Director's Notes (scroll down for latest entry)

Lee Irwin Culbreth
Aug 30, 2022
17 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

This will be updated each week following the most recent Monday night rehearsal.

For the first rehearsal on Monday, January 27 the routine will be different from all subsequent rehearsals. For this rehearsal only, the recorded samples will be played through as the choir sings along as best they can. 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 permits for this rehearsal, we may attempt to sing along without the recording using our accompaniment combo for some of the selections. This is not intended to be an exercise in frustration. It is not expected that it will be perfect in any way, so do not be discouraged as we will have 14 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 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 Spring 2025 "Journeys in Music" season are currently available on the Music page accessible from the menu on the website main page.

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

01/27/2025 rehearsal (Registration is from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm):

I have not yet received the attendance report, but it seemed a little lighter than expected. The instrumental combo was missing the trap set and string players. Two excused executive board members were missing. There were a few others missing that are expected to join later. It was good to see so many regulars and some of the new members that joined last season. Also, there were some returning members from years back and some brand-new members.

As previously indicated for this first rehearsal we read through most of the program singing along to the sample recording of each selection and sometimes additionally with our own instrumental accompaniment. At this point in time, we are still waiting for the arrival of two more selections that are expected to arrive no later than February 7. Still to arrive there will be selection numbers 1 and 13, "Journey to the past" and "Fly Away Home" respectively. If you have not already done so, you are advised to number your selections as indicated by the program listing that you received when you checked-in last Monday. These notes will reference the selections most frequently by the number only rather than the full title.

We will get to work this coming Monday by beginning the rehearsal with a warmup exercise then review three songs, during which there is no attempt to fix anything. We will then focus on four songs where we would normally divide up (if we have the resources to do so) and concentrate on individual voice parts working on blending and correcting rhythms, diction and pitches as needed. However, one of our keyboard accompanists will not be available for the next rehearsal and therefore we will not be able to split up. Speaking of resources, there is currently an opening for the Assistant Director. Contact the Resident Director if you have an interest in serving as the Assistant Director.

As announced at the rehearsal last Monday 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. See the How to Access the Voice Tracks blog for detailed instructions.

Be aware that later in the season, as the weather conditions and access to the 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. 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.

Next Monday (2/3) the review will be on selections (in the order listed): 6, 5, & 2. The focus will be on selections: 11, 8, 3, & 9. If either selection 1 or 13 arrives before Monday at least one of them will be introduced.

02/03/2025 rehearsal (Second registration date is from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm):

A couple of more people showed up that did not attend last week. There are at least two more regulars that are expected to join us in the next few weeks. Nancy was unable to make this rehearsal, so we had to work with just one accompanist. After the warmup we introduced the recently received selection that is to be number one on the concert program order. There is still one more selection (13) that is yet to arrive but is expected before next Monday. We then reviewed selections 6, 5, and 2. We broke out into two sections with the basses and tenors working with Meredyth in the fellowship hall, while I worked with sopranos and altos using the Voice Tracks. The focus was on selections 11, 8, 3, and 9. Number 11 is easy with a familiar tune taking from Dvorak’s New World Symphany. Number 8 should also be quite easy to learn from the pop tune written by Styx. Number 3 also relatively easy is a traditional Christian folk song made popular as it was included in the movie "O Brother Where Art Thou?". Number 9 will be a bit of a challenge with the advanced syncopated rhythms and harmonies. Even so we made good progress on each of the focus selections. If you spend a little time each week listening and singing along to the Voice Track these should be easy to learn.

Next Monday (2/10) the review will be on selections (in the order listed): 9, 3, 8, & 11. The focus will be on selections: 4, 7, & 12. We should also be able to introduce 13.

02/10/2025 rehearsal (Third and final regular registration date is from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm):

This was the last week for unrestricted self-registration. From this point on you must first speak with the Resident Director to get permission to register. As for this week's rehearsal, this was the second in the current series focusing on individual selections, during which we concentrate on the individual voice lines to ensure there is an understanding of the interpretation of the printed music, including pitch, duration, intensity, rhythm, dynamics and other special markings.

