Director's Notes

Lee Irwin Culbreth
Aug 30, 2022
15 min read

Updated: Oct 30

*This will be updated each week following the most recent Monday night rehearsal. NOTE: the most recent post can now be found just below here at the top of this blog.

10/20/2025 rehearsal:

The third and final week of refine was on selections: #5, #6, #8, #10, and #12. Feature tryouts were Julie singing “Where Are You Christmas”, Victoria singing "Blue Chrismas" and Andrea singing “Old Lang Syne”. Please spend some time each week on the Voice Tracks in particular #10.

Next Monday we will sing through the full program in reverse order. The Feature tryout results will be announced. Below is a recap of the Line Solo results.

Song	Measures	Voice	Name
O Holy Night	Page 2	Low	Stephanie, BU/Andrea
Jazz Waltz of the Sugar Plum Ferry	Page 7 & 10	Soprano & Tenor	Christen, BU/All ladies, All Men
Snow	Page 3	Male & Female	Andrea, BU/Cynthia, All Men

10/20/2025 rehearsal:

The second week of refine was on selections: #3, #2, #11, and #7. Feature tryouts were Fern singing “My Favorite Thinks” and Winnie singing “Sweet Little Jesus Boy”

Next Monday we will refine selections: #5, #6, #8, #10 and #12. There will be three Feature tryouts. This will be the last rehearsal to refine selections. We will have another full readthrough the week after than a series of final touchups.

10/13/2025 rehearsal:

This rehearsal marks the beginning of the next round of rehearsals in which we will spend time refining each of the selections on the program over the course of the next four weeks including this one. I provided some brief comments about the intent of this rehearsal and then turned it over to Delinda to lead us in some warmup exercises. The first selection of the evening to undergo refinement was selection #4 the emphasis here was to maintain a very strict slow tempo at 63 bpm and the observance of the dynamic markings. Next, we looked at selection #1 concentrating primarily on the middle and lower voice parts, the “sfz” attack, and dynamic markings. During the announcements most notable was the results of the dinning fund raiser at Famous Dave’s and of course the steady stream of income from donated metal. Our production chair also expressed appreciation for the continued help with securing our equipment back in the storage area after the rehearsal.

We took a break then continued with the remaining rehearsal. There were two Feature tryouts scheduled, the first by Luis accompanying himself on the guitar singing “Feliz Navidad”. Victoria was also scheduled to sing “Blue Christmas” but for reasons unknown was not present. Continuing we worked at selection #9 our title song. Keeping up the brisk pace with so many words is the challenge here. Then we spent the remaining time working on our encore piece #13 we kicked the tempo up to the indicated level, which we had not done before, so like the previous piece getting all the words in takes a concerted effort.

Next week we will concentrate on selections #3, #2, #11, and #7. As implied, attempting to fix any lingering problems. It is my fervent hope that you spend some time listening and singing along to the Voice Tracks. These were purchased by members of the choir and provided for your use.

10/06/2025 rehearsal:

It was time for our first full run through of the music since the first rehearsal. In general, it went very well. Dramatic dynamics are a key element of #1. In #2 there were brief lapses as the various voice lines become totally independent and many seemed to lose their place, while struggling to maintain the sweetness called for in the markings. Again, the dynamics is the utmost concern along with the subtle tempo changes throughout the #3 selection. Selection #4 requires a strict adherence to the tempo as folks tend to want to rush. Delinda had her first opportunity to direct #5 since the first rehearsal while nine applicants tried out for the solo line at the beginning of the piece. She apparently likes a brisker tempo then what is marked but that is her choice. Hopefully the choir and soloist once selected will incorporate the Gospel Swing style throughout the piece as intended by the arranger. #6 was going along very well except I had to stop you to remind several that the word Comfort ends with the syllable “fort” not “firt”.

There were announcements including an appeal for and thanks in advance for helping to move our equipment back to the storage area after the rehearsal. Debbie reminded us of that Saturday, October 11 is the Adopt-a-highway event. Amy announced that all the ladies in the choir have been fitted for the new top that is to become the new attire for our concerts. Andrea gave the good results of the dinning fund raiser at Famous Dave’s. Mark announced the amount of the grant from the Arts Council and funds from the sale of metal. Information was provided about Meredyth’s absence due to her husband medical incident.

