Just a reminder that you have three ways to keep up with the Chorale schedule throughout the season:
1) Philip's Google Calendar available on this blog
2) The posted calendar on the website under "Member Info"
3) The printable PDF version of the website calendar via link on the calendar page
Don't let things slip up on you... be sure and check the calendar periodically!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Want to Serve on the Chorale Board?
Please note that at our next rehearsal we will elect new members for the Chorale Board of Directors. If you would like to be considered for a Board position, please read the information on page 10 of the Chorale handbook at: http://www.concertchorale.org/addendum/handbook_6-08.PDF
and then email Board President Dan Bell at dbell35068@netzero.net and let him know of your interest. Dan will also need a short biography if you decide to run. Please contact him by next week so we can prepare properly for the election.
If you're interested in the Haydn Festival later this concert season, a cleaner color version of the brochure is posted on the website at: http://www.concertchorale.org/addendum/archives/haydn2009.PDF
and then email Board President Dan Bell at dbell35068@netzero.net and let him know of your interest. Dan will also need a short biography if you decide to run. Please contact him by next week so we can prepare properly for the election.
If you're interested in the Haydn Festival later this concert season, a cleaner color version of the brochure is posted on the website at: http://www.concertchorale.org/addendum/archives/haydn2009.PDF
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
October Concert
BCC,
I just added the October Concert date on the Google Calendar.
It's on Friday, October 17 and we'll be joining the UAB Choirs in their Fall Concert. It will start at 8:00 and last about an hour.
We'll sing:
Hosanna to the Son of David (Weelkes)
Bogoroditse Devo (Rachmaninoff)
I Thank You, Jesus (Morris)
I anticipate us gathering at 7:00 and beginning the concert.
I just added the October Concert date on the Google Calendar.
It's on Friday, October 17 and we'll be joining the UAB Choirs in their Fall Concert. It will start at 8:00 and last about an hour.
We'll sing:
Hosanna to the Son of David (Weelkes)
Bogoroditse Devo (Rachmaninoff)
I Thank You, Jesus (Morris)
I anticipate us gathering at 7:00 and beginning the concert.
Rehearsal and Haydn Festival
Folks,
Great rehearsal last night.
It was musically satisfying and fun. I appreciate your hard work in sectionals and the new piece, "I Thank You Jesus."
Terre Johnson announced last night that it was still possible to go on the Haydn International Festival trip this coming summer. More information here.
What I was most pleased with last night was the fellowship time after rehearsal. I appreciate you staying around and meeting all the new people. Many thanks to those who brought food and made the social event possible.
plc
Great rehearsal last night.
It was musically satisfying and fun. I appreciate your hard work in sectionals and the new piece, "I Thank You Jesus."
Terre Johnson announced last night that it was still possible to go on the Haydn International Festival trip this coming summer. More information here.
What I was most pleased with last night was the fellowship time after rehearsal. I appreciate you staying around and meeting all the new people. Many thanks to those who brought food and made the social event possible.
plc
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Mentioned in Huebner's column
This in today's paper:
OPERA, CHORALE SEARCHING FOR FINE VOICES
Philip Copeland, Birmingham Concert Chorale's new music director, heard 31 singers on Aug. 11, which he described on his blog (http://concertchorale.blogspot.com/) as "extremely high quality for the most part." But don't despair if you missed the first chance to sing "Messiah," "Carmina Burana" and Beethoven's Ninth with Alabama Symphony's official chorus in 2008-09. More auditions are scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday and Sept. 9 at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, 2200 Briarwood Way. Auditioners must be able to read music. For details, check out the blog and BCC's Web site, http://www.concertchorale.org. To schedule a time, e-mail philip.copeland@gmail.com.
OPERA, CHORALE SEARCHING FOR FINE VOICES
Philip Copeland, Birmingham Concert Chorale's new music director, heard 31 singers on Aug. 11, which he described on his blog (http://concertchorale.blogspot.com/) as "extremely high quality for the most part." But don't despair if you missed the first chance to sing "Messiah," "Carmina Burana" and Beethoven's Ninth with Alabama Symphony's official chorus in 2008-09. More auditions are scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday and Sept. 9 at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, 2200 Briarwood Way. Auditioners must be able to read music. For details, check out the blog and BCC's Web site, http://www.concertchorale.org. To schedule a time, e-mail philip.copeland@gmail.com.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Membership Chair Request
If you are going to miss a rehearsal, please send an email to our Membership Chairperson, Vicky Carstens at carstensv@yahoo.com . This will help Vicky immensely in the task of keeping up with our attendance.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Contribution Announcement
Dan Bell, President of the BCC, announced today a $2000 donation to the Chorale from EBSCO Industries. EBSCO is known for their support of the arts in the Birmingham area and they also helped support the BCC last year. A big "thank-you" goes to EBSCO Industries for their continued support of the BCC.
Remember that the Chorale relies heavily on tax-deductable gifts from our supporters, both individuals and businesses. Many businesses also offer matching funds on charitable giving by their employees, so please consider a tax-deductable donation to the BCC, and check with your employer about matching funds, too.
The Chorale is looking to be a strong musical performer this season; help keep it strong financially, as well.
Our mailing address is:
Birmingham Concert Chorale
P. O. Box 26441
Birmingham, AL 35260-0441
Remember that the Chorale relies heavily on tax-deductable gifts from our supporters, both individuals and businesses. Many businesses also offer matching funds on charitable giving by their employees, so please consider a tax-deductable donation to the BCC, and check with your employer about matching funds, too.
The Chorale is looking to be a strong musical performer this season; help keep it strong financially, as well.
Our mailing address is:
Birmingham Concert Chorale
P. O. Box 26441
Birmingham, AL 35260-0441
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
First rehearsal
Tremendous first rehearsal, everyone.
A few notes:
1. Some have asked for the power point presentation I did. Microsoft Powerpoint 2007 version here. Microsoft Powerpoint 2003 version here.
2. Link to Robert Shaw's recording of the Rachmaninoff piece we did is here.
A few notes:
1. Some have asked for the power point presentation I did. Microsoft Powerpoint 2007 version here. Microsoft Powerpoint 2003 version here.
2. Link to Robert Shaw's recording of the Rachmaninoff piece we did is here.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Messiah 2008
Conductor Raymond Leppard will lead is in the 2008 MessiahHere's a link to his recording of the work.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Greetings, potential BCC members
A few potential singers might be checking out this blog today.
Welcome! Please look at these previous posts if you are interested in joining us:
1. How to audition.
2. Where to audition - directions to Briarwood.
3. Where to go when you get to Briarwood Presbyterian.
4. How to pre-register as a prelude to joining the group.
5. Letter from BCC President Dan Bell concerning the new year.
That's it! Please consider joining us.
Welcome! Please look at these previous posts if you are interested in joining us:
1. How to audition.
2. Where to audition - directions to Briarwood.
3. Where to go when you get to Briarwood Presbyterian.
4. How to pre-register as a prelude to joining the group.
5. Letter from BCC President Dan Bell concerning the new year.
That's it! Please consider joining us.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Registration Form
Greetings, Birmingham Concert Chorale!
We're going to try to speed up registration with this online form. Please fill it out here:
We're going to try to speed up registration with this online form. Please fill it out here:
Audition Results
I'm pleased to report that I have auditioned a total of 31 people so far for the Birmingham Concert Chorale.
None of these people sang with the choir last year and only a few are returning singers from past years. The auditions have been of extremely high quality for the most part and it's gotten me very excited about the potential for the group.
I credit the interest to the two-week long advertisement on WBHM . . . we've gotten tons of calls from that. I've also received a number of calls from people that read Birmingham Parent.
More auditions are scheduled before rehearsal begins on Monday, August 18. It's going to be an incredible year of singing.
None of these people sang with the choir last year and only a few are returning singers from past years. The auditions have been of extremely high quality for the most part and it's gotten me very excited about the potential for the group.
I credit the interest to the two-week long advertisement on WBHM . . . we've gotten tons of calls from that. I've also received a number of calls from people that read Birmingham Parent.
More auditions are scheduled before rehearsal begins on Monday, August 18. It's going to be an incredible year of singing.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Auditions tonight
Here's the information I just sent to those auditioning tonight:
Greetings, fellow musicians!
I wanted to give remind you of the schedule and give you directions for the evening.
Here are the directions to Briarwood Presbyterian, using Google Maps.
Once you get to the church, follow these directions to get to the choir room:
1. Keep to the right when you turn to get on the campus at Briarwood Presbyterian.
2. Park in the big parking lot to the right.
3. Look for the entrance labeled with a large M.
4. Once you enter, look for stairs or an elevator go get you to the second floor.
5. Turn left once you get to the second floor.
6. Look for signs directing you to the choir room.
Remember, here's what the audition will be like. Don't worry.
Here's the schedule for the auditions tonight. It looks like a great crowd and promises a wonderful beginning to the season.
5:00:00 M. Bicknell
5:10:00 W. Fischer
5:20:00 OPEN
5:30:00 F.Black
5:40:00 X. Roberson
5:50:00 E. Jackson
6:00:00 S. Olm
WORK IN J. DeGarmo
6:10:00 D. Hackman
6:20:00 M. Martin
6:30:00 N. Merrow
6:40:00 P. Pleasant
6:50:00 H. Rushing
7:00:00 B. Walker
7:10:00 T. Uptain
7:20:00 J. Griffin
7:30:00 M. McDowell
7:40:00 M. Higginbotham
7:50:00 M. Tolliver
8:00:00 F. Smith
8:10:00 E. Files
8:20:00 S. Crawford
8:30:00 M. Bittle
8:40:00 F. Piazza
8:50:00 C. Giddings
9:00:00 E. Chick
9:10:00 Husband Chick
Greetings, fellow musicians!
I wanted to give remind you of the schedule and give you directions for the evening.
Here are the directions to Briarwood Presbyterian, using Google Maps.
Once you get to the church, follow these directions to get to the choir room:
1. Keep to the right when you turn to get on the campus at Briarwood Presbyterian.
2. Park in the big parking lot to the right.
3. Look for the entrance labeled with a large M.
4. Once you enter, look for stairs or an elevator go get you to the second floor.
5. Turn left once you get to the second floor.
6. Look for signs directing you to the choir room.
Remember, here's what the audition will be like. Don't worry.
Here's the schedule for the auditions tonight. It looks like a great crowd and promises a wonderful beginning to the season.
5:00:00 M. Bicknell
5:10:00 W. Fischer
5:20:00 OPEN
5:30:00 F.Black
5:40:00 X. Roberson
5:50:00 E. Jackson
6:00:00 S. Olm
WORK IN J. DeGarmo
6:10:00 D. Hackman
6:20:00 M. Martin
6:30:00 N. Merrow
6:40:00 P. Pleasant
6:50:00 H. Rushing
7:00:00 B. Walker
7:10:00 T. Uptain
7:20:00 J. Griffin
7:30:00 M. McDowell
7:40:00 M. Higginbotham
7:50:00 M. Tolliver
8:00:00 F. Smith
8:10:00 E. Files
8:20:00 S. Crawford
8:30:00 M. Bittle
8:40:00 F. Piazza
8:50:00 C. Giddings
9:00:00 E. Chick
9:10:00 Husband Chick
Thursday, August 7, 2008
A New Season Begins - from Dan Bell
Dear BCC Membership,
I hope you've had a restful summer and are ready to get back to making music! Registration for the new BCC season will be August 18 beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the "glass room" at Briarwood Presbyterian Church on the second floor immediately to the right of the stairs. Please arrive early to register so rehearsal can begin at 7:00 p.m.
The BCC Board met August 4 and determined rising costs in maintaining the Chorale will require dues for the upcoming season to be raised to $80. Keep in mind that the director's salary has been raised and although we expect to obtain some funding from the ASO, we still have to cover our costs. You will have the option of paying the entire amount at registration or may elect to pay half ($40) that evening with the balance due by November 3.
We will be using online computers to facilitate registration this year, so you will only need to verify your information, purchase (if needed) a new Messiah score for $10, pick up your additional music (no charge) and pay your dues. In future seasons we hope members will be able to register online prior to the first rehearsal.
Please take a few moments and review our updated Member Handbook at this link on our website: www.concertchorale.org/addendum/handbook_6-08.PDF, also available on the Member Info page. Remember, when you are paying your dues you are agreeing to abide by the guidelines set forth in the Handbook and it's your responsibility to know them.
At our first rehearsal we will welcome our new director, Philip Copeland, and he will take a few minutes to discuss his exciting plans for the BCC. In the short time Philip has been our director, I have had several conversations with him and can tell you he has some wonderful ideas. For one, we want to minimize our use of paper in communications. Those of you that have recently visited www.concertchorale.org will note we now have a Chorale blog found on the Member Info page also accessible at http://concertchorale.blogspot.com/ . Philip intends to use the blog and a Google calendar to communicate on a regular basis with the membership. I know to some this may sound a little techie, but Philip will explain it all in detail and assist those who may have questions. It is an excellent way to keep us up-to-date and maximize rehearsal time for singing rather than lengthy announcements. The more familiar schedule format is still maintained and available 24/7 at the website in both web format and a printable PDF for those who like to keep a hard copy handy.
At our second rehearsal (August 25) we will have a social for our membership (food!) during an extended break. We are expecting 25-30 new members this season, and ask for "old-timers" to be sure and take time to welcome the newcomers. Make it a point to meet someone new every week... it's a great way to build the team!
We also have 3-4 positions coming open on the Chorale Board for the upcoming season. Details regarding serving on the Board are described in the Member Handbook. If you are interested in serving, please respond back to us via email at concertchorale@yahoo.com . We will have an election for new board members before the next board meeting (September 8), so please let us know of your interest as soon as possible.
Many exciting things are in the works with the BCC. Philip and your Board have some great ideas to strengthen and encourage our membership. For starters, keep an open mind regarding alternative concerts. We are now looking at a possible fall concert with UAB that would include a portion of Carmina Burana. We are also exploring a spring "thank you concert" for Briarwood Presbyterian Church. We need to show our appreciation to Briarwood for the use of their wonderful facilities year after year. Both of these will be added to our schedule if and when confirmed.
