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Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Summer Updates!

Vocal Music Students:

I hope you are all having a wonderful summer!  In just over a month we'll be making music together, I hope you are getting as excited as I am.  We have an awesome year ahead, and so much to look forward to!  While I hope you are all enjoying a restful, relaxing, fun summer vacation, I want to update you and pass along some information related to the upcoming school year.

-  You can find a Concert/Performance Schedule on this website at the tab above
-  If you have not subscribed to the website yet please do so: www.foxborochoir.blogspot.com 
-  Also follow the vocal music twitter account @foxborochoir 

-  We will discuss E-Board Positions on the first day of school if you are interested in holding a leadership position.

-  I'm working on a End Of Summer Get-Together Tentatively Scheduled for August 26th--more details to come!  It would feature snacks/drinks, we will talk about the upcoming school year, listen through some of the music, and join the Orchestra students in watching the Marching Band Show Preview!

-  It is not too late to sign up for Jazz Choir, we can get you signed up on the first day of school if you are interested!

-  Finally, I am excited to announce the tentative Concert Choir Curriculum for the Fall and Winter Term.  The Vocal Jazz Curriculum will be finished very soon.
Note: These songs are definitely subject to change, but this is what we will start with.  Dropbox will be updated soon with recordings and part tracks!

FALL TERM (Voices and Strings Concert)
If Ye Love Me - Thomas Tallis  Youtube Link
Esto Les Digo - Kinley Lange  Youtube Link
Bright Morning Stars - Jay Althouse Youtube Link
Magnificat, Vivaldi -- We Will Perform This Alongside The King Philip HS Concert Choir and Full Orchestra! Youtube Link

WINTER TERM (Winter Concert)
Hallelujah, Amen (from Judas Maccabeus) - Handel Youtube Link
Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light - Bach Youtube Link
What Sweeter Music (either Leavitt or Rutter version still TBD)
Feller From Fortune - Somers (possibly...still TBD)
1-2 Holiday Songs - Possibly Pentatonix?

SPRING
In the Spring, along with many new pieces, we will be taking a look at the music of Daniel Elder.  Daniel is a rising star in the choral music world, and many of his works at starting to be performed at colleges, high schools, and All-State festivals around the country.  There are two pieces in particular that we will be looking at.  These pieces are some of the most challenging music we will learn all year, so it is best to at least start listening.  The first piece is entitled "Fresh and Fearless" based on the poem "May Night" by Sara Teasdale.  The video link is here: Youtube Link   The Second Piece by Elder is entitled, "Ballade of the Moon".  An absolutely beautiful original by Elder--part of a 3 song set of Nocturnes.  The link is here: Youtube Link

Many more pieces to come--including MICCA sets for Concert Choir/Women's Choir.  Women's Choir will be working on a Kevin Memley Piece this year, "There Will Come Soft Rains" Youtube Link

Again, have a wonderful rest of your summer!  Make sure to keep singing--even if it's just a few vocal exercises and warmups here and there.  We have an awesome year coming up with guest high school and college choir collaborations, guest artists and clinicians, and of course Tour 2017!  If you have any questions about the upcoming school year, don't hesitate to contact me, and I will respond.  I'll touch base with you all again soon.  

-Mr. Raymond
Foxboro High School Vocal Music Director

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