Mrs. Green asked Bethany and me (Bailey) to create videos of "Never Gonna Give Up" played at its normal speed with the instrumental accompaniment. Ignore our poor rhythm and finger bloopers: we're not aspiring to be concert pianists.
Sopranos! This is the highest part. While in our humble opinions it is the easiest part to master, this is the worst quality video. Sorry!
Second Sopranos! You're a little lower than regular soprano -- the "middle part." Bethany would like to encourage you to disregard the mess-ups at the end. The rest is mostly accurate.
Last but not least, Altos. I'd encourage as many ladies as possible to sing this part, since it means you'll be singing with me. There's no blooper warning for this video, though I'm sure I goof up somewhere.
This post is for ALL of the ladies (except Tiny Tappers).
The above video is for all of you to watch, no matter which part you'd like to sing. If it's helpful for you to write notes in your script, then go grab it--and a pencil. If you don't want to write in your script, then please still watch the video. It'll save time on Thursday if you know this information ahead of time. Thanks. (Sorry about the wiggly camera. I had a horrible cinematographer.)
The following videos are the different vocal parts for "Never Gonna Give Up". I'm playing them at half speed--partly so you can hear each note, and partly because I'm not that great of a pianist. Bailey and/or Bethany are going to help me out by playing each part at full speed with the Demo CD going in the background. (They're much better pianists than I.) I hope to get those posted some time next week, if their schedules allow. Please watch these with your script in hand (pages 41-42). Sing along as best as you can. I may not have the rhythms totally perfect since I'm playing it much slower than the CD tempo. The CD rhythms are correct.
Have your 1st and 2nd choice ready for Thursday.
Above, isthe high part (1st soprano), but I messed up at the end of the song, so the video below is the last bit of it.
Sorry about the two videos thing. Someday I'll learn how to edit them together. ; )
The above video is the middle part (2nd soprano). My fingers slipped in a couple of spots, but you get the idea.
The following three videos make up the lower part (alto).
The following is a blooper. I think it was, like, "Take 47" or something. I'm posting it just to show you that practice makes better (and sometimes even perfect). ; ) I want you to take comfort in the fact that if you're having trouble with a part, then just keep at it. Ask for help if you need to. You'll get it.
Feel free to laugh while you watch. After all, you'll be laughing with me, not at me. (I can take it.)
Here's a similar video featuring Don Music from Sesame Street:
This post is for: Sloane, Angela, Elisabeth M, Bailey, Bethany, Hannah B, Sarah B, Lindsey, Lydia H, Maddi, Ellen, Emma, Annie, Sarah R, Micayla, Juliana, Erin, Trisha, Hannah H, Maria, Elizabeth C, Marie, Naomi, Laura, Macy, Katherine, Savanna, Brittney, Christian, Jordan, Israel, James, Brendan, Michael, Krista, Erica, Meridian, & Addie. (You last four ladies will be pushing the jukebox out onto the stage as the song begins.) This is everyone from Scene 20 plus Krista, Erica, Meridian, & Addie.
If you weren't at practice on Jan. 26th, then take a look at each video and let me know which part you'd like to sing. The entire song is in unison except for one note--the word "long" before the last phrase, which is in four part harmony. That's why I made these videos.
There's a typo in your script on page 38. In the last line of the 2nd paragraph, it says, "Feed that jukebox so I can dance with you." It should say, "Feed that juke so I can dance with you."
Also on page 38, remember not to take a breath on those two parts ("all night long--Slap that jukebox" and "dance with you--Slap that jukebox") where you slide your voice up for the key changes. If you breathe there, then your voice can't slide.
On the CD, the singers slide their voices up on the word "night" at the end of the song. We're not going to do that. Instead, I'd like for you to drop your voice at the end of the last word, "song".
Also, take a decent breath right before the word "long". You'll need to hold that for 11 counts, but they're quick counts since it's a fast song. If you need to sneak a breath, then that's fine. Just don't do it at the same time as the people around you.
Once you start dancing and singing at the same time, you might find yourself running out of breath. It's a fast song! When you practice singing this at home, I want you to do that lying-down-on-the-floor-with-a-book-on-your-belly thing. Make sure you push that book up every time you inhale. This will help train your body to breathe deeply enough so you don't run out of breath while dancing. Do this often, at least every other day, so that it becomes second-nature to you. Practice the song lying down first, then do it with the dancing (after you learn the steps, of course).
Okay...videos! Captions are below each video.
This is the bottom note, played an octave lower for the guys.
Starting with "all", the notes are: B - C# - F# - F# - BBBBBBB.
"Night" and "long" are the same note for you.
This is the bottom note--for the girls.
Starting with "all", the notes are: B - C# - F# - F# - BBBBBBB.
