Director Notes for February and early March 2023
I hope everyone is doing well. I know the ice storm disrupted a lot from a few branches down to power out for several hours. My family did not lose power, but had several large branches down. I spent a good portion of the weekend cleaning up my yard and helping neighbors with theirs.
Meanwhile, time is flying related to choir. Losing 4 days of rehearsal at this time of year is not ideal. I hope students were able to take advantage of the recordings I placed in BLEND to help us continue to move forward. I want you to know that I love working with your students. They are working hard to learn how to combine their voices to make something bigger. I look forward to all the events coming up!
1. February and March choir events:
Feb 4 – was POSTPONED - U.I.L. Region 18 Solo & Ensemble Contest – Hays CISD – Details went out to those involved last week. UPDATE - It looks like Friday, February 17 in the evening will be our new date. However, it has not been confirmed. As soon as I receive confirmation, I will let you all know. New practice times with the accompanist will be Wednesday, February 15 and Thursday, February 16. Sign up for a time in the choir room. Meanwhile, keep practicing.
Feb 6, 7, & 8 – Solo performances for Mr. B – All students who didn’t compete on Feb 4 must sign up for a time slot to perform their solo from memory. This was assigned mid-October. UPDATE – Hopefully everyone is prepared for this. However, I know many had not yet signed up for a time slot and couldn’t while we were all at home. Therefore, in addition to the spots already available, I opened up two more days, February 13 & 14, for students to pick a time slot from. This is a major grade!
Feb 16 – Anderson Pre-UIL concert - in Anderson theater – 7pm (6:15pm call)
UPDATE – After assessing all classes progress the past two days after losing two rehearsals with all choirs, we decided to move our Pre-UIL Concert one week. It will now be on
Thursday, February 23 at 7pm (6:15pm call).
Feb 27 – Chorale sings at Combined Pre-Madrigal & Chamber Festival Concert with 11 other area High Schools at Hope Presbyterian Church – 7-9:30pm
March 3-4 – Madrigal & Chamber Festival – San Antonio, TX – all day – Chorale Choir students. We will only be going on March 4 via charter bus. Details going out separately regarding this.
March 6-7 – Choir UIL – Hays PAC – all students – times TBD
2. Solo & Ensemble Contest: February 17 at Hays H.S.
Students DO need to be memorized for this contest. A very detailed email went out last week with information about the competition as well as preparatory information.
3. Sing solos for Mr. B
All students not competing in U.I.L. Competition on Feb 4 are required to sing the solo they selected in October from memory for Mr. B. Time slots are available in the choir room.
UPDATE – Hopefully everyone is prepared for this. However, I know many had not yet signed up for a time slot and couldn’t while we were all at home. Therefore, in addition to the spots already available, I opened up two more days, February 13 & 14, for students to pick a time slot from.
4. Pre-UIL Concert – Thursday, February 23 – This is a graded, mandatory concert for the students. It is also our shortest concert of the year. It should last approximately 45 minutes. We will also have directors in the audience critiquing the choirs as they are on stage.
5. Chorale ONLY – Pre Madrigal & Chamber Festival Concert with 11 area high schools – Monday, February 27 – 7:00-9:30pm
7th period Chorale students will sing a concert at Hope Presbyterian Church as a sharing concert for their upcoming competition. This is a free concert and open to the public.
6. Chorale competes at Madrigal & Chamber Festival – University United Methodist Church in San Antonio, TX – 1:30pm on Saturday, March 4
These 32 students will be competing against some of the top choirs in the state
7. Choir UIL Evaluation– Hays PAC – Monday, March 6 & Tuesday, March 7
UIL large group evaluation is early again this year! The students have been working hard in preparation for this event. A detailed email will go out as soon as I receive our time slots.
8. Looking ahead - Choir Banquet – Sunday, MAY 7
I want you all already thinking about our choir banquet. This is a celebration of everything we’ve done throughout the year and we want EVERY student and many parents to attend. This year, our banquet will again be at the DoubleTree Hotel just up the street.
The choir banquet will be held 7-10pm on May 7. More details will come soon.