Merry Christmas!

Here's a little Christmas present from the Cor Corps, off of our 2011 Holiday Concert.  Enjoy!

December Notes

Hello Hornists,Congratulations on a great concert!  We all worked really hard on some difficult pieces, and we had a great audience!  A special thanks goes out to all our guest conductors and to everyone who helped set up and tear down; you helped make this concert possible! 
I'll be posting some new pictures and uploading some video later this week, hopefully.  If you have pictures you'd like me to add to our website, email me! 
Looking to the future, our next rehearsal will be Saturday, January 14th, from 9-11 at MCC.  Enjoy your holiday (or should I say Merry Christmakwanzukkah and a Happy New Year?)!  Happy Practicing!

November 19th, 2011

Hello Hornists!

I am reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was earlier today at MCC.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

• We met our goal of starting at 9 am!  Keep up the great work and remember to plan on arriving by 8:45 am for warm-ups!
We rehearsed the concert order for our December concert in the auditorium:
• What Child is This (careful of dynamics and phrasing markers)
• Madrigals (play lightly; be sure to watch the conductor, do not play by what you hear!)
• Ave Maria (dynamics)
• Candide (continue to woodshed where necessary, emphasize dynamics and articulations throughout and play lightly!)
• Eternal Father
• Officer Krupke (dynamics, rhythms and articulations: listen to the vocal recording and copy the singers' style especially on the melody sections)
• Joy to the World (new!)
• Please check your email this week for concert posters; it would be great if we could all find 5 places or people to invite to our concert!
• For our last rehearsal, next week, we will be in meeting in the band room.

Our next rehearsal will be November 26th at MCC.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am; see you then!

Announcing the December 2011 Holiday Concert

When: December 3rd, 2011

Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm

Where: McHenry County College, Building B, Auditorium

What: The Cor Corps' Holiday Concert

Admission: FREE!

Reception to Follow

RSVP to our concert on Facebook here.

November 12th, 2011

Hello Hornists!

I am reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was this past Saturday at MCC.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

1. We met our goal of starting at 9 am!  Keep up the great work and remember to plan on arriving by 8:45 am for warm-ups!
We rehearsed the concert order for our December concert (and made recordings):
1. What Child is This (careful of dynamics and phrasing markers)
2. Madrigals (Pleasant Grove and Elves' Dance: dynamics and style)
3. Ave Maria (dynamics)
4. Canzon (practice with a metronome and emphasis on all beats)
5. Fanfare & Toccata (dynamics, rhythms and articulations!)
6. Candide (continue to woodshed where necessary, emphasize dynamics and articulations throughout and play lightly!)
   
7. Cherry Wood Swing
8. Scarborough Fair
9. Eternal Father (new!)
   Fandango
10. Officer Krupke (dynamics, rhythms and articulations: listen to the vocal recording and copy the singers' style especially on the melody sections)
Please check your email this week for concert posters; it would be great if we could all find 5 places or people to invite to our concert!
2. Next rehearsal, we may be in meeting in the auditorium, so please check before going up to the band room.

Special thanks to everyone who helped set up and tear down! 

Our next rehearsal will be November 19th at MCC.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am; see you then!

November 5th, 2011

Hello Hornists!

I am reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was this past Saturday at MCC.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

1. We met our goal of starting at 9 am!  Keep up the great work and remember to plan on arriving by 8:45 am for warm-ups!
2. We rehearsed the following pieces for our December concert (and made recordings):
1. What Child is This (careful of dynamics and phrasing markers)
2. Candide (continue to woodshed where necessary, emphasize dynamics and articulations throughout and play lightly!)
3. Fanfare & Toccata (dynamics, rhythms and articulations!)
4. Officer Krupke (dynamics, rhythms and articulations: listen to the vocal recording and copy the singers' style especially on the melody sections)
5. Madrigals (Pleasant Grove and Elves' Dance: dynamics and style)
6. Ave Maria
7. Canzon
8. Eternal Father (new!)
3. Next rehearsal, please be prepared to work on the pieces we skipped this week, as well as the large ensemble pieces.
4. The concert order will be: What Child is This, Madrigals (Delightful and Elves' Dance), Ave Maria, Canzon, Fanfare and Toccata, Candide, Cherrywood Swing, Scarborough Fair, Eternal Father, Fandango, and Krupke.

Special thanks to everyone who helped set up and tear down! 

Our next rehearsal will be November 12th at MCC.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am; see you then!

