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Dischord
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE PERTH UNDERGRADUATE CHORAL SOCIETY
Hi all,
I hope you’ve all been having fun at rehearsals and have made some friends along the way! We have
heaps of events coming up, with camp just around the corner, but don’t forget about all the other social events—we have many planned in the near future and the rest of the year! Read on to find info
about these, as well as what PUCSters have been up to in the past, such as IV. If you’re freaking out
slightly about what on earth is on your score, never fear! There are some music-reading tips too!
Keep up the good work and I’ll see you at camp!
- Emily|[email protected]
The 64th Australian Intervarsity Choral Festival
IV is back again, and it only seemed so soon since we did Melbourne in 2012. In January, ten PUCSters
made their way over to Adelaide for ten days of intense rehearsals and lots of socialising. And singing.
A lot of it. So, straight into rehearsal on the Thursday night, introduced to our conductor Christie Anderson (HI THERE!), and straight into rehearsing the Rachmaninov Vespers.
Friday is when it all really starts though. After a … (continued on page 4)
CAMP
April 19-21, Eagle’s Nest Retreat
1406 O’Brien Rd, Gidgegannup
Theme for Dinner: ‘Around the World’
Make sure to get your forms in by April 12!!
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2
From the Conductor
Dear PUCSters,
Welcome on board the PUCS train for 2013! I'm having a
great time with the music for our first concert so far, and I
hope you are too. Don't worry if the number of languages
seems a little intimidating, from my vantage point the words
are coming along really well, and we still have plenty of time
to get used to some of the more unusual sounds.
Those of you who sang African music with us in 2010 will
remember the awesomely talented Drum Master Moses NiiOdartei from Ghana. Moses will be joining
us again for this concert on some of the African and Haitian pieces, which is wonderful for us and for
our audience.
Camp is coming up pretty soon. We have a really beautiful spot in Gidgegannup, not far from Perth,
great for either the day trip or an overnighter. Camp rehearsals are really invaluable for the music, as
it's often the first chance to really make sense of the whole concert programme.
Keep up the great work,
- Jon|[email protected]
Fauré/Haydn Concert & Other Past Events
The first week of November, 2012, saw the performance of Fauré’s Requiem, as well as four fantastic
pieces by Michael Haydn and Joseph Haydn. We were joined by Dominic Perissinotto and Thomas
Friberg in the beautiful Saint Patrick’s Basilica in Fremantle. While weather conditions were not quite
as we had hoped, it was still a great concert, thanks to all the hard work we had put in over second
semester.
The second half of 2012 proved to be quite a busy one by way of fundraising gigs, as PUCS secured
quite a number of gigs, including three corporate gigs, where we sang John Farnham’s “You’re The
Voice”. Thank you to everyone who took the time out of their own busy lives to come help earn some
money for our beloved PUCS!
In early December, a number of PUCSters donned Santa
hats, and Christmassy jewellery and sang Christmas Carols at Princess Margaret Hospital for Radio Lollipop. This
was not a fundraising gig – it was merely bringing some
Christmas cheer to some of the children at PMH and
their families. It was fantastic to see so many choristers
volunteering their time for this cause.
- Monica|[email protected]
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3
Kings Park Gig & Carols at Crown
On Friday 9th November 2012 we had the privilege of being a part of a solemn occasion to perform
three songs for Connect Groups, a small non-profit
organisation part of the Support Groups Association
(previously WISH). It was in the beautiful grounds of
Kings Park, at the ‘Place of Reflection’ Marlee
Pavilion. PUCS’ performance was part of a special event
for a book launch based on research for those affected
by violent crime. Our songs on this occasion were Locus
Iste, Bogoródĩstẽ Dẽvo and Laudate. We had a good turn
out from our choir members, especially as this event was
held mid-morning. Well done and thank you to all our
PUCSters who participated.
The 2012 Christmas Carols at Crown (previously “Burswood Casino”) saw our return to Burswood to
perform Christmas carols after a couple of years’ absence. We did nine performances in all from 13th
December right up to Christmas Eve. It was such a blast! We had a great turnout at each performance
from the choir with plenty of enthusiastic and happy carollers. It was a lot of fun. We sang in the
foyer of the Metropol Hotel and across from where we sang there was a giant reindeer and Christmas
tree made up of huge golden balls, both beautifully lit up. It was a lovely location. In our Santa hats
we sang heartily and jollily. It was great to see crowds in the festive mood enjoying our singing and we
also enjoyed having friends and family come to listen. Our conductors were terrific: Jon, Sarah M-M,
Alessandro and John. Thanks to John Beaverstock for being available to conduct the choir on
Christmas Eve.
We had positive feedback from Crown that they were
happy with our performances so we are hoping we can
do the gigs again at the end of this year. It’s a great way
for PUCS to raise funds for the choir.
On a personal note, to all the PUCSters that
participated and also assisted - I’d like to extend my BIG
thank you and well done to each of you for these
terrific performances. Your enthusiasm, energy and professionalism was wonderful. It did not go
unnoticed. You made this a real success and joy.
- Philippa|[email protected]
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4
IV Fun!