Began the second half of the program with #7 directed by Delinda, which is a little awkward to start. Then we did #8 that tends to drag severely as people continue to struggle to read and sing the words at the same time. This one #9 will continue to improve as time goes on. By far the most challenging is #10. There were some tryouts for the solo. Just need to get that waltz feeling and make the words and rhythm fit. Another that gets a bit better each time we sing is #11, which also had some solo tryouts. Keep at it. #12 needs some spontaneous joy imbued within it. I envision some fake snowballs and maybe some winter hats, scarves, and gloves tossed about during the instrumental entry and interlude. Also, some adlibbed gleeful shouts of joy or whistles. Have fun with this! For our encore piece we need to sound sincere in our wish to be Together at Christmas.

Next week we will concentrate on selections #4, #1, #9, and #13. Hopefully fixing any lingering problems. I implore you to spend some time listening and singing along to the Voice Tracks which have been graciously provided for your use.

09/29/2025 rehearsal (For late registration you must speak with the Resident Director):

With Delinda’s return we were able to resume full effect sectionals rehearsal to focus on the two selections #4 and #2. Number 4 provides a distinct challenge to the sopranos as they are called upon to sing long sustained notes and some high notes at a “p” dynamic level. Selection #2 provided its own set of challenge to all with extended unfamiliar verses and subtle changes to the melody line. At the beginning of the rehearsal Delinda provided the choir with a different set of warmup exercises. For the review of the selections #11, #8 , and #6 it became apparent that some people did not realize that the last two pages of #11 were in fact a single choral line across the top of each page while the remainder of each page were instrumental parts and for #8 there are many, many words at a brisk tempo which suggests as mentioned before the need for memorizing or at the very least becoming intimately familiar with the words. The unique arrangement of #6 should not pose a problem once we get the feel of it.

Next Monday we will be reading through the full program in concert (numerical) order, but we will be spending a little extra time with selections #5, #10, and #11 for the line solo tryouts. Number 5 as it is clearly the most popular choice among those that signed up to tryout will require considerably more time.

This brings me to the topic of peer judges. I will be tapping a few of you that are not trying out for a line solo to serve as a peer judge. It will be your job to provide an honest assessment and rate each candidate for a particular selection. To rate each candidate, you will assign a number in the range of 1 to 5 (<6) with 1 being the best choice in your estimation. You can use decimals to further delineate the rating i.e. 1.2 would be a better rating than 1.5 conversely 5.99 would be a worse rating than 5.95. Your tally sheets will be anonymous and should be turned into me before you leave at the end of the rehearsal

09/22/2025 rehearsal (Late registration requires that you must speak with the Resident Director):

The standard rehearsal begins each week with some brief opening comments and a warmup exercise. We then proceeded with a review of #9 and #5 both of which went well. We divided up into two groups to focus on #6. The biggest issue here was pronunciation. The second syllable of the word comfort should be pronounced “fort” not “firt”. We should also be diligent in the observation of the dynamic markings. Once we rejoined there was a bit of a struggle for our two keyboard accompanists positioning their music for the four-hand accompaniment. Board announcements included a simple request by Larry for volunteers to grab one piece of equipment to take to the fellowship hall at the end of the rehearsal. Debbie reminded us of the social after the rehearsal and the upcoming Adopt-a-highway/picnic event. Ladies who have not been fitted for the new sequined blouse should get with Amy. Andrea announced the dining fundraiser that will be Tuesday 9/30 at Famous Dave’s BBQ. We will need a minimum of 20 RSVPs to qualify. It was announced that Line Solo tryouts will be in two weeks and the deadline to sign up is close of rehearsal next week. After the break we went back to work focusing on #8 and #11. Number 8 has a lot of words at a fast tempo and perhaps would warrant spending some time memorizing the words, so that the tempo does not drag as people try to instead read the words. The pyramid effect in #11 at several places will need to be precise but this will need a bit more work. Next Monday is the deadline to signup for Line Solo tryouts. For those interested in trying out for a Feature there will be three tryout dates (10/13, 10/20, & 10/27). Applicants will need to sign up at least one week in advance of their chosen tryout date such that each applicant tryout date is evenly distributed within the three-week period.

For the rehearsal next Monday, the Review will be on #11, #8, & #6. The focus will be on #4 & #2.

