[csc_newsline] CSC Membership

Mon Jul 25 00:37:07 EDT 2011

Dear Singers,

I'm writing to discuss the various layers of membership in CSC and how one
can choose their desired level of participation. For the first time, we will
receive audition requests through an online registration form. Auditions
take place on the following dates:

Monday, August 22nd - 6:00 - 10:00 - Cary Arts Center

Tuesday, August 23rd  - 6:00 - 10:00 - Cary Arts Center

Monday, August 29th  - 6:00 - 10:00 - Cary Arts Center

Tuesday, August 30th  - 6:00 - 10:00 - Cary Arts Center

I'm also writing to announce the formation of our first roster of paid
singers called Cary Choral Artists and explain the role that they will play
in our organization. Please take a few minutes to read the information on
the website about the requirements  for each level
http://concertsingers.org/auditions In addition to the information provided
on the web, I would like to mention the following about each group:

Cary Choral Artists - As part of our grant proposals to United Arts of Wake
County and the Town of Cary, we expressed our desire to form a professional
core, similar to the first chair in each section of the orchestra. This
initiative was well received by both committees. We believe that as the area
grows in population there will be more opportunities for professional
singers, either through us or through new or existing organizations. Cary
now has its own resident festival in July that includes The Brussels Chamber
Orchestra, an internationally recognized all professional orchestra. Any
choral collaborations with them will likely require a professional core of
singers which we want to insure will come from us. These singers will serve
in the following ways:

.         They will serve as artistic section leaders, serving as my link to
each section regarding markings and vocal issues. Current section leaders
will continue to handle the administrative functions. 

.         They will report to me on how rehearsals are progressing and if
there are any issues in rehearsal that are interfering with our work (i.e.
idle conversation or drifting off on smart phones). 

.         They will serve as soloists where needed and will occasionally
sing as a small ensemble.

.         Rather than be four individuals, they will likely come from a
roster of singers that will rotate in and out as needed.

Chorale - As you know the Chorale was formed last year to provide the needed
forces for our collaboration with The Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle. We
are pleased to announce that we will not only be performing again with them
in 2012, but have begun the process of building a partnership that will
insure an annual collaboration with performances in venue's outside the
Carolina Theater, including the Cary Arts Center. Lorenzo Muti and I will
share conducting duties with me conducting the Beethoven Mass in C this
season. This is a fabulous opportunity for us to establish an ongoing
relationship with a fully professional chamber orchestra that has an
organization that is well established both artistically and
organizationally. We have this on the Pops side with the NC Symphony, but
this provides us an ongoing professional partnership on the classical side. 

A note about membership: IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN THE MOZART/SALIERI PROJECT
YOU DO NOT NEED TO REAUDITION. You will note that the current audition
requirement is significant which will help us bring in the best new members
that we can possibly attract.  We will ask for your commitment to that
schedule by September 15th . Please do not commit just to save a spot and
pull out later. If you are uncertain then tell us that and we'll work to
have an alternative in case you are unable to sing. What I do not want to do
is tell another singer that we have no open spots and then have someone drop
out.

Chamber Choir - As you are aware, we have had a group of about 50 singers
who have each performed at least one Chamber Choir concert in the last two
seasons. I think that it is time for us to take a less casual approach to
assembling this group, so I AM ASKING EVERYONE TO REAUDITION. We will be
limiting the size of the group to 32 singers. The requirements are on the
online audition form and should be especially friendly to those who
participated this year. Please sign up right away to request a time.  It is
a five minute audition that includes you singing a short excerpt from
Messiah and a selection from Luminosity. There will also be a sight singing
example that you will be given to look over just prior to the audition.
Don't freak out over that as it is just a factor in the decision that will
tell me where you are in that area. You will get three tries at it. What is
most important is that you sing well. Also keep in mind that the Chamber
Choir is the core of the Chorale so look over all of the dates before
committing. 

Note: This does not affect those who have already committed to sing
Luminosity on August 13th. We will sing that performance with the same
roster that we used in February.

Symphonic Choir - Very little has changed in what is required for auditions
for Symphonic Choir but we have taken the opportunity to restate our
expectations for membership. For this season, there are no requirements for
Symphonic Choir members to reaudition. For new singers, we are making sure
that we have their audition selection and background information in advance
through the online form. For those with less experience we have provided a
PDF on the form of the hymn setting of America the Beautiful rather than
have song books available on site for that purpose. It is important though
that everyone understands that less experience does not equate with a casual
commitment to excellence in rehearsal and performance. Longtime members are
encouraged to read the requirements as a refresher.

Audition Results - Symphonic Choir singers will be notified of results
within 48 hours of their audition. Chamber Choir will be announced by
September 3rd. No decisions will be made or announced on audition night.

Stay tuned for the next email that will provide details about registration
for the new season. This should arrive within the week.

Thanks!

Larry

Lawrence Speakman

Artistic Director and Conductor

CSC_final_logo

The Concert Singers of Cary

www.concertsingers.org

www.speakmanvocalarts.com

919-249-6421

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.concertsingers.org/pipermail/csc_newsline_lists.concertsingers.org/attachments/20110725/fb217568/attachment-0002.html>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image001.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 4151 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://lists.concertsingers.org/pipermail/csc_newsline_lists.concertsingers.org/attachments/20110725/fb217568/attachment.jpg>