Don't forget to really "come alive" on the last verse of "What a Lovely Name" (He'll return in clouds of glory...). If we're excited about what we sing, it will be contagious to the audience!
I also want to encourage you to sing in the choir for both morning services. It makes such a difference to have a full choir loft for each service, and I appreciate the sacrifice you make to take part in leading worship.

The schedule for upcoming songs has changed! Some of the songs will stay the same, but several will be rescheduled for a later time. This Sunday we will sing "What a Lovely Name" from the Homecoming book.

Nicole and I certainly enjoyed last night's fellowship. Thanks for bringing all the good food, and a special thanks to all the ladies who worked in the kitchen before and afterward.
We'll be singing "Because He Lives" this Sunday with accompaniment CD, and I'll be doing the solo. I believe you all would be more comfortable with your entrances and cues with a director, so Gary will be leading the choir as I am singing the solo.
I love you, choir. Keep on keeping on!

Don't forget to bring your favorite snack tonight for the choir/orchestra fellowship. Please bring the food to the kitchen and Mrs. Betty Jo will set it aside or place it in the fridge for you during the church service.
Tonight we will first prepare for Sunday, and then a conductor-in-training (not who you expect) will take a few minutes introducing a new song to you guys. Then, we'll eat and just hang out. I look forward to a fun evening with all my music partners!

Nicole and I are going out of town for a few days.  We will be coming back into town on Saturday.  

Thank you for the great choir practice last night.  I felt like we accomplished a lot.  Remember that we will be singing "Redeemed By The Blood Medley" this Sunday.   

Men: Due to the Awana Awards Day this Sunday, we will not be practicing early this week. 

However, mark your calendars for Sunday, May 31st at 4:00 pm.   

We will be having a Choir Fellowship next Wednesday night at the end of choir practice!  Bring your favorite finger foods, and remember to tell others who may not know so that we can all enjoy this time of fellowship together.

*Don't forget that we are currently updating choir member information.  Be sure to turn in your choir info. cards.  

Your faithfulness in our music ministry is a blessing to me!

Bro. Michael

Hopefully each of you got an email from me that included a link to this blog page. Keep this website address handy and check in at least weekly to get updated information on choir stuff. This can be a really helpful resource if you want to brush up on rehearsal highlights, or just need to be reminded of what we are singing on Sunday. Please refer other choir members to this site, as it can keep us all on the same page (especially if you HAVE to miss a rehearsal--with a really good excuse). I will probably do my most important posting on Thursday mornings, when the Wednesday rehearsal is fresh on my mind.

Here's a quick link to watch the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing the Battle Hymn. Notice three things:
1) The vowel shapes of the men-- the mouth barely even changes between "glo-" and "-ry". They flip the "r" and keep the lips round while the tongue shapes the "y", just like we've worked on.
2)The vowel shapes of the women--how much they open their mouths even from the beginning "gloria".
3)Listen to the tempo changes; I will conduct it very similarly to this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmTWVJ_pXBk

Great rehearsal Wednesday night! This Sunday we're singing "Jesus Messiah", and remember that the choir picks up at the end of the second verse with "love so amazing..." The Coda section ("all our hope is in you...") requires some extra focus on the meaning of the lyrics. It really does come across when you give that extra effort.

Mixed Ensemble needs to be on stage, ready to rehearse at 8:30.

I know we had to stay a few minutes late due to the sound system setup for the ensemble Wednesday night. Thank you for your patience through that setup and rehearsal with the orchestra. It sounds fantastic out in the congregation. I'm looking forward to Sunday!