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2015-2016 MSVMA SSAA HONORS CHOIR

Rehearsal Notes and Details

Welcome to the 2016 SSAA Honors Choir!

I am so excited to have the opportunity to create musical art with the talented singers selected for the 2016 SSAA Honors Choir. I love teaching and I am especially fond of the repertoire composed for the voicing SSAA. I have selected music that will allow us to explore different vocal colors and musical styles. The texts from our selections reflect the joy music brings to those who participate - performers and listeners alike. You will also find some story-telling components and even some “food for thought” as we work through the musical and textual elements of Elizabeth Alexander’s compositionReasons for the Perpetuation of Slavery. I hope you enjoy preparing these selections and are ready to join in me in the musical journey that ultimately take us to a culminating performance that touches the audience at the Michigan Music Conference on January 23, 2016.

So much of a singers’ work occurs before any notes are sung – it’s called score “study”. If this is not part of your normal preparation, I strongly encourage you follow the guidelines and instructions I have outlined in this handout. If everyone does their “study” and “practicing” prior to arriving in Grand Rapids, our time together will be about creating music together and not working on the nuts and bolts. Starting in December, a Facebook page has been created to post questions, information and answers. Singers and directors can request membership into the closed group page…2016 MSVMA SSAA Honors Choir.

Here are some details that will be helpful as you prepare to be a vital member of the MSVMA SSAA 2016 Honors Choir:

Program Order –

A Jubilant Song*James McCraywith Vibraphone and piano

Tundra*Ola Gjeilowith Piano

Duerme NegritoAtahusalpa Yupangqui, arr. Emile Soléa cappella

Reasons for the Perpetuation of Slavery, Movement 1 “The Sheer Possibility in the First Place” Elizabeth Alexander

a cappella

Music Down in My SoulAfrican-American Spiritual, arr. By Moses Hoganwith Piano

*=Regional Selection

General Notes for Music Marking –

  • All measures should be numbered. Remember to start with the accompaniment part as measure 1.
  • Score Study…Using colored pencils, select a color for each of the following and identify/circle them in every score. For example: red pencil –dynamics; blue pencil – tempo marking, etc. You are welcome to create your own color scheme, but be consistent throughout all the selections so you train your eye to identify a specific color with a music marking. If there is a term or textual word that you do not know – look it up and write in the definition…write it right in your score.
  • Key signatures (major/minor and relationships between key changes);
  • Tempo markings: tempo identifications, ritardando, accelerando, etc.
  • Dynamics
  • Style markings: accents, staccato, phrase markings, etc.
  • Road map symbols: repeat signs, da capo, dal segno, coda, etc.
  • Breath marks that are printed in the score
  • Several of our selections have divided parts within each vocal line. Please read the information that follows, carefully, to know which part you should prepare for the Regional audition day as well as for the final concert in January.
  • Be able to count the rhythm of your part, speak the text in rhythm and then learn the notes and sing your part.
  • Pay close attention to “unison” notes between sections and have those marked in your scores
  • If the note value is longer than 1 beat – energize the note into the next note that follows…keep the line moving

Wendee Wolf-Schlarf, MSVMA 2016 SSAA Honors Choir Conductor

231-933-7571

Facebook Page for communication: 2016 MSVMA SSAA Honors Choir (closed group)

A Jubilant SongJames McCray(144 measures total)

We will perform this selection with piano and vibraphone accompaniment. It is a high energy piece with lots of vocal and textual contrasts. We will pay very close attention to the dynamics as they are printed in the score as well as all the stylistic markings.

Regional Auditions Part Divisions –

Soprano I

  • M. 1-38; 96-100; 137-139: Sing the top notes when there is a divisi in the Soprano I line
  • M. 140-143: Sing the F#, A and end on the E; we will have a just a few high Bs at Regional

Soprano II

  • M. 6-7; 100-101; 116-117: Take the top note (B)
  • M. 135-139: Sing the top notes (F#, A, B)
  • M. 140-143: Sing the B

Alto I & II

  • Alto I take the top notes when divided
  • Alto II take the bottom notes when divided – even when in m. 133-143

2016 SSAA HC Part Divisions – adjustments may be made once we arrive in Grand Rapids…please prepare as follows:

Soprano I

  • M. 1 – 130: Soprano I whose last name begins with the letter A – R sing the lower notes in the Soprano I division
  • M. 1 – 130: Soprano I whose last name begins with S – Z sing the top notes in the Soprano I division
  • M. 137 to the end…here is the division:
  • Soprano I whose last name begins with A –J sing the lowest notes in the Soprano I division
  • Soprano I whose last name begins with K – S sing the middle notes (stemmed notes pointing down)
  • Soprano I whose last name begins T – Z sing the top notes in the Soprano I division

