News & Notes #3
September 21, 2021
CONTENTS:


  • Producer's Corner

  • Nick's Notes

  • Volunteers needed!

  • Things to Know this week

  • Livestream details
“You create a community with music, not just at concerts but by talking about it with your
friends.”

- David Byrne


How true that is. The Mystic Chorale is truly a community and this season demonstrates the strength of our community. We come from different cities and towns but we gather together and lift each other up. It is so wonderful to be together even if it means singing through masks.

Thank you to our wonderful Board and to the volunteers who have and will continue to help us make each and every rehearsal happen. Thank you to each and every one of you. We could not do this without you.

Your season producers,
Gale & Michal
Nick's Notes
Despite all the fear and panic in our lives I am choosing to stay positive.  The Mystic Chorale has always been a CELEBRATION MACHINE.  We generate joy.  The wonder is already there for those who choose to embrace it.  We embrace it, spin it around in our souls and let it out with the conscious resonance called singing.
 
It requires that we become aware and awareness requires effort.  So my job is to inspire us to make the effort.  It’s the old archetype of pushing a boulder up the mountain.  I do it because of moments like last week when we sang STEAL AWAY in four part a cappella harmony.  It felt amazing.  That is why we work hard.  That is why we all need to work harder.  I will say it again and again – the more we prepare outside of rehearsals the lighter that boulder we are pushing will become.  I am aware that only a third of you will read this message so I know what an uphill battle it is.  I was discouraged last week when only half said they had practiced GLORY TO GOD.  For that song, I may have to create a core group that features only singers who want to make the effort to learn the music.  I can’t teach it.  It has to be learned through practice.  It’s a learnable song.  Think of the results – AMAZEMENT!
 
If you notice, I am not stopping as much to correct mistakes.  I want fixing mistakes to be your job, not mine.  The trick is to know when you are making a mistake.  And then the important skill is marking it with your pencil so you remember to practice that section.
 
On 9/28/21 we will work on: Glory To God, Steal Away, Kol HaNeshama, I Need You To Survive, And Peace on Earth and Pata Pata.  Please practice these.  We will be joined on October 5 by Donnell Patterson on piano and Ntahbi Thakadu on vocals.
 
There are solo opportunities: Kol HaNeshama, Ocho Kandelikas, Hinei Ma Tovu, Together and a verse of Every Day Is a Day of Thanksgiving.  I will be holding solo auditions via Zoom.  Contact me if interested at nick@mysticchorale.org.  Also, contact me if you are interested in playing percussion on a few songs.
Volunteers Needed!
Many thanks to ALL the volunteers who have been making our rehearsals go so smoothly!

We need more help!
Can you arrive at 6:45 & give us 15 minutes to do one of the following easy but important volunteer jobs:

  • Fan Set-Up: We need 1-2 people to open the windows and set up the fans to keep the air circulating. Time commitment: 15 minutes/week, 6:45-7:00.

  • Tables & Chairs: We need 2-3 people to help set up a few tables and chairs each week. Time commitment: 15 minutes/week, 6:45-7:00.

  • Yellow Paper Patrol: We need 1-2 people to place the yellow paper on seats & pick them up at the end of the night. Time commitment: 15 minutes/week, 6:45-7:00.

Can you help?
Contact Linda Shoemaker: Admin@MysticChorale.org

Thank you!
Things to Know this Week

1.      If you are joining us for the first time next week:
Please bring your proof of vaccination and $10 to purchase a singer's mask.

2.      Concert Survey:
This week at check-in, we will hand out a brief survey to ask for your feedback about a possible fall concert. We will collect the surveys during and at the end of rehearsal.

3.      THIS WEEK! Pre-rehearsal workshop with Jai:
Stay Strong and Healthy through Embodied Singing
6:30pm, 45 min workshop outdoors in the Vestry courtyard
This movement and voice exploration welcomes all capacities/capabilities where we will:
  • honor each other and ourselves wherever we are
  • lighten up and make play TOGETHER
  • get in touch with the structures that support the breath and vocalizing 
  • free the flow of energy, breath, self, and community
  • let go of fear and anxiety
  • ground and stay connected with open-hearted presence
  • find the power of our voice
Chairs are available. Bring mat or blanket if you want to sit on the ground. Bring water.

