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<><><><><><><><><><><> QUICK REMINDERS! <><><><><><><><><><><>

THE HIGH NOON CHOIR END OF SEASON CELEBRATION March 22nd ~ You Are Invited!

For details see the HNC News & Business section below

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> For a PDF Version of this week‟s issue plus all our archived issues

including last week‟s Choir Community Issue please go to: http://www.gettinhigherchoir.ca/community-info/newsletters.html

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SPECIAL NOTES!!!!

1. MICHAEL STILLWATER, RETURNING TO VICTORIA

We’re very excited about this great opportunity sing with, and learn from, this wonderful song writer and teacher. See the GHC News & Business section for details.

2. SPRING 2011 – LEVEL2 WORKSHOP WITH DEBORAH MILLAR

For details of this excellent opportunity to sing better see the Admin Team Special

Announcements section for details.

3. HIP HOP HOPE

Check out this March 20th to 24th Power of Hope event in the Admin Team Special

Announcements section. We support them with our concerts let’s support them by

passing the word about this great event to anyone we think would/should be interested!

4. THE AFRICAN AIDS ANGELS NEED YOUR HELP

Your orphaned earings and other unwanted jewelry can help the AIDs Angels create craft angels

for sale to assist southern African children and families affected by HIV/AIDS. See the Admin

Team Special Announcements section for details.

SHIVON Ginger Tea This is a great drink to bring to choir, either hot or cold, it's delicious, stimulating and soothing for the throat, and a great aid to digestion. I make a big batch up at a time, and keep it in the fridge. Then I heat up a mug of it before choir each night, and add honey to taste. No recipe is required - simply slice up a bunch of ginger root (one-half cup sliced ginger would do well with 3-4 cups water), add water, and boil for at least 20 minutes, lid on the pot. If it's too strong for your taste, add more water, If it's not strong enough, boil it a little longer - maybe with the lid off, so it evaporates a bit.

~ Shivon ********************** DENIS David Whyte is coming to Victoria! Many of you know that I have gone to Ireland many times with David on his Ireland tours, which are amazing. David has been a very strong presence in my life, and in my transition into the work that I do now, which is the work that I share with all of you. David is an extremely profound, lively, and enthralling speaker, and will be giving two workshops through Royal Roads University on May 6 and 7. I encourage you to take advantage of at least one of these opportunities to hear someone speak about our real and grounded place in this complex world. David brings the magic of poetry into his talks, and it is his work that I credit for inspiring me to use poetry in the work that I do, with the GHC as well as in other parts of my life. The poetic tradition has meant so much to me over the years, and David brings it to resonating life. It is also through David that I met and became friends with John O'Donohue, another major influence in my recent life. Details are in the Admin Team Special Announcements section of this newsletter A bonus is that I will be participating in David's talks with my music! I really hope to see some of you there. You will not be disappointed! To get more of a sense of his work, here is David's web site: http://www.davidwhyte.com/ ~ Denis

ADMIN TEAM NOTES GLORIA

NEED THE LOAN OF A MOTOR HOME...FOR POWER OF HOPE - March 20 - 24.

I'm looking for the loan of a motor home for the week of March 20 - 24th for the HIP HOP HOPE program. It would be parked for the week and used for day use only - as an extra recording studio. Please let me know if you have something that might work.

~ Gloria **********************

BILL

New Singers Please Note To get a clearer idea of what you have committed yourself to please click on the following link http://www.gettinhigherchoir.ca/community-info/misc/conductor.htm

Now that the registration period is officially over I will not be coming to choir every night. My schedule will be varied but in general I will be at each session at least once every two weeks. (ie Monday/Thursday one week and Tuesday the next) If you have fees to hand in and I am not there you can either hold them until the next time you see me or you can give them to Gloria (or to Shivon if Gloria isn‟t there). If you have information to pass on to me or questions to ask feel free to contact me at bill@gettinhigherchoir.ca or 250-920-4160 (8 to 8 weekdays).

Sing in joy

~ Bill

********************* QUOTABLES ********************* In music one must think with the heart and feel with the brain.

George Szell Editor‟s Collection

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Gettin’ Higher Choir Info

THE GHC IS PROUD TO PRESENT...