October 22nd, 2011

Hello Hornists!

I am reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was earlier today at MCC.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

1. We met our goal of starting at 9 am!  Keep up the great work and remember to plan on arriving by 8:45 am for warm-ups!
2. We rehearsed following pieces for our December concert:
1. What Child is This (careful of dynamics and phrasing markers)
2. Candide (continue to woodshed where necessary, emphasize dynamics and articulations throughout and play lightly!)
3. Fanfare & Toccata (dynamics, rhythms and articulations!)
4. Officer Krupke (dynamics, rhythms and articulations: listen to the vocal recording and copy the singers' style especially on the melody sections)
5. Madrigals (Pleasant Grove and Elves' Dance: dynamics and style)
3. Next rehearsal, please be prepared to work on small group pieces (but also continue working the larger pieces as well; or just practicing everything all the time!).

Special thanks to everyone who helped set up and tear down! 
Our next rehearsal will be November 5th at MCC.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am; see you then!

October 15th, 2011

Hello Hornists!

I am reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was earlier today at MCC.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

1. We met our goal of starting at 9 am!  Keep up the great work and remember to plan on arriving by 8:45 am for warm-ups!
2. We rehearsed following pieces for our December concert:
1. Ave Maria (dynamics!)
2. Fandango (dynamics, articulations, counting, etc. you know what to work on!)
3. Cherry Wood Swing
4. Scarborough Fair Revisited
5. Hungarian Dance no. 5
6. Officer Krupke (It is important that the on-beats/off-beats keep time throughout)
3. Please be prepared to work on the large group pieces next week, including Candide, Fanfare & Toccata, the Madrigals, What Child is This? and Officer Krupke.
4. Fun fact: there are only 5 more rehearsals until our concert!

Special thanks to everyone who helped set up and tear down!  Our next rehearsal will be October 22nd at MCC.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am; see you then!

October 8th, 2011

Hello Hornists!

I am reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was earlier today at MCC.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

1. We met our goal of starting at 9 am!  Keep up the great work and remember to plan on arriving by 8:45 am for warm-ups!
2. We rehearsed following pieces for our December concert:
1. What Child is This (new!)
2. Candide (continue to woodshed where necessary, emphasize dynamics and articulations throughout and play lightly!)
3. Fanfare & Toccata (dynamics, rhythms and articulations!)
4. Officer Krupke (six sharps are so much fun!)
5. Canzon (we decided to articulate all 16th note figures with a legato tongue)
3. We did not play the other small group music, but did decide who would play on which pieces (if you are unsure of your assignment, please email our fearless leader).  The other small group pieces will be Fandango, Canzon, Scarborough Fair Revisited, Cherrywood Swing and Hungarian Dance no.5.
4. Next rehearsal, please be prepared to work on small group pieces (but also continue working the larger pieces as well; or just practicing everything all the time!).

Special thanks to everyone who helped set up and tear down!  Our next rehearsal will be October 15th at MCC.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am; see you then!

Just for Fun

Hello Hornists!

For your enjoyment, here's some more listening videos!

See you at rehearsal this Saturday!

Officer Krupke (1961 Film)

Officer Krupke (Blast)

October 1st, 2011

Hello Hornists!

I am reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was this past Saturday at MCC.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

1. We met our goal of starting at 9 am!  Keep up the great work and remember to plan on arriving by 8:45 am for warm-ups!
2. We received 3 new Warm-Up Chorales, and read the following pieces for our December concert:
1. Madrigals (We read all 6 movements, but picked two for the concert, to be played in the audience: In these Delightful, Pleasant Groves and Elves' Dance)
2. Fanfare & Toccata (check dynamics and rhythms for next time)
3. Fandango (If you haven't yet, check out the recording).
4. Officer Krupke (new!  Featuring low horn and some pretty funky sharp key signatures!)
5. Candide (This week try to go over the tricky 8th note parts and listen to a recording.) 
3. We did not play, but are still considering some holiday music.  If you have any holiday/Christmas music, please bring it to our next rehearsal so we can consider it!

Special thanks to everyone who helped set up and tear down!  Our next rehearsal will be October 8th at MCC.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am; see you then!

September 24th, 2011

Hello Hornists!