4.      Fall Singing Workshops Cancelled
The vocal and music reading workshops originally scheduled for 9/28 and 10/5 have been cancelled.

5.      Sectionals are this week & next, in the Vestry:
Sopranos: Thurs, Sept 30, 6:30-7:25
Altos: Thurs, Sept 30, 7:30-8:25
Basses: Thurs, Oct 7, 6:30-7:25
Tenors: Thurs, Oct 7, 7:30-8:25

6.      Mask purchase:
If you haven't purchased a black singer's mask last yet, or would like another, you may do so online, HERE, or bring exact change ($10) next week. If you forget your mask, we will have extra white masks available.

7.      Mask fit:
Our masks have a sturdy nose piece that needs to be adjusted to your face. After putting the mask on, find the firm metal piece along the top of the mask, under your eyes. Press down firmly to mold that piece to your nose and along your cheekbones. This creates a custom fit that is meant to protect you and those around you. If you have any questions about this, check with one of our team when you arrive next week.

8.      Refund Deadline & How to drop the season:
If you need to drop out of the season, the refund deadline is Wednesday, September 29, at noon. To drop out of the season, CLICK HERE.

9.      Remember to observe distancing when using the bathrooms. We will not be having a break so use the restrooms as needed. Bathrooms are on the main floor, through the Vestry and on the right.

10.      No eating is permitted anywhere in the building. This is in keeping with best practices for safety.

And, as always: Practice, listen, keep singing, have fun, and BE MAGNIFICENT!

If you have any questions, please reach out to the producers:
Weekly Health Attestation
Each week at sign-in, we will ask you to affirm that you do not answer yes to any of the following four questions.

  • Have you tested positive for COVID in the last 10 days?

  • Have you been in close contact (within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more) with a person infectious with COVID in the last 10 days?

  • Do you have COVID symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal symptoms, new loss of taste or smell, muscle aches or any other signs of illness?

  • Have you recently traveled to a very high risk area, CDC-rated level 5? We ask that you have a negative COVID test five days after your last exposure before returning to rehearsal. Thank you.

If you answer "Yes" to any of these, please do not attend rehearsal in person.

Instead, you can tune into the Livestream. See the yellow box below for the Livestream link and instructions.
Instructions for Virtual Singers & those who will join from home
A Mighty Mystic Welcome to our virtual singers!!
We are so glad you are joining us, and look forward to having you there "with us" in the rehearsal hall!

What you will need:

  • A computer, laptop, tablet or phone. We recommend whatever device you have that has best speakers. (Laptop is usually better than tablet or phone. Or, plug into external speakers, if you have them).


  • A place to sit and sing comfortably. We suggest an upright chair, similar to what you would find at rehearsal. A soft chair or couch is not as conducive to good singing.

How to tune into the Livestream:

  • At 7:15 on Tuesday, click the video preview below, and you'll be with us!

  • The Livestream link will also be posted on the website, HERE.

When you arrive in the Livestream:

  • Type your name into the Chat to let us know you're there and say hello.

  • If you don't have a YouTube account, you may be prompted to set up a YouTube channel. This is a simple one-step process, just follow the prompts. If you don't have any Google account, you may be prompted to set one up. These are entirely optional, please don't worry if you decide not to take these steps. The only downside it that you won't be able to participate in the chat.

LIVESTREAM VIDEOS: Miss a Livestream? No problem!
Video Recordings of each rehearsal will be posted on the website, HERE.
Join the Livestream:
Click the Video Preview below...
Next Rehearsal: Tuesday, September 28
Tune in at 7:15 for special content, just for Livestreamers!
Rehearsal begins at 7:30
SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!
We can't wait to see you and sing together again!!
The Mystic Chorale | Website