MICHAEL STILLWATER...RETURNING TO VICTORIA APRIL 8 AND 9

“Michael‟s music...a touch of Grace” - Ram Dass ChantWave - Community Celebration in Song

…also Niel Golden, percussion Friday Evening, April 8, 7:00 pm Fairfield United Church Sanctuary $20 – Tickets in Advance … $25 at the door.

SongSourcing - Reconnecting with the „Great Song‟ The Joy of Spontaneous Songmaking

Saturday, April 9, 10 - 5 with a lunch break Accept your voice, sing your song. A fun & easy method for releasing your creativity. $60 in advance

Check out, and please pass on, our poster:

http://www.o-my.info/ghc/nl/2011/0304/stillwater.pdf …for more information gloria@gettinhigherchoir.ca and to register online http://www.InnerHarmony.com

"I was completely delighted and surprised by Michael's spontaneous songmaking process, mostly by the fact that I could do it, and, by how it revealed to me hidden parts of my psyche. Engaging the singing voice in verbal free-association makes this a wonderful tool for self exploration." - Shivon Robinsong

These events are strongly recommended by Shivon Robinsong. Submitted by Gloria Hansen, GHC & HNC tenor and Registrar for Michael Stillwater ********************** CHOIR POTLUCKS There will be potluck gatherings from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on each of the following choir nights:

Tuesday April 5 Thursday April 7 Monday April 11

These potlucks, held every season, are a tradition in the choir that allows us to get to know each other a little better. Please bring a tasty dish to share and your own plate, cup and cutlery. An ingredients sign would be helpful for those with dietary considerations and perhaps a name label in case someone wants to get your recipe from you. All choir members are welcome at all potlucks. Come and enjoy!

Editor‟s Note: For an advance look at lyrics for the grace(s) we tend to sing at potlucks (plus those for the choir‟s birthday song) please click on: :

http://www.gettinhigherchoir.ca/community-info/lyrics/choir-grace-&-birthday-lyrics.pdf

********************** CHOIR PHOTO PAGE UP-DATE Some “Rich For The Journey” concert photos supplied by Rona Archer, GHC Monday Tenor, have been added to the Choir Photos page at:

http://www.gettinhigherchoir.ca/community-info/choir-photos.html ********************** PLEASE BE SCENTS-ITIVE (Repeated on a member‟s request) Please be aware that a number of people in the choir are very sensitive to scents. As we are all breathing deeply in close quarters even those who aren‟t “scents-itive” may find various scents hard to take. This includes all perfumes, deoderants, after shave, hair spray and tobacco. If you regularly use any of these products a non-scent set of clothing for choir would be a very considerate act. (a shower before choir is also recommended!) No scents makes sense! ********************** REMINDERS RE: BINDERS

Put a label with your name and possibly your phone number on it. Inside or out, but out is best as makes it less likely for anyone to pick it up by mistake. It also increases its chances of coming back to you if you happen to leave it somewhere other than choir. Keeping your name tag in the inside pocket, or with its cord locked in the rings, so it is available to wear everytime you come to choir is also a good idea. ********************** NAME TAGS There will be name tags available at choir for those that don‟t already have them. ********************** MORE ON NAME TAGS If you‟ve got them please wear them even if you have been in the choir so long that everybody should know you. It not only makes things easier for our new singers, it also makes things easier for memory challenged people like me. ~ Bill ********************** OFF BOOK?...THE BEST TIME TO START IS NOW! Even if you haven't memorized every bitl of every song put your book down periodically and try singing without it. By doing this you will:

a) learn what you don't know so that you can focus on your memorization efforts on those bits b) learn your parts more quickly by ear than by staring at the little dots c) free your eyes to focus on Shivon & Denis' directing to get the timing and dynamics of each song d) find that you can often get any lyrics you are missing by watching them mouth the words

********************** A PARKING REMINDER FOR TUESDAY & THURSDAY SINGERS We want the Church of Truth‟s neighbours to enjoy the GHC so PLEASE do not park in front of their houses in the residential parking areas. There is legal parking available on Superior, Kingston, St. Lawrence (beside the park) and Erie streets. There is also plenty of parking for $1 for two hours in the lot on St. Lawrence by Fisherman's Wharf. Be aware, however, that some choir members who have parked for longer than two hours on one ticket have received fines so consider buying two tickets to protect yourself. Of course, car pooling is always great! (SATB in every car). Make good use of this newsletters GHC Car Pooling Available & Wanted section.