09/15/2025 rehearsal (For late registration you must speak with the Resident Director):

We are now in a period considered to be very late for registration. People can still join the choir however they must first speak with me. We still have some folks that have previously given an indication that they intend to join but have yet to attend any rehearsals and there is also a few that came the first rehearsal and registered but have not been back even though they said they would be returning. At this point in time, we have completed the first three rehearsals in which we have begun focusing on individual selections. That means obviously that some of the folks that intend to participate this season have already missed 60% of some important rehearsals. Need I say that every rehearsal is important. You must keep in mind that we are an ensemble and not a collection of individual voices. If one person is missing the ensemble suffers. Think of a computer or your smartphone keyboard and perhaps the letter T is missing; how do you think that would affect your ability to use the device? We as a choir need to think as an ensemble. Meaning you listen to your neighbors in your section and blend in such a way that it sounds like one voice. The pitch needs to match also the attack, release and dynamic of each note is critical for the best ensemble sound.

Regarding the rehearsal last Monday, as is customary there were some opening comments and a warmup exercise before proceeding with the first review selection #13 for which we spent a little extra time for the Sopranos and Altos since we ran out of time last week during the focus period before getting to that selection. Let me just say that the Reviews are still quite rough yet and this will improve in time. Next, we divided up to focus on #5. This piece has a lot of subtle variances that some folks are having difficulty with. We then reformed to put it together with the full choir. There were some announcements from members of the WCC Executive Board to include a reminder of auxiliary performances and signup sheets for those. Also mentioned was a reminder to the ladies who have not yet put in their order for the new blouse that will become part of the new concert attire. Other announcements included the next dinning fund raiser location, and can collection receipt results. After the break we continued rehearsal by reviewing #10 and #1. Some folks are struggling with #10 getting the jazz and waltz feel at the same time. Selection #1 being a classic choral piece went very well. We closed out with a focus on #9 followed by a recap. For some reason we were unable to maintain a constant tempo through the ending. It is a work in progress.

Next Monday the Review will be #9 then #5. The Focus will be on selections #6, #8, and #11 and the social follows rehearsal. Stay and enjoy fellow member offerings.

09/08/2025 rehearsal (Third and final regular registration date is from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm):

The special Arts Alive rehearsal got off to a late start because our accompanist Nancy encountered an excessive amount of traffic but still, we were able to get through the six selections including a few spot checks where some reminders were needed. This ran over just a bit causing the regular rehearsal that followed to begin a little later than normal. So, after a few brief comments Including the notice that Delinda will not be attending and a warmup exercise, we proceeded directly to the first review of selection #12 which got a little bogged down towards the end and then we went on to selection #7. With Delinda’s absence Meredyth worked alone with the men on selection #1. After reforming we did a recap of that selection followed by some announcements from members of the Executive Board. Larry reminded us that he would appreciate all the help that he can get for the setup before and after rehearsal. Debbie spoke about upcoming social events. Then Amy got the ladies attention with the presentation of the new sequined blouse for the ladies that will become the new attire replacing the long black dresses. Andrea made some comments that were not easy to hear but was about an upcoming fundraiser activity at a local restaurant, more details to follow. Took a break then did a review of #3. We divided up again to focus on #10 and #13. After reforming together again we did a quick recap of those two selections. As the ladies spent almost no time focusing on #13 during the sectional we will spend a little extra time on that selection next week during a modified review.

Next week we will review #13, #10 & #1. The focus will be on #5 & #9.

09/01/2025 rehearsal (Second registration date is from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm):

Now work has begun. After opening comments and warm up we reviewed #2 and then Delinda and Meredyth along with all Tenors and Basses moved to the Fellowship Hall to focus on #3. While Nancy and I remained in place with the Sopranos and Altos to likewise focus on #3. We then regrouped to recap that selection. This piece includes a very familiar melody and text but does have some subtle changes in note duration and extended instrumental interludes. Announcements included reminders that there is to be a rehearsal next Monday at 6:45pm for those participating in the Arts Alive performance. The lady’s attire for this concert season includes a new sequined pull over blouse to be worn with black pants and the men will wear a black bow tie. A new Important Dates sheet was handed out. Other social or team building activity dates were announced. Mark continues to generate funding by collecting metal and donating the receipts received from the recycling facility. Larry needs help. . . Before rehearsal equipment needs to be set up and after rehearsal returned to the designated storage location. Any volunteer help will be greatly appreciated. After the break we reviewed #4 and then broke out into two groups as before except Delinda and I reversed positions to focus on #7 and #12. We then reformed to recap those two selections. The selection #7 in keeping with the typical fanfare style includes a brisk upbeat tempo with pyramiding voice lines. The very familiar Jingle Bells song that you grew up with is treated in this selection with great flair incorporating a fast tempo and towering 8-part sections with many key changes.