We began the rehearsal with some brief opening comments followed by the WCC standard warmup exercise. There were no introductory pieces (we were still waiting for one more selection to be delivered). Turns out, as I am writing this note the final selection has just arrived. Note: for those of you that attended this rehearsal your packet of music should already include selections 1 through 12. If you missed this rehearsal but attended one of the two previous rehearsals your packet of music should include selection 2 through 12 and will need to pick up number 1 from the Membership Management staff. Now that selection 13 has arrived everyone will need to get this from the Resident Musical director.

Next was a review of the four selections worked on in the previous week. Reminder number 3 and 8 include line solos, so if that is something of interest to you be sure to prepare on your own time prior to the line solo tryouts that will be held on Monday, March 17. Now there were comments from members of the WCC Executive Board. After which we immediately divided up into two groups to focus on selections 4 and 7. At lot of repetition in these two, as popular songs generally are. After regrouping it was time for the break. After the break we did recap with the full choir of the two selections 4 and 7. We then divided up again to focus on the selection 11. A lot of actual and made-up words at a very fast rate of cities across the county. Following that we recapped that selection before dismissing.

Next Monday (2/17) the review will be on selections (in the order listed): 12, 7, & 4. The focus will be on selections: 13, 10, & 1. We will introduce selection number 13 at the beginning of the rehearsal.02/17/2025 rehearsal (For late registration you must speak with the Resident Director):

After the opening comments and warmup, the final selection #13 that recently arrived was introduced. We then reviewed the selections that were the subject of the focus last week, numbers 12, 7, and 4. Before the board announcements and the break we spent time focusing on the new selection #13 followed by a recap. After the break we spent time focusing on #10 and #1 and then putting those back together during the recap. There were some issues with people singing through a rest but hopefully that has been resolved.

Next Monday the review will be on selections (in the order listed): 1, 10, & 13. The focus will be on selections: 2, 5, & 6.

02/17/2025 rehearsal (For late registration you must speak with the Resident Director):

At this point in time everyone should have all 13 selections except for one or two people that may have missed the rehearsal on February 10 and have not received selection #1. Some people missed this rehearsal and so have not received selection #13. Get Selection #1 if you need it from the Membership Management staff and get selection #13 if you need it from the Resident Director.

Next Monday the review will be on selections (in the order listed): 1, 10, & 13. The focus will be on selections: 2, 5, & 6.

02/24/2025 rehearsal (For late registration you must speak with the Resident Director):

After the usual beginning activities, we reviewed #1 and #10. Then we broke out into two groups to focus on #9 and #12. Then came board announcements and a break. We then did a recap of the two selections that were the subject of the focus time. For the sake of those interested in trying out for a line solo we read through selections 7 and 4. We closed out the evening with refreshments provided by members of the choir. All but a couple of people stayed and enjoyed the relaxed time together.

All current season members should be able to access the Voice Tracks. If you have tried and have not been able to access the Voice Tracks on the WCC webpage send me an email (lee.culbreth@outlook.com) with a description of where your efforts have failed.
Line Solo tryouts will be March 17. If you are interested, you must sign up by the end of the rehearsal on March 10. The sign-up sheet will be available beginning next week.
Feature tryouts will be March 24, 31 and April 7

Next Monday the review will be on selections (in the order listed): 9 & 12. The focus will be on selections: 2, 5, & 6. We will also read through the solo selections: 11, 8, & 3

03/03/2025 rehearsal (For late registration you must speak with the Resident Director):

As we prepare for our upcoming concerts in May we will proceed through a series of three sets of focus sessions. A focus session as you have now experienced consists of working on individual voice parts to mainly learn the correct pitch, and rhythm as well as the application of all other nuances pertaining to singing what is intended as indicated by the printed score. A set of focus sessions consists of spending a block of time on each individual selection on the program over the course of several weeks. This week we completed the first set of focus sessions. We will follow up next week with a complete run through of all the music on the program.

