Another Internet Site With Free Access to Messiah MIDI Files

CyberBass is another internet site with Messiah MIDI files for easy practicing.  It has all of the choruses, but not solos.  You can select which song and which vocal part you want played.  The other parts will be played softly in the background.  You use the player embedded right on the website.  It gives you the capability to change tempo and play around with balance among the parts.  The files are not downloadable, so have your score ready to practice at your computer.

Thanks Becky R. for this discovery!

I am including links to Messiah MIDI file websites, as well as other interesting Messiah websites, on the "Messiah Links" list on the sidebar of the blog for future reference.  Feel free to recommend interesting sites you've found, by way of comment to a post or by using the comment form under "Contact Us."

by Sara

Choir Solo Auditions This Week and Rehearsal Info

Solo auditions will be held this Thursday, Sept.30th, at 5:00 p.m. on the DMS stage.  More solo information

Sara will accompany the auditions, so you don't need to find your own accompanist.  However, if you've already engaged one, that is o.k. too.

Choir rehearsal will run from 6:00 - 7:00.  We hope you will stay to watch the orchestra's fall concert of Irish music at 7:00.  They are hosting a reception after so they can meet the choir members.

If you've missed rehearsals, spend some time with your notes on these 6 songs:

• #12 For Unto Us - A to E plus all melismas
• #24 Surely He Hath Borne - whole song
• #25 And with His Stripes -  whole song
• #26 All We Like Sheep - Beginning to E
• #44 Hallelujah - B to E
• #53 Worthy Is the Lamb - B to D

by Sara

From Ireland's Shores - Orchestra Concert Sept. 30, 2010

The Evanston Civic Orchestra will present their fall concert, From Ireland's Shores, on Thursday, September 30th at 7:00 p.m. in the Davis Middle School auditorium.  Joining the orchestra for this exciting Irish music event are two local groups, Celtic Mist and the Evanston Irish Session Ensemble.

Admission is free and the orchestra is sponsoring a reception following the concert.

This event is a great opportunity for Messiah Choir members to see and hear the orchestra they will be performing with in December, and to meet them after.

Bring a plate of cookies to share if you want.  Or just come!

by Sara

Free Access to online MIDI files of Messiah - Great for Practice!

Bot Productions has sequenced all of Handel's Messiah and made the MIDI files available on the internet.  Here is the link:  Messiah MIDI files

When you play the files on a regular player, such as Windows Media Player or Quick Time Player, you are very limited in what you can do with them.  You might want to download the free Melody Player, which allows you to change the volume of the different channels and adjust the tempo.  This would be a great way to isolate your part but still hear it in context, while practicing at a comfortable tempo.  It is great for Choruses and Solos!

Thanks to Jonathan for discovering these resources for us!

by Sara

Choir Rehearsals in Full Swing!

We are now two weeks into rehearsals, and I can tell already that we are going to have a fabulous experience.  Welcome to everyone who is singing with us, and a special welcome if you are singing Messiah for the first time in Evanston, or for the first time ever.  We also have a few people joining us from out of town.  Thanks for your dedication and the extra effort involved to be with us!  New members are still welcome through the end of September.  Please communicate with Ryan regarding your rehearsal conflicts.  

In rehearsal this week we did some detailed sectional work on notes and rhythms in several songs:

• #12 For Unto Us - melismas
• #24 Surely He Hath Borne - A to the end (legato section)
• #25 And with His Stripes -  B to the end 
• #26 All We Like Sheep - Beginning to E
• #44 Hallelujah - B to C
• #53 Worthy Is the Lamb - B to C

Everyone is at a different level of experience in singing Messiah.  Don't ever feel timid about requesting another run-through of your part!  We want everyone to be comfortable and confident with the music.

After sectionals, Ryan worked those songs as a choir, going beyond just correct notes and rhythms to help us make it very musical.  I am particularly enjoying the discussions about text painting, moods and attitudes, accents and stresses, and energy.  Wow!

I think I'll be singing along with my favorite Messiah CD this week.

by Sara

A Great Time at the Community Hymn Sing 2010

Last Sunday we had a good turnout for the Community Hymn Sing at Trinity Lutheran Church.  Ryan North and Steve Fairbanks led the hymns, with Becky Olson, Sara Maisey, and Ryan at the organ and piano.  We sang a variety of hymns originating from 3 different countries: Germany, England, and the U.S.  A couple of my favorites were "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty," and "Abide with Me."  It was interesting to sing familiar text to an unfamiliar tune for a couple of hymns.  One hymn that was very new for me was "Great Is Thy Faithfulness."  Ryan gave us a little background on the hymns.

I was very impressed how everyone sang out, even during the less familiar hymns.  You could hardly tell that some of us were winging it.  More Photos

Halfway through the evening the group organized in sections to sing "Hallelujah" from Handel's Messiah.  That was fun!

After the singing, we enjoyed mingling and refreshments.  Shasta's No-Bake Cookies were yummy!  The evening was all together a great experience.  I hope this becomes a tradition in our community. 

If you were there, feel free to comment and share your impressions. 

by Sara

Community Hymn Sing - Sunday, Sept. 12th

The Evanston Civic Orchestra is sponsoring a Community Hymn Sing this coming Sunday:

September 12th
6:00 p.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church (50 Yellow Creek Rd.)

Join with members of the community to sing favorite hymns as well as "Hallelujah" from Handel's Messiah.  (Bring your vocal score if you have one.)  Refreshments will be served.

The orchestra invites you to bring canned food to donate to The Lord's Storehouse that evening.  They are in real need of donations.