I am reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was this past Saturday at MCC.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

1. We met our goal of starting at 9 am!  Keep up the great work and remember to plan on arriving by 8:45 am for warm-ups!
2. We read the following pieces to be considered for the December 3 concert:
1. O Filii et Filiae
2. Ave Maria
3. Cherry Wood Swing
4. Hungarian Dance #5
5. Scarborough Fair
6. Candide 
7. Fandango
8. Fanfare & Toccata
3. We did not play, but are still considering Canzon Gabrielli, Fanfare and Toccata, another large ensemble piece TBD and holiday music.  If you have any holiday/Christmas music, please bring it to our next rehearsal so we can consider it!

Special thanks to everyone who helped set up and tear down!  Our next rehearsal will be October 1st at MCC.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am; see you then!

Listening Fun!

Hello Hornists!
Here are some videos of some of the pieces we've programed for the fall.  Spend a lot of time listening or a little!

Candide Overture (Bernstein conducts)

Candide Overture (American Horn Quartet)

Fanfare & Toccata (brass ensemble)

Hungarian Dance #5 (Berlin Philharmonic)

Ave Maria (Chanticleer choral group)

Canzon Gabrielli (Canadian Brass)

If you know of any other great recordings, post the links below!

Happy Listening all!

September 10th, 2011

Hello Hornists!

I am reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was this past Saturday at MCC.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

1. We met our goal of starting at 9 am!  Keep up the great work and remember to plan on arriving by 8:45 am for warm-ups!
2. We read the following pieces to be considered for the December 3 concert (we are considering having small groups play for some of the quartets, as indicated):
1. Fanfare & Toccata
2. Ave Maria
3. Cherry Wood Swing (small group?)
4. Hungarian Dance #5 (small group?)
5. Scarborough Fair (small group?)
6. Candide 
7. O Filii et Filiae
8. Canzon Gabrielli (small group?)
3. We did not play, but are still considering Fandango, Hogwarts Forever, another large ensemble piece TBD and holiday music.  If you have any holiday/Christmas music, please bring it to our next rehearsal so we can consider it!
4. We have filled out a preliminary matrix with everyone's parts to develop a good balance for each piece.  If you were not at today's rehearsal, please check which parts you have for the pieces (that we played today) and email the information to our leader.
5. We anticipate the need for conductors for some of the larger pieces this season; please consider what you would like to conduct!

Special thanks to everyone who helped set up and tear down!  Our next rehearsal will be September 24th at MCC.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am; see you then!

August 27th, 2011

Hello Hornists!

I am reporting on our latest rehearsal, which was this past Saturday at MCC.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

1. We read the following pieces to be considered for the December 3 concert:
1. Fanfare & Toccata

   ·         Ave Maria

   ·         Cherry Wood Swing

   ·         Fandango

   ·         Hungarian Dance #5

   ·         Scarborough Fair

   ·         Candide

   ·         O Filii et Filiae

   ·         Canzon Gabrielli
2. We would like to meet the goal of starting to rehearse music at 9 am for every rehearsal, due to the challenging nature of some of the music we're considering for the December concert.  Please plan on arriving for rehearsal by 8:45 am to give yourself some warm-up/chat time.  Thanks in advance for making this adjustment!
3. We anticipate the need for conductors for some of the larger pieces this season; please consider what you would like to conduct!

Special thanks to everyone who helped set up and tear down!  Our next rehearsal (and the official start to the Fall Season) will be September 10th at MCC.  Please plan on arriving by 8:45 am for a great first rehearsal!

·        

Fall 2011 Season Dates

Hello Hornists!
With our last reading session of the summer coming up this Saturday at MCC (9-11 am) it's time to start thinking about the upcoming Fall Season!  Our fearless leader has secured the following rehearsal dates:   

• September 10, 24
• October 1, 8, 15, 22,
• November 5, 12 (this will be on the stage), 19, 26

As always, we rehearse in the band room at MCC from 9-11 although, the percussion group rehearses on the odd Saturdays, so for those (Oct. 1, 15, Nov. 5, 19), we’d be in the choir room.
The holiday concert will take place on Saturday, December 3, 2011 (at MCC).
I'm looking forwards to a great season with you all!  Happy practicing!

