Masterworks Singers Newsletter Spring 2026 No. 9Dear People, A big round of hurrahs for last week's rehearsal. I am so pleased to hear that everyone is buying in to the idea of "just a little bit better" each
week. With this kind of forward progress, we don't have to even concern ourselves not being as musical as possible. Remember, when using the practice tracks with simulated AI voices, just be listening for the placement of the words, NOT the pronunciation. CLICK HERE TO GO TO EDUBLOGS SITE. As you become more familiar with the individual parts... I
suggest you spend some time in just listening to the Orchestral tracks that Elaine has prepared. These are now also available on Edublogs. I apologize for the repeat last week of PARIS TRAVEL TIPS number 5 from Martha. The next episode, Number 6 are posted at the lower part of the Newsletter scroll. There is an extra travel tip from Michael that is very interesting
so check it out and make note. I remind the Tenor and Bass sections to please come a bit early to rehearsal on Thursday. Let's attempt to start our placements at 6:45 pm. This week's focus: 1. Continuing to focus on matching the division and sub-division of the beat in all sections. Feeling things physically and kinesthetically is so fundamental. 2. Activating our Self-Awareness and continuing our efforts of communal unification of Vowel Shape, and Vowel Sound. 3.
Opening our musical imagination to guide us to the composer's musical "goals"... Harmonic climaxes and surprises. Strive to answer the "Why" of what the composer has offered. REQUESTED PRACTICE AND REHEARSAL #7 GOALS - This week we will begin early with the Tenor and Bass sections for voice location placement.
- This week our overall plan will be to continue to polish and solidify movements 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Aeterna Via.
- We will make sure to have a full run of O Love.
- By the end of rehearsal, we need to have made a complete run of
Movements 1 through 4, plus O Love and return to Je Vous Salue Marie.
REGISTRATION INFO FOR SPRING 2026 We are requesting that you register for the Spring Semester and pay your dues by clicking on the Link below. You will be taken
to a Google Document that allows you to pay your semester dues by credit card. If you cannot register in this manner, please plan on arriving early on Thursday evening to pay by cash, check or credit card. You will be picking up hard copy scores on Thursday evening. There are digital scores available for all music on Edublogs... EXCEPT FOR
Aeterna Via the new major work. Everyone will be receiving a professionally printed hard copy score of Aeterna Via. PLEASE CLICK HERE to be taken to a Google Doc to complete your registration and payment online. PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE FOR SPRING 2026 PERFORMANCE NUMBER ONE: SUNDAY EVENING, MAY 3, 2026 TIME: 7:30 PM CALL TIME: 6:00 PM PLACE: ST. THERESA CATHOLIC CHURCH SANCTUARY 4311 SMALL DRIVE, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78731 PERFORMANCE NUMBER TWO: THURSDAY EVENING, MAY 7, 2026 TIME: 7:30 PM. CALL TIME: 6:00 PM PLACE: ST. CATHERINE OF SIENNA CATHOLIC CHURCH SANCTUARY 4800 CONVICT HILL RD., AUSTIN, TEXAS 78749 PERFOMANCES IN JUNE DURING THE TOUR FESTIVAL IN PARIS, NORMANDY AND
LISIEUX. REHEARSAL SCHEDULE FOR SPRING 2026. REGULAR REHEARSALS: THURSDAY EVENINGS, 7:00 PM, ST. THERESA SANCTUARY. (Some rehearsals may occur in other buildings on campus but will be
announced) DRESS REHEARSALS FOR PERFORMANCE ONE: THURSDAY EVENING, APRIL 30, 7:00 PM, ST. THERESA SANCTUARY SATURDAY MORNING, MAY 2, 9:30
AM, ST. THERESA SANCTUARY REHEARSAL FOR PERFORMANCE TWO: DURING THE CALL TIME OF THURSDAY EVENING, MAY 7. WE WILL RESUME REHEARSALS AFTER PERFORMANCE NUMBER TWO FOR THE TOUR. REGULAR REHEARSAL TIME ON THURSDAY EVENINGS AT 7 PM. ST. THERESA SANCTUARY. MAY 14, MAY 21, MAY 28, JUNE 4 AND JUNE 11. LINK TO EDUBLOGS SITE FOR SCORES AND REHEARSAL AIDES PLEASE CLICK HERE to be taken to the Edublogs site. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THOSE WHO HAVE FILLED THE QUESTIONNAIRE REQUESTING THE GROUP CHARTER OFFERED BY PERFORM INTERNATIONAL PLEASE READ THANK YOU to those of you who have shown interest in the Group Flight offered by Perform
International. We are still waiting to confirm as we are still needing to get a critical number of interests. HOWEVER, we have one of our members, Colwyn Dunlap, who is a licensed travel agent. Colwyn is investigating rates that are less expensive than the Perform International quote. I will be forwarding the names and contact info of
the members who have signed our initial questionnaire. Colwyn will then be in contact to ask some specific questions and hopefully save you some significant money. Colwyn will be glad to talk to you about your individual situation and is willing to assist you. TRAVEL TIPS FOR FRANCE 2026 Every week, the Masterworks Newsletter will contain a brief “Tip” about Paris, the French language, words to practice, getting around, money, paying for food, tipping, etc. Many of these ideas are distilled from a series of
YouTube videos by Les Frenchies, a French/American couple. For more detailed information, these videos cover many topics of interest to American travelers in France, especially Paris. They are fun to watch and very informative. Tip No. 6 Behaviors that say “I’m an American Tourist” - Failing to say “Bonjour” when beginning any
interaction.