During this rehearsal as always, there were some opening comments and vocal warmup. We then reviewed the items that were the subject of the focus of the previous week. The first review was for selection #9 where folks are really beginning to relax and feel it. The next review was selection #12 which will require spending time on your own learning all the names and being able to recite them clearly and quickly. Guys, the girls are outdoing you, so you have been challenged.

Part of the plan the last couple of weeks was to sing through every selection that contains a line solo in preparation of the line solo tryouts which are scheduled for March 17. To that end we read through selections #11 and #8, which has completed that goal. As a reminder the assignment of the line solos will be based on the peer judge tally results. Peer judges are comprised of volunteers from the choir that are not trying out for a line solo. The peer judges are tasked with acting on behalf of our audience members that will be attending our concerts and judging each line solo applicant on their opinion of the applicants appeal to the audience. Line solo applicants need not memorize the line solo but are strongly encouraged to know it well.

During this rehearsal, we focused on and then recapped selections #2, #5 and #6 thus completing the first round of focusing on every selection on the program. Going forward after reading through the full program next week we will begin the second set of focusing on each selection.

Next Monday the readthrough will be on all selections in concert program order. There will be no focus although some limited time will be available for quick touchup. The deadline for signing up for line solo tryouts is the close of rehearsal next week.

03/10/2025 rehearsal:

This rehearsal was a first look at our status in the pursuit of preparation for our concerts in May. In the five previous weeks we focused on each individual selection looking at the very basic concepts. Those focus sessions have been very fruitful as this rehearsal has shown. The notes or tunes are becoming more and more familiar. The rhythms and dynamic markings still need some work on some of the selections. As we move forward, we will work in these areas in the coming rehearsals as well as applying some more subtle attributes to make the final product appeal to our audience to the best of our ability. Next Monday the line solos will be established with backups.

To that end, I will be calling on some of you who will not be trying out for a line solo to serve as a Peer Judge. A Peer Judge is asked to take on the role of an advocate for our audience. They will judge each line solo applicant on how well they think that applicant will impress our audience during their performance. It is not intended to be a popularity contest but rather a brutally honest assessment of the applicant's performance. It may be that none of the applicants for a particular line solo are acceptable to the Peer Judges, in which case that line solo will revert to the respective section of the choir. The Peer Judges will fill out their tally sheets before turning them in at then end of the rehearsal and then during the following week I will compile the results and announce them at the next rehearsal.

Next Monday we will be working on selections 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, and 13 as we complete the line solo tryouts. Also this is the deadline to sign up for Feature tryouts.

03/17/2025 rehearsal:

For this rehearsal we took a new approach to the line solo tryouts. Instead of a separate session following the rehearsal it was incorporated into the rehearsal. We began as usual with an overview of what was about to happen to include the distribution and explanation about the Peer Judge tally sheets. This we followed with the standard warmup exercise. We then moved forward with the tryouts with the intent of conforming to an actual performance of each selection. This in turn provided the choir with multiple chances to sing each of the songs that contain line solos. There were four candidates trying out for selection #1, Debbie, Juliane, Cynthia, and Andrea. The next selection #2 turned out to be very popular as there were five candidates, Fern, Leslie, Juliane, Cynthia, and Andrea. Selection #3 was a bit complex in that it begins with an alto solo for which the candidates were, Leslie, Debbie, and Amy and Andrea trying out for the solo as a duet. This led into a duet as a supporting alto part of sustained “Ohs” was added. Then there is a three-part soprano, alto, tenor section with additional candidates, Carolyn for the soprano part, and Mark for the tenor part. Later in the selection a soprano descant, Carolyn is added. Selection #4 begins with a medium voice solo with the following candidates Cynthia, Amy and Andrea trying for the solo as a duet. The male-female duet tryout in this selection will be next week. There was only one male candidate, Larry who was not able to attend this rehearsal so his solo tryout and the duet portion will be put off until next week. There was only one candidate, Juliane, for selection #6. Likewise, there was only one candidate, me for selection #7. The most popular selection is #8 and the candidates were Scott, Daniela, Cynthia, Amy and Andrea as a duet, and Bill. Larry will be trying out next week. Rehearsal time expired before we got to the tryouts for selections 12 and 13.

