Friday, June 17, 2011

A Message from Claudia Meza, curator of New Musics at Holocene



Thank you once again to everyone who participated in the New Musics
event last night. It was our best one yet and it would have not been
even remotely possible without the Flash Choir's participation. You
guys are amazing!!! I'm in awe of the versatility, discipline, and
enthusiasm I encountered and heard about during the rehearsal process/
performance. The Flash Choir is something very special - I hope that
it continues for a long time. I also hope we get to work together
again in the future.

I will be begin organizing rehearsals later this month for the piece I
am doing with the Portland Taiko group. It will be performed at at the
next New Musics on September 14th as part of the TBA:11 festival. If
any of you are interested in taking part of that, please feel free to
email and let me know -- cemeza@gmail.com

All The Best,
Claudia Meza

Monday, June 13, 2011

What's New Summer 2011

Hello Flasher Choir and Fans of Flash Choir and Flash Choir Members of the Future,

Although the group lead by Pat and Sarah has not been meeting regularly since January, there have been some interesting things that have come up.

Some choir members will be participating in an event at Holocene this Wednesday, June 15 -- more info here. It is part of a new music night, and will feature a new composition by me, Sarah Dougher for small ensemble and five voices.

From time to time, opportunities like this are coming up, and we will always post them on the Google group, so if you'd like to be on that list, just email me and I'll put you on: sarahdougher@gmail.com.

Also, a group of singers is meeting on Monday nights. Here are some (edited) notes from their rehearsals -- if you'd like to find out more, you can post your questions to the Google group.

Here are notes from their rehearsals:

June 6, 2011 @PNCA 7-9pm
Welcome to new Flash Choir member Devin Williams. She spotted the web blog and decided to check us out. Lynn Sherwood is also interested in joining, and Julie Flaming plans to come next week. Looks like a possible 9 people so far.
MUSIC REVIEW: Pieces brought in by anyone who wished to do so.
Warm up: Benji Met The Bear
William Billings songs: (rounds practiced)
When Jesus Wept
Youtube link here.
By the Waters of Babylon
Youtube link here.
Bob Dylan songs: (not reviewed)
Love is Just a Four Letter Word
Youtube link here.
It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
Youtube link here.
Warm Down: Bumble Bee scales; (1,121,12321,1234321 etc...scales)

DISCUSSIONS:
Talked about use of room at PNCA and possible use of Mary's home instead.
Mary Claire-Sprott has a piano; we currently have Ali's electronic pitch pipe setting.

People were interesed in sight reading lessons with Jo's sister Nan (jhaemer@gmail.com).

June 13th, June 20th are the remaining days on the PNCA room reserve schedule. An extension is most likely possible through Grace's husband and PNCA professor.


May 23, 2011 @PNCA 7-9pm

MUSIC REVIEW: Pieces brought in by anyone who wished to do so.
Warm-Up: None
William Stafford/Sarah Dougher “Strangers Together”: (attempted to practice a few without a piano)

Come What May by Moulin Rouge:(words handed out) Youtube link here.


DISCUSSIONS:

Director and Singer Searches:
Chorus Leader - I've forgotten who was suggested – someone Jo Haemer knows who would be opened to letting other people conduct on ocassion.
Singers - We could possibly put a “call for singers” posting near PSU Music Department, the Community Center in SE on Francis Street.
Practice Space: PNCA has been booked for four consecutive practices excluding Memorial Day. Mary-Claire Sprott has offered the use of her home if needed. She has a piano.

Performance Venue Ideas:
Performing while encircling sculptures. Some suggestions: Paul Bunyan Statue, Pod Sculpture across from Powells, Portlandia Sculpture from below, light poles (different songs around a number of light poles - one song at each pole on one side or both sides of the street - one next to another), and the Ira Keller Fountain.

Places Voodoo Donuts, Tulip Bakery in St. John's, Satyricon Bar, Henry Weinhard Brewery, Portland Train station, new homeless shelter near Portland Post Office, Japanese, Chinese, and Crystal Springs Gardens

Events Walk Portland – held in various parts of Portland during the summer.

Van Drive Ups Clowns or normally dressed singers unloading from a van in a variety of places to Flash spot sing.