(from page 1)… short morning rehearsal we made our way to the picturesque
(and cold! What happened to summer??) Victor Harbor for a five night camp.
Dorms were housed in an amazing castle. With REAL turrets! Oooh! And
heritage listed structures. Groan…. As much as it was summer, it was cold, it
was windy, and for a few days, it was raining. So out came the jackets and
blankets and sleeping bags! But there were always lots of games (card games
and Poly Pong to name a few) and chat sessions (what’s an IV without being
able to catch up with friends and meet new people?) and… suitable beverages
to keep all of us happy!
The Friday night party was literally a “magic”al night as choristers took to
dressing like Harry Potter characters, and witches, wizards and fairies! On
Sunday night, it was choir versus choir with the sculling. We left the night
winning the Womens’ 4! Congrats, you ever so classy ladies! And I hope the
FIRE ALARM AT 2 IN THE MORNING DIDN’T INTERRUPT YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP
EITHER! Oh wait, it did! And it was out into the blistering cold for all of us
while the firemen came in record time to assess the situation. Spoilers: there
was no fire. Funny that.
On Monday afternoon, Flick and Emily led the charge under the sun for PUCS
at the Presidents’ PJs at the beach. Build forts, weave stories, run races, attack
people, and drink concoctions of untold proportions! At the revue night on
Tuesday, Flick, Emily and I attempted to do Cups from Pitch Perfect with some
semi-success. Much brain bleach was required to cleanse our minds of the
“completely-not-safe-for-children” second half. And Maya won the night with
a simple voice message recording. Who says you need complicated
choreography and twenty part harmonies to win?
By Wednesday morning, the joys of camp were over and it was back to
Adelaide to continue our rehearsals. That night, we were decked out in our
best for the Academic Dinner (and a copious amount of alc.. food. Food, that’s
right). It’s definitely not just fun and games though; with about 6 hours of
rehearsals every day at camp and almost 8 hours a day while back in Adelaide,
it was no mean task at all. On the repertoire were the wonderful Rachmaninov
Vespers, the beautiful We Beheld Once Again the Stars by Stroope, Lux Aurumque by the ever popular Whitacre, and the exquisiteness of O Nata Lux by
Lauridsen. And Butterley’s Morning Fanfare. (No nice adjectives, didn’t like it.)
By Saturday night, we were all prepped and ready to sing at St. Peter’s
Cathedral. And such a wonderful venue it was to sing in. On Sunday, the final
day of IV, the obligatory barbecue was set up and it was sad to leave the
people that we’d sung with and become so close to over the past week or so.
And the next IV is not till Brisbane IV in 2014. Till then, there’s always
Facebook!
- Ben
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5
CAMP!
Brace yourselves – camp is coming! That’s right everyone – another weekend up in the peaceful
surrounds of Eagle’s Nest, Gidgegannup! Please write CAMP in big letters across the weekend from
Friday, April 19 to Sunday, April 21 in your diaries!
For those of you who are new to the choir, or have never
been on a camp before, all you need to know is this:
camp is both a social event, and a big rehearsal day, all
rolled into one. Usually between 10 and 20 people will
stay for the whole weekend, and everyone else will drive
up on Saturday morning to come to the rehearsals, which
take up most of the day. Lunch, tea, coffee, and milo are
provided, and you are welcome to bring along snacks for
morning or afternoon tea!
If you are staying the whole weekend, generally you would arrive on the Friday night, and then get
yourself settled in to a dorm and have a relaxed evening with some board games or card games. If
you have a board game that you absolutely love, please feel free to bring it along to camp!
Rehearsals on Saturday morning start at about 9.30, and will finish just before 5 – with breaks for
morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, of course! On the Saturday night, there is a themed dinner,
where we all dress up and eat and be merry! The theme for this camp ties in with our first concert:
Around the World! Don’t forget that you MUST dress up to this theme – no costume, no dinner (just
kidding, but seriously, please dress up).
Keep an eye out for camp forms at rehearsal, and be sure to get your forms and fees in by Friday,
April 12 at the latest.
If you have any questions regarding anything camp-related, or would like to volunteer to help with
the
preparation of food on Saturday, please send an email to [email protected].
- Monica
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6
Social Events!
Hey everyone!
Welcome to the first rehearsal season for 2013!!! And a rehearsal always equals socialising! And I
am busy organising social events to keep you entertained and addicted to choir society!
First event planned is Pre-Rehearsal Burgers at Burgermeister
on April 8 (the Monday after the break). This is an opportunity
for everyone to sit back, relax and for those who can’t make it
for after rehearsal gatherings, a time to mingle and catch up
on gossip!
Is that all?! Of course not! That is just the beginning…
Sometime before the concert a PUCS Karaoke Night will be
held for all you divas who need a little more spotlight and
those back up vocalists who love to harmonise in the
background. Not to mention the Post Concert Party (PCP),
what better way to celebrate a great concert than with
partying, drinking and merriness!
Last year’s Subiaco PCP was so good it stretched over 5 venues and there was still singing at 1am
(okay, so it was only me still singing). Later in the year we have the PUCS Annual Dinner, a night to
go all out! For us girls we get a chance to frock up and the boys to suit up; you will not want to
miss out on this fabulous evening.
