The Silver Winds

(Spring 2008 Choir at Umstead Park United Church of Christ)

Multiple-Level Choir

No audition, however, you will find the experience most rewarding if you know fingerings, and understand key and time signatures. This is the ideal choir for individuals who are new to the ensemble experience as well as intermediate and advanced players who wish to play in a flute group, but have limited time for rehearsals and individual practice. At least four services or performance opportunities will be available to members of this choir each semester.

The Silver Winds meet from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on rehearsal Sundays. Please note that on September 7 the Winds will rehearse two hours later than usual. Be sure to check the schedule carefully.

Direct questions to Twila Kelly (919) 845-6397 or tkelly29@nc.rr.com.

The Silver Pipes

(Spring 2008 Choir just before a Sunday afternoon rehearsal)

Intermediate Level

This choir is an excellent ensemble for intermediate-level musicians who desire more challenging music and who wish to make a serious, semester-long commitment to a performing ensemble. Musicians who are accepted into the Pipes need to agree to the ensemble policy. At least two service or performance opportunities will be available each semester.

The Silver Pipes meet from 3:00 to 4:00 on rehearsal Sundays. (Please note that some Pipe members elect to also play with the Silver Winds who meet an hour earlier in the same place.)

Auditions for new members will be September 7, 2008. Please note that no walk-in applicants can be auditioned. To schedule an audition into the Silver Pipes for the 2008 fall semester contact Twila Kelly at (919) 845-6397 or tkelly29@nc.rr.com.

Silver Pipes Audition requirements:

1. Two 2-octave major scales of your choice, demonstrating steady pulse, clear tone and clean tonguing.
2. Chromatic scale from low C to high G (tongued or slurred).
3. Sightreading - in simple meters (4/4, 3/4, 6/8), including eighth, sixteenth and dotted rhythms.
4. Rhythm sheet (obtainable from the director in advance) played with a metronome setting of 120 without stopping.
   

Note: You do not need to bring a prepared solo piece to the audition. The audition will focus on tone quality; correct notes and good intonation; movement from one note to another with consistent tone and breath support. You will want to obtain the required rhythm sheet in advance. Practice playing music in different meters, and use a metronome so you develop a good solid sense of rhythm and subdivision. Be aware of dynamics and articulation and be able to demonstrate contrast in both of these.

The Silver Fantasy

(Spring 2008 Choir during a mid-rehearsal break)

Advanced Level

This choir provides the best opportunity to play challenging and complex musical pieces. Because of the difficulty level of the material in this choir, musicians who are accepted are expected to make a serious, semester-long commitment to the ensemble. Musicians will need to agree to the ensemble policy. At least two performance opportunities will be available each semester.

The Silver Fantasy meets from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on rehearsal Sundays.

Auditions for new members will be September 7, 2008. Please note that no walk-in applicants can be auditioned. To schedule an audition into the Silver Fantasy, contact Emily Orr at (336) 558-8188 or eorr1968@aol.com.

Audition requirements: Scales & sight-reading to demonstrate:

1. Rhythmic accuracy in various meters
2. Vibrato
3. Clear, focused tone in all registers (3 full octaves)
4. Double-tonguing
5. Prepared piece