August 13th, 2011

Hello Hornists!
I am reporting on our last rehearsal (which was this morning).  Thanks to everyone who came and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

1. We met at MCC in the band room.  We will be meeting at MCC until further notice.
2. We read a bunch of fun music and short-listed the following pieces as potential for the coming winter concert...
1. Cherry Wood Swing
2. Fanfare and Toccata
3. March from "The Love for Three Oranges"
4. Overture Candide
5. La Gazza Ladra
6. Scarborough Fair
7. Ave Maria (Angelus Domini)
8. Hungarian Dance No. 5
9. Fandango
3. We also played Konzertstuck (the Vienna Horns' arrangement came in!) which was killer.
4. We talked about purchasing a lockable filing cabinet for us to store our music in (so our fearless leader doesn't have to carry several tons of music to each rehearsal).  Or, does anyone have a lockable filing cabinet they would be willing to donate?  (email, or leave a post below)
5. We are looking at the first Saturday in December (the 3rd) as our next concert date (email or post if you have concerns about this date).
6. Special thanks to everyone who helped to set up and tear down for our rehearsal!

If you know of or own any pieces that you think we should play, either bring them to our next rehearsal, post a comment below, or mail our fearless leader/copy monkey!

Are you a horn player in the McHenry County area looking for some fun?  Do you know any horn players who would enjoy playing with us?  Then invite them (or yourself!) to our next rehearsal!  Our summer rehearsals are spent sight reading, so there's no pressure to commit.  Come to as many or as few rehearsals as you want!

Our next rehearsal will be August 27th at MCC in the band room. (Park in the lot by the stoplight on rt. 14, and enter at Building B.  The band room will be on the second floor).  See you then!

July 23rd, 2011

Hello Hornists!
I am reporting on our last rehearsal (which was this morning).  Thanks to everyone who came and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

1. We met at CLS in the band room.
2. We read a bunch of fun music including...
1. O Magnum Mysterium
2. Cherry Wood Swing
3. Toccata and Fugue in D minor (We are thinking that this could be a great piece for next year; be thinking about which part you'd be interested in playing)
4. Fanfare and Toccata
5. La Danza (We're thinking about resurrecting this one and possibly Titanic!)
6. Ave Maria (Angelus Domini)
7. March from "The Love for Three Oranges"
3. Our next rehearsal (and all following ones) will be held in the McHenry County College band room.  Click here for a map.
4. Special thanks to everyone who helped to set up and tear down for our rehearsal!

If you know of or own any pieces that you think we should play, either bring them to our next rehearsal, post a comment below, or mail our fearless leader/copy monkey!

Are you a horn player in the McHenry County area looking for some fun?  Do you know any horn players who would enjoy playing with us?  Then invite them (or yourself!) to our next rehearsal!  Our summer rehearsals are spent sight reading, so there's no pressure to commit.  Come to as many or as few rehearsals as you want!

Our next rehearsal will be August 13th at MCC in the band room. (Park in the lot by the stoplight on rt. 14, and enter at Building B.  The band room will be on the second floor).  See you then!

July 9th, 2011

Hello Hornists!
I am reporting on our last rehearsal (which was this morning).  Thanks to everyone who came and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

1. We met at CLS in the band room.
2. We read a bunch of fun music including...
1. Hogwarts Forever
2. Barber of Seville Overture
3. La Gazza Ladra
4. Scarborough Fair Revisited
5. Jupiter from The Planets
6. Colonel Bogey March
7. Nannies Dance
8. Magic Flute Overture
9. O Filli et Fillea
10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
11. More Quartets!
3. Looking to the Fall Season which is quickly approaching, we are considering Saturday, Dec. 3rd for our next concert.  Please check your schedules and email our leader your availability, so that the date we pick works with your schedules.
4. Special thanks to everyone who helped to set up and tear down for our rehearsal!

If you know of or own any pieces that you think we should play, either bring them to our next rehearsal, post a comment below, or mail our fearless leader/copy monkey!

Are you a horn player in the McHenry County area looking for some fun?  Do you know any horn players who would enjoy playing with us?  Then invite them (or yourself!) to our next rehearsal!  Our summer rehearsals are spent sight reading, so there's no pressure to commit.  Come to as many or as few rehearsals as you want!

Our next rehearsal will be July 23rd at CLS in the Band Room (park out front and enter through the Theater/Athletic Entrance).  Again, there's no AC, so dress for the weather and bring water.  See you then!

From our Archives

We are in the process of uploading some old performances to YouTube.  All uploaded videos will be posted on our Facebook page, which you can access here, (Like us to get updates on videos, rehearsals and more!).  Be sure to check back for more videos!

Salvation is Created (Spring 2010)

Fanfare from La Peri (Spring 2009)

June 25th, 2011

Hello Hornists!
I am reporting on our last rehearsal (which was this morning).  Thanks to everyone who came and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

1. We met at CLS in the band room! (Special thanks to the CLS Band director for hooking us up with his rehearsal space!)
2. We read a bunch of fun music including some things we played last week, some new quartets from the Clarinet Institute people and Titanic Fantasy.
3. We are in the process of uploading more archived performances to YouTube, so be sure to check back here or on our facebook page for fun videos!