Next week the Arts Alive! rehearsal will begin at 6:45pm followed be the regular rehearsal at 7:30pm. The review will be 12, 7, & 3. The focus will be 1, 10, & 13.

08/25/2025 rehearsal (Registration is 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm):

Comments to be added here following this rehearsal

As planned we sang through each selection in concert order while listening to the sample recordings. As time permitted we also sang part or all of each selection without the recording. Choir members are encouraged to write the selection number on the cover page of each selection. As these notes will reference each selection by number only.

As a rule we make every effort to comply with the rehearsal start and end time. Unfortunately we went over a few minutes Monday night and I apologize for that.

We will get to work next Monday by beginning the rehearsal with a warmup exercise then review a few songs, during which there is no attempt to fix anything. We will then focus on a few other songs where we will divide up (Delinda has returned this season to serve as Assistant Musical Director) and concentrate on individual voice parts working on singing techniques such as blending and correcting rhythms, diction and pitches as needed.

The Review will include selections: 2 & 4. Focus will be on selections: 3, 7, & 12

General comments

The first rehearsal for the WCC Christmas 2025 season was on Monday, August 25 with a routine different from all subsequent rehearsals. For this rehearsal only, the recorded samples were played through as the choir sang along as best they could. This is primarily intended to introduce each selection and give choir members a chance to hear what it will sound like once we have prepared it during the coming weeks of rehearsals. As time permitted for this rehearsal, we attempted to sing along without the use of the recording using our accompaniment combo for some of the selections. This was not intended to be an exercise in frustration. It was not expected that it would be perfect in any way, so do not be discouraged as we will have 16 weeks of rehearsals to learn and perfect each selection. I just ask for your patience as we complete this process of learning each selection over the coming weeks.

Rehearsal format for the next series of rehearsals will follow a similar pattern each week as follows: brief opening comments, warm-up, review and focus. There will usually be a 7-minute break roughly halfway into the rehearsal preceded by any announcements by members of the WCC Executive Board. Here in the Director's Notes selections that were focused on will be listed and some notes may be included regarding notable outcome of the rehearsal. Additionally, the upcoming rehearsal plan for the following week will list selections by number that will be "Reviewed" and those that will be "Focused" on. The selections to be reviewed will simply be read through near the beginning of the next rehearsal. No attempt will be made to work on or make corrections to selections being reviewed. The selections to be focused on will undergo analyses to include interpretation, teaching correct pitches, rhythm, diction, and any other needed corrections for musicality.

Samples of all selections included in the Christmas 2025 "Sing We Now" season are currently available on the Music page accessible here or from the menu on the website main page. These recordings are on the CD that you received with your music packet. If you would prefer to use a different media to listen to the samples from, then bring the media device with your name on it to give to the director so the song samples can be copied on to your media device and returned to you the following week.

There will be a special rehearsal September 8 beginning at 6:45pm for those participating in the Arts Alive festival.

There are Voice Tracks available for every selection on this season’s musical program. These are available free of charge to you through the WCC website (the voice tracks have already been uploaded). See the How to Access the Voice Tracks blog for detailed instructions on how to access them. Note that the Voice Tracks for the song "Behold a Star from Jacob Shining" has a 1:43 lead into the starting point that is printed in the Octavio copy that you have.

Be aware that later in the season, as the weather conditions and access to the LCOC parking lot become an issue, be sure to check the webpage and watch for an email notification in the event the rehearsal must be cancelled. Be safe and use your on judgement regarding the use of roads in your neighborhood and in between. For sure, if the Prince William County government offices (not public schools) are closed our rehearsal will be cancelled. Also, if the church parking lot is not cleared, we will cancel.

Your comments are welcome and can be added at the bottom of this page.

10/27/2025 rehearsal: