December 19, 2014 #39
COMMUNITY ISSUE
OF THE GHC, HNC, SOUNDINGS & CCLT
CHOIR COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
> QUICK REMINDERS! >
Most events below are also listed in detail on our
Choir Life Calendar

GHC HOLIDAY BREAK
Friday Dec. 19 to Sunday Jan. 4/15
Choir starts up again Monday Jan 5/15

CHRISTMAS DAY SWAT

Dec. 25th, Glad Tidings Church Hall (enter from Caledonia)

Details in the Opportunities To Sing section

NEW YEAR’S DAY WITH DENIS & LANNY

First Metropolitan United Church, Jan. 1st, 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Details in the Community Events Section

GHC IN CONCERT WITH TERESA DOYLE
Full Rehearsal Jan. 29, Concerts Jan 30 & 31
Alix Goolden Hall, see Choir Life: Calendar for timing


For a PDF Version of this week’s issue plus all our archived issues
including last week’s Choir Community Issue please go to:
http://www.gettinhigherchoir.ca/choir_life/newsletters.php

SPECIAL NOTES!!!!!

CONCERT TICKETS

Posters will be available starting as soon as we're back in January. As soon as the poster is done we will get our on-line ticket sales activated.

Tickets will be available at all nights of choir for the entire month on January - as well as in the stores, beginning in early January. (Munro's Books, Ivy's Books, James Bay Book and Coffee and Dig This (Broadmead).

In the meantime anyone who wants tickets for stocking stuffers or gifts can contact Bill at 250-920-4160 (9 to 9 daily) to arrange to pick some up at his home.

GHC “CURRENT SINGERS ONLY” SECTION UPDATE

New Sheet Music and Parts Files for One Sky reflecting the recent changes in the Alto & Tenor lines plus all earlier changes have been posted.

Jo Volek’s full lyric sheet for Tenor Women has been up-dated to include the lyric change in The Old Blue Bridge from "Cowichan ground" to "Lekwungen ground."If you would prefer to print out a pristine new sheet to making a note on your old one help yourself to a replacement.

GHC PRACTICE CDs

I have following extra practice CDs left:

·  1 Alto

·  1 Men Tenor

·  5 Women Tenor

They are available for pick-up at my home on Gorge Rd. near Tillicum. If you would like one call me at 250-920-4160 (9 to 9 daily) to arrange a mutually agreeable pick-up time.

COMMUNITY MEMBER’S SUBMISSIONS

------PLEASE NOTE ------
The appearance of an item in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement
by the GHC of whatever that item offers. The responsibility for each item
rests with the person named in the item’s “Submitted by…” line,
More information on responsibility
------

Using Our Newsletters Submission Guidelines Sections You Can Submit Items To

------

EDITOR’S NOTES & REMINDERS

NEXT NEWSLETTERS

There will be no newsletter on Dec. 26 and the next newsletters will be the:

Jan. 2 Admin Issue

Jan. 9 Community Issue

OPPORTUNITIES TO SING

CHRISTMAS DAY SWAT CONFIRMED AGAIN!
Many of you have participated in the Christmas Spirit Society's dinner when a bunch of us go to sing for the many who are not able to provide a real Holiday dinner for themselves. It's a wonderful way to give back to our community. There will be two sittings, about 1:00 and 3:00 for about 90 minutes each when we'll sing a bit for those gathered. I'll send out more precise details later. The repertoire is a combination of some of our usual "ad hoc" songs as well as familiar Christmas songs and carols. Song-sheets will be provided.
I will need, as usual, confirmations (by email) of all those who are intending to attend so that I can keep in touch about the schedule etc.

~ Denis


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HOME SECTIONAL SCHEDULE

Alto’s @ Mary-Wynne’s ~ Dec. 28th

4915 Prospect Lake Road
Sunday, December 28th at 2:00 pm
Shivon will be leading.

Submitted by Mary-Wynne Ashford Monday/Thursday Alto

Sopranos @ Frances’ ~ Jan 4th

I will host a soprano sectional on Sunday January 4th from 2pm until 3:30. I have room for 20 and Shivon will join us. I will provide tea, coffee and juice. Bring snacks to share for after.
Location: unit 103, 945 McClure St. Buzzer no. 13. Enter McClure St from Vancouver St. http://goo.gl/maps/XtMCw

Contact me at to let me know you will be coming.

Submitted by Frances Strauss Tuesday/Thursday Soprano

Basses @ Bill’s ~ Jan 7th

I am hosting a home sectional for all Basses on January 7th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and Denis will be there to direct us.

The more of us there are the better it will be.

Beverages of choice and snacks to share are welcome. The practice will be followed by a social gathering for those feeling social.