If you know of or own any pieces that you think we should play, either bring them to our next rehearsal, post a comment below, or mail our fearless leader/copy monkey!

Are you a horn player in the McHenry County area looking for some fun?  Do you know any horn players who would enjoy playing with us?  Then invite them (or yourself!) to our next rehearsal!  Our summer rehearsals are spent sight reading, so there's no pressure to commit.  Come to as many or as few rehearsals as you want!

Our next rehearsal will be July 9th at CLS in the Band Room (park out front and enter through the Theater/Athletic Entrance).  Again, there's no AC, so dress for the weather.  See you then!

June 11th, 2011

Hello Hornists!
I am reporting on our last rehearsal (which was this morning).  Thanks to everyone who came and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

1. We met at CLS (but in room D2, our apologies to anyone who came, but couldn't find our rehearsal!). 
2. We read a bunch of fun music including...
1. Toccata and Fugue in D minor
2. Fanfare and Toccata for Horn Ensemble
3. Ouverture
4. La Gazza Ladra
5. Scarborough Fair Revisited
6. Ouverture: Carneval Romain Op. 9
7. Sleep
8. Chorales
3. Special thanks to everyone who helped to set up and tear down for our rehearsal!

If you know of or own any pieces that you think we should play, either bring them to our next rehearsal, post a comment below, or mail our fearless leader/copy monkey!

Are you a horn player in the McHenry County area looking for some fun?  Do you know any horn players who would enjoy playing with us?  Then invite them (or yourself!) to our next rehearsal!  Our summer rehearsals are spent sight reading, so there's no pressure to commit.  Come to as many or as few rehearsals as you want!

Our next rehearsal will be June 25th at CLS in the Band Room (park out front and enter through the Theater/Athletic Entrance).  Again, there's no AC, so dress for the weather and bring water.  See you then!

Rehearsal Tomorrow!

Here's one last reminder that we'll be meeting at CLS this Saturday for our rehearsal.  Be sure to bring:

1. Your horn!
2. Your folder.
3. Any music you might want to play at some point over the summer.
4. WATER
5. Dress for the weather (we will be in the band room, but there will probably be NO Air Conditioning).

See you then!

Summer Rehearsals

Hello Hornists!
I hope you've all had a refreshing May and are ready for some fun reading sessions this summer!  These rehearsals are our excuse to read as much of our favorite music as possible.  Oh yeah, and to consider literature for our next season.  If you have anything you want to read with us either A) send it to our librarian to make copies, or B) bring it with to our next rehearsal. 
You'll find a list of our summer rehearsal dates (to which all hornists are invited; come to one rehearsal or come to all of them, as time allows or you desire!) below.  Rehearsals run from 9-11 am.  Please note that MCC is closed over the summer this year, so we will be holding all rehearsals (for the summer) at CLS instead (click here for a link to a map).  I believe you will be able to get into the building from either the front or back athletic/theater entrances (if you need more directions, just email the charming CLS band director!).

Summer Rehearsals:

• June 11
• June 25
• July 9
• July 23
• August 13 (this may be at MCC)
• August 27 (this may be at MCC)

Got that?  Okay then, synchronize your watches for Saturday, June 11th at 9am in the CLS band room!

Since we're not rehearsing in May...here are some fun pictures from the Spring 2011 Concert!

 (Left) Here is our fearless leader/librarian and one of our arrangers backstage at MCC.

(Right) Here is one of our student hornists on stage.

(Below) Here is the small ensemble which played the Choer Danse movement of the Tcherepnine Quartet on stage.

(Above) Here is the small ensemble group which played Nachtgesang im Walde. 

Thanks for a Great Season!

Hello Hornists!
The concert went really well last Saturday, and I am in the process of uploading some new videos of our performance. 
Special thanks goes out to everyone who helped set up and tear down on the stage, and manage our treats table!  We couldn't manage without everyone's help!
Our next rehearsal will be in June (the 11th).  If you know any other horn players, bring them along for a fun reading session!

From our Winter 2010 Concert, here's Greensleeves:

From our Spring 2011 Concert, here's Bohemian Rhapsody:

Also from the Spring Concert, here's Tonight:



The Cor Corps Presents:

5^th Annual Spring Concert

(The McHenry County Area Horn Choir)

Saturday, April 16^th 

at 7 pm

McHenry County College

Conference Center (Bldg B)

Admission is Free!

