CE News 15 March 26

First off, I feel compelled to say: "Beware the ides of March"; for all those literature buffs, you will know what I mean. Hint: All hail Caesar!

Another great rehearsal under our belt, even if it was really taxing for the last half hour. I'm hoping that we all made notes in our music for what changes we have to make to perfect the sound. Thank you to everyone who continues to show up to rehearsal every week; I know sometimes we can't, but for those that are there weekly, you need to be applauded. So thank you, and it is recognized. We are more than half way through the session, so the music should be familiar, the words starting to be remembered, and we can work on the perfecting of the sound. If you want a great challenge, sing along with the recordings with your section voice muted. It will show you the areas that need to be worked on, so be sure to mark your music for the areas that are troublesome for you. You can play closer attention to focus on those areas in homework as well as at rehearsal. And feel free to share with your section as it is possible others have the same issue.

As a reminder, we are taking the group photo this Wednesday with Sally's husband Doug as our photographer. This is your reminder to wear BLUE. The small group singers will be meeting at 6:30 pm in the small room attached to the rehearsal space, so please quietly set up when you arrive. We are at the Masonic Centre in Langford and meeting at 7 pm as usual.

Question: have you been practicing the "moose call"? That is what I think of when I do the breath exercises that Gordon taught us. At least, I feel like a moose calling when I do it. Sounds funny, but it is strengthening my abs and expanding my lungs. Great technique, even if I get a bit light headed! We have also learned some great ways to track rhythm, and even though we don't get to tap, you will feel the rhythm pattern in your body. There is a lot of music out there that can teach you how to feel it in your body: Reggae, HipHop, songs with Spanish and Italian influence, for example. Just put on the music and walk around and you will find the beat. Then try it with the songs we are learning. It will help keep your entrances on time!

Thank you to those that have signed up for the last few tasks on the participation boards. There are still a few people who haven't got a job, so a board member will be connecting with you.

We shall see everyone, I hope, on Wednesday!