Memorial Day Observance - May 30, 2011

Again this year the Civic Chorus was invited to participate in the Memorial Day Community Observance.  And just like last year it was held in the Roundhouse.  However, this year the organizers set everything up facing a different direction.  So we weren't on the stairs again, or even in the balcony.  They situated the Chorus to the right of the stage, and I think it worked really well.  We were actually standing in several rows instead of strung out in a long line, and I think it helped the ensemble feel.

We had a great turnout from the Chorus, and we sang well.  They even asked us to sing our prelude songs again after the ceremony was over.  Kirk commented, "It was our best performance to date at the Memorial Day service."  I guess we're getting pretty good at this set of songs.


Prelude

• My Country 'Tis of Thee
• America the Beautiful
  

Program

• The Star-Spangled Banner
• Armed Forces medley
• God Bless America

Becca took some great pictures for us!

by Sara

The Arts In Evanston - What's Happening Now!

I've added a new feature to our website on the left sidebar.  It's a list of current Arts events in Evanston.  Any of our readers who want to submit information about events you are involved in or know about may contact me using this form.  I'd like to post information about concerts, plays, art exhibits, and anything else artsy.  I'll send out an occasional post about events, and have everything listed on the website in a central location.

Two concerts coming up:

• Jazz Night, featuring EHS Vocal Jazz and Missalayneous.  Tuesday, May 10th at 7:00 pm in the EHS lobby.  Tickets: $2.00/person or $5.00/family.  Complimentary refreshments served during the show.
• Evanston Civic Orchestra Spring Masterworks.  Saturday, May 7th at 7:00 pm at Kemmerer High School and Saturday, May 14th at 7:00 pm at Davis Middle School in Evanston.  There will be a reception after the May 14th concert.  The concerts are free.  The orchestra will perform works by Schubert, Dvorak, Bruch and Bach. 

Both concerts should be really fun.  The HS Jazz Choirs will perform a variety of Jazz tunes they've worked on since September, including songs they performed at several festivals recently.

Several local musicians will be featured at the Orchestra's concert.  Teenage siblings Bethany and Ben will perform the Bach Double Violin Concerto with the orchestra.  They are very good.  Melissa from Kemmerer will be featured on cello in the Bruch piece.  Her cello playing is absolutely exquisite.  If you need something to fill your soul, this is it.

by Sara

Practice Help - Video and Audio Files

I've added a new feature to the website - a list with links to video/audio files of some of the songs we're currently rehearsing.  The list is found on the Rehearsal Schedule page.

Using these links to practice between rehearsals is a great way to become familiar with the songs through repetition.  It also is a great way to keep up with the group if you miss a rehearsal.

Keep in mind that some of the phrasing and other musical interpretations are different than Kirk wants.  I recommend you make a conscious effort in every sing-through to sing it like he has instructed us, even if you have to ignore what you're hearing at times.  That way you'll form good habits you won't have to break later.  Happy singing!

by Sara