77 Gorge Rd. West, (at Wascana across from Wings ~ # 8 or #11 bus). Follow the signs from the gate. Map: http://www.crucible.ca/home77.jpg Visitor’s parking is available to the left as you enter and there is more down around the big tree at the bottom of the driveway. There are also visitor spaces near each of the other buildings in the complex and on the street parking on the adjacent side streets.

For further information or answers to your questions please contact me at 250-920-4160 (9 to 9) or at

Submitted by: Bill Hanson, multi-night rotating Bass

Would you like to host a home sectional?

During our holiday break or in January?

***** EXTRA PRACTICE! ***** EXTRA SOCIABILITY! ***** POTLUCK? *****

Just pick a date and time that works for you, send a sectional invitation to me to forward your section mates that includes all the pertinent information and I will:

1.  add your sectional to the “Home Sectional Invitations” list in the appropriate issues of the newsletter

2.  add it to our web site’s Choir Life Calendar

3.  email a special advance announcement to everyone in your section (just your night or all nights)

4.  email you a call list of names and phone numbers for members of your section who are not on email

If you want to host a home sectional please call me (Bill) at 920-4160 or email me at


~ Bill


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TAIZÉ ON NEW YEAR´S EVE


Contemplative Eucharist
St Philip Anglican Church
2928 Eastdowne Road at Neil in North Oak Bay
Wednesday, December 31st, 8.30 - 10pm
All are invited tothis beautiful candle-lit service togreet the new year. If you would like the opportunity for more singing, there will be a rehearsal with musicians after Christmas. Email for details.
Submitted by Liz Vickers HNC
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SIGHT SINGING, EAR TRAINING LEVEL 2

with Teodora Georgieva-Gitberg

10 Sundays, January 25, 2015 to April 12, 2015 (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM)
Do you have basic music reading skills but lack confidence? Would you like to brush up on your skills and be more at home when reading new music? Are you interested in developing a deeper understanding of the language of music? Then this series of 10 workshops is definitely for you! Together we will practice reading and writing a variety of music patterns (rhythmic and melodic) to widen our music vocabulary. We will also explore music harmony while singing in a group, and will learn to recognize and appreciate its meaning. The course will combine music theory and practical exercises for development of skills and confidence in discovering the world of music.
Prerequisites: basic music reading skills (major scales, simple rhythm)
Location: MacLaurin Building, UVIC
Instructor: Teodora Georgieva-Gitberg
Expected Class Size: 20
Further info:
http://www.uvcs.uvic.ca/Course/Sight-Singing-Ear-Training-Level-2/ASMU353/
~ Recommended by Shivon

*************************************** QUOTE BREAK ***************************************


I identify three principal ways in which we should value biodiversity. The first falls
squarely into the economic realm. It includes the tangible benefits we can extract
from our environment such as food, raw materials and medicines. The second
benefit is less tangible in the traditional sense, but no less important; this is the

maintenance of the physical environment, in its circulation of gases, chemicals, and

moisture. It relates to the continued health of the global environment, upon which

we and our fellow species depend for survival. The third realm of value is less

tangible still; it is the esthetic pleasure individual humans derive from their

experience of the diversity of life around them. As others have argued, I believe

this goes beyond a merely abstract experience and, instead, taps deep into what it is

to be human. An appreciation of - and psychological dependence on - biodiversity
is part of the biologically built psyche of Homo sapiens, a product of a long

evolutionary history.

Richard Leaky,The Sixth Extinction

Editor's Collection

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WORD OF MOUTH

For supporting and celebrating 'others' whose businesses / actions / way of being / kind words - whatever! - have helped you, us and/or our world grow, come alive and/or prosper.

UNIQUE GIFT BASKET AND STOCKING STUFFER ITEMS

As many of you know I am a fan of Blair Mart, that great source of Mediterranean, Middle East and Near East food items. Matt, the mild mannered super hero owner, has a wide range of items that can be unique gift items for the Christmas season. Check it out as a source of gifts, stocking stuffers and scrumptious gift basket contents but don’t forget to treat yourself.

Yummmm…

Lime pickle, comb honey, seasoned feta dip, fresh made humus, bulk olives and Egyptian juices plus jams from all over, numerous varieties of olive oils, Baklava, dried fruits, teas, sauces, spices, Turkish Delight, etc.

Brochure: http://www.o-my.info/ghc/nl/2010/1008/blairmart.pdf

Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday for our convenience at 924 Pandora

Recommended by Bill Hanson GHC Bass etc.

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BEAUTIFUL! POWERFUL!

