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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Dear Singers,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I’m writing to discuss the various layers of membership in CSC and how one can choose their desired level of participation. <b>For the first time, we will receive audition requests through an online registration form</b>. Auditions take place on the following dates:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Monday, August 22<sup>nd</sup> – 6:00 – 10:00 – Cary Arts Center<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tuesday, August 23<sup>rd</sup> – 6:00 – 10:00 – Cary Arts Center<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Monday, August 29<sup>th</sup> – 6:00 – 10:00 – Cary Arts Center<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tuesday, August 30<sup>th</sup> – 6:00 – 10:00 – Cary Arts Center<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I’m also writing to announce the formation of our first roster of paid singers called <b>Cary Choral Artists</b> 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 <a href="http://concertsingers.org/auditions">http://concertsingers.org/auditions</a> In addition to the information provided on the web, I would like to mention the following about each group:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Cary Choral Artists</span></b> – 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:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:38.25pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:38.25pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>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). <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:38.25pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>They will serve as soloists where needed and will occasionally sing as a small ensemble.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:38.25pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Rather than be four individuals, they will likely come from a roster of singers that will rotate in and out as needed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Chorale</span></b> – 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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>A note about membership</b>: <b>IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN THE MOZART/SALIERI PROJECT YOU<span style='color:red'> DO NOT NEED TO REAUDITION</span></b>. 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. <b>We will ask for your commitment to that schedule <span style='color:red'>by September 15<sup>th</sup></span></b> . 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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Chamber Choir</span></b> – 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 <b>I AM ASKING <span style='color:red'>EVERYONE TO REAUDITION</span>. </b>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 <i>Messiah</i> and a selection from <i>Luminosity. </i>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Note:</b> This does not affect those who have already committed to sing Luminosity on August 13<sup>th</sup>. We will sing that performance with the same roster that we used in February.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Symphonic Choir</span> </b>– 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. <b><span style='color:red'>For this season, there are no requirements for Symphonic Choir members to reaudition</span></b>. 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 <i>America the Beautiful</i> 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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Audition Results</span></b> – Symphonic Choir singers will be notified of results within 48 hours of their audition. Chamber Choir will be announced by September 3<sup>rd</sup>. No decisions will be made or announced on audition night.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Stay tuned for the next email that will provide details about registration for the new season. This should arrive within the week.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thanks!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Larry<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#984806'>Lawrence Speakman<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#984806'>Artistic Director and Conductor</span></b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#984806'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif";color:#984806'><img border=0 width=121 height=122 id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image001.jpg@01CC4A54.C86DD050" alt="CSC_final_logo"></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#984806'>The Concert Singers of Cary<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#984806'>www.concertsingers.org<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#984806'>www.speakmanvocalarts.com<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#984806'>919-249-6421<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:Consolas;color:#984806'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;color:#984806'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>