Reception to follow.

Like us on Facebook to get the latest updates on concerts, videos and more! 

April 9th, 2011

Hello Hornists!
I am reporting on our latest rehearsal (yesterday).  Thanks to everyone who came out and played! It was our last rehearsal this season; can you believe it?  Here are some rehearsal notes:

1. We rehearsed the following pieces:   
• La Chasse: Be sure to watch our conductor; play lightly.
• Academic Festival: Keep up the forward momentum, and be sure to play any tricky rhythms exactly.
• Nimrod: Be sure to follow our conductor.  Continue to work on breathing (we shouldn't all breath together!).
• Bohemian Rhapsody:  Please check the tricky sections we went over (feel free to use a metranome and/or tuner!).
• Nachtgesang: Play lightly, and follow the dynamics!  Practice/highlight the cuts, so you can make those transitions easily.
• Choeur Danse: Nice and dance-like!
• West Side Story Medley: Whew!  We ran the whole thing without stopping again!  We also checked some tricky spots as indicated by our conductor (please check these during the week).
• El Capitan: Keep the tempo moving forward. Also, please play dynamics!
2. Call time for our concert is at 5 pm in the Auditorium at MCC this Saturday, April 16th.  It is important that you be on time, or early!  We need to review our choreography, as well as touch on most pieces and be out of the auditorium before our public arrives. 
3. It has been suggested that we change the concert order (look for updates later in the week).
4. Concert dress will be all black (the stage can get hot, though, so you may want to consider that when choosing your wardrobe).
5. If you haven't signed up to bring something for the reception, be sure to check your email for the list!
6. Our fearless leader has ordered black Cor Corps folders!  Email him to see if yours has come in.  (They are pretty sweet!)
7. Advertise!  Feel free to encourage/cajole your friends and neighbors to attend our concert!  Entice them with promises of food.  Post our concert posters in your local Starbucks/library/school/music store.  Join our event on facebook here.  Call in to your favorite radio station!  Pretty much any way you can get the word out (while obeying all US laws).  Remember, it's more fun to play for more people!

That's all for now; thanks for a great season everyone!  Synchronize your watches for 5 pm, April 16th!  See you then!

April 2nd, 2011

Hello Hornists!
I am reporting on our latest rehearsal (earlier this morning).  Thanks to everyone who came out and played, especially our fabulous pianist and set player!  Here are some rehearsal notes:

1. We rehearsed the following pieces:   
• La Chasse: Be sure to watch our conductor; play lightly.
• Academic Festival: Keep up the forward momentum, and be sure to play any tricky rhythms exactly.
• Nimrod: We will be playing this no faster than a quarter note = 60.  Work on breathing (we shouldn't all breath together!).
• Bohemian Rhapsody:  Be sure to really exaggerate all dynamics and check any tricky rhythmic parts.
• Nachtgesang: Cuts were made.  If you do not have the cuts yet, please email one of the other members to find out!
• Choeur Danse: Nice and dance-like!
• West Side Story Medley: Whew!  We ran the whole thing without stopping!  As always, look over any trick parts during the week.
• El Capitan: Keep the tempo moving forward. Also, please play dynamics!
2. Next week will be our final rehearsal.  We will meet at MCC in the band room at 9, and the plan is to run through the concert.
3. If you haven't signed up to bring something for the reception, be sure to check your email for the list!
4. Our concert is on April 16th.  Call time will be at 5 pm in the Auditorium at MCC; please be on time, so that we can quickly touch on all the pieces and leave the stage before our adoring fans arrive.
5. Concert dress will be all black.

Our next and final rehearsal of the season will be on this Saturday, April 9th at MCC, see you then!

March 26th, 2011

Hello Hornists!
I am reporting on our latest rehearsal (earlier this morning).  Thanks to everyone who came out and played, especially our fabulous pianist and set player!  Here are some rehearsal notes:

1. We rehearsed the following pieces:   
• El Capitan: Be aware that the group has a tendency to slow down. Also, please play dynamics!
• Choeur Danse: Maintain a light and charming style.
• Nimrod: Work on breathing (we shouldn't all breath together!).
• Bohemian Rhapsody:  Be sure to really exaggerate all dynamics and check any tricky rhythmic parts.
• Academic Festival: Keep up the forward momentum, and be sure to play any tricky rhythms exactly.
• West Side Story Medley: Be sure to count your parts exactly, or find someone to help you!  Also, play dynamics.  And any other pesky markings on the page, (if you still need a new copy of your part as of 3/19, be sure to pick it up at the next rehearsal).
2. Next week we will meet at CLS.  Park in the back lot and enter through the athletic entrance (check your email for more details, or click here for a map).
3. We usually have a tasty reception after the concert is over, so be thinking about what would be good to bring (check your email for the sign-up list).

