wearing their tuxes. After rehearsals this week, he's complained about his poor knees. I can see why. One currently sports a nasty bruise. I remember the days of grinning and bearing it myself. I told him it didn't look like it'd have to be amputated anytime soon. He'll survive.
His grandparents are making a special trip to town today. I'm thrilled that they're putting themselves out on a Thursday to make him feel special.
I've no doubt this performance will live up to our expectations.
He just informed me this morning that he has to have a blue shirt and an orange shirt for the performance. They'll have their official shirt also - that's three shirts for one performance. I'm just happy he already has said colors of shirts. My thoughts and prayers go out to other parents who are currently tearing through stores looking for an orange shirt. It can't be a pretty sight - trust me, I've been there. My son is the king of last minute surprises. Can't tell you how many times we've been on the way to school only to have him pipe up:
"Oh, Mom - I need posterboard for a project today."
"Oh, Mom - I need five bucks today for the school play."
"Oh, Mom - do you happen to have a dozen cookies lying around unattended at this very moment?"
But I digress.
The dancing portion hasn't thrilled him. This will be their only performance where everyone will participate in the dancing sequences, which is probably why they aren't wearing their tuxes. After rehearsals this week, he's complained about his poor knees. I can see why. One currently sports a nasty bruise. I remember the days of grinning and bearing it myself. I told him it didn't look like it'd have to be amputated anytime soon. He'll survive.
His grandparents are making a special trip to town today. I'm thrilled that they're putting themselves out on a Thursday to make him feel special.
I've no doubt this performance will live up to our expectations.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Floating on Cloud Nine
The good news just keeps coming! I'm floating on cloud nine right now.
My son just received wonderful news tonight. Unbeknownst to him, his choir instructor at school nominated him for the Ambassadors of Music. In the mail this evening he had a letter awaiting him with the notification and invitation to be a part of the 2009 European tour with this special, invitation only group of 300 fellow choir members. I almost fell out of the car. Needless to say, he's surprised and completely looking forward to this.
It will be a sixteen-day jaunt across seven European countries - England, France, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Italy. They'll sing in cathedrals hundreds of years old, see sights that some people only dream of their entire lives. This is an enormous honor. There's no way I could let him miss this incredible opportunity.
I'm just glad I have a year to pay for it.
My son just received wonderful news tonight. Unbeknownst to him, his choir instructor at school nominated him for the Ambassadors of Music. In the mail this evening he had a letter awaiting him with the notification and invitation to be a part of the 2009 European tour with this special, invitation only group of 300 fellow choir members. I almost fell out of the car. Needless to say, he's surprised and completely looking forward to this.
It will be a sixteen-day jaunt across seven European countries - England, France, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Italy. They'll sing in cathedrals hundreds of years old, see sights that some people only dream of their entire lives. This is an enormous honor. There's no way I could let him miss this incredible opportunity.
I'm just glad I have a year to pay for it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)