Latest News

• Nov. 18:  Good job getting through all our music and continuing toward smooth singing. Don’t feed the consonant monster!

• Nov 25: Wear your Holiday Outfit to rehearsal for “dress rehearsal”!
  • This is our LAST rehearsal before we begin performing for audiences! Mixed & Men’s should be OFF music for everything but Holiday Chorus songs. 

• • Mixed Chorus from 6:45p – 7:30p. Holiday Chorus goes from 7:30p – 8:15p. Break/Business meeting from 8:15p – 8:30p. Men’s Chorus from 8:30p – 9:30p.
• **HOLIDAY OUTFITS** for both Holiday Chorus & regular chorus. For all Holiday shows, our outfits will be the same as last year:
  • Black bottoms (pants / long skirts / etc)
  • Black footwear (shoes/socks) if possible
  • Colorful, solid-color tops in any style (business casual / sweaters / etc. Ask if unsure)

• Buy/Sell our Holiday Show Tickets now: Dec. 17 public concert. Cost is $17 regular & $15 for juniors/seniors. Remember, we are responsible for selling these tickets. Purchase through our website: https://tinyurl.com/OCS24holiday
• Holiday Quartets – showcases THIS MONDAY.
  • Not every quartet will sing at every holiday performance.
  • We will continue to have quartets showcase AFTER our upcoming Concerts.

• Who Might Hire us for a Concert? Do you know of any upcoming community events or a group looking for some entertainment? Contact our Marketing VP Bob Inskeep.

• Let’s spend our last rehearsal really turning on the charm and making a performance out of every song. We need to do it in rehearsal for it to be second nature in performance!

• Songs for Rehearsal (from now to Dec):

• • Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – MIXED
  • White Christmas – MIXED

• • Holly Jolly Christmas – HOLIDAY CHORUS
  • Gloucestershire Wassail – HOLIDAY CHORUS
  • Mele Kalikimaka – HOLIDAY CHORUS
  • It Came Upon a Midnight Clear / Silent Night – HOLIDAY CHORUS

• • Christmastime is Here – Men’s
  • Do You Hear What I Hear? – Men’s
  • Light the Legend – Men’s
  • Sleigh Ride – Men’s
  • Songs of Christmas – Men’s
  • Winter Wonderland – Men’s

• Nov 25 (Monday): This will be our LAST rehearsal before we begin performing for audiences!
• Dec 2 (Monday): Concert at The Cardinal (at North Hills) in ballroom.
• Dec 9 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Waltonwood on Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh.
• Dec 16 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Springmoor in north Raleigh.
• Dec 17 (Tuesday), 7:30pm - Christmas Show at Halle Cultural Arts Center in historic downtown Apex. Our big show that will include Quartets & the Holiday Chorus.
• Dec 23 (Monday), 7pm - Concert at Whispering Pines in north Raleigh on Leadmine Rd.

• Joshua Gongaware’s acapella singers’ practice survey is open for responses until Nov. 30. An active leader and singer in the Pittsburgh BHS chorus, Josh is surveying singers as part of his Masters Degree in Voice Pedagogy. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete:  https://forms.gle/j7kRtpyE9Ff6q9JA7
• 2025 BHS Midwinter: San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 28 – Feb. 2, 2025

• Warren heard from Vern Pike, who had to drop out of OCS temporarily due to vocal problems. Vern has been undergoing therapy for 7 months now but with no significant improvement so far. Nevertheless, he hopes to be back on the risers with us by mid-January. Feel free to send him a note.
• Cross Donovan had a more extended stay in the hospital but is still hoping to be at home soon.
• Steve McGehee is having surgery Dec. 16-17 and will not be able to join us at our concerts on those days.
• Nic Cols welcomed his sixth grandchild – and 1^st grandson! – this week. He will be travelling to visit little Hugh and will miss the Dec. 2 concert.
• The celebration of life for Scott Murrell (Jim’s son) will take place on Dec. 1, 11a – 2p, at the Carolina Ale House, 7981 Skyland Ridge Parkway, Raleigh, N.C.

• Nov. 11:  Thanks to Mike for leading us while Carol was traveling! Good job to everyone for getting through all the songs. It was the first time we sang Midnight Clear/Silent Night all together!  
• **HOLIDAY OUTFITS** for both Holiday Chorus & regular chorus. For all Holiday shows, our outfits will be the same as last year:
  • Black bottoms (pants / long skirts / etc)
  • Black footwear (shoes/socks) if possible
  • Colorful, solid-color tops in any style (business casual / sweaters / etc. Ask if unsure)
• Nov. 18: Regular members should be OFF MUSIC now!
  • Mixed Chorus from 6:45p – 7:30p. Holiday Chorus goes from 7:30p – 8:15p. Break/Business meeting from 8:15p – 8:30p. Men’s Chorus from 8:30p – 9:30p.

• Buy/Sell our Holiday Show Tickets now: Dec. 17 public concert. Cost is $17 regular & $15 for juniors/seniors. Remember, we are responsible for selling these tickets. Purchase through our website: https://tinyurl.com/OCS24holiday
• Holiday Quartets – keep practicing and showcase your songs!
  • All holiday Quartets will have a chance to sing between the break and the Men’s practice.
• Singers can still join us for Holiday Chorus! Call or text your friends. Share the Facebook post/event or the poster. Participants in HC will:  
  • Learn the songs: Gloucester Wassail, Holly Jolly Christmas, Mele Kalikimaka, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear/Silent Night – NO memorization required!
  • Participants are invited to sing at ANY (or all) of our holiday gigs: Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16, and Dec. 23 (all Mondays) are at retirement centers; and Dec. 17 (Tuesday) is our public holiday show.
  • Learning tracks will be publicly posted on our website.
  • Remember, HC is no cost, no commitment for participants.
  • RSVP requested but not required at info@oakcitysound.com (or they can just show up to rehearsal!)

• Who Might Hire us for a Concert? Do you know of any upcoming community events or a group looking for some entertainment? Contact our Marketing VP Bob Inskeep.

• PRACTICE at home and get off the sheet music. The better you know the basics, the more we can work on artistry.
• Channel your BarbershOPERA (high palettes) and remember to sing smooooooth lines when singing.
• Thank you to Mike Muha for leading rehearsal in my absence!

• Songs for Rehearsal (from now to Dec):

• • Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – MIXED
  • White Christmas – MIXED

• • Holly Jolly Christmas – HOLIDAY CHORUS
  • Gloucestershire Wassail – HOLIDAY CHORUS
  • Mele Kalikimaka – HOLIDAY CHORUS
  • It Came Upon a Midnight Clear / Silent Night – HOLIDAY CHORUS

• • Christmastime is Here – Men’s
  • Do You Hear What I Hear? – Men’s
  • Light the Legend – Men’s
  • Sleigh Ride – Men’s
  • Songs of Christmas – Men’s
  • Winter Wonderland – Men’s

• Nov 25 (Monday): This will be our LAST rehearsal before we begin performing for audiences!
• Dec 2 (Monday): Concert at The Cardinal (at North Hills) in ballroom.
• Dec 9 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Waltonwood on Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh.
• Dec 16 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Springmoor in north Raleigh.
• Dec 17 (Tuesday), 7:30pm - Christmas Show at Halle Cultural Arts Center in historic downtown Apex. Our big show that will include Quartets & the Holiday Chorus.
• Dec 23 (Monday), 7pm - Concert at Whispering Pines in north Raleigh on Leadmine Rd.

• Want to help a Pittsburgh BHS member earn his Masters Degree in Voice Pedagogy?
• Joshua Gongaware is researching the individual practice habits of barbershop chorus singers. Josh is the Immediate Past President and current Assistant Director and Singing Coach of Vocal Confluence, Pittsburgh’s BHS All-Voice Barbershop A Capella chorus.
• The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete, and the deadline is November 30, 2024.
• Access the survey & read more about the study at the link below:
• https://forms.gle/j7kRtpyE9Ff6q9JA7

• Sad news. Jim Murrell’s son Scott lost his 2-year battle with cancer. If you are so led, the family asks you to donate to the American Cancer Society in Scott’s name. The family is planning a celebration of life for Scott with more details coming soon.
• https://www.cancer.org/donate/memorial-giving.html#:~:text=A%20donation%20to%20the%20American,their%20family%2C%20acknowledging%20your%20gift.

• Nov. 4:  A good rehearsal with good sectionals for Silent Night. Keep working on all the holiday numbers!
• Nov. 11:
  • Mixed Chorus from 6:45p – 7:30p. Holiday Chorus goes from 7:30p – 8:15p. Break/Special extended business meeting from 8:15p – 9:30p for regular chorus members.
• For Monday’s Special post-singing financial discussion for OCS members:
  • Please review President Gary Thorn’s Nov. 4 email regarding the financial/fundraising discussion and brainstorm ideas.
  • If you cannot attend, feel free to send notes/feedback to board@oakcitysound.org.
• Reminder: regular members should be OFF paper for non-Holiday Chorus songs!

• Buy/Sell our Holiday Show Tickets now: Dec. 17 public concert. Cost is $17 regular & $15 for juniors/seniors. Remember, we are responsible for selling these tickets. Purchase through our website: https://tinyurl.com/OCS24holiday
• Holiday Quartets – keep practicing and showcase your songs!
  • All holiday Quartets will have a chance to sing between the break and the Men’s practice.
• Singers can still join us for Holiday Chorus! Call or text your friends. Share the Facebook post/event or the poster. Participants in HC will:  
  • Learn the songs: Gloucester Wassail, Holly Jolly Christmas, Mele Kalikimaka, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear/Silent Night – NO memorization required!
  • Participants are invited to sing at ANY (or all) of our holiday gigs: Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16, and Dec. 23 (all Mondays) are at retirement centers; and Dec. 17 (Tuesday) is our public holiday show.
  • Learning tracks will be publicly posted on our website.
  • Remember, HC is no cost, no commitment for participants.
  • RSVP requested but not required at info@oakcitysound.com (or they can just show up to rehearsal!)

• Who Might Hire us for a Concert? Do you know of any upcoming community events or a group looking for some entertainment? Contact our Marketing VP Bob Inskeep.

• We are making great strides in singing connected (legato) lines. Keep experimenting with singing our songs on a neutral syllable to identify how it feels in your mouth and your whole body to lead with the vowel and carry your voice from note to note.
  • Please check your music and listen to your tracks to be sure you have not rewritten anything in your learning process, especially for the songs that have been sung (incorrectly) for several years.
  • Put your music down and force yourself to sing from memory (except for the Holiday Chorus). The sooner you get your faces up, the more music we can make together.
• Any and all of the 12 concert songs (listed below) are up for rehearsals – from now through the holidays.
• Songs for Rehearsal (from now to Dec):

• • Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – MIXED
  • White Christmas – MIXED

• • Holly Jolly Christmas – HOLIDAY CHORUS
  • Gloucestershire Wassail – HOLIDAY CHORUS
  • Mele Kalikimaka – HOLIDAY CHORUS
  • It Came Upon a Midnight Clear / Silent Night – HOLIDAY CHORUS

• • Christmastime is Here – Men’s
  • Do You Hear What I Hear? – Men’s
  • Light the Legend – Men’s
  • Sleigh Ride – Men’s
  • Songs of Christmas – Men’s
  • Winter Wonderland – Men’s

• Nov 11 (Monday): Holiday Chorus continues! Invite those friends!
• Dec 2 (Monday): Concert at The Cardinal (at North Hills) in ballroom.
• Dec 9 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Waltonwood on Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh.
• Dec 16 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Springmoor in north Raleigh.
• Dec 17 (Tuesday), 7:30pm - Christmas Show at Halle Cultural Arts Center in historic downtown Apex. Our big show that will include Quartets & the Holiday Chorus.
• Dec 23 (Monday), 7pm - Concert at Whispering Pines in north Raleigh on Leadmine Rd.

• Nic Cols is in the home stretch of radiation treatments!
• Cross Donovan had a heart procedure last week but is feeling better. We wish him a speedy recovery.

• Oct. 28:  A good Holiday Chorus kickoff – welcome to our new HC friends! Keep inviting friends to join us!
• Nov. 4: Mixed Chorus starts at 6:45p – 7:30p. Holiday Chorus goes from 7:30p – 8:15p. Business meeting/break from 8:15p – 8:30p. Men’s Chorus will go 8:30p – 9:30p.
• Regular members should be OFF paper for non-Holiday Chorus songs by Nov. 4!

• Holiday Quartets – show us your songs… or you might be volun-told.
  • All holiday Quartets will have a chance to sing between the break and the Men’s practice.
• Buy/Sell our Holiday Show Tickets now: Dec. 17 public concert. Cost is $17 regular & $15 for juniors/seniors. Remember, we are responsible for selling these tickets. Purchase through our website: https://tinyurl.com/OCS24holiday
• Singers can still join us for Holiday Chorus! Call or text your friends. Share the Facebook post/event or the poster. Participants in HC will:  
  • Learn the songs: Gloucester Wassail, Holly Jolly Christmas, Mele Kalikimaka, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear/Silent Night – NO memorization required!
  • Participants are invited to sing at ANY (or all) of our holiday gigs: Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16, and Dec. 23 (all Mondays) are at retirement centers; and Dec. 17 (Tuesday) is our public holiday show.
  • Learning tracks will be publicly posted on our website.
  • Remember, HC is no cost, no commitment for participants.
  • RSVP requested but not required at info@oakcitysound.com (or they can just show up to rehearsal!)

• Who Might Hire us for a Concert? Do you know of any upcoming community events or a group looking for some entertainment? Contact our Marketing VP Bob Inskeep.

• Any and all of the 12 concert songs (listed below) are up for rehearsals – from now through the holidays.
• I challenge all year-round chorus singers - especially those who are chorus veterans - to sing everything from the non-holiday chorus repertoire without music in your hands on Monday. You won't be perfect, but you will get a clear picture of what you really need to work on and what you have pretty ready to go. I bet you will surprise yourselves with how much you can do without the music!
• Songs for Rehearsal (from now to Dec):

• • Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – MIXED
  • White Christmas – MIXED

• • Holly Jolly Christmas – HOLIDAY CHORUS
  • Gloucestershire Wassail – HOLIDAY CHORUS
  • Mele Kalikimaka – HOLIDAY CHORUS
  • It Came Upon a Midnight Clear / Silent Night – HOLIDAY CHORUS

• • Christmastime is Here – Men’s
  • Do You Hear What I Hear? – Men’s
  • Light the Legend – Men’s
  • Sleigh Ride – Men’s
  • Songs of Christmas – Men’s
  • Winter Wonderland – Men’s

• Nov 4 (Monday): Holiday Chorus continues! Invite those friends!
• Dec 2 (Monday): Concert at The Cardinal (at North Hills) in ballroom.
• Dec 9 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Waltonwood on Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh.
• Dec 16 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Springmoor in north Raleigh.
• Dec 17 (Tuesday), 7:30pm - Christmas Show at Halle Cultural Arts Center in historic downtown Apex. Our big show that will include Quartets & the Holiday Chorus.
• Dec 23 (Monday), 7pm - Concert at Whispering Pines in north Raleigh on Leadmine Rd.

• Cross Donovan had a heart procedure this week but is feeling better. We wish him a speedy recovery.
• Nic Cols has less than a week’s worth or radiation treatments left! He sounds great too, as he’s been joining us once again for rehearsals.

• Oct. 21:  A good Holiday Chorus kickoff – welcome to our new HC friends! Keep inviting friends to join us!
• Oct. 28: Remember that Mixed Chorus still starts at 6:45p, then we will add Holiday Chorus members at 7:30p and go until 8:15p. Men’s Chorus will go 8:30p – 9:30p.
• Regular members should plan to be OFF paper for non-Holiday Chorus songs no later than Nov. 4.

• Holiday Quartets – start showing us your stuff this week!
  • Starting the 21^st, Quartets will have a chance to sing between the break and the Men’s practice.
• Buy/Sell our Holiday Show Tickets now: Dec. 17 public concert. Cost is $17 regular & $15 for juniors/seniors. Remember, we are responsible for selling these tickets. Purchase through our website: https://tinyurl.com/OCS24holiday
• Singers can still join us for Holiday Chorus! Call or text your friends. Share the Facebook post/event or the poster. Participants in HC will:  
  • Learn the songs: Gloucester Wassail, Holly Jolly Christmas, Mele Kalikimaka, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear/Silent Night – NO memorization required!
  • Participants are invited to sing at ANY (or all) of our holiday gigs: Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16, and Dec. 23 (all Mondays) are at retirement centers; and Dec. 17 (Tuesday) is our public holiday show.
  • Learning tracks will be publicly posted on our website.
  • Remember, HC is no cost, no commitment for participants.
  • RSVP requested but not required at info@oakcitysound.com (or they can just show up to rehearsal!)

• Who Might Hire us for a Concert? Do you know of any upcoming community events or a group looking for some entertainment? Contact our Marketing VP Bob Inskeep.

• Be ready to sing any of the 12 concert songs (listed below) at all rehearsals – from now through November.
• Remember – please have non-Holiday Chorus songs memorized by Nov. 4. This gives us a month of rehearsals to work on artistry and will allow everyone to feel very confident about the music.
• Holiday Quartets – You have the opportunity to sing at the break for the next several weeks. You do not need to be perfect, but it will help get your nerves out of the way early. Don't miss this chance!
• We will continue to start rehearsal with "The Old Songs" and "Down Our Way" so brush up on those or have that music handy if it's not familiar.
• Songs for Rehearsal (from now to Dec):

• • Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – MIXED
  • White Christmas – MIXED

• • Holly Jolly Christmas – HOLIDAY CHORUS
  • Gloucestershire Wassail – HOLIDAY CHORUS
  • Mele Kalikimaka – HOLIDAY CHORUS
  • It Came Upon a Midnight Clear / Silent Night – HOLIDAY CHORUS

• • Christmastime is Here – Men’s
  • Do You Hear What I Hear? – Men’s
  • Light the Legend – Men’s
  • Sleigh Ride – Men’s
  • Songs of Christmas – Men’s
  • Winter Wonderland – Men’s

• Oct 28 (Monday): Holiday Chorus continues! Invite those friends!
• Dec 2 (Monday): Concert at The Cardinal (at North Hills) in ballroom.
• Dec 9 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Waltonwood on Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh.
• Dec 16 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Springmoor in north Raleigh.
• Dec 17 (Tuesday), 7:30pm - Christmas Show at Halle Cultural Arts Center in historic downtown Apex. Our big show that will include Quartets & the Holiday Chorus.
• Dec 23 (Monday), 7pm - Concert at Whispering Pines in north Raleigh on Leadmine Rd.

• PSA: As the holidays approach, the season can also bring stress and bittersweet memories. Remember to talk to a friend or counselor if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Call 988 for mental health crisis support.

• Oct. 14: Good rehearsal on the risers. BarbershOpera for the win. Tried sectionals this week with some good results!

• Oct. 21:  Holiday Chorus begins! Remember that Mixed Chorus still starts at 6:45p, then we will add Holiday Chorus members at 7:30p and go until 8:15p. Men’s will go 8:30p – 9:30p.
• The ’24 – ’25 Board nominations were read again and passed by majority vote.  

• Holiday Chorus starts this Monday, Oct. 21! Call or text your friends. Share the Facebook post/event or the poster. Participants in HC will:  
  • Learn the songs: Gloucester Wassail, Holly Jolly Christmas, Mele Kalikimaka, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear/Silent Night – NO memorization required!
  • Participants are invited to sing at ANY (or all) of our holiday gigs: Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16, and Dec. 23 (all Mondays) are at retirement centers; and Dec. 17 (Tuesday) is our public holiday show.
  • Learning tracks will be publicly posted on our website.
  • Remember, HC is no cost, no commitment for participants.
  • RSVP requested but not required at info@oakcitysound.com (or they can just show up to rehearsal!)
• Updated Rehearsal Timing starting on Oct. 21 through Holidays:
  • 6:45p – 7:30p             Mixed Chorus
  • 7:30p – 8:15p              Holiday Chorus – all of us will use folders/music for these songs
  • 8:15p – 8:30p              Business / Break
  • 8:30p – 9:30p              Men’s Chorus
• Holiday Quartets should be rehearsing!
  • Starting the 21^st, Quartets will have a chance to sing between the break and the Men’s practice.
  • Please practice the Valentines’ songs too:  Let me Call You Sweetheart; Heart of My Heart.
• Buy/Sell our Holiday Show Tickets now: Dec. 17 public concert. Cost is $17 regular & $15 for juniors/seniors. Remember, we are responsible for selling these tickets. Purchase through our website: https://tinyurl.com/OCS24holiday

• Who Might Hire us for a Concert? Do you know of any upcoming community events or a group looking for some entertainment? Contact our Marketing VP Bob Inskeep.

• We made some GREAT sounds on Monday night! Let's keep building on that by singing tall, connected, round vowels with quick, forward and precise consonants. Keep practicing with singable versions of the consonants in the text. This will help us keep that brilliant, forward sound even when we switch to the correct consonants
• We will continue to start rehearsal with "The Old Songs" and "Down Our Way" so brush up on those or have that music handy if it's not familiar.
• Songs for Rehearsal on Oct. 21:
  • White Christmas – MIXED
  • Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – MIXED
  • Holly Jolly Christmas – HOLIDAY CHORUS
  • Gloucestershire Wassail – HOLIDAY CHORUS
  • Mele Kalikimaka – HOLIDAY CHORUS
  • It Came Upon a Midnight Clear / Silent Night – HOLIDAY CHORUS
  • Do You Hear What I Hear? – Men’s
  • Light the Legend – Men’s
  • Sleigh Ride – Men’s

• Oct. 19 (Saturday): Carolina Harmony Chorus show: “Night of the Singing Dead: An A Capella Halloween.” 4pm – 6pm at Jones Auditorium (Meredith College), Raleigh. Tickets $20, kids 10 and under $10. Feel free to dress in costume!

• Oct 21 (Monday): Start of Holiday Chorus! Invite those friends!
• Dec 2 (Monday): Concert at The Cardinal (at North Hills) in ballroom.
• Dec 9 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Waltonwood on Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh.
• Dec 16 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Springmoor in north Raleigh.
• Dec 17 (Tuesday), 7:30pm - Christmas Show at Halle Cultural Arts Center in historic downtown Apex. Our big show that will include Quartets & the Holiday Chorus.
• Dec 23 (Monday), 7pm - Concert at Whispering Pines in north Raleigh on Leadmine Rd.

• PSA: While we are heading headfirst into the holidays, the season can also bring stress and bittersweet memories. Remember to talk to a friend or counselor if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Call 988 for mental health crisis support.

• Oct. 7: Holiday music has begun! Be sure to see the December concert set list below for what to practice. Congrats Ashley on teaching us the “Bridge Over Troubled Water” tag. Challenging but fun!
• Oct. 14:
  • Board meeting – 5:30p-6:30p (always open to all members)
  • Regular rehearsal – 6:45p for Mixed; 8p for Men’s – 4000 Glenaire Circle, Cary.

• Board nominations were read again this week, per Bylaws. The board will be installed by mid-October.
• While Nic continues to recover, the position of Membership VP stands open. Interested? The position generally covers acquiring and keeping members, such as:
  • Talking with guests about what membership entails
  • Working with Larry on membership renewals
  • Recruiting
  • Coordinating guest nights

• Holiday Chorus starts Oct. 21! Call or text your friends. Share the Facebook post/event or the poster. Participants in HC will:  
  • Learn the songs: Gloucester Wassail, Holly Jolly Christmas, Mele Kalikimaka, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear/Silent Night – NO memorization required!
  • Participants are invited to sing at ANY (or all) of our holiday gigs: Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16, and Dec. 23 (all Mondays) are at retirement centers; and Dec. 17 (Tuesday) is our public holiday show.
  • Learning tracks will be publicly posted on our website.
  • Remember, HC is no cost, no commitment for participants.
  • RSVP requested but not required at info@oakcitysound.com (or they can just show up to rehearsal!)
• Updated Rehearsal Timing starting on Oct. 21 through Holidays:
  • 6:45p – 7:30p             Mixed Chorus
  • 7:30p – 8:15p              Holiday Chorus – all of us will use folders/music for these songs
  • 8:15p – 8:30p              Business / Break
  • 8:30p – 9:30p              Men’s Chorus
• Holiday Quartets should be rehearsing!
  • Starting the 21^st, Quartets will have a chance to sing between the break and the Men’s practice.
  • Please practice the Valentines’ songs too:  Let me Call You Sweetheart; Heart of My Heart.
• Buy/Sell our Holiday Show Tickets now: Dec. 17 public concert. Cost is $17 regular & $15 for juniors/seniors. Remember, we are responsible for selling these tickets. Purchase through our website: https://tinyurl.com/OCS24holiday

• Who Might Hire us for a Concert? Do you know of any upcoming community events or a group looking for some entertainment? Contact our Marketing VP Bob Inskeep.

• Let's all work toward memorization of our holiday songs so we can move beyond singing notes and rhythms to really making music. That is far more fun!
• Remember that our target date for full memorization (not counting the Holiday Chorus songs) is November 4. Set a schedule for yourself to be off paper on 2 or 3 songs each week so you aren't "cramming" on November 3.
• Songs for Rehearsal on Oct. 14:
  • Gloucestershire Wassail – MIXED
  • Holly Jolly Christmas – MIXED
  • Mele Kalikimaka – MIXED
  • It Came Upon a Midnight Clear / Silent Night – MIXED
  • Sleigh Ride – Men’s
  • Christmastime is Here – Men’s
  • Winter Wonderland – Men’s
  • Do You Hear What I Hear? – Men’s

• Oct. 19 (Saturday): Carolina Harmony Chorus show: “Night of the Singing Dead: An A Capella Halloween.” 4pm – 6pm at Jones Auditorium (Meredith College), Raleigh. Tickets $20, kids 10 and under $10. Feel free to dress in costume!

• Oct 14 (Monday): 5:30pm: OCS Board meeting before rehearsal. (All welcome.)
• Oct 21 (Monday): Start of Holiday Chorus! Invite those friends!
• Dec 2 (Monday): Concert at The Cardinal (at North Hills) in ballroom.
• Dec 9 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Waltonwood on Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh.
• Dec 16 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Springmoor in north Raleigh.
• Dec 17 (Tuesday), 7:30pm - Christmas Show at Halle Cultural Arts Center in historic downtown Apex. Our big show that will include Quartets & the Holiday Chorus.
• Dec 23 (Monday), 7pm - Concert at Whispering Pines in north Raleigh on Leadmine Rd.

• Great to have Andy and Nic back singing with us!

• Sept. 30: Good job on our 2 concerts! Congratulations, Cross, on your first show with OCS. And now we all need a set of your music-staff suspenders.
• Oct. 7: Regular rehearsal – 6:45p for Mixed; 8p for Men’s – 4000 Glenaire Circle, Cary. (Keep your eyes peeled for a special guest star…)

• Volunteers! NC State Home Football Concessions: Home stretch!
  • Oct. 12, 8p game. Call time, 5pm. NEED 2 more volunteers!
  • Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dNxJLkhQRwNSG4sKW_Yu2FLa6rS1fIlxyLr9_j5FVps/edit?usp=sharing
• We enjoyed meeting Nathaniel this week, who came to check out OCS! Hope to sing with you soon.

• Invite your friends to join our Holiday Chorus, starting Oct. 21! There is a poster attached to the Acorn – or ask Eva to send you the file or bring you hard copies.
• FAQ for Holiday Chorus:
  • Learn the songs: Gloucester Wassail, Holly Jolly Christmas, Mele Kalikimaka, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear/Silent Night
  • Participants are invited to sing at ANY (or all) of our holiday gigs: Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16, and Dec. 23 (all Mondays) are at retirement centers; and Dec. 17 (Tuesday) is our public holiday show.
  • Learning tracks will be publicly posted on our website.
  • Remember, HC is no cost, no commitment for participants.
  • RSVP requested but not required at info@oakcitysound.com (or they can just show up to rehearsal!)
• Updated Rehearsal Timing starting on Oct. 21 through Holidays:
  • 6:45p – 7:30p             Mixed Chorus
  • 7:30p – 8:15p              Holiday Chorus
  • 8:15p – 8:30p              Business / Break
  • 8:30p – 9:30p              Men’s Chorus
• Buy/Sell our Holiday Show Tickets now: Dec. 17 public concert. Cost is $17 regular & $15 for juniors/seniors. Remember, we are responsible for selling these tickets. Purchase through our website: https://tinyurl.com/OCS24holiday

• Who Might Hire us for a Concert? Do you know of any upcoming community events or a group looking for some entertainment? Contact our Marketing VP Bob Inskeep.

• Congratulations on 2 fun and entertaining shows this past week! Let's keep building on the "BarbershOpera" resonance and energy we explored at our last Monday rehearsal...and keep your lips away from your teeth!
• Songs for Rehearsal on Oct. 7:
  • Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – MIXED
  • White Christmas – MIXED
  • Songs of Christmas – Men’s
  • Sleigh Ride – Men’s
  • Light the Legend – Men’s
  • Christmastime is Here – Men’s

• Brush up on our Holiday Chorus songs:
  • Gloucester Wassail
  • Holly Jolly Christmas
  • Mele Kalikimaka
  • It Came Upon a Midnight Clear / *Silent Night (Carol revoicing)

• Oct. 5 (this Saturday): Triad Harmony Express show: “Hills, Hollers, & Harmonies.” 3pm at Hanes Auditorium (Salem College), Winston-Salem. Free admission. Support our barbershop friends. Many of these senior members – and some of our OCS seniors – will be competing at the BHS Mid-Winter Convention in January. Get a preview!
• Oct. 19 (Saturday): Carolina Harmony Chorus show: “Night of the Singing Dead: An A Capella Halloween.” 4pm – 6pm at Jones Auditorium (Meredith College), Raleigh. Tickets $20, kids 10 and under $10. Feel free to dress in costume!

• Oct 14 (Monday): 5:30pm: OCS Board meeting before rehearsal. (All welcome.)
• Oct 21 (Monday): Start of Holiday Chorus! Polish your jingle bells.
• Dec 2 (Monday): Concert at The Cardinal (at North Hills) in ballroom.
• Dec 9 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Waltonwood on Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh.
• Dec 16 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Springmoor in north Raleigh.
• Dec 17 (Tuesday), 7:30pm - Christmas Show at Halle Cultural Arts Center in historic downtown Apex. Our big show that will include quartets & the Holiday Chorus.
• Dec 23 (Monday), 7pm - Concert at Whispering Pines in north Raleigh on Leadmine Rd.

• It was nice to see Andy Fuson, even if it was only in the audience. She has been dealing with long Covid symptoms but is eager to return to practice.
• It was also great to see Nic Cols, who sounded pretty good! He has started daily chemo pills (at home) and thankfully-short radiation treatments each week day. You can also keep up with his journey on his Caring Bridge site: https://tinyurl.com/CBNic

• Sept. 23: A more formal and fine-tuning practice on the risers as we prepared for Sunday’s and Monday’s concerts.
• Sunday, Sept 29: Concert at Preston Pointe in Morrisville (1995 NW Cary Pkwy, Morrisville):
  • Men’s call time: 2pm  (NO COATS for Men’s)
  • Mixed call time: 2:30pm
  • 3pm performance
• Monday, Sept 30: Concert at Glenaire (our normal rehearsal room at 4000 Glenaire Circle, Cary)
  • ALL call time:  6:15pm (NO COATS for Men’s)
  • 7pm performance

• Oct. 7: Back to normal rehearsal at our regular space – no fancy uniforms needed 😊 (6:45p for Mixed; 8p for Men’s – 4000 Glenaire Circle, Cary)
• Volunteers Still Needed for NC State Home Football Concessions: Almost there! Still need TWO people for each of the following games:
  • Oct. 5
  • Oct. 12
  • Nov. 9
• Remember: Each worker for each game is worth about $200 to our chapter. Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dNxJLkhQRwNSG4sKW_Yu2FLa6rS1fIlxyLr9_j5FVps/edit?usp=sharing

• Holiday Chorus begins on Oct. 21! Invite people to try us!
  • Learn the songs: Gloucester Wassail, Holly Jolly Christmas, Mele Kalikimaka, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear/Silent Night
  • Participants are invited to sing at ANY (or all) of our holiday gigs: Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16, and Dec. 23 (all Mondays) are at retirement centers; and Dec. 17 (Tuesday) is our public holiday show.
  • Learning tracks will be publicly posted on our website.
  • Remember, HC is no cost, no commitment for participants.
  • RSVP requested at info@oakcitysound.com (or they can just show up to rehearsal!)
• Tickets for our Dec. 17 public Holiday Concert are now available to purchase online! $17 regular & $15 for juniors/seniors. Remember, we are responsible for selling these tickets:  https://tinyurl.com/OCS24holiday

• Board elections are coming up – if you’d like to volunteer, please chat with one of the board members.
• Who Might Hire us for a Concert? Do you know of any upcoming community events or a group looking for some entertainment? Contact our Marketing VP Bob Inskeep.

• Let’s have fun entertaining our audiences on Sunday and Monday and keep your lips away from your teeth!

• Concert Order for September 29 and 30:
  • I've Got the World on a String – Mixed
  • I Didn't Want to Fall – Mixed
  • Almost Like Being in Love
  • Where Everybody Knows Your Name
  • Here Comes the Sun
  • Yesterday
  • Ride the Chariot
  • Two Less Lonely People
  • I Only Have Eyes for You – Mixed
  • The Lion Sleeps Tonight – Mixed
  • Over the Rainbow
  • Lazy Day
  • You've Got a Friend in Me – Mixed

• Sept 29 (Sunday), 3pm: Concert at Preston Pointe in Morrisville.
• Sept 30 (Monday): Concert at Glenaire (our normal space)
• Dec 2 (Monday): Concert at The Cardinal (at North Hills) in ballroom.
• Dec 9 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Waltonwood on Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh.
• Dec 16 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Springmoor in north Raleigh.
• Dec 17 (Tuesday), 7:30pm - Christmas Show at Halle Cultural Arts Center in historic downtown Apex. Our big show that will include quartets & the Holiday Chorus.
• Dec 23 (Monday), 7pm - Concert at Whispering Pines in north Raleigh on Leadmine Rd.

• Continue to send healing vibes and prayers to Nic Cols. He will be starting 6 weeks of daily chemo and radiation. You can also keep up with his journey on his Caring Bridge site: https://tinyurl.com/CBNic

• Sept. 9: We got to run several of our repertoire numbers in preparation for our two end-of-month concerts.
• Sept. 16: Regular Monday meeting: 6:45p for Mixed Chorus, 8:00p for Men's chorus, at our regular location at the Glenaire Auditorium (4000 Glenaire Circle, Cary).

• Volunteers Still Needed for NC State Home Football Concessions: This is our most important fund raiser of the year. Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dNxJLkhQRwNSG4sKW_Yu2FLa6rS1fIlxyLr9_j5FVps/edit?usp=sharing

• Holiday Chorus will start mid-October! Feel free to start inviting friends. Participants will learn 4 or 5 songs and can sing at ANY of our holiday gigs. Remember, HC is no cost, no commitment for participants.
• Tickets for our Dec. 17 Holiday Concert are now available to purchase online! $17 regular & $15 for juniors/seniors. Remember, we are responsible for selling these tickets:  https://tinyurl.com/OCS24holiday
• Reminder on upcoming concerts – a few weeks away – iron those shirts!
  • Sunday, Sept 29 at 3pm, Concert at Preston Pointe in Morrisville.
  • Monday, Sept 30 at 7pm (call time 6:30p): Concert at Glenaire (our normal space)

• Updated Concert Order for September 29 and 30:
  • I've Got the World on a String – Mixed
  • I Didn't Want to Fall – Mixed
  • Almost Like Being in Love
  • Where Everybody Knows Your Name
  • Here Comes the Sun
  • Yesterday
  • Ride the Chariot
  • Two Less Lonely People
  • I Only Have Eyes for You – Mixed
  • The Lion Sleeps Tonight – Mixed
  • Over the Rainbow
  • Lazy Day
  • You've Got a Friend in Me – Mixed

• Interested in planning in 2025? Please contact Andy Fuson (fusonandy@gmail.com; 919-847-2797 or cell 919-272-6197).
• Who Might Hire us for a Concert? Do you know of any upcoming community events or a group looking for some entertainment? Contact our Marketing VP Bob Inskeep.

• Flow and fluidity continue to be our biggest challenges and primary focus. Sing in phrases, prioritizing the meaning of the words and making the shape of the melodic (or harmonic) line a distant second. 


• We will be on risers this week, so we will hear in a whole different way. Be ready to LISTEN as you sing! 


• Songs for REHEARSAL on Monday, Sept. 16:
  • MIXED:
    • White Christmas
    • Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
    • You’ve Got a Friend in Me
    • I Only Have Eyes for You
  • MEN:
    • Light the Legend
    • Winter Wonderland
    • Do You Hear What I Hear?
    • Christmastime is Here
    • Lazy Day
    • Where Everybody Knows Your Name

• Sept 29 (Sunday), 3pm: Concert at Preston Pointe in Morrisville.
• Sept 30 (Monday): Concert at Glenaire (our normal space)
• Dec 2 (Monday): Concert at The Cardinal (at North Hills) in ballroom.
• Dec 9 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Waltonwood on Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh.
• Dec 10 (Tuesday) – pending concert ??
• Dec 16 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Springmoor in north Raleigh.
• Dec 17 (Tuesday), 7:30pm - Christmas Show at Halle Cultural Arts Center in historic downtown Apex. Our big show that will include quartets & the Holiday Chorus.
• Dec 23 (Monday), 7pm - Concert at Whispering Pines in north Raleigh on Leadmine Rd.

• Nic Cols is still recovering from his second brain surgery and his speech is best in the mornings. He recently even sang a little! Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. You can also keep up with his journey on his Caring Bridge site: https://tinyurl.com/CBNic
• Ed Welch, a member in the pre-pandemic days, lost his wife last week. Her funeral is at St. Michael Catholic Church in Cary this Monday, Sept. 16, at 11am.

• Aug 26: Pretty smooth rehearsal as we narrowed down what songs will be on our holiday program and how we might sing them. (See update below!)
• Sept 2: NO REHEARSAL – Labor Day!! We return Mon, Sept. 9 at 6:45p Mixed & 8p Men’s; 4000 Glenaire Circle, Cary.

• Voluneers Still Needed for NC State Home Football Concessions: This is our most important fund raiser of the year. Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dNxJLkhQRwNSG4sKW_Yu2FLa6rS1fIlxyLr9_j5FVps/edit?usp=sharing

• DUE Sept 9: Last Call for Holiday Quartets?! We have SEVEN quartets now!

• Reminder on upcoming concerts – just over a month away:
  • Sunday, Sept 29 at 3pm, Concert at Preston Pointe in Morrisville.
  • Monday, Sept 30 at 7pm (call time 6:30p): Concert at Glenaire (our normal space)

• Keep practicing these numbers for September 29 and 30:
  • Almost Like Being in Love
  • Where Everybody Knows Your Name
  • Here Comes the Sun
  • Yesterday
  • Ride the Chariot
  • Two Less Lonely People
  • Over the Rainbow
  • Lazy Day
  • >>> Adding Mixed Choir for:
  • I Didn't Want to Fall
  • I Only Have Eyes for You
  • I've Got the World on a String
  • The Lion Sleeps Tonight
  • You've Got a Friend in Me

• Interested in planning in 2025? Please contact Andy Fuson (fusonandy@gmail.com; 919-847-2797 or cell 919-272-6197).
• Who Might Hire us for a Concert? Do you know of any upcoming community events or a group looking for some entertainment? Contact our Marketing VP Bob Inskeep.

• Let’s keep focusing on forward movement through every note and creating an arch with every line of text. You know instinctively which notes and syllables should be highlighted when you speak, so apply the same principles when you sing.
• The following are the songs to focus on for the coming weeks and months. I will have a more specific list for the Sept 9 rehearsal next week.
•  
• Proposed holiday show songs and singers:
  • Winter Wonderland – Men
  • Songs of Christmas – Men
  • Do You Hear What I Hear? – Men
  • Christmastime is Here – Men
  • Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Mixed
  • White Christmas – Mixed
  • Light the Legend – Men
  • Sleigh Ride – Men
  • Jingle Bells/Christmas Song/Rudolph – Audience Sing-Along
  • Holly Jolly Christmas – Mixed & Holiday Chorus
  • Gloucestershire Wassail – Mixed & Holiday Chorus
  • Mele Kalikimaka – Mixed & Holiday Chorus
  • It Came Upon a Midnight Clear / Silent Night – Mixed & Holiday Chorus

• Sept 2: - NO Rehearsal - Labor Day Holiday
• Sept 29 (Sunday), 3pm: Concert at Preston Pointe in Morrisville.
• Sept 30 (Monday): Concert at Glenaire (our normal space)
• Dec 2 (Monday): Concert at The Cardinal (at North Hills) in ballroom.
• Dec 9 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Waltonwood on Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh.
• Dec 16 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Springmoor in north Raleigh.
• Dec 17 (Tuesday), 7:30pm - Christmas Show at Halle Cultural Arts Center in historic downtown Apex. Our big show that will include quartets & the Holiday Chorus.
• Dec 23 (Monday), 7pm - Concert at Whispering Pines in north Raleigh on Leadmine Rd.

• Vern Pike has been dealing with allergy/asthma problems but may start singing with us again in the coming months.  
• Jim Murrell’s son, Scott, was scheduled to resume chemo on August 29 and hopes to return to work in October.
• Nic Cols completed his second brain surgery, though he is having trouble speaking or singing.

• Aug 19: I heard it was a good rehearsal! 😊
• Aug 26: Regular Monday meeting: New normal times of 6:45p for Mixed Chorus, 8:00p for Men's chorus, at our regular location at the Glenaire Auditorium (4000 Glenaire Circle, Cary).
• DUE Sept 9: Rosters for Holiday Quartets! Please submit names/parts of each singer & name of quartet to Gary by Sept. 9 so we can put together a schedule. We’ve had SIX quartets identify themselves!

• We’re preparing for our upcoming concerts – just over a month away:
  • Sunday, Sept 29 at 3pm, Concert at Preston Pointe in Morrisville.
  • Monday, Sept 30 at 7pm (call time 6:30p): Concert at Glenaire (our normal space)

• Proposed program for September 29 and 30:
  • Almost Like Being in Love
  • Where Everybody Knows Your Name
  • Here Comes the Sun
  • Yesterday
  • Ride the Chariot
  • Two Less Lonely People
  • Over the Rainbow
  • Lazy Day
  • >>> Adding Mixed Choir for:
  • I Didn't Want to Fall
  • I Only Have Eyes for You
  • I've Got the World on a String
  • The Lion Sleeps Tonight
  • You've Got a Friend in Me

• Next Thursday is the 1^st Game! Help Needed for NC State Home Football Concessions: This is our most important fund raiser of the year. Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dNxJLkhQRwNSG4sKW_Yu2FLa6rS1fIlxyLr9_j5FVps/edit?usp=sharing

• Nominees for 2025 Board or Position Leads? There are lots of ways to help OCS – lean into whatever talents you have. We’re happy to help you find a good fit. Any little bit helps, especially when most board members handle more than one responsibility! If you’re interested in helping, please contact Andy Fuson (fusonandy@gmail.com; 919-847-2797 or cell 919-272-6197).
• Who Might Hire us for a Concert? Do you know of any upcoming community events or a group looking for some entertainment? Contact our Marketing VP Bob Inskeep.

