From the director

Cantata Choir Update 11/04/25

• Very nice progress.  We think singing in-the-round is helpful & want to encourage us to integrate those who are confident & competent enough to step outside our SATB ‘boxes’ by sitting among others ‘not of their own kind’.  We are hopeful that will strengthen us & improve our attention to timing by giving us new neighbors.  Please work between rehearsals on what challenges you & push outside your comfort zones to grow!
• The concert John spoke of last Saturday is the Second Winds Community Band‘s annual Veteran’s Concert:  ‘Hearts, Heroes and Heritage‘.  It’s this Sunday at 3PM in the McMinnville Community Center, 600 NE Evans Street.
• Great news!  A huge ‘seed’ is being been planted in the YCAP Yamhill County Food Bank.  A wonderfully generous & anonymous friend-of-the-choir-family has pledged $10,000 (AGAIN!) to kick off our season!  We’re told the gift will be offered at St. James Catholic on December 22!
• Please remember that this Saturday our first (of 3?) ‘tech’ rehearsals will begin at 9:30AM.  If you may or will be a stool-sitter in December, mark your stool with your name & bring it to the next 3 Saturday sessions.  We will spend at least 1 hour in the risers on Saturdays.
• Also this Saturday, the set-up crew will (no-host) breakfast together at 7AM at Black Bear Diner, 2818 Portland Road, Newberg.  We will arrive at JSLC as close to 8AM as possible to unload the trailer & set up risers & audio gear.  Breakfast or not, helpers (roadies?) are invited & will be very warmly welcomed & deeply appreciated!
• Following all tech rehearsals & all ‘tour’ programs, help is needed to disassemble, package & load all our gear.  Many hands make light work.  Consistent hands on the same tasks can be very efficient!
• Saturday Youth Chorus begins at 9AM.
• Monday Youth Chorus continues at 6:30PM.
• Orchestra will no longer rehearse separately, but with the choir on Mondays & Saturdays.