Watch a glacier calve…

"Chasing Ice" captures largest glacier calving ever filmed

Recommended by Peter Meyer GHC Thursday Bass

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JOE JENKS AT THE FOLK!!!!!!!

I say…

This guy is goooooood!

The Victoria Folk Web Site says…

Joe Jencks has the passion of a gospel singer, the knowledge of a classical vocalist and the soul of an Irish tenor. Based in Chicago, this award-winning performer and songwriter has spent the past 12 years touring full time, playing venues that range from Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to coffee houses, festivals, and schools, sharing stages with Pete Seeger, Utah Phillips, Holly Near, and dozens of other well-known folk artists.

Joe is noted for his unique merging of musical beauty, social consciousness, and spiritual exploration.

Don’t miss him Sunday Jan. 4th,

“The Folk” is held every Sunday at Norway House, 1110 Hillside Ave, $5 door charge

Recommended highly by Bill Hanson GHC Bass etc.

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BABY FACED FEELINGS

This adorable baby responds so beautifully to his mother singing, it is just charming.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o-VplYrqBs

Recommended by Mary-Wynne Ashford GHC Monday/Thursday Alto

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DINING AT A HOMELESS SHELTER
An amazing video…

http://devour.com/video/prank-it-fwd/

Something worth sharing in the spirit of love.

Recommended by Jackie Kyle-Kelly GHC Thursday Soprano

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DANCING THROUGH THE GENERATIONS

A 92 year old Grandmother dancing with her grandson.

http://www.gettinhigherchoir.ca/choir_life/00-Posts/2014/1219/dancing-grandma.wmv

May we all be in such good form at 92

Recommended by Bill Hanson GHC Bass etc. from an email forward passed on by GHC Bass Peter Meyer

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A CHRISTMAS TREAT…

…for anyone who hasn't seen this....

Four lazy Brass Players & One Amazing Multi-Tasker

Recommended by Barb McLintock GHC Thursday Alto

COMMUNITY NETWORKING

WELL KNOWN
HOUSE & PET SITTER
AVAILABLE FOR VICTORIA AND VCR. ISLAND

I am available from boxing day, until February 3rd, 2015, for house or pet sitting for FREE, in Victoria or Vancouver Island, and have my own vehicle.


I move back into my own condo on Dallas Rd, on February 3rd/4th and would be happy to offer my pet and house sitting services for free from now until Feb.3rd.


I am a Holistic Healer for animals & humans (and of course your animals will receive lots of loving and healing energies)


Cell - 250 508

Submitted by Catherine “Whitewolf” Harvey former GHC Tuesday Alto

SERVING EACH OTHER

REPAIRS TO DESKTOP PC COMPUTERS AND LAPTOPS:
- Virus, spyware and malware scans/removal, software installation/sales, consultations, computer security and re-installations/sales of Windows 7 or 8.1.
- Upgrades, parts, accessories and sales of new/used computers.
- 15 years experience repairing computers, plus a total of 39 years business experience,
- Eco-oriented: I recycle old computers.
Chris Wakefield, Soundings Baritone.
Land line: 250-472-0530 / Cell: 250-889-5333 (for texting)

Submitted by Chris Wakefield Soundings and former GHC Bass

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A SINGING (OR NOT) SANTA FOR YOUR CELEBRATION

Victoria’s 2014 Santa Parade Santa is available to jolly up your Christmas event!

Have Santa suit will travel (within reason) for children’s, adult’s and community events.

For details including photos please visit my web site.

Submitted by Doug Paterson former GHC Bass, CCLT5 - 2008/09 & Harmonious Family Choir Director

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COMPUTER ALERT - DO YOU HAVE WINDOWS XP ?

As many of you are aware, Microsoft has announced that they will no longer be supporting Windows XP and computers running Win XP will no longer be secure from the latest security risks.

I am offering a turnkey upgrade to Windows 7 package (Windows 8 is designed for touch screen computers) which includes transfer of personal files, installation of all the needed software and security.

I will determine if your hardware is capable of handling the upgrade for free, and if your machine is too old for the task, I will help you to find an affordable machine – desktop or laptop, that will meet your needs for years to come.

$40 per Hour at my home.

$50 per Hour at your home.

Matt Hutton - Gloria’s son 250-418-1322

Submitted by Gloria Hansen,GHC and HNC tenor and Admin Team

****************************************** QUOTE BREAK ******************************************

In every local ecosystem around the world, micro-organisms, higher plants, invertebrates
and vertebrates coexist with labyrinthine interdependence, partners in creating and
sustaining the physical environment fo atmospheric gases and soil composition and

chemicals. Individual ecosystems work as integrated wholes, not as species in the
company of, but isolated from, other species. Homo sapiens is one unit in that pattern of