Another great rehearsal coming up on Thursday at 7 pm

Published: Wed, 10/08/25

Masterworks Singers Newsletter Fall 2025 No. 9

Dear People,

I am so proud of the work you all are putting in. Each of you are digging in to the specifics of beautiful choral tone, and imaginative musicianship. The unity of the community is really beginning to emerge!

I remind all Altos to try to report to the Sanctuary a little early tomorrow,... hopefully all arriving no later than 6:50 pm. You will be the second section to go through a voice arrangement process. Please do not get nervous... this is not an audition. I think most of you witnessed how it went with the Sopranos.

I must say, even with just one section seated according to acoustics, the overall sound was noticeably improved.

I urge all of you to continue in Edublogs. Listen, Listen, Listen!!!

CLICK HERE TO GO TO EDUBLOGS SITE.

Remember, don't just start at the beginning. Find the spots that you have been marking in the score that YOU need to work on. Each person is different..... but EVERY person in important!

Check the rehearsal goals for tomorrow in the next section.

SEE YOU ALL IN REHEARSAL TOMORROW!!

Blessings to each,

Morris

REHEARSAL GOALS FOR THURSDAY, Oct. 9

Using one of the signature techniques of Mr. Shaw... we will work some of the small note problem spots...."painfully slow". Then medium tempo. And only after comfortable...at full tempo.
Rehearsal order: a) Herself a Rose b) The beginning of The Quest c) d) The beginning and middle of Light Beyond Shadow e) The Prayer of the Children choral parts only followed by accompaniment only. f) Resilience add 3rd theme (add a body percussion) g) I'll Make The Difference ... complete run at medium slow tempo. Then at tempo. h). Sing My Child
Possibly introduce one of the Festival pieces by Elaine Hagenberg ... still wating to hear from her.

IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT PARIS FESTIVAL

We have been receiving some messages that some of you are experiencing a notice that the trip is full when you are attempting to register.

That issue has been resolved. The explanation is that there was an initial total reported to Perform International based upon the answers to our Questionnaires.

The good news is that we have reached our initial projection of participants. Those notices were a temporary report, resulting in some being placed on a waiting list.

Our official Representative at Perform International has now gone into the system and has increased our inventory.

You should have no further issues with registration for the Festival and Tour.

If you do, please contact me at 512-699-7014 by text, and we will assist.

IMPORTANT INFO FOR FALL REGISTRATION

PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING LINK TO REGISTER ONLINE:

PLEASE CLICK HERE to be taken to a Registration Form for the Fall Semester Participation Fee. Also, please fill in the information on the form for names, voice parts, and important contact info.

If you do not register online, and wish to pay by check or cash, you may still register at the first rehearsal beginning at 6:30 pm in the Narthex of the Church.

If you write a check, please make it out to Masterworks Singers.

FALL 2025 PROPOSED MUSIC PROGRAM

This semester will be focused on themes of Hope out of hardship, tragedy, and loss. In memory and honor of those who were lost in the recent floods, as well as anyone who has lost loved ones, or who has experienced any recent tragedies. The Music will hopefully provide a respite and induce the virtue of Hope.

First half =

1. Sing My Child by Sarah Quartel

2. Herself A Rose, Who Bore the Rose by Dr. Robert Young.

3. The Prayer of the Children by Kurt Bestor w/ orchestra.

4. The Quest by John Rutter w/ orchestra.

Second half =

1. Resilience by Abbie Betinis (with audience participation)

2. Gloria, mvmt 1. by Vivaldi with orchestra

3. Light Beyond Shadow by Dan Forrest with orchestra. (I apologize for the wrong composer in last Newsletter)

4. I’ll Make the Difference by Moses Hogan. Piano and instruments

IMPORTANT LINK TO SCORES AND PRACTICE TRACKS

As mentioned above, new practice tracks are now available.

We are so appreciative to Earl and Peter for expertly providing these tracks.

PLEASE CLICK HERE to be taken to a separate site called Edublogs.

When you go there, please BOOKMARK the site on your computer, tablet, and phone. You will be able to access it anywhere, anytime.

This is where you will find all the music in PDF form. If you use a tablet for music reading, this is where you can download the scores to your device.

Also, this is where you will find individual part-specific practice tracks to help learn the music on your own away from the group rehearsal.

FALL 2025 SCHEDULE:

First Rehearsal: Thursday Evening, August 28, 2025. Registration begins at 6:30 pm. Rehearsal begins at 7:00 pm. St. Theresa Sanctuary. 4311 Small Dr. Austin, Tx. 78731
Fall Concert Dress Rehearsal: Saturday, November 15, 9:00 AM to Noon. St. Theresa Sanctuary.
Fall Concert: Sunday Evening, November 16, 7:00 pm St. Theresa Catholic Church Sanctuary. Call time: 5:45 pm.

FRANCE JUNE 19 THRU JUNE 26, 2026

REGISTRATIONS ARE UNDERWAY. PLEASE READ BELOW

AND

FRANCE CONCERT TOUR SUMMER 2026 REGISTRATION INFO

I want to thank those who have already signed up for our incredible tour to France next summer.

Suppose you have not yet signed up, and responded positively to our questionnaires. In that case, I remind you that you must actually go to the link for Perform International, which is the sponsor tour organization for the Festival, and officially register. The questionnaire was your intent form, but not the official registration.

See Below to choose the links for Registration.

NOTE: The first link is for the EXTENDED TOUR.

The second link is reserved for the eight people who were interested in the SHORTER FESTIVAL ONLY.

CUSTOM EXTENDED TOUR

Here is the link to Registration Page for the Paris 2026 Elaine Hagenberg Festival Tour Extended Version, just for Masterworks

Dates of this tour are June 19 thru June 26, 2026

PLEASE CLICK HERE to register for the Extended Tour.

FESTIVAL ONLY SHORTER TOUR

Here is the link to Registration for the Paris 2026 Elaine Hagenberg Festival Tour Shorter Version, only the Paris Festival

Please note: there are limited number of spaces on the Shorter Tour.

Dates of this tour are June 19 thru June 24, 2026

PLEASE CLICK HERE to register for the Shorter Festival Only Tour (8)

I am so thrilled to know there are new members who are signing up to join our ranks.

I want to ensure that you all share our wonderful upcoming plans with friends, family, and colleagues.

We are still looking to gain some new invites to join us for the full year of wonderful singing, but also to JOIN THE UPCOMING EXPERIENCE OF LIFETIME TO PREMIERE A NEW MAJOR WORK IN AN INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE!!

I can't wait to see you, and hear you in these first rehearsals!

Blessings,

Morris

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