• We did some great work this week on putting the consonants ahead of the beat, staying in tempo, and singing lightly from Above The Mustache. Let's make those things the new normal! Keep up the good work!
• Rehearsal plan for Monday, August 26:
  • Mixed:
    • You’ve Got a Friend in Me
    • It Came Upon a Midnight Clear / Silent Night
    • Holly Jolly Christmas
    • White Christmas
    • Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (women on tenor or baritone)

• • Men’s:
    • Where Everybody Knows Your Name
    • Lazy Day
    • Sleigh Ride
    • Songs of Christmas
    • Light the Legend

• Sept 2: - NO Rehearsal - Labor Day Holiday
• Sept 29 (Sunday), 3pm: Concert at Preston Pointe in Morrisville.
• Sept 30 (Monday): Concert at Glenaire (our normal space)
• Dec 2 (Monday): Concert at The Cardinal (at North Hills) in ballroom.
• Dec 9 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Waltonwood on Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh.
• Dec 16 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Springmoor in north Raleigh.
• Dec 17 (Tuesday), 7:30pm - Christmas Show at Halle Cultural Arts Center in historic downtown Apex. Our big show that will include quartets & the Holiday Chorus.
• Dec 23 (Monday), 7pm - Concert at Whispering Pines in north Raleigh on Leadmine Rd.

• Cross's wife's surgery went well, but she continues to have chronic back pain. Wishing her a full recovery from surgery and some relief from pain.
• Last Saturday night, Nic developed a pulmonary embolism, sending him to the hospital for 3 days. Therefore his second brain surgery (previously scheduled for Aug. 20) has been postponed.

1. High Notes 

• Aug 12: Pretty much everyone was at practice?! After many summer trips and vacations, it was great to have so many active singers together. Remember to review our regular repertoire – those are the songs we’re going to be performing in September! 
• Aug 19: Regular Monday meeting: New normal times of 6:45p for Mixed Chorus, 8:00p for Men's chorus, at our regular location at the Glenaire Auditorium (4000 Glenaire Circle, Cary). 
• Singing in a Holiday Quartet? Please submit all holiday quartets (names/parts of each singer & name of quartet) to Gary by Sept. 9. All quartets will sing at our Dec. 17 Holiday Concert; quartets will also have the opportunity to sing on rotation (depending on attendance) at our other Nov/Dec concerts. If anyone else still has interest in singing in a quartet, let us know ASAP. 
• We’re updating our Member Handbook and will release that in the coming weeks. Some of you may not have known it existed! It include important info like… Riser etiquette reminder: Be on time, ready to sing, listen to the director, and try to limit side conversations.

2. Overtures 

• Help Needed! NC State Home Football Concessions: We need 2 more people for the first game (Thursday, Aug. 29). We also have 4 or 5 open slots for each of the remaining games (Sept. 14 & 28, Oct. 5 & 12, Nov. 2 & 9). **Please let Gary know when you have completed the online alcohol training.**

This is our most important fund raiser of the year. Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dNxJLkhQRwNSG4sKW_Yu2FLa6rS1fIlxyLr9_j5FVps/edit?usp=sharing

• Nominees for 2025 Board or Position Leads? There are lots of ways to help OCS – lean into whatever talents you have. We’re happy to help you find a good fit. Any little bit helps, especially when most board members handle more than one responsibility ! If you’re interested in helping, please contact Andy Fuson (fusonandy@gmail.com; 919-847-2797 or cell 919-272-6197).
• Truck Location? The chorus needs to find a suitable location to park our truck. Do you have room on your property? Any additional ideas?
• Who Might Hire us for a Concert? Do you know of any upcoming community events or a group looking for some entertainment? Contact our Marketing VP Bob Inskeep.
• Are you available to sing at the April 4 & 5, 2025, Carolinas Barbershop Harmony Convention in Southern Pines? If you know you will NOT be available for the Convention next year, please let us know as that may influence our decision on the competition. 

3. Carol's Cadence 

• We did some great work again this week. Keep applying concepts talked about in one song to other songs with the same challenges. This will keep us growing as a chorus and as musicians.
• Rehearsal plan for Monday, August 19: 
  • Mixed: 
    • I Didn’t Want to Fall
    • I’ve Got the World on a String
    • I Only Have Eyes for You
    • Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (women on tenor or baritone)
    • White Christmas

• Men’s: 
  • Lazy Day
  • Where Everybody Knows Your Name
  • Do You Hear What I Hear?
  • Winter Wonderland
  • Songs of Christmas

  4. Accelerando

• Sept 2: - NO Rehearsal - Labor Day Holiday
• Sept 29 (Sunday), 3pm: Concert at Preston Pointe in Morrisville.
• NEW >> Sept 30 (Monday): Concert at Glenaire (our normal space)
• Dec 2 (Monday): Concert at The Cardinal (at North Hills) in ballroom.
• Dec 9 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Waltonwood on Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh.
• Dec 16 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Springmoor in north Raleigh.
• Dec 17 (Tuesday), 7:30pm - Christmas Show at Halle Cultural Arts Center in historic downtown Apex. Our big show that will include quartets & the Holiday Chorus. 
• Dec 23 (Monday), 7pm - Concert at Whispering Pines in north Raleigh on Leadmine Rd.

5. Major & Minor Moods

• Nic Cols second surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 20. Please wish him another uneventful day!

• Aug 5: Good flexibility this week with a last-minute room change and rehearsal changes! Mike did a great job conducting in Carol’s absence. We made some great progress on this week’s songs – more on that below.
• Aug 12: Regular Monday meeting: New normal times of 6:45p for Mixed Chorus, 8:00p for Men's chorus, at our regular location at the Glenaire Auditorium (4000 Glenaire Circle