Our next rehearsal will be on this Saturday, April 2nd at CLS, see you then!

Marth 19th, 2011

Hello Hornists!
I am reporting on our latest rehearsal (earlier this morning).  Thanks to everyone who came out and played, especially our fabulous pianist and bassist!  Here are some rehearsal notes:

1. We read a fun double-choir renaissance-y Latin piece.
2. We rehearsed the following pieces:   
• Bohemian Rhapsody:  Be sure to really exaggerate all dynamics and check any tricky rhythmic parts.
• West Side Story Medley: Everyone received new parts (Krupke has been edited out: maybe we will play this as a separate number on a later concert?).  Be sure to count your parts exactly, or find someone to help you!  Also, play dynamics.  And any other pesky markings on the page.
• El Capitan: Be aware that the group has a tendency to slow down (metronome practice anyone?).
3. Next week we will meet in the band room at MCC.  The following week (April 2nd) we will meet at CLS.  Please check your emails for details.
4. Special thanks to everyone who helped set up/tear down for our rehearsal!

Our next rehearsal will be on this Saturday, March 26th (in the band room) see you then!

March 12th, 2011

Hello Hornists!
I am reporting on our latest session in MCC's auditorium.  Thanks to everyone who came out and played (I think we had near perfect attendance!). Here are some rehearsal notes:

1. We rehearsed our approximate concert order:   
• La Chasse: We set up in the audience as 5 groups of 4.  Be sure to position yourself so you can see our conductor!
• Academic Festival Overture:  This will be the first piece on the stage.  Really pay attention to dynamics, and continue to move the piece along!
• Nimrod: Small group 1.
• Bohemian Rhapsody:  Excellent work!  This is really starting to groove! 
• Nachtgesang: Small group 2 (there may be some musical cuts to shorten this up).
• Choeur Danse: Small group 3
• West Side Story Medley: Again, there has been some great work done here, but be sure to continue working on your part so that we are ready (there may be an executive decision to cut the Krupke section).
• El Capitan: Be sure to exaggerate dynamics for musical effect.
2. This was our one rehearsal on the stage; be sure to remember where you sat for each piece (or even write it down!) to ensure smooth transitions.
3. Check for which pieces (if any) you need a mute. 
4. Special thanks to everyone who helped set up/tear down for our rehearsal!

Our next rehearsal will be on this Saturday, March 19th (in the band room) see you then!

Reminder

Hello all!  This is just a reminder that we will be rehearsing in the auditorium this week.  Enter the same door as normal, but turn to your left!
See you then!

March 5th, 2011

Hello Hornists!
I am reporting on our latest session (which was earlier this morning).  Thanks to everyone who ventured forth through snow and muck and played!  (When will this winter be over?!)  Our attendance numbers were a little smaller than normal, so for those of you who missed, here's what happened:

1. We rehearsed these pieces:   
• La Chasse: Be careful of the counting, especially when tied notes (hemiola) are involved.  Also, everyone can back off dynamically; focus on playing cleanly!
• Academic Festival Overture:  Remember, beats 1 and 3 are the important ones here.  In rehearsal, we found the parts with half notes tended to drag.  As this is a six part-er, focus more on style (light) and less on maintaining forte dynamics (at least until the last few bars).
• West Side Story Medley: We spent some time putting together the America, the Gym Dance and Officer Krupke sections.  The counting in these sections is essential (please work on the parts which are technically challenging to you!).  Again, remember that we can all back off dynamically on the group sections, and play lighter!
• Bohemian Rhapsody:  Here is another piece where challenging technical parts should be practiced.  I am intending on working the faster middle section (letter C to F?) next week.
2. If possible, we should work on the smaller ensemble pieces next week.
3. Do you know someone who could drum/bass/piano for Bohemian Rhapsody? 
4. Special thanks to everyone who helped lead rehearsal!

Our next rehearsal will be on this Saturday, March 12th, see you then!

