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