To arrange car pools you can announce your request/offer at break time at choir (GHC or HNC). You can also email me at billh@crucible.ca with your name, contact information, where you start from, whether you need a ride or are offering one and which choir you are in. I will put a listing under the appropriate Car Pool heading for you in the next newsletter. Dont be shy about repeating your request in subsequent weeks at choir or in the newsletter if you don‟t connect the first time.

RIDE(S) TO/FROM COOK STREET VILLAGE AVAILABLE I am in Thursday rehearsal for GHC and I come from the Cook Street Village area...I have room for 4 people if necessary. Thanks

Submitted by Elizabeth Darche GHC Thursday Alto ********************** T0/FROM VIC WEST TUESDAY/THURSDAY Esquimalt and Catherine--heading towards the blue bridge. Tuesdays or Thursdays (or both if possible) Ideally I would like to connect with a few people who pass by my area that I can call on from time to time. Please contact me at Wish_I_Were_Snowboarding@hotmail.com Submitted by Rhiannon Davis GHC Tuesday/Thursday Soprano

***************** QUOTABLES ***************** Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate."

Albert Schweitzer Editor‟s Collection http://www.albertschweitzer.info http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Schweitzer

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Other Info About Our Community Of Choirs

YOU ARE INVITED

TO THE HIGH NOON CHOIRS’

END OF SEASON CELEBRATION!

When: March 22 - 12 Noon - 1:30 Where: Church of Truth - 111 Superior Street What: Singing, followed by ginger tea, finger foods and friendly visiting. This is the closing week of the current session of High Noon Choir. We would love to celebrate our weeks of singing together by inviting you to attend and sing with us. We'll sing for an hour and then share some ginger tea and finger foods.

Just bring yourself and anyone else you think might enjoy this time together. The next session of High Noon starts the following week, March 29, with an orientation for new singers at 11:30.

We welcome all. Shivon and Gloria

Community Choir Leadership Trainings ~ A two week workshop facilitated annually by Denis & Shivon Please pass the information below on to anyone you know who might be glad to receive it. CCLT BACKGROUND INFO! (Repeat for late arriving new singers) For anyone who is hazy about what Shivon & Denis‟ “Community Choir Leadership Trainings” workshop (CCLT) is all about I offer the following overview. The CCLT program was started in 2004 for the purpose of teaching prospective choir leaders how to organize, run and direct a community choir based on the Gettin‟ Higher Choir model. The CCLT web site challenges these prospective choir leaders to:

“Imagine … a world where every city, town, and neighborhood had a community choir, one where the music of many cultures and faiths was celebrated. Imagine … a non-auditioned choir in your community where all were welcome. Imagine … that this choir could support and engage in powerful community-based activities. Now imagine … that you, as director, could enjoy a rich and fulfilling livelihood by leading this choir.”

The CCLT program runs during the 2nd and 3rd weeks of the Fall GHC session. The participants attend a series of daytime workshops and come to choir sessions to observe and, in some cases, to lead us in song. CCLT grads then take what they have learned and expand the community choir crescendo that is helping to “re-enCHANT the world!” For full details please visit:

http://www.communitychoirleadership.com

********************** PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO POTENTIAL CHOIR LEADERS Information about the 2011 Community Choir Leadership Trainings (8th year) is now available on the CCLT website at:

http://www.communitychoirleadership.com Please pass this information on to friends from far and wide who may be interested in learning how to organize, administer and direct a choir modeled on the Getting‟ Higher Choir (or who may know someone else who might be interested). Passing the information on via any singing/music oriented organizations or newsletters as well as via any websites, blogs and social networking tools that you are involved with would also be appreciated. ********************** CCLT GRADUATE’S UPDATES FOR THIS WEEK Mary Dennison CCLT5 - 2008/09 ~ Quadra Isl., Campbell River & Ladysmith

COMMUNITY SING! ~ BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH SONG Welcome our long-awaited Spring by singing joyful melodies, harmonies, and rounds from different cultures around this glorious Earth! "The majority of music in the world comes from the oral tradition and all songs are learned by call & response recognizing that this is the most accessible and effective way for the majority of people to learn and retain songs in the longer term." (Natural Voice Practitioners) Sing For Pure Joy! No written music is used. Where: Quadra Island Community Centre (Main Hall)

When: Sunday March 20th 1 - 4 pm Cost: $15 (sliding scale by request) Pre-registration is recommended: Call (250) 285-3764 or e-mail mmadennison@telus.net Songs led by

Mary Dennison (Sing For Pure Joy! Community Choir) Guest Accompanist

Didgeridoo Master and Drummer Extraordinaire ZACH SUKUWEH.

Special Note: Didgeridoo sound vibrational healing circle to follow the Community Sing

****************************************************** Sing For Pure Joy! Community Choir gathers at the Quadra Island Community Centre in Room 3 on Monday afternoons from 3:00 - 4:30 pm. Tuesday evenings from 7:30 - 9:00 pm at the Rivercity Players Playhouse - 1080 Hemlock Street in Campbell River. Alternate Saturday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. at the Community Centre in Ladysmith. Children's Song Circle ( for Moms & Dads & Babes, Grandma's and Grandpa's too! gathers in Room 3 on Tuesday afternoons from 3:00 - 4:00 pm. ******************************************************

Doug Paterson CCLT5 - 2008/09 ~ Victoria, B.C. AN OPEN INVITATION TO A "MUSICAL CELEBRATION" On Monday March 14th you, your family and any guests you would like to bring are enthusiastically invited to come to sing, move, dance and play with.

The Singers from 6:30 to 7:30 for some “little kid friendly” musical fun. ~ and/or ~ The Choir from 7:45 to 9:00 for some inter-generational, multi-cultural harmony singing (10 yrs+ recommended).

As always we will meet at the Fairfield United Church Hall (Moss & Fairfield). For full details regarding this open invitation please visit, and pass-on our flyer:

http://www.harmoniousfamilychoir.com/graphics/2011W/2011w-finale.pdf

or call 250-385-SING (7464). Also Please Note: Due to Spring Break the Harmonious Family Singers & Choir will not be meeting on Monday March 21st & 28th and that our Spring Season will run every Monday from April 4th to June 20th Sing whatever you do! Doug

Betsy Sansby CCLT 4 - 2007/8 ~ Minnetonka, MN

Harmony Singing Workshop

We‟ve just confirmed a spring Harmony Singing Workshop for May 22nd with another fine vocal teacher, this one, Brendan Taaffe. For details see the flyer for the event by clicking on:

http://www.o-my.Info/ghc/nl/2011/0202/brendansinging.pdf For sample MP3s please click on:

http://www.o-my.Info/ghc/nl/2011/0202/chandasarira.mp3 http://www.o-my.Info/ghc/nl/2011/0202/daddy-fox.mp3

For some insight into Brendan read his “Zimbabwe: a word from the field”

http://www.o-my.info/ghc/nl/2011/0311/brendan.pdf

I wanted to give you all as much advanced warning as possible, as we expect the workshop to fill quickly, as it did for Elise Witt‟s workshop. We‟d love to have you. If you are coming from out of town, let us know and maybe we can get a choir member to host you, so you won‟t have to pay for accommodations. Please mark your calendars and feel free to forward this email on to anyone else you think maybe be interested. Al and I are VERY excited! Hope to see you there. Betsy and Al

Editor‟s Note If you know anyone who lives in or near Minnetonka, Minnesota or who might consider going there for this event please pass the information on to them.