February 26th, 2011

Hello Hornists!
I am reporting on our latest session (which was earlier this morning).  Thanks to everyone who came and played; it was a long but good rehearsal!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

1. We rehearsed these pieces:   
• Academic Festival Overture
• West Side Story Medley:  This was intense, time to woodshed!
• Bohemian Rhapsody
• Nimrod
• Choeur Danse
• Nachtgesang im Walde
• El Capitan
2. We chose small group ensembles (Nachtgesang, Nimrod and Choeur Danse).  For those of you who were not at rehearsal, we assigned you parts; please check your email to see which piece and part you are playing, so that we can get you music/adjust the part assignments so that everyone is happy!
3. Special thanks to everyone who helped lead rehearsal!

Our next rehearsal will be on this Saturday, March 5th, see you then!

More Listening!

Hey all!
Here are some more Youtube links to videos of the pieces we're playing.  Take a listen!

• Academic Festival Overture:  Bernstein Conducts, Solti Conducts
• Bohemian Rhapsody: Queen,  London Horn Sound, Marrowstone Horn Choir, Central Washington University Horn Ensemble, Vanderbilt's Horn Ensemble,
• Nimrod: Barenboim Conducts, Wellington Brass Band
• Horn Quartet: Tscherepnine
• La Chasse: Cambridge University Horns
• Choeur Danse
• Nachtgesang im Walde: Vienna Opera Men's Chorus and Vienna Symphony Horns
• El Capitan: Here's the march, and here's the operetta part 1 and part 2!  Did you know that Sousa thought he would be remembered as an operetta composer, rather than a march composer?
• West Side Story: Interviews with Bernstein and more (there are multiple videos).

If you have any other links to great (or not so great) recordings of pieces for this concert, post them here!  Enjoy!

February 12th, 2011

Hello Hornists!
I am reporting on our latest rehearsal (which was earlier this morning).  Thanks to everyone who came and played!  For those of you who missed, here's what happened:

1. We rehearsed several pieces for our Spring Concert.    Here is our new, tentative, program (* denotes pieces we are considering reducing to 8 players):
• Academic Festival Overture: Brahms/Shafer (8 hns)
• West Side Story Medley: Bernstein/Orbison (14 hns)
• Bohemian Rhapsody: Mercury/Bissill (16 hns)
• *Nimrod: Elgar/Mitchell (8 hns)
• Horn Quartet: Tscherepnine (4 hns)
• La Chasse
• *Choeur Danse
• *Nachtgesang im Walde: Schubert/Martinet (8 hns)
• El Capitan: Sousa/Orbison (8 hns)
2. Continue to think about which piece(s) you might like to conduct!
3. For those of you who have not heard/seen West Side Story, here are some links to Youtube videos of the musical numbers (from the 1961 movie-version).  Check your local library/video store/Netflix for the full show!

Prologue	Gym Mambo	Maria
America	One Hand, One Heart	Tonight Quintet
Somewhere	Officer Krupke	Finale

Our next rehearsal will be February 26th, see you then!

Just for Fun!

This weekend I was at the IMEA Festival in Peoria.  One of the sessions I attended featured a list of different web sites which are useful in the music classroom (see the links list).  Most of the sites are great for music research, games and other stuff.  In the other stuff category is Wordle which lets you make cool word designs from text about anything!  And because I got side-tracked there earlier today, here's a horn wordle:

January 22nd, 2011

Hello Hornists!
I am reporting on our last rehearsal (which was earlier this morning).  Thanks to everyone who came and played!  For those of you who missed, several things were decided:

1. The official concert date for our spring concert is April 16th at 7 pm.  We will have our usual 5 pm tech rehearsal before the performance.  Please be sure to mark your calendars!
2. A motion has been made to have more Cor members conduct pieces, so think of which piece you would like to conduct.
3. After playing through several pieces we have arrived at a tentative program for the coming spring concert:

• Academic Festival Overture: Brahms/Shafer (8 hns)
• West Side Story Medley: Bernstein/Orbison (14 hns)
• Bohemian Rhapsody: Mercury/Bissill (16 hns)
• Nimrod: Elgar/Mitchell (8 hns)
• Horn Quartet: Tscherepnine (4 hns)
• A March ??

Keep in mind that we may pare down the size of the ensemble on some of these pieces, to ensure that everyone has time to rest their chops, and elevate our performance.  We will also need some quartets or other small ensembles to play some additional music (so keep your favorite small ensemble pieces in mind!).

Our next rehearsal will be February 12th, see you then!