Next Monday we will continue with line solo tryouts for selections 4, 8, 12, & 13. We will try various pairings for the alto duet in #3. There will also be feature tryouts by Fern and Luis.

03/24/2025 rehearsal:

Continuing the new approach for line solos this rehearsal marked the conclusion of the effort to complete all line solo tryouts while engaging the rest of the choir in a productive exercise. After brief opening comments and a warmup exercise, we proceeded where we left off the week prior to the completion of all the line solo tryouts. We began by providing the peer judges with an opportunity to hear the various combinations of Leslie, Debbie, Amy and Andrea for the two-part alto section including measures 13 through 20 of selection #3. Larry had his chance to try out for the solo and the duet with Andrea in selection #4 and the solo in selection #8 that he missed because of personal reasons for which he had asked in advance for permission to do this week. Then we continued with the solo lines included in selection #12 including candidates, Scott, Larry, Mark and myself. Next was selection #13 with candidates Debbie, Cynthia, and Bill. Due to the misunderstanding on my part, Andrea was permitted to retry her tryout for the selection #1. The peer judges’ tally sheets were collected at the end of the rehearsal, and the results will be based on the analysis of the information provided on those tally sheets. Those selected as the soloist and the backup for each of the nine selections will be announced at the rehearsal on March 31st. With the remaining time we were able to fix a few things in selections 5, 9, 10, and 11.

Next Monday the touchup will be on selections (in the order listed): 11, 10, 9, 5, 1, and 12.

03/31/2025 rehearsal:

This rehearsal concluded the second phase of the Master Rehearsal plan, which included a touchup of selections 11, 10, 9, 5, 1, and 12. There were also three feature tryouts by Luis, Russ and the Mark Cohen quartet. As usual we began the rehearsal with some brief comments including line solo tryout results and a warmup exercise. There were more announcements from the board just prior to the break.

Line solo tryout results:

Song	Measures	Voice	Name
Journey to the Past	9-24, 32-36	Solo	Juliane
Journey to the Past	9-24, 32-36	Back up	Andrea
You'll Never Walk Alone	13-29	Solo	Juliane
You'll Never Walk Alone	13-29	Back up	Leslie
Down to the River to Pray	4-11, 13-20	Solo	Amy & Andrea
Down to the River to Pray	4-11, 13-20	Back up	Leslie
Down to the River to Pray	13-20	sustained part beneath	All other altos
Down to the River to Pray	21-28	Sop/Trio	Carolyn
Down to the River to Pray	21-28	Alto/Trio	Amy & Andrea
Down to the River to Pray	21-28	Bass/Trio	Mark
Down to the River to Pray	72-87	Descant	Carolyn
Fields of Gold	9-17	Solo	Larry
Fields of Gold	9-17	Back up	Cynthia
Fields of Gold	44-46	Solo	Larry
Fields of Gold	44-46	Back up	Andrea
Fields of Gold	46-48	Solo	Andrea
Fields of Gold	46-48	Back up	Cynthia
Travelin' Thru	29-33, 72-77	Solo	Juliane
Travelin' Thru	29-33, 72-77	Back up	all sopranos
All Aboard!	68-69	Solo	Irwin
Come Sail Away	7-37	Solo	Bill
Come Sail Away	7-37	Back up	Larry
I've Been Everywhere	4-12, 14-22	Solo 1	Larry
I've Been Everywhere	12-14	Solo 2	Scott
I've Been Everywhere	132-133	Solo	Irwin
I've Been Everywhere	132-133	Back up	Mark
Fly Away Home	9-16, 21-24	Solo	Debbie
Fly Away Home	9-16, 21-24	Back up	Cynthia
Fly Away Home	17-24	Solo	Bill

Next Monday there will be a full readthrough of the concert music in reverse order. It is expected that our drummer and string player will be attending the rehearsal and the final Feature tryouts will be completed.

