Kicking it off!

We're back in full swing! Last week, Seattle Pro Musica had our first rehearsal with our new recruits - and oh my goodness, was the bar ever raised! We sightread repertoire for our Celtic Christmas concert with a higher level of success than ever before; we auditioned a crop of fabulous vocalists for our small ensembles, Madrigalia and Schola; we shook hands, introduced ourselves, and had a generally vibrant evening together!

Christina, Teddy, Richard and Madeline -
(trio) lexicon - perform at our kickoff party..

Then, this past weekend, we had our traditional annual kick-off party; our singers, their families, and our Sterling Circle donors are invited to an open house, hosted by intrepid Artistic Director and Conductor Karen P. Thomas. Wine and conversation flowed freely, and we all enjoyed a wonderful performance by (trio) lexicon.*

This week, we had our first Schola rehearsal, a Schola photoshoot, AND our first Madrigalia rehearsal. And here in the office, we're planning for the annual retreat, taking inventory of our CDs, and putting the finishing touches an exciting new collaborative project (more details to come soon)!

Awesome new alto Lauren helps Emma to
inventory our critically-acclaimed CDs!
(visit seattlepromusica.org to buy one!)

And so: I need a nap, but we've too much to do - so instead, I will have another coffee and get back on it. I just wanted to check in and let y'all know that we haven't forgotten this blog; in fact, we're working to schedule guest posters from Pro Musica and our constituents.  If you're interested in sharing something in this forum, shoot me an email and let me know - katie@seattlepromusica.org. I'll check in again soon!

*(trio) lexicon - musicians Christina Bach, Madeline Bersamina and Richard Bersamina presented a series of reflections on childhood and growing. Alternately hilariously funny and touching, and always musically top-notch.  Read here for more information, and contact Christina Bach if you're interested in having (trio) lexicon perform at your next event!

Our 2011-12 Schola! 
(Photo by Daniel Sheehan)

September Song

Hello! Well, I’m nothing short of thrilled to be back at Pro Musica and honored to be given the blogging reins for an afternoon. What a lovely afternoon it is! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and Katie and I are busily preparing for a fantastic season ahead of us.

All of the music Katie was so excited about in her last post is about to be catalogued and added to our library. I can also verify Mark Falstein’s comment: It does smell like applause.

Auditions went well and we’re extremely pleased to announce we are welcoming 14 new members to Seattle Pro Musica! I’m looking forward to seeing new faces and hearing a new blend of voices. It occurs to me that with each new year, there is a different combination of singers. SPM possesses an ever-changing, unique sound. Though I’m sad to see some singers will not be joining us this year, I can appreciate the metaphor. It’s beautiful! SPM is like a living organism peppered with all the pain and joy associated with growth and change.

In other news, we tied for second place for the American Prize in Choral Performance, Community Chorus. This is HUGE people! The American Prize is a national competition. SPM was vying for a prize along with other choral groups from all over the country. The spotlight shines brightly on the Pacific Northwest as we share success with the first prize winners, Pacific Lutheran University Choral Union. Job well done Puget Sound area choristers! See the below links for more information on our latest success:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thearts/2016083802_choralawards.html

http://theamericanprize.blogspot.com/2011/07/winner-in-choral-performanceconducting.html

I know I’ve already said it, but I am so excited to be back! These precious September days I’ll spend with you, Seattle Pro Musica.

 

Emma is back in the office!



Emma Ashbrook serves as Administrative Assistant at Seattle Pro Musica.  She enjoys campfires, a good book, hot tea, and playing rock music on her bassoon in her free time.