Charlie Brown says it all. What a wonderful beginning to our new season.
WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME to all of our new members. We are delighted to have you join us. Our hope is that you enjoy the NoteWorthy Singers as much as we do.
Welcome back to everyone. I hope you had a wonderful rest and are ready to sing and make music.
What a joy to hear your sound this week. We are getting closer to a solid balanced sound without having to strain. 😊
Look what we accomplished already -
1. Somewhere in my memory - measures 5 - 28.
Please LISTEN ONLY to your part and follow along. For some of you, especially if you don't read fluently, you will find it easier if you actually point to the notes as you hear them. Remember, you are trying to reinforce sight with sound. PLEASE DO NOT sing along the first few times. - you will eventually learn your part, but you are wasting a lot of time by doing this.
Listen then sing is a much better way.
2. Review - One Song and YEMAYA
Next rehearsal, we will pick up the pace.
So here's the plan
1. Mary Did You Know - measure 8 - 24 -
this could be one of the most difficult pieces in this years repertoire
because of the rhythm - so don't take it for granted. We must sing every
note together.
2. Somewhere in My Memory - review 5 - 28 (neutral syllable - focus on rhythm and transitions)
new 44 -59 - (note basses and tenors - measure 47 - pay special attention here.)
3. Snow, Snow Beautiful Snow - new notes - Section A, B, and C - focus on notes section A and B.
Listen listen listen - semi-tones (intro notes in bass and tenor) are always a challenge to keep in tune.
4. Alto part - Yemayah - we will all focus on the alto section to see if we can secure the rhythms.
5. One Song - note review - page 4, measure 21 - page 6 measure 36 - NEW MEMBERS note - this piece will be part of our spring concert so you need to have the recordings and learn the notes.
So that's the plan - Thanks everyone for your attention and support. It is my joy to be your music director. Have a great weekend.
(I have included a summary of an article I was reading this week for your interest. - The full article can be found on facebook)
New research says singing daily reduces stress, clears sinuses, and helps you live longer
Music makes everything better! It can relieve pain, reduces stress, makes you work harder, and helps you relax. Music is one of life's most beautiful gifts.
To quote Jimi Hendrix:
Music doesn't lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.
One of the best ways to capture the benefits of music is through singing. It allows you to truly feel the song with your mind, body, and soul.
Research has shown singing can improve your health, increase happiness and even extend your life!
No matter who or where you are, you can reap the many benefits of music by singing along to some tunes! Sing wherever you are.
Singing is even good for your brain and can make you feel high. It releases endorphins, hormones that produce pleasure, simultaneous to oxytocin, hormones that diminish stress and anxiety.
Oxytocin also decreases feelings of depression and loneliness, making us feel more connected with the world, which is precisely why singing with other people feels even better!
A study done by scientists at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden found people who sing together become so connected they exhibit synchronized heartbeats.
Anyone who has ever been in choir can attest to this. When the magical sound of several people singing together is created, there is an unexplained unity between those singing.
Singing also requires deep concentration on breathing, which works major muscle groups in the upper body and is great for both lung and cardiovascular health.
Björn Vickhoff, the leader of the study, stated: Song is a form of regular, controlled breathing, since breathing out occurs on the song phrases and inhaling takes place between these. It gives you pretty much the same effect as yoga breathing. It helps you relax, and there are indications that it does provide a heart benefit.
Therefore, one could make the argument that singing is better for you than doing yoga!
Research has also proven that singing produces lower levels of cortisol, reducing stress while improving our immune systems.
Lastly, a joint study from Harvard and Yale Universities in 2008 found singing increases life expectancy. If you want to feel less stressed, become happier, and live longer: Start singing!
Do you want to stress less, sleep better, and feel abundantly happier... without drugs or anything crazy?