- Speaking or laughing too loudly. The French use their “inside” voice, including laughing, both inside and outside. This includes metros or buses.
- Wearing gym clothes on the street; Simple, neat attire will help you blend. Comfortable shoes are an exception and a necessity. Women’s shoulders must be covered when in churches.
- Leaning against everything; walls, posts, tables, counters. This is a typical American behavior.
- Asking for substitutions in restaurants; your French fries will come with mayonnaise, not catsup; there may be only one kind of dressing for your salad. While allergies are respected, the French feel the chef has carefully prepared a dish and it should not be changed.
- Expecting refills of coffee or soft drinks; refills cost extra.
- Expecting lots of ice in your drinks, you will be lucky to find a little ice; do not expect to find ice coffee.
- Expecting quick service in a cafe where leisurely dining is the norm. The waiter will not bring the bill until you ask for it. Service is slower; if you need a quick meal, get something at a boulangerie
and find a park bench.
- Smiling at every stranger on the street or in a cafe or starting a conversation with anyone standing nearby; Parisians see this as intrusive and too personal; a neutral face or a slight nod is more genuine.
- Chatting with the waiter or shop keeper as though you are friends; the French are more formal in their interactions; this is their business; formality is the norm. They are not
being rude; it is the culture.
- Expecting the waiter to split the bill among several people, you can politely ask, but they may not agree; be prepared for one person to pay and then reimburse them.
- Being surprised that many shops, especially small ones, are closed between 12 and 2; the shopkeepers are at lunch. It is against the law to eat at your desk at work.
- Taking pictures even when it impedes traffic such as in the middle of the sidewalk or street, or taking pictures of people in shops without asking first.
- Over tipping, Restaurants close to tourist areas love Americans because they overtip, but to the French, you are not respecting their culture and being flashy or pretentious
A NOTABLE TRAVEL TIP FROM MICHAEL S. I have a suggested Paris tip (in case this is not projected to be one of them). It may be one that is too soon to put in the newsletter, but it's also something that would be useful to know a bit ahead of time. In case you don't know, June 21st,
summer solstice, is always the day for "Fête de la Musique" all over France (and many parts of the world). It's a big thing in France, having experienced it myself a few times in different French cities. There will be A LOT of FREE (many open air and somewhat informal) concerts all over the place--probably at major plazas, squares, or parks. This year, June 21st falls on a Sunday, two days before the
Tuesday Hagenberg Gala Concert. According to the basic choir trip schedule, it looks like there are rehearsals Sunday morning and evening for the concert, but in between there is "sightseeing" time, though I am not sure if that's on our own or as a group. I guess my tip would be to be prepared for (more) crowds in the city on that day and not overplan if there is '"on our own time." Especially if one wants to
experience the vibe of the music festival all around. Also, there is not usually a single (universal) website that lists every possible event connected to the Fête (there may be several or may appear much later--and currently not all is set), so for me personally, I'd be as flexible as possible when planning for things to do that day (outside of rehearsals). I hope this helps. Michael
Blessings and Gratefulness, Morris
|
©2024 Masterworks | 902 Oakdale Circle
Pflugerville TX 78660
US |
|
|
