T-Minus-1: The “Music of the Storms” Dress Rehearsal Post

We’re going to sing Music of the Storms tomorrow. Which means that this is the day for many things:

• Dress rehearsal – In which at least two people will have never been to the venue and will get lost and/or be a touch late. It’s tradition. It’s like our version of “break a leg.”
• Thudflurrst! – That’s the official technical term (as of now) for the noise your folder makes when it hits the ground, sheet music flying, because well, this is the evening where we practice the motions – when to tuck in the folder, when to clap, when to fistbump. Okay so that last part’s a total stretch.

• Music Order – At least one person will still not have their music in complete order and there will be shuffling, usually during a quiet moment. That’s when we know who’s not been paying attention. Bwahahahaha…..!
• Note pounding – Because unintentional solos are hilarious during rehearsal. Tonight? Not so much. Tomorrow? Definitely not. (This is also when you’ll see the most eyewateringly yellow highlighters come out and extra-mark-up that one rest/bridge/slur/dangnote!)
• Kudos From Jen – Because after 8 weeks the sopranos and altos still seem shy at that one page turn but at least they’re not still surprised! And there are no longer “waves of fear” coming off the two sections at that one tricky page.
• The Social Choir – “Can we switch so I can stand next to her? Please?” (Usually because “she” can sing better and “I” am a split second behind.)
• Wrong Part – In which at least one soprano will find out she’s been singing the wrong line. And will therefore be her own cone of Soprano 1 notes. Between a Basso Profundo and a Soprano 2. Now ya know.
• Miming – In which people will try to breathe quietly because Jen’s holding that one note for a bit. An extra loooong bit. Oh by the way, it takes more work and a lot more air to be soft rather than loud. Which means that some of us will stand there, looking like we’re singing, but really we’re taking a long, quiet, deep breath so the Sopranos can hit that next phrase with the appropriate “snoopy vulture” and “pinginess” that goes with a high note. The Altos will need it to hang out on that A, the one that holds us all together. The Basses and Tenors? Who knows? Well actually, since you asked ….

• Good Sports – The Basses and Tenors will get to just stand there for one number tomorrow, while the Sopranos and Altos do their thing. The Basses and Tenors will literally just stand there, patiently, possibly enjoying the attention, clapping when asked to do so. They might smile. Anything’s possible.
• The Surprise Soloist – In which that one Bass who’s sung with us for well over a year turns out to be a great soloist. Because it’s that kind of choir, where we’re capable of all manner of surprises. And always bring our best game to show night.

Really, we have so much fun just rehearsing. And tomorrow, between dress blues and blacks, nervy excitement, and great partners like Ideaventions, the Red Cross (National Capital Region), CoCoRaHS will be even more fun.

Please come! Music Of The Storms will be 7:30 pm, tomorrow, Saturday, March 16, 2013, at UUCF (2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA 22124).

We’ll have tickets at the door, but you can skip the line – get them online now!