"Night" and "long" are the same note for you.
This is the middle-bottom note (a.k.a. "The Tricky Note").
Starting with "all", the notes are: B - C# - F# - G# - BBBBBBB.
Remember to think "Do-Re" (doh-ray) for "night long".
This is the middle-high note--for the girls.
Starting with "all", the notes are: B - C# - F# - B - BBBBBBB.
When going from "night" to "long", remember to think, "Here comes the bride."
This is the middle-high note, played an octave lower for the guy (Christian).
Starting with "all", the notes are: B - C# - F# - B - BBBBBBB.
When going from "night" to "long", remember to think, "Here comes the bride."
This is the high note.
Starting with "all", the notes are: B - C# - F# - D# - BBBBBBB.
When going from "night" to "long", remember to think, "My Bah,"
from "My Bonnie lies over the ocean."
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, then please let me know.
A sincere thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Cary, Angela, and Julie for creating the swingin' choreography for "Kilroy Was Here". You know, "choreography" starts with the word "chore", but it sure looked a whole lot more like fun than work!
And you dancers made quick progress in learning all of these steps. Verily, I am impressed. = )
Sorry Everyone - I know you just received your schedules for February and March, and I'm making changes already. I'd like to allow a little more time for some of our dances and for music, so I made a few changes for February 9 and February 16.
Here's the new schedule:
February 9: (WRHS Valentines Party will be held at church pre-rehearsal)
12:00-12:15 Warm-Ups JG
12:15-2:25 Scene 4 CJR
12:15-2:25 Scene 17 (Add’l work) JH
(or less time, as needed)
2:25-2:30 Break
2:30-2:50 Scene 27 (Music Only) JG
2:50-2:55 Feedback
2:55 Dismissal & Directors Huddle
February 16: 12:00-12:15 Warm-Ups JG
12:15 – 1:30 Scenes 25 & 26 SK
12:15 – 1:30 Scenes 27 &28 CS
1:30 – 2:55 Tiny Tappers Routine Lindsey
1:30 – 2:55 Add’l work on songs JG
(As needed)
2:55 Dismissal
( I know I had previously posted that those not involved with the Tiny Tappers could leave early on 2/16, but we might need you to stick around to work on music. Sorry!)
I know this is somewhat off-topic, but I believe it affects our, and future generations', fundamental ability to raise our children in the way we feel is best. Please consider contacting our senators and congressman. Perhaps you might want to suggest they come to see our play if they have any concerns about what homeschoolers are capable of doing. :)
Urgent Calls Needed to Stop Obama’s Attack on Educational Freedom
Dear HSLDA Members and Friends,
“So tonight, I am proposing that every state—every state—requires that all students stay in high school until they graduate or turn 18.”
—President Barack Obama
last night’s State of the Union speech.
I was shocked when I heard that. Under our U.S. Constitution, education matters are left to the states. Our Founders wanted decisions about education and a host of other matters left to the states and local government so that these important decisions that affect every family could easily be influenced by the real decision makers: parents and the family. Parents—not the federal government and certainly not the president—are the ones who should decide how children are educated and when they’re ready to graduate from high school. But last night, President Obama made it clear that he thinks the federal government should be in the business of telling states how long children should stay in school. Since we were founded in 1983, HSLDA has fought attempts by state legislatures to increase the ages of compulsory attendance in school. We do this because parents—not education bureaucrats—are best equipped to decide how long their children should stay in school. Now, thanks to President Obama and his willing allies in Congress, we’re going to have to fight this in Congress, too. We need to make sure that the White House, and their allies in Congress hear our message loud and strong: leave education decisions to parents.
Call Now!
Right now, please call the White House and your members of Congress, and give them this message:
“Last night, President Obama called for the government to mandate that all children stay in school until they graduate or turn age 18. This is not the federal government’s responsibility. Leave education decisions to parents, not federal bureaucrats. Tell President Obama to withdraw his compulsory attendance mandate immediately.”
Your U.S. representative and two U.S. senators: 202-224-3121 (Capitol Switchboard) or use HSLDA’s Legislative Toolbox to find their names and contact info.
There appears to be no limit to this president’s desire for power. Car companies, banks, doctors, and now schools and the family. But this time he’s gone way too far, and homeschoolers and freedom-loving Americans need to make sure that he hears our message. Thank you for standing with us for freedom. Sincerely, Michael P. Farris, JD, LLM
Chairman, HSLDA
Finally! I know. I'm so sorry it took me such a long time to get these videos posted. I encountered obstacle after obstacle, but we (Bailey helped) finally got things all worked out musically, and my camera is working again. Whew!
So, Nick, this first video is for you. This is the tenor part, and I'm playing it an octave lower to (hopefully) suit your vocal range. There are a couple spots where your notes are not being played in the accompaniment (on the CD) so it doesn't sound quite right. Bailey and I figured out that those notes are the 7th in the chord, so they do fit, even though you don't hear them in the background music. There's also a spot where I messed up a little (at the 1:13 mark), but I don't think it matters much. It's on a part where everyone sings in unison. Note that at 2:15 and 2:32 (in the video), you sing the same words in each spot, but the notes are slightly different. Also, on the very last note, you'll have to cut off a little early so you can take a decent breath to say, "Yes indeed, Kilroy was here," in the proper timing. Let me know if you have any questions.
Christian, I didn't make a video for the middle part, since you and your lovely sisters have been working at home with the other score. (I just wanted to mention your name here so you didn't feel left out.) ; )
Jordan and Israel, this next video is for you. This is the melody (highest part) for the song, but I'm playing it an octave lower whenever the guys sing. Hopefully, this will fit your vocal range. If it doesn't, you could try practicing with Nick's video (above), but if this video (below) works for you, then I'd like for both of you to sing it, okay? Hannah and Sarah are singing this part, and I'm guessing you'll be paired with them for some of the choreography. It'd be helpful if you're singing the same part. Near the end of the song, your line is, "Now all good Americans lend an ear." The other two phrases before that are sung by different sets of people, so I only played those parts very softly. I played your part at full volume. (FYI, my fingers slipped a little at the 2:41 and 2:55 marks in the video, but it shouldn't be a problem, since you can hear it well on your vocal demo CD. I'm just too pressed for time to re-record it.)
Hannah and Sarah, I would like for both of you ladies to sing, "Now all good Americans lend an ear," near the end of the song. I think only one of you was doing it last week--which is fine--but I wanted you to know that I'm okay with both of you singing, if you'd like to do that.
When I was writing out the scene schedule, I must have somehow missed all of the fellas who are in Scene 21. Carl, Leo, Jack, Fred & Floyd - we need you in scene 21.
I'm sorry I only got the second half. I was so enraptured and captivated that it took me a minute to realize, "I should be taping this!" Next time, I'll get the whole thing. (Also, I'm right next to the CD player, so the music is disproportionately loud compared to the voices.) Great job, riveters!!!
This post is for Raphael, Coulter, Henry, Evan, Julie, Erin, Micayla, Trisha, Allie, Lindsey, and Michelle.
This first video is the lower part only. So, Raphael, Coulter, Micayla, and Trisha--this is your part only. (This is the same video I posted last week.) The other seven of you, don't watch this one. It might only serve to confuse you. Instead, sing along with your vocal demonstration CD, and then the instrumental demonstration CD. Then, sing along with the other video in this post (scroll down a little).
I made a new video today, playing both parts together. The three spies only have parts at the very end, so Allie, Lindsey, and Michelle, please pay close attention to the end of the video (from about 0:45 to the end). I've played the last line a few times in a row. Oh, and don't forget to sing, "Yes, we will overcome," in the section after the trumpet solo. Now, for Raphael, Coulter, Henry, Evan, Julie, Erin, Micayla, and Trisha--go through the following video and see how well you can find your notes (higher or lower part). Keep trying. If you are still having trouble, go back to the above video (lower part) or your demo CD's (higher part). Then come back to this, okay? You can do it!
I thought last Thursday's rehearsal went very well. Thank you to Mrs. Kluge, Mrs. Holbrook & Mrs. Green for your great directing, and thanks to all of rest of you for your patience and hard work.
One thing - during the solo and small group singing of Together We Must Stand, I'd like to see more interaction between the groups on the floor. Remember, you're to be comforting the crying women and also finding yourselves being inspired by the music.
Don't forget, everyone needs to be to practice at noon this Thursday!
Hi, everyone! This is Bailey filling in for Lindsey. We didn't have enough to time to get through "Don't Say No to the USO" a couple weeks ago, so Lindsey and the Bergmann girls filmed the beginning and all of the instrumental dances. We'll be finishing up the dance on Thursday, so find your zone and practice, practice, practice!
For USO workers (follow Bailey and Lindsey) and hostesses (follow Bethany, Hannah and Sarah)
For the Company - this is the part we already know and love
Zone 1 - Bailey
Zone 2 - Hannah
Zone 3 - Sarah
Zone 4 - Lindsey
Zone 5 - Bethany
For Zone 1
Mary, Seth and Lydia G. follow Bethany
Gabe, Megan and Peter follow Hannah
Joshua and Caroline follow Bailey
Lydia B., Grace and Stephen follow Sarah
Note: Zone 2, just march out into the audience as practiced.
For Zone 3
The water bottles represent the "miniature stage" you'll be marching onto. Snazzy, no?
