Seattle -- Day Two & Three

Lots of singing to be had today!!! We started the morning off with two full choir rehearsals. We are performing a Mass on Tuesday and also preparing for our gala concert on Friday night so there is lots to do. The music is fun -- right up my alley and all new stuff that I have never sung before (for the big choir stuff that is...) so it's a great experience to sing some non-overdone Byrd, Tallis etc. We also got broken off into small groups today. We have what are called "tutor groups" where we are placed in a group of about 16-20 people and we work on one piece with one of the tutors all week and then perform the piece on Friday night at the gala concert. We also then have the opportunity to form our own small groups. Basically people say they want to do a certain piece and you say "I'll do that". Some groups were getting stupid and planning to do auditions etc. for the voice parts but really....that's just not necessary. I just planned on hanging around and seeing what kind of groups were available and if none were to my liking well then I would have more free time. Turns out I am now in four and having to turn down requests!!!! So far I have only had one rehearsal for these self-made groups -- it's was AWESOME!!!! We had a half and hour to practice and after the first run-through we decided maybe we should do more than one piece!! It's great!!!

I've met some pretty great and interesting people here. People have come from all over the states and there are five Canadians here including me. For a while I was holding the title of the person who traveled the farthest to be here but then we realized one lady came from ITALY so I guess she wins. I'm finding it easier to get along with people my age better than the older people. The people my age are very relaxed and have a very similar outlook on music and on being here that I do....but some of the older people -- WOW. The attitude is astounding!!!

Full choir rehearsals are going pretty well. I'm not a huge fan of singing with a choir of 60+ so it's not exactly my cup of tea but the music is nice especially the Fayrfax. Fayrfax is an earlier Renaissance composer sort of bridging the gap between Ockeghem and the tres early style and Tallis and company. His music is difficult (ie: One iteration of the work Kyrie can go on for about two pages) and the vocal ranges are difficult (ie: the altos are to sing low Cs....) but it is hauntingly beautiful....I hope to bring this music back to WLU and see what we can do with it!!!

Last night we went to hear the Seattle Tudor choir sing and they were joined by our three tutors from the Tallis Scholars. It was great minus the lilies and the incense in the church! Mass tomorrow might be interesting!!!

I have a break right now until dinner which is nice because I am in need of some vocal resting!!! After dinner we have a workshop with two of the craziest Brits I have ever met (this morning we danced the disco to get our singing blood flowing) and then more small group rehearsals and then Compline!!!

Greg flew home today and arrived safely this afternoon. Apparently the cats are quite happy to see him. Well, Boo-boo is as she's following him around everywhere but Chucky has taken to hiding behind the couch again (until he heard the bag of treats, that is). Gerry was somewhat indifferent to Greg's homecoming but was pleased to receive a treat!

That is all from Seattle -- I am still waiting for a rainy day on the west coast!!!!!!

Love,
Katie