Our relationship with the ASO continues to improve. Those who attended the BCC director's audition noticed that both Justin Brown AND Christopher Confessore were present. I think that speaks very well of the ASO's interest in the BCC. Justin and the ASO simply want the BCC to be the best we can be. The ASO also has a new Executive Director, Curt Long. Curt was the Executive Director for the Dayton Symphony Orchestra for 14 years. Philip and I recently met with Curt and discussed how the ASO and BCC can work best together. Curt was very clear in his goals to improve the ASO for both the short and long term, as well as continuing to strengthen the ASO/BCC ties.
Please allow me to thank each member of the BCC for your hard work and dedication in the past. You are appreciated for faithfully attending rehearsals and performing well at our concerts. I think we are going to have a great season this year and one every member will enjoy.
Thanks for being a part of the BCC. See you August 18!
Dan Bell
Board President
Birmingham Concert Chorale
P.O. Box 26441
Birmingham, AL 35260-0441
I hope you've had a restful summer and are ready to get back to making music! Registration for the new BCC season will be August 18 beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the "glass room" at Briarwood Presbyterian Church on the second floor immediately to the right of the stairs. Please arrive early to register so rehearsal can begin at 7:00 p.m.
The BCC Board met August 4 and determined rising costs in maintaining the Chorale will require dues for the upcoming season to be raised to $80. Keep in mind that the director's salary has been raised and although we expect to obtain some funding from the ASO, we still have to cover our costs. You will have the option of paying the entire amount at registration or may elect to pay half ($40) that evening with the balance due by November 3.
We will be using online computers to facilitate registration this year, so you will only need to verify your information, purchase (if needed) a new Messiah score for $10, pick up your additional music (no charge) and pay your dues. In future seasons we hope members will be able to register online prior to the first rehearsal.
Please take a few moments and review our updated Member Handbook at this link on our website: www.concertchorale.org/addendum/handbook_6-08.PDF, also available on the Member Info page. Remember, when you are paying your dues you are agreeing to abide by the guidelines set forth in the Handbook and it's your responsibility to know them.
At our first rehearsal we will welcome our new director, Philip Copeland, and he will take a few minutes to discuss his exciting plans for the BCC. In the short time Philip has been our director, I have had several conversations with him and can tell you he has some wonderful ideas. For one, we want to minimize our use of paper in communications. Those of you that have recently visited www.concertchorale.org will note we now have a Chorale blog found on the Member Info page also accessible at http://concertchorale.blogspot.com/ . Philip intends to use the blog and a Google calendar to communicate on a regular basis with the membership. I know to some this may sound a little techie, but Philip will explain it all in detail and assist those who may have questions. It is an excellent way to keep us up-to-date and maximize rehearsal time for singing rather than lengthy announcements. The more familiar schedule format is still maintained and available 24/7 at the website in both web format and a printable PDF for those who like to keep a hard copy handy.
At our second rehearsal (August 25) we will have a social for our membership (food!) during an extended break. We are expecting 25-30 new members this season, and ask for "old-timers" to be sure and take time to welcome the newcomers. Make it a point to meet someone new every week... it's a great way to build the team!
We also have 3-4 positions coming open on the Chorale Board for the upcoming season. Details regarding serving on the Board are described in the Member Handbook. If you are interested in serving, please respond back to us via email at concertchorale@yahoo.com . We will have an election for new board members before the next board meeting (September 8), so please let us know of your interest as soon as possible.
Many exciting things are in the works with the BCC. Philip and your Board have some great ideas to strengthen and encourage our membership. For starters, keep an open mind regarding alternative concerts. We are now looking at a possible fall concert with UAB that would include a portion of Carmina Burana. We are also exploring a spring "thank you concert" for Briarwood Presbyterian Church. We need to show our appreciation to Briarwood for the use of their wonderful facilities year after year. Both of these will be added to our schedule if and when confirmed.
Our relationship with the ASO continues to improve. Those who attended the BCC director's audition noticed that both Justin Brown AND Christopher Confessore were present. I think that speaks very well of the ASO's interest in the BCC. Justin and the ASO simply want the BCC to be the best we can be. The ASO also has a new Executive Director, Curt Long. Curt was the Executive Director for the Dayton Symphony Orchestra for 14 years. Philip and I recently met with Curt and discussed how the ASO and BCC can work best together. Curt was very clear in his goals to improve the ASO for both the short and long term, as well as continuing to strengthen the ASO/BCC ties.
Please allow me to thank each member of the BCC for your hard work and dedication in the past. You are appreciated for faithfully attending rehearsals and performing well at our concerts. I think we are going to have a great season this year and one every member will enjoy.
Thanks for being a part of the BCC. See you August 18!
Dan Bell
Board President
Birmingham Concert Chorale
P.O. Box 26441
Birmingham, AL 35260-0441
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