Soprano II

  • M. 1 – 130: Soprano II whose last name begins with the letter A – R sing the lower notes in the Soprano II division
  • M. 1 – 130: Soprano II whose last name begins with S – Z sing the top notes in the Soprano II division
  • M. 135 to the end…here is the division:
  • Soprano II whose last name begins with A – J sing the lowest notes in the Soprano II division
  • Soprano II whose last name begins with K – S sing the middle notes (stemmed notes pointing down)
  • Soprano II whose last name begins T – Z sing the top notes in the Soprano II division

Altos

  • All Alto I sing the top note of the alto line up through M. 130
  • All Alto II sing the bottom note of the alto line up through M. 130
  • M. 133 to the end here is the division:
  • Alto I with last name A –M sing the top notes with the stems going up (B, E, F#, end on the G#)
  • Alto I with the last name N – Z sing the middle notes (B, E, end on the G#)
  • Alto II remain singing the lowest notes on the alto line

Follow the printed breath markings; if there is a coma in the text, but no breath mark, utilize a slight lift to aid with the pronunciation of text.

This is a joyful song – make sure your face shows the emotion of JOY…not boredom, sorrow, etc. This will not only help our visual presentation but will also help our overall tone color and placement.

Tundra Ola Gjeilo(57 measures total)

As you prepare this selection pay close attention to where the vocal writing is very sparse and when it is rather thick. The opening section through M. 27 will have us using little to no vibrato in our tone. As the text becomes more descriptive and the harmonies become more complex, we will add vibrato and warm up the sound to reflect the text. Measure 47 starts to take us back to the stark voice writing we heard in the beginning and we gradually will take the vibrato out of our tone as the song fades away.

Regional Auditions Part Divisions –

Soprano I

  • M. 3 5;7 - 39; 50 - end: all sing the Soprano I line as written
  • M. 6 – all move and sing the F (assignments will be made as to who stays on the G in that measure)
  • M. 40 -49: Sing the top notes when there is a division in the Soprano I line

Soprano II

  • M. 3 – 10; 17 - end: sing as written
  • M. 11 – 17: sing the top part of the Soprano II line

Alto I

  • M. 3 – 39; 50 - end: sing as written
  • M. 40 – 49: sing the lower part on the Alto I line

Alto II

  • M. 3 – end: sing as written; no division – enjoy the rich sound of the low notes, but don’t push

2016 SSAA HC Part Divisions – adjustments may be made once we arrive in Grand Rapids…please prepare as follows:

Soprano I

  • M. 3 5;7 - 39; 50 - end: all sing the Soprano I line as written
  • M. 6 – here is the division…
  • Soprano I whose last name begins with A – R sing the top notes
  • Soprano I whose last name begins with S – Z sing the lower notes
  • M. 40 -49: here is the division…
  • Soprano I whose last name begins with A – R sing the top notes
  • Soprano I whose last name begins with S – Z sing the lower notes

Soprano II

  • M. 3 – 10; 17 - end: sing as written
  • M. 11 – 17: here is the division…
  • Soprano II whose last name begins with A – M sing the top notes
  • Soprano II whose last name begins N – Z sing the lower notes

Alto I

  • M. 3 – 39; 50 - end: sing as written
  • M. 40 – 49: here is the division…
  • Alto I with last name A – M sing the lower notes
  • Alto I with the last name N – Z sing the top notes

Alto II

  • M. 3 – end: sing as written; no division – enjoy the rich sound of the low notes, but don’t push

Solo Opportunities -

There is a wonderful opportunity for solos in M. 14 – 18; M. 38 – 40 and M. 50 - 54…if you are interested in any of these solos, please be prepared to audition at the Regional day and we will hold auditions in Grand Rapids for our final performance as well.

Duerme NegritoEmilie Solé(61 measures total)

This is a wonderful tune that allows the voices to portray various instruments that accompany the story sung by small group. Think of the string instruments of the orchestra and determine which instrument your voice part portrays.

The translation is included in the score. Please make sure you know what is happening in the story…even if you are singing the accompanying parts.

The solo line will be sung by a small group of voices. We will hold auditions for the singers to sing that “solo” line throughout the entire song. If you wish to audition for this small group, be prepared to sing the story both musically and facially.

