This year we decided to incorporate new material into our set lists. We are learning the German carol, “Still, Still, Still” in four-part harmony. Also, our tenor, Tim Howe composed a stunning arrangement of “Away In A Manger,” and we have been having a blast learning it. The harmonies are beautiful and will carry you away until they get jazzy and just a little crunchy until they finally release into the glory and simplicity of the end of the song.
When singers talk about learning new music, we often mention it as pounding out the parts. The pounding takes place on the piano as we work to learn the intervals, melodic flow, and harmonic intricacies of each piece of music. Sometimes, it works great. And sometimes you get into a space where for some reason an interval that would normally be as easy as do-re-mi becomes your worst nightmare. No matter what you do, you can’t get the jump to work in your head much less in your voice.
At times like these, you employ tried and true techniques like thinking of the same interval in a well-known song (try it here at my Interval Training page so you can see what I mean). But sometimes, you have to rely on your singing partners. They will work with you to learn the part and then help you hear your part in the context of what they are singing. Together, you will pound out the notes, iron out the issues, and fill the gaps in your own head. Before you know it, you are all singing the piece flawlessly. And that’s magic!
We are excited to premiere these pieces for our audiences this year, and we hope you come out to hear them.
Yours, in harmony.
Izolda for the Philosopher’s Tones
THE PHILOSOPHER'S TONES 