04/07/2025 rehearsal:

We began as usual with some opening comments and a warmup. After which we proceeded through the full program but in reverse order. The reason for this was to maintain a balance of proportionate time spent on each selection. Even though a rehearsal plan is thoughtfully prepared before each rehearsal it invariably falls because things frequently bog down earlier during the rehearsal and so leaving less time then was planned for the selections at the end of the rehearsal. In this case it was #13, #12, and #6 that ran over the allotted times, as there were issues that needed more attention. Part of the rehearsal was dedicated to the final three Feature tryouts.

Next Monday we begin the final phase of the Master Rehearsal plan and that is touchup all selections of one half of the program (in the order listed): 4, 11, 8, 7, 9, 1, & 12. The results of the Feature tryouts will be announced.

04/14/2025 rehearsal:

In the opening comments the results of the Feature tryouts were announced. There will be one Feature and that will be Luis singing “What a Wonderful World”. After the warmup we began the final touchups with #4 and then #11. Both of which went very well thus not needing the additional time plan for them. Next, we worked on #8 that required a closer look at one passage of about eight measures that needed a little more attention. Still with plenty of time before the break we looked at #7 which required only a minor adjustment. At that time, we noticed the arrival of Kristi, our resident string instrument specialist. So, after the board announcements and the break we went back to #11 a couple of times to allow her to get the feel of it with the choir. Continuing with #9 which the choir seems to have a natural knack for it, so it required no fixes. We closed out the rehearsal with #1 and #12, which are both in very good shape.

Next Monday we will finish toughing up the other half of the program (in the order listed): 2, 5, 6, 13, 10, & 3. Note after next week we have one final rehearsal at LCOC before our mandatory on sight rehearsal.

04/21/2025 rehearsal:

After the warmup we began the final touchups with #2 and then #5. Next, we worked on #6. Then we looked at #13 which required only a minor adjustment. After the board announcements and the break we went continuing with #10. We closed out the rehearsal with #3.

Next Monday we will refine the full program for our final rehearsal of the season at LCOC. Leaving only the mandatory on sight rehearsal at Felazzo on Friday.

04/28/2025 rehearsal:

All is well and we are rip-roaring ready to go! I heard in an email received after this rehearsal from Marie our drummer that she has been having a work conflict preventing her to attend rehearsals but she is prepared to participate having been practicing with the recordings.

Friday will be the mandatory on-site rehearal that will begin at 7pm. Please arrive early to allow time to get situated and on the riser ready to sing at 7pm.

05/02/2025 MANDATORY on-site rehearsal:

Comments to be added here after the rehearsal.

05/03&04/2025 Concerts at Ferlazzo:

Comments to be added after concerts

05/13&24/2025 Auxillary Concerts:

Tuesday, May 13 @ 7pm (Report by 6:30)

Westminster at Lake Ridge

12191 Clipper Drive, Lake Ridge, VA 22192

Saturday, May 24 @ 3pm (Report by 2:30)

Lake Ridge Fellowship House

12800 Harbor Dr, Lake Ridge, VA 22192

What about the Christmas 2025 concert Season:

First rehearsal as is the custom will be the last Monday in August specifically the 25th of August at 7:30 PM. Registration begins at 7:00 PM

A list of potential songs that may be on the program will be listed here later (Google them to listen):

I hope to see you all back for the WCC Christmas "Merry Christmas" concert season. Check back later for sample recordings to be added later. Enjoy your summer break..

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