2016 SSAA HC Part Divisions – adjustments may be made once we arrive in Grand Rapids…please prepare as follows:

Soprano I – there are many places where the Soprano I divide. Here are the part assignments

  • 12th Grade Soprano I will take the top notes
  • 9th, 10th and 11th Grade Soprano I will take the lower notes

Soprano II –

  • M. 59 is the only measure where the 2nd Sopranos divide. Here is the division…
  • 11th & 12th Grade Alto I sing the top notes
  • 9th & 10th Grade Alto I sing the lower notes

Alto I

  • M. 43 – there is only 1 measure where the 1st Altos divide. Here is the division…
  • 11th & 12th Grade Alto I sing the top notes
  • 9th & 10th Grade Alto I sing the lower notes

Alto II

  • sing as written; no division – enjoy the rich sound of the low notes, but don’t push

Reasons for the Perpetuation of SlaveryElizabeth Alexander(144 measures total)

This selection is the most complex of our entire program. We will only be performing Part I: The Sheer Possibility in the First Place which is the first 19 pages. Before you begin working on the notes and rhythms – please take a great deal of time to really read and think about the composer’s introductory words as shared at the premiere performance. If we have an understanding of where Ms. Alexander was coming from when she wrote this piece, we will have a greater chance to truly give a realistic performance.

Rehearsal Strategies -

  • Keep the eighth note constant as your pulse/beat
  • Rehearse by speaking the text in rhythm so the flow from the mixed meter is smooth and even
  • Once the rhythm is solid, then add the notes and sing
  • Be sure you have marked in the performance notes for snapping fingers, clapping, tapping feet, stepping
  • Watch the repeat at the beginning M. 1 – 8
  • Text stress should be observed
  • Final consonants should be put on the following rest (if one exists)
  • Punctuation or rests indicate where to breathe

2016 SSAA HC Part Divisions – adjustments may be made once we arrive in Grand Rapids…please prepare as follows:

Soprano I is the only part that divides in M. 74…here is the division…

  • 9th & 10th Grades take the top notes
  • 11th & 12th Grade take the lower notes

Solos in M. 123-135 will be individual solos that will be sung out of the choir setting – think of them more as character statements vs. “singing solos”.

Music Down In My SoulSpiritual, arr. Moses Hogan(95 measures total)

The title of our final selection speaks to all humankind…music is a part of all of us and no matter what style, kind, or type – it speaks to those who listen. Here are the details you will need in your preparation…

  • Think/Sing “Ah” for the word “I” – no diphthongs
  • Think/Sing “Mah” for the work “my” – no diphthongs

2016 SSAA HC Part Divisions – adjustments may be made once we arrive in Grand Rapids…please prepare as follows:

Soprano I & II share a vocal line and so do the Alto I & II. Make sure you carefully look for the stems of the notes to know which part belongs to you. When there is only one note, on a vocal line, consider it a unison part.

  • Section m. 47 – 62: All Altos sing the alto line; We will assign a few voices to sing the pick-ups “I’ve got joy!” line (stems going up)
  • Soprano I singing the top notes on the Soprano line (stems going down)
  • Soprano II singing the lower notes on the soprano line (stems going down)

Music Down In My Soul continued…

Solos and Small Group Opportunities…I’m making some changes to the score, so all need to read carefully…

  • Solo #1 – M. 16 – 31; vs. 1: should be sung in a gospel style; we will not have the harmony parts sung during this verse
  • Solo #2 – M. 16 – 24; vs. 2: should be sung in a gospel style; all parts will join the soloist with pick-ups to m. 25
  • Small Group – pick-ups to m. 47 – 53; 77 - 85: we will have a few voices take the “I’ve got joy, peace, love!” pick-ups
  • On the D.S. to m. 39 through the Coda we will add random “praise” improvisation to the final presentation of the chorus and ending

Miscellaneous Items regarding our time together at the Michigan Music Conference:

Rehearsals –

The motto is: to be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late…Please plan ahead on travel to and from rehearsal so you can be calm, collected and ready to go when our rehearsal is scheduled to start.We will only reach our potential, if everyone prepares at the highest level prior to coming to Grand Rapids. Bring a water bottle, pencil and of course – your music to all rehearsals. No pop, juice or other sugary drinks should be consumed during rehearsal – you need to stay hydrated and water is the best way to go.Dress during rehearsals can be causal, but think “comfy” professional. Please wear clothes/shoes that allow you to move and breathe during our long rehearsals together.

Concert Dress –

The concert dress will consist of: black pants or full-length black skirt, comfortable black dress shoes, and black socks or stockings. (Black from hips to toes) Concert top needs to be a long-sleeve, no collar, and solid color blue. If you wear jewelry (earrings, bracelets, rings, etc.) it must be small and not seen by the audience. If you have long hair (including long bangs) you should be prepared to perform with it pulled back and off your face. Our face is one of the most expressive communication mode – we want to be able to experience the whole performance – not just the “sound” of our music.

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