Anna Baignoche CCLT2 2005/6 ~ Vancouver, BC

A SINGING TOUR OF TURKEY Join me on a musical adventure, sing your way to a musical connection with the history and people of the ancient land of Turkey.

Tour A: May 16 – May 23 2011 Tour B (Option): May 23 – June 1 2011

It is a natural human impulse to sing, and much to some peoples‟ disbelief, everyone can do it! Allowing ourselves to sing freely in our environment is the basis for this musical collective. On this unique tour, you will travel experientially, singing songs from around the world as well as connecting with local musicians and learning Turkish songs, you will experience Turkey through song. For all the details click on:

http://www.o-my.info/ghc/nl/2011/0107/sing-in-turkey.pdf Submitted by Anna Baignoche CCLT2 2005/6

**************** QUOTABLES **************** When you are right you cannot be too radical; when you are wrong, you cannot be too conservative.

Martin Luther King, Jr., Editor‟s Collection

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General Info

Mon: On the right side of the closet shelf opposite the entrance door. Tues/Thurs: on the foyer closet shelf to the left as you enter the building. PLEASE NOTE (Repeat for late arriving new singers) If you leave something at choir the above notes tell you where to look for it. Keep in mind that putting your name on your binders and water bottles is a good way to keep from losing such items and of getting them back quickly when you do.

From time to time Shivon, Denis, Gloria or Bill will use this section to announce activities and events that they are involved in, recommend or support, outside of their normal work for the choirs and the CCLT.

SPRING 2011 LEVEL 2 WORKSHOP WITH DEBORAH MILLAR Deborah is offering a Level 2 Workshop this Spring. Maximum number per workshop will be 10 people, in order for her to provide individual attention to each person. Level Two - Developing your Authentic Sound In this workshop we will move into more advanced exercises. We will work on opening up the range, moving into text, how to create vocal dynamics with breath flow and phrasing. *Pre-requisite: Level 1 or the permission of the instructor.

Ø Length: 4 weeks (2 hour sessions) Ø Date and Time: Friday, March 25 – April 15 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm Ø Cost: $188.00 Ø Location: Lynn Wylie Yoga Studio 1600 Bay St Suite 202

FOR DETAILED INFORMATION & REGISTRATION CONTACT:

Sally Gose sgose@telus.net 250 474-3403 Submitted on behalf of Deborah Millar GHC, HNC & Soundings Choir Vocal Coach (as well as for many individuals from all three choirs). ********************** DAVID WHYTE AT ROYAL ROADS A deeply imaginative evening Fri, May 6, 2011 7:30pm – 9:30pm One of the few poets to bring creativity into organizations while reaching a global critical mass of recognition. David‟s poetry is being spoken in the same breath as other major contemporary, Irish American and English poets. Some of the gorgeous poetry Denis quotes at the end of choir sessions is David‟s. Denis will be joining David with his music contribution. Not to be missed! $ 30 + applicable taxes

To register, call 250-391-2600 x 4801 or email continuingstudies@royalroads.ca or visit www.royalroads/continuing-studies Submitted jointly by

Denis Donnelly, GHC & Soundings Director ~ and ~ Hilary Leighton GHC Alto & Royal Roads Director, Continuing Studies

********************** DAVID WHYTE ~ CLEAR MIND WILD HEART: Finding Courage, Clarity & Leadership Through Poetry A 1 day workshop with world renowned poet David Whyte Sat, May 7, 2011 10am - 4pm The insights and imagery of poetry can call us to look life straight in the eyes. It tells us we can enlarge ourselves to become a participating element in a new future. This workshop will be a time to engage with the frontier on which we find ourselves at this particular point in our lives, to understand again the very personal nature of our conversation with the future and to strike out boldly for that horizon. $ 125 + applicable taxes To register, call 250-391-2600 x 4801 or email continuingstudies@royalroads.ca or visit www.royalroads/continuing-studies Submitted jointly by

Denis Donnelly, GHC & Soundings Director ~ and ~ Hilary Leighton GHC Alto & Royal Roads Director, Continuing Studies