Bus/Max GROUP performances Singing is normally prohibited on the transit system; but it was discussed that perhaps if done as a group FLASH (quickly) nobody would argue with a group of people who have a friendly agenda.

Song Works:
Gretchen Drilling expressed possible interest in adapting Moulin Rouge's "Come What May" to more than just two voice parts. May have to check out possible copyright legal issues before attempting. It is suggested that we try to use YouTube performance examples when suggesting song ideas along with lyrics and score.

Funding Matters:
Grant writing – Grace Saunders may be able to help out with this...she knows some great ins and outs about grant writing. We could work on something and then get funding for it, or target a specific funding with a specific project.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Links to "Between Rooms and Voices"

Many Flash Choir members were part of Ethan Rose's piece, "Between Rooms and Voices" this fall.
Here are some links to information and recordings of that piece:

An OPB radio show:
http://blogs.opb.org/thespeakeasy/2010/12/16/our-first-episode/

Oregon Music News
http://oregonmusicnews.com/blog/2010/11/24/ethan-rose-takes-over-city-hall-in-portland-watch-the-preview/

A youtube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp3rkdkkWm8

A blog from the classical music station:
http://www.allclassical.org/blog/

Enjoy!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Videos from Paulann Petersen performance

Hello all,
Many of us are working with Ethan Rose now to get "Between Rooms and Voices" together for the performance on Dec. 4+5 at City Hall. When I know more about tickets, I'll put information up.
Meanwhile, here are some videos of the choir at the Library on October 24th.
Thanks to Chuck and Lois for the a/v support.
The Youtube links are right here:

Replenish:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo4Gs1qIwRA

Thirst:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaHSGMKEPyo

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Fall Rehearsals/new music

Dear choir members old and new,

Please join us to rehearse new music to honor Paulann Petersen. The show is on October 24th at the main branch library downtown in the afternoon.
The rehearsals are as follows; all 7-9pm, at Pink Martini Studio, 720 SW First Ave.

Weds Sept 22—no Pat
Weds Sept 29
Weds Oct 6
Weds Oct 13
Weds Oct 20

If you could, please let us know if you will be joining us for this.
Also, the rehearsals on Sept 22 and 29 will include some Strangers Together, in anticipation of our show on October 2nd.

Again, just shoot me a quick email (sarahdougher@gmail.com) to let me know if you will be joining in.

Thanks!

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Hello September


Wow! The Flash Choir is three years old this month!

We have been having a very laid-back summer, but fall is just around the corner.


We did do this fun and amazing show:
http://www.oregonlive.com/clackamascounty/index.ssf/2010/08/metro_holds_concert_in_honor_o.html

Our work this fall will be with the composer and sound installation artist, Ethan Rose. You can read all about him here: www.ethanrosemusic.com.

We have been working with Ethan through the summer to get his piece together, and our performances for this will be in December; more info to follow on that. The Ethan Rose piece is closed to new participants. We do have a couple other performances coming up that you could participate in, however, if you are so inclined.

October 2nd we will be doing "Strangers Together" at the Narcotics Anonymous convention from 5-6pm.

October 24 we will be doing two new pieces in honor of the new Oregon poet laureate, Paulann Petersen. I am writing them right now! Rehearsals for this piece will begin the week of September 20th. Since the Ethan Rose project will be working on Monday nights at our regular rehearsal space, I'm working on a place to rehearse this new piece, and for getting Strangers Together rehearsed for the 2nd of October. I will be sending info out on the google groups list so if you are interested, please make sure you email picasing@gmail.com to get on that list.

Keep in touch!
Sarah Dougher

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Summer Rehearsals -- Come join us!

Hello,
The choir is going to be rehearsing the following days this summer on Mondays at 728 SW First Ave, from 7-9pm.
Please join us if you'd like!


May
3 NO REHEARSAL
10 Strangers Together
17 Strangers Together
24 Strangers Together
? (not yet confirmed) Strangers Together at Milwaukie High School
31 Strangers Together
June
7 Strangers Together
9 Strangers Together at the Lake Oswego Library
14 Susan Lead/ Pat key
28 Susan Lead/ Pat key
July
12 Susan Lead/Sarah key
26 Strangers Together (no Pat)
August
2 Strangers Together
7 Strangers Together at Deep Creek (near the Boring Grange)