I know this title seems a bit redundant, but this video is for the three Spies (Allie, Lindsey, & Michelle) as opposed to the eight Government Agents. Mrs. Stuewer will be posting the video for them.
This video is for Raphael and Coulter (so far). I would like for two of the female government agents (Erin, Julie, Trisha, or Micayla) to sing this part also. We will decide that this Thursday.
Michelle, Allie, and Lindsey, I realize that you sing this song too, but this is mostly the government agents' part. You do have a harmony part on the very last line though. We can go over that on Thursday right after warm-ups.
In this video, I don't play the entire song--only the sections where two different notes are sung in harmony. It's easy to hear the melody on the CD, so I'm only playing the harmony notes. If you follow along with your script, the first section where this happens is on the bottom of page 28. It starts with, "They're everywhere..." and continues up to the "Shhhhhhh!" at the bottom of that page.
Then, I skip to the middle of page 29 to right after the Dance Interlude. Again, the words start with, "They're everywhere..." through the words, "She's not so dumb." Remember, the words, "Yes, we will overcome," are sung by the Spies (Michelle, Lindsey, and Allie). That's why I sing those words in the video instead of play them on the piano. (Thanks for pointing that out to me, Julie. I would've missed it.)
Then, I skip to the very last line at the bottom of page 29. The eight government agents sing, "Because they're spies." And the three bad guy spies sing, "Because we're spies." Make sure you're singing the right word there. Anyway, there is a harmony part here too, so that's at the end of this video.
Right now, this will make more sense to Raphael & Coulter (and Julie, since she was working with us in the side room last Thursday) than the rest of you female government agents. Still, listen to this a few times to see if you have a preference for singing melody or harmony on "Spies". Thanks!
Below is the TENOR part for the last line of "Together We Must Stand".
The words are, "We are the land of the free!"
Below is the TENOR part for the last line of "Don't Say No to the USO".
The words are, "...and the good ol' U S O!"
Below is the same thing as above, but played an octave lower. This is for you young men whose voices have changed already. (You're welcome.) ; ) If there are any other parts of this song (or others) which are too high for you, just sing an octave lower. If you don't know how to do that, please ask me (Mrs. Green).
On January 19, Lindsey will be working with the following people (while Mrs. Green is working with the Kilroy Was Here singers): Meridian, Erica, Brittnee, Savanna, Addie, Krista, as well as the hostesses and USO workers.
Since, with siblings, this means that probably most people will need to arrive at noon, we're just going to start regular warm-ups at 12:00. So, EVERYBODY needs to be to practice by 12:00 sharp, just like every other day. Sorry for any confusion.
12:00 - 12:15 Warm-ups
12:15 - 1:00 Kilroy Was Here Singers work with Mrs. Green (down); above-mentioned people work w/Lindsey on Don't Say No To the USO dance (up)
1:00 - 1:45 Don't Say No To the USO dance - Everybody
1:45-1:55 Break
1:55 - 2:50 Run through Act One
2:50 Feedback & Dismissal
Just trying to organize my thoughts and let everyone know some of the things/task we'll be needing:
Jukebox – this will have to be wheeled on and off – Would someone let us borrow one if they know it will be moved around? Make a painted facade of a jukebox on cardboard? Not have a jukebox and say that it will be coming soon?
Round tables – need 4 (Char has 1, Angie & Kathy also have – do we have 4?)
Tablecloths – sheets on bottom going to floor with decorative cloth on top
Chairs – Parlor style, preferably white, need at least a dozen. Kathy has 4 or 5, Connie has 2-4
Radio booth – use the one from Bethany? Big headphones?
Metal magazine rack – Boughtons have one – Can we put it on a platform to wheel on and off? To paint – background city scene
To paint – background for USO Club
To paint – Large sign to hang from lights – Welcome to the Brooklyn USO (or something like that)
Magazines from the early 40’s (Feb. 1942), especially Life & Liberty - possibly order from ebay and make copies (for Spies scene), Kathy has some magazines from the 40’s
Order some newspapers – The Brooklyn Eagle – Extra Edition- Axis submarines sink cargo ship – The John Paul Jones
Tribute to vets – Flags, should we get actual veterans for each performance? Committee to work on logistics (Marcena N., Lisa B., Sharin B., others?)
Need 4 lunch pails (have 2 – Char & Sharin)
Armbands – USO, MP (2), CD (Civilian Defense),
2 whistles, flashlight, 2 billy clubs, holsters with guns (for MP’s)
Guns for G-men & agents ( need 8 – should they be matching or have each person get their own)
To paint – posters “Radio Show Tonight” – backside “Kilroy Was Here” (several?)
Sign for bandstand – “Star Spangled Network”
Camera for Vida, notebook or clipboard for Pamela, telegram