********************** POWER OF HOPE SPRING BREAK PROGRAM (Mar 20 – 24) HIP HOP HOPE - for all youth 14 - 18. If you know of any youth in your life who would love to write and record their own songs... please let them know about this great Power of Hope program. This is a chance for youth of all backgrounds to be mentored by some of B.C.‟s finest Hip Hop Artists. March 20 – 24 Join us and learn about MC‟ing, Beatbox, Spoken Word, Dance, Music Production, Visual Arts and Activism. What is HIP HOP HOPE? Using portable digital studios, youth record beats, songs, raps and poems, most of which are created during Hip Hop Hope. We provide an enriching and empowering learning community for youth to express themselves, explore issues of media literacy and controversies about the Hip Hop culture before they step behind the mic to say what they think is important and needs to be heard. Please check out this poster for more information and about how to register.

http://powerofhope.org/news/hip-hop-hope-tsawout-first-nation

Submitted by Gloria Hansen, GHC and HNC tenor And Chair, Power of Hope

********************** WE NEED YOUR OLD JEWELRY FOR MAKING AFRICAN AIDS ANGELS Volunteers use the jewelry (earrings, pendants, etc.) for making craft angels. African AIDS Angels is a non-profit fund-raising group that supports projects in southern Africa that assist children and families who are affected by HIVAIDS. Please see our website and blog for more information:

http://www.aidsangelsvictoria.ca

http://aidsangelsvictoira.blogspot.com

The jewelry can be given to Cathy on Monday nights. If anyone is interested in collecting jewelry on other nights please let Cathy know at 250-652-5329 or cjfletch@shaw.ca You can also drop it off at the African Aids Angels drop box at the James Bay Community Centre. Submitted by Bill on behalf of Cathy Fletcher, Monday Alto and all the other African AIDs Angels who have been doing such wonderful work with the support of choir members for a number of years now.

A NEWSLETTER REMINDER… …of the advantages of reading the PDF version of the newsletter that is available every week at:

http://www.gettinhigherchoir.ca/community-info/newsletters.html (This link can also be found in the masthead of both parts of the newsletter)

It looks exactly the way I send it out. (Formatting, fonts, colours, indentations, etc.) It is, therefore, easier to read for those of you whose email programs accept text only.

It can be searched by names and key words or phrases (ctrl F in the IBM world and Apple F for Mac users). For example: you might want to find your own item quickly or any item for which you know the submitter‟s name or you might want to search for all items containing a specific word such as “concert” or ”workshop.”

It is usually available even if the cyber gremlins eat up the copy that I email to you. ~ Bill

The Gettin‟ Higher Choir http://www.gettinhigherchoir.ca Community Choir Leadership http://www.communitychoirleadership.com Ubuntu Choirs http://www.ubuntuchoirs.net Shivon Robinsong: http://www.shivon.com Denis Donnelly: http://www.denisdonnelly.ca http://www.soundingsmusic.com Bill Hanson http://www.WebEasyServices.com Accessing our Newsletters http://www.gettinhigherchoir.ca/community-info/newsletters.html Using Our Newsletter: http://www.gettinhigherchoir.ca/community-info/newsletterinfo.html Choir Schedule: http://www.gettinhigherchoir.ca/community-info/index.html The above list doesn‟t appear in all issues of the newsletter Suggestion: If you haven‟t previously done so copy it to a Word or other text document for storage on your computer, or to print out, for future reference.

***************** QUOTABLES ***************** If there is anything the nonconformist hates worse than a conformist, it's another nonconformist who doesn't conform to the prevailing standard of nonconformity.

William E. ("Bill") Vaughan, columnist and author

Editor‟s Collection http://www.quotes.net/authors/Bill+Vaughan http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_E._Vaughan

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================ THAT'S NOT ALL FOLKS ============== Our Choir Member‟s Issue (Part 2) follows next Friday with lots of

interesting submissions from other choir community members plus some ”Quotables” and the Just For Fun section! If

you have items for it please submit them by midnight next Wednesday to bill@gettinhigherchoir.ca

=================================================== You can always find links to the current, and past, issues at:

http://www.gettinhigherchoir.ca/community-info/newsletters.html ===================================================