AGM -- excellent attendance and... Doughnuts!

Drew brought Doughnuts!

The first rehearsal of the Stairwell Carollers Fall 2015 singing season was a doughnut feasting success!

Our AGM (annual general meeting) started with choir Commitee President, Diane Fraser, with her trademark short and sweet welcome to everyone and an acceptance of the minutes of the last meeting.

Organized but relaxed sets the tone

And Drew (tenor) surprised us with Artisinal Doughnuts from Suzy Q in Hintonberg! Yum.

Our director, Pierre, continued with good news about our online presence. Our website, which Pierre created and manages, is well maintained by Team Maggie (soprano), with help from Drew (tenor) and Kelly (alto) on the lyrics pages.

Our YouTube numbers are up. Considering that we don't sing naked, have a hamster on a piano or a baby monkey riding on a pig, we do pretty well.

@StairwellChoir on Twitter is very successful in getting the news out about concerts and our new vids and blog posts. It can be a big time eater too if you let it. All the choral news that's fit to tweet -- too tempting

Our Facebook page is hub for blog posts, news, comments and tweets -- please like us!

And, we are super pumped for our upcoming CD, O magnum mysterium coming out this October. Hit the link for a sneak peek! For all our CDs ( also available as MP3s ) click here.

After the AGM, we spent the next hour and a half singing through seven Christmas songs. Whew!

Patty and Drew solve all the worlds problems

All done, we trotted off to The Clocktower Brew Pub. As with choir rehearsal, attendance was healthy. Brown Beers and munchies all round.

Selfie -- the only way I get into a photo

We aren't called the "Eatwell Carollers" for nothing.

The boys decide what to eat

Zach's back! Bass 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Stairwell Interviews -- René Voyer, bass -- and Steering Committee President

René, bass, with his sister Huguette, soprano -- also with the Stairwell Carollers

The Stairwell Interviews: René Voyer 

Here, in 

(mostly)his own words,

 is the tale of René's journey into the Stairwell.

2007 -- singing in an Ottawa U residence stairwell

 
"I did not choose choral music. I am addicted to it! My family is at fault. They exposed me to choir singing when I was a small child."


 "My parents both sang in the church choir -- and the children, we had to stay in the church after the mass, while they were rehearsing. Soprano, alto, tenor and bass, was already known at an early age. "

"My grandparents, uncles and aunts all sang and played musical instruments at family reunions, so, as a child, I thought everybody had to learn to sing and play."

"My three sisters and I sang together in four-part harmony while doing the dishes and it has been the tradition to sing together when we meet, still today."

"I have sung many styles and forms, but, for me the small a cappella group is the ultimate choir experience. It requires: discipline, control, independence and humility to blend, assurance and courage to attack when it is needed -- without relying on others --  listening for subtle changes of mood created dynamically by the choir, staying on the right pitch."

Rene at left, carolling in Byward Market 2011

"All these things make a cappella singing more demanding and so rewarding when it is achieved. The small choir is nimble, and can express better feelings and moods than the big choir with orchestra. "

"I also like working closely with the musical director. It is a great learning process that I never experienced in larger choirs."

"I first saw/heard the Stairwell Carollers in a Kiwanis competition. My jaw dropped. They were too good. One evening, at a Xmas concert in 2004, Keith announced that the choir was looking for a bass 2 (low bass). I decided to try -- quite prepared to be turned down. "

Obviously, he was not turned down -- his audition blew us away and René has been a bass 2 ever since. 

At the National Gallery of Canada, Rene stands tall

Thus, 
with the Stairwell Carollers, 
René has
sung --
inside the Parliament Buildings, 
at a funeral,  
in a mall, 
while walking,  
for an audience of less than 5 people,  
for a packed house,  
on YouTube on the Stairwell Caroller channel,  
in a fast-food establishment and in a bar,
“Happy Birthday” to a random stranger in a bar,
and, of course, in almost every Stairwell Caroller concert and appearance since he joined in 2005.

René also has some astute observations about our director, Pierre -- and some heartfelt wishes also.

"Pierre is a very competent and capable musician and pedagog. He is so generous with us -- and in return, all choir members want to do their best, and more, to please him and get an "I love you guys!" at the end of a song!" I feel extremely privileged to be one of his "disciples".

Pierre directs the basses

Now, I can't move to another city because of him!"

"This choir is a jewel in the National Capital Region and it is most likely unique -- in the sense that Pierre is both founder and  director. He puts everything into it. Most other choirs seen to have hired directors who are there for a short while and then go. 

Pierre Massie

That makes a big difference. This is Pierre's choir and we need to support him as much as we can to keep him going -- to relieve him from the many worries and tasks related to the logistics of the choir and keep him motivated, inspired and satisfied for many years to come. I also wish that he will find more time to dedicate himself to composition."

*René  did not mention his important contribution to the choir as a long-standing member of the steering committee, in recent years bearing the mantle of President. A future blog post will detail the responsibilities and duties of this post. He also did not mention the guidance he has given The PR committee -- always reminding us that we are a bilingual group with audience on both sides of the Ottawa river.

Thanks for everything you have done for Les Chanteurs Stairwell, René ! à bientôt! 

You can hear  René's deep bass voice on our new CD, Cantate Domino.

Order Cantate Domino Here  

Listen to excerpts of  CANTATE DOMINO - a selection of Renaissance Sacred choral pieces.

Cantate Domino is dedicated to the memory of Paul Churchill, Tenor, whose voice and heart will be forever remembered.

If you live in the Ottawa area, you can purchase our CDs directly from choir members. 

You can also buy them at Ottawa area stores, online, or at our live concerts.

CHOIR HOW-TO -- Costume -- Part Six: Spring Pastels to Basic Black

In 2005, we scooped up ice cream colours for our spring concerts and I felt quite uplifted by our look. It suited the spring mood and was very simple. However, most members had to go out and search for tops and shirts in pastel colours since they did not have anything suitable already in their wardrobe. It proved to be a daunting task for some, myself included. Maybe pastels weren't in that year, but I remember going in and out of the stores at St. Laurent Shopping center -- getting more and more frustrated as there was nothing but common t-shirts in pastel.I finally ended up in the little old lady section at SE*RS, where I found my soon to be hated yellow top.

Sigh.

The pastels served us well for a few seasons until the Steering Committee decided they wanted the group to appear more "professional". The final judgement was that this look was cheerful, but a bit casual and an executive decision was made to look for a different option.

Sigh of relief:)

Back in Black

The Big Decision was Artsy black. This choice gave us the classical musician look and reflected the status of the group. All Black has turned out to be the best and simplest costume by far. It was easy for me, as the ersatz costume lady, since the onus was on each individual to supply their own outfit. We do look pulled together and professional don't we?

We gave everyone some simple guidelines to put together thir own outfit (usually from their existing closet) The Men's outfits were actually more restrictive than the women's, since we had to put our foot down on no collars (which scream casual) and polo type shirts (golfing!).

BLACK RULES!

True Black pieces are a must.  Greenish, red or brown-tone "blacks" won't cut it -- stage lights will show up the underlying colour in the material to discerning audience members.

Men:
collared shirt , long sleeves

Everyone:
Black dress shoes
Black socks or thick hose
No overt textures -- mainly in the front row.

Women:
No bare legs, elbows, shoulders or cleavage
No sparkly or glittery elements on the garment
No obvious see through elements

We left jewellery choices up to each person, but I always wear crystals since they sparkle nicely. Most keep it subtle gold or silver. If you are concerned, just instruct your group not to wear chunky jewellery that introduces another colour to the monochromatic outfit. 

NO PRUDES HERE

The request for less skin was not made for prudish reasons, rather, for the overall look. Against the black, skin glows under stage lights and in photos, so we all agreed on covering it. For instance, elbows look knobby below short black sleeves and ample cleavage really picks up the stage lights.

We don't want to pull the audiences focus away from the music:)

Well, dear readers, this brings me to the end of the CHOIR HOW-TO -- COSTUME series for the blog.

If you need help with costume decisions for your choir, I'm only a comment or email away and I'd love to help you.

The Choir Costume series links :)

Choir Costume Part 1 - what NOT to wear?
Choir Costume Part 2 - Gowns or Gownless Evening Straps?
Choir Costume Part 3 - Girls in Tails
Choir Costume Part 4 - Period Wear -- Medieval/Renaissance to Victorian Era
Choir Costume Part 5 - Cloaks are all the Vogue
Choir Costume Part 6 - Spring Pastels to Basic Black

CHOIR HOW-TO -- The Choir Secretary -- NOTEable Mention -- Andrea Walton, the Magnificent

Andrea, on her cell, getting everyone where they should be for A CBC radio spot

CHOIR SECRETARY
Andrea Walton, soprano, and my dear friend, has been the most efficient and exhaustive secretary any organization could have.  I prefer to think of her as administrative manager because she handles so many of the administrative tasks necessary to the smooth running of our choir machine.


STEERING COMMITTEE

From the recording of the Minutes and clarifying Action Items at each Steering Committee meeting to taking attendance at each rehearsal, Andrea does dozens of tasks in between. I've touched on some major ones in this post.

A Steering Committee meeting can last all afternoon. Andrea helps focus the team while she records the Minutes.

COMMUNICATION
As any good manager knows, clear and regular communication is key to an efficient operation.   She supplies each choir member with a regularly updated phone and email list of the membership in both xls and pdf formats.

AUDITIONS
Before the Fall season starts we do auditions. Sorry, ANDREA takes all the calls, sets up and organizes the audition nights.

We just show up.

Communication!

MUSIC PACKAGE
For many years, at the beginning of each season, Andrea gave each choir member a package that she had organized the reproduction and collation of. The package includes the sheet music, an up to date phone and email list, the season's song list and rehearsal dates, and info sheets on Stairwell Caroller performance, costume and commitment requirements (attendance and preparation). Quite the document! Now, the choir members go to a special link on our website and download and print their own.

PROMOTION

Database and email queen that she is, Andrea was the first to have a signature promoting the choir on all her emails. Most of us now have adopted that simple yet effective promotional device. She further created and manages the email database of the "Friends of the Stairwell Carollers" -- our Newsletter fan list. When concert time nears, Andrea shows up to rehearsal with programs and posters, flyers and tickets, all printed and collated into individual packets to help each choir member promote the concert and maximize ticket sales. We each get an envelope with 10 tickets and simply  return the envelope with money and any unsold (never!) tickets to Susan, our Treasurer.

A CD door prize results in names for our mailing list

After the concert, Andrea can't wait to gather up the new names for the Newsletter database.

Outside CD tray Proof for our Madrigal  CD, Audite Nova

 CD PRODUCTION
CD production has been largely in Andrea's hands, whether finding the right company for the graphic design or circulating the proofs to the Steering Committee to ferret out typos or correct colour choices.

EVENTS COORDINATION
Recently, Andrea took on Events Coordination. This involves everything from communicating with and meeting church or venue representatives and confirming event details, to investigating new venues and opportunities for appearances. Suggestions are now handed over to her.

Listening attentively to our Director, Andrea is as meticulous in her vocal work as she is with her paperwork

IRREPLACEABLE
In every task that Andrea has taken on, she has performed above and beyond what was asked, and is always available by email or phone. She completes everything in record time, making the choir run smoothly and efficiently. Pierre, our director, praises her commitment and passion for this huge responsibility, that, for years now, she has borne  with a winning smile.

Every choir NEEDS an Andrea Walton, but, sorry, we got her and she's worth a million to us.

Maybe two million..

DA CAPO -- Stairwell Caroller History -- Genesis of a Committee -- NOTEable Mention

Singing at the NAC, Dec 16, 1986 -- Mike is second from left beside Pete, then it's me and Dawn

When we started this choir, back in the '70's and '80's, the group was small -- about 10 members -- and most administrative tasks were split between Pete and Mike Ouellette. Mike was great at writing letters and took on that huge responsibility.  The choir archives are full of correspondence from every venue and organization that requested the choir to perform. Mike organized performances from those at churches and community centers to our appearances at the tree lighting ceremonies on Parliament Hill.

Michael was really our first unofficial treasurer, but as he wore so many hats, and there was no steering committee yet, he had no official title.

A much younger Me and Dawn in 1977

Mike and his wife Dawn -- a life-long friend -- were both in the choir for many years.

In fact, Dawn is the one who named the group!  Even back in University, his entrepreneurial style was developing and now Mike is a scientist who works at the National Research Council and Dawn and Mike together run a working farm and sell poultry in the spring that they raise themselves.

Holly ;)

PODCAST - Choir Promotion

Rene Voyer

After a recent rehearsal, I talked to our President, René Voyer, about how a classical acappella choir is not on everyone's top 40 listening playlist. We discuss the challenges in marketing the Stairwell Carollers niche musical style.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Excuse the chattering and laughing in the background. Pierre had just returned from taking 89 students to England and he was regaling everyone with salty stories. If you listen hard you can get two podcast experiences out of one!

CHOIR HOW-TO -- the Treasurer -- NOTEable Mention

If your group collects money, you HAVE to have a Treasurer. The ideal is a knowledgeable, trustworthy person, within your ranks, who can fill the position. Be wary of appointing just anyone -- the responsibility is a huge one and since it involves money, it must be organized and accountable.

We are extremely fortunate to have such a person in the Stairwell Carollers. Susan Pullan, Alto, has been with us since 1996 and her voice can be heard on each of our 6 CDs.

Susan at Rideau Hall in Victorian costume, 2001

Taking notes at  Steering Committee

With the production of our first cassette tape, we realized the need for a formal book-keeper, and Denyse Mageau, Soprano, stepped in as our first treasurer. There virtually when the choir began-- and still in the choir today -- she served valiantly for a number of years, struggling with the number-crunching task without the benefit of computers and spreadsheets. A former member, David Malecki, (Tenor and a computer programmer) took the job to the next level -- a budget with electronic accountability.

When Susan joined the Steering Committee and became Treasurer we had reached a turning point. As each treasurer before, she worked with the tools at hand and gave willingly of her time and expertise. Not only does she continue to fulfill this responsibility with precision and grace, she gives us reports  of sales and our cash flow status.She produces these reports at the conclusion of each singing season -- twice a year.

In all the years since, there has been no other choir member who could replace her as Treasurer with such apparent ease and modest good humour. We are blessed that she is ready and willing to continue performing for the choir both onstage and off.

She also makes a mean Boccocini Salad :)

❀♥♫☼✮✮❀♥♫☼✮✮❀♥♫☼✮✮❀♥♫☼✮✮❀♥♫☼✮✮

Because the Stairwell Carollers is a registered non-profit charity, we must hold an AGM (annual general meeting) once a year and share our budget with the membership (the choir's current members). The AGM is usually held at the beginning of September after our summer hiatus. Accountability to your public is priceless. If you have no-one in the choir to do this important job, and a lot of money to manage, you may have to pay an accountant to do the books for you.

BEHIND THE SONG– Off- Season Buzz– planning the choir year ahead

Although the Stairwell Carollers has not had a rehearsal since mid-December, a lot has been happening that is crucial to its very existence.

The choir Steering committee met to discuss strategy and set  policy for the new year and particularly for the upcoming spring season.

Andrea, Pierre, Susan and Nancy

Our PR committee, notably Anne, David and myself, have been working overtime on and off the ‘Net to round up auditionees for our depleted Tenor  section . Success! A brace of  hopefuls will be auditioning this coming Wednesday – good luck to you all -- and if you are reading this – no worries – you don’t even have to read music – just have a pure clear voice, good ear and great attitude and you are a shoo-in for our group!

Pierre is continually liaising with the committees and choir members  about myriad details.  Besides attending committee meetings, he regularly posts new video on YouTube (our 2010  Xmas concert is in the works) answers email questions almost every day and sets up the entire Spring season for the choir (this task is so massive, it will be covered in a separate post)

At the moment, Andrea -- committee secretary -- is delegating the onerous job of researching  grants.  It is a huge responsibility and will most likely be shared amongst  a few people. The application process for getting a grant can be complex and each one is different. I will post the particulars on any grants we apply for, in a future post, as a help to other non-profit groups in their  funding endeavours.

Youssef, Tenor, focusing lights

External funding can make our choir hum a little sweeter. In the recent past, we attained a Trillium Grant, which helped us acquire proper lighting and sound equipment – greatly enhancing our concerts. We don’t use mikes to sing – but they sure help for speaking to the audience. And as anyone who has seen a Stairwell Caroller concert knows, our concerts are about much more than just the music. We love to share some of the history and little known facts – it adds another dimension to the singing and helps newcomers t connect to the music – perhaps understand the purpose and spirit behind the tune and lyric.

 But, as usual , I’ve gone off on a tangent – to refocus, we seem quiet right now, but are paddling away under the surface to make this upcoming season of Stairwell Caroller song the best ever!



Ducks courtesy of Pierre's brother, Serge