For all upcoming events keep an ear out during announcements and an eye on our Facebook
page!
- Flick|[email protected]
PAGE
Important Dates
March
27
April
8
19-21
City of Canning Gig
Burgers @ Burgermeister (before
rehearsal)
Camp at Eagle’s Nest Retreat,
Gidgegannup
7
Section Leaders!
They take the roll and help you out with your
music troubles. Make sure you know who yours
is!
Soprano—Flick
Alto—Monica
Tenor—Brendan
Bass—Ben
May
19
Concert at Perth Modern School
Auditorium
………………………………………………………………………….
July
29
First rehearsal for Sem 2
October
Annual Dinner
Nov
Concert 2
Photo Credits
Ben Lee, Philippa Simpson-Bint, Maya K2, Cathy
Jenkins, Sally Zixue Yang, Felicity Carroll, Kathryn
Teale, Keiko Kishi
Donations of photos much appreciated. Send them to
[email protected].
Quotes
Alto 1s, give me some more altosterone.—
Christie A.
Basses, I would love to do some basting.—
Christie A.
I get over. I get under. I get around.—Christie A.
How does a soprano introduce herself?—Stef V.
Mi mi mi.—Miriam V.
We have like 8 sopranos, and 2 of every other
part.—Monica G.
That’s what you call a balanced choir!—Jon P
I didn’t choose the PUCSlife, the PUCSlife chose
me! — Emily B.
Committee
President—Monica: Oversees the running of the choir.
Secretary—Brendan: Membership forms in yet?
Treasurer—Dave: Have you paid your membership yet?
Social Secretary—Flick: See you at Burgermeister!
Librarian—Ben: Hope you’re not using pen to mark
your music...
Camp Officer—Sarah: Organises camp.
Concert Manager—Julian: Makes sure we have
somewhere to sing!
IT—Clare: Are you on the PUCSannounce emailing list?!
Fundraising—Philippa: Helps to raise money for the
choir.
Fresher Rep—Haylee: The voice of the freshers!
Dischord Editor—Emily: Printed on time, thank
goodness!
Immediate Past President – Lucy: Acts as advisory to
committee.
PAGE
8
Music Theory 101
Never seen a note of music before joining PUCS?
Well, we’re going to get you started and you’ll be
sight-reading more confidently in no time*!
It’s quite simple to know which
line you should sing from,
since it’s already labelled at
the start. If you’re singing
Soprano, and if it’s labelled as
the topmost staff in the
system, then you’ll always sing
the first staff*. On the left, the
oval symbol (called a semibreve and
lasts 4 beats) all represent a pitch
(how high/low the note sounds) which
is popularly known as Middle
C. They are all in different
locations in each staff since
everyone’s voices are all
different. For basses, Middle C is on the top since
that pitch is close to the top of their range. But for
Sopranos, Middle C is at the bottom, since it is close
to the bottom of theirs! Similarly, Middle C is in the
middle of the Tenor range. Altos just make do with
what’s available.
Every line and space
(between the lines) on a
F G
A B C D
E
staff represents a different
pitch and — for comparison’s sake — corresponds
to every white key on a piano. (Talk later on the
black ones!)
But what do they sound like? If you have access to a
musical instrument (whether real, or on your phone) and
someone who knows music, you can get your C.
Then you can hear the rest of them in your head.
But how? Lets try the easy intervals first. An interval
is any two notes played.
The first interval here is a 5th, and is
one of the most natural sounding
intervals to pick up. If you count the number of
pitches between the notes (including the start and ends of
the interval), you have 5 notes altogether — hence the
name: 5th. The easiest way to hear it is sing Twinkle
Twinkle Little Star. Sing the first two words: Twinkle
Twinkle. The first Twinkle is on a C and the second
Twinkle is sung on a G. You’ve been singing 5ths
since you were young!
The second interval here is a 4th. The
best example will be from Auld Lang
Syne. Again, sing the first two words: Should all…
Those two words correspond to a C and an F, which
make up a 4th!
Another fun and useful one is the
Minor 2nd and is usually between a
white and black note*. Think of the
theme from Jaws as the shark makes
its approach: Duuum dum, duuum
dum. That’s a Minor 2nd! If you see a
sharp (black key to the right of the original white key) or a flat
(black key to the left of the original white key), that’s an
indication that it is a black key. Some exceptions apply.
* Some exceptions apply.
Music Terminology
Flat adj. When the sung note is a little lower in pitch
than actually written on paper. The opposite is being
sharp.
Forte adj. Italian for loud. Written as f on your scores.
The opposite is piano (soft) and written as p.
The next note “resolves the chord” and makes the
song sound finished (these are also called cadences).
Syncopation n. When stress is given to the normally
non-accented beats. When sung, it usually sounds like
it is off the beat.
Suspended adj. A little complicated, but when heard, it Upbeat n. The beat (or notes) before the next bar e.g.
sounds like the song doesn't sound quite finished yet. “Lets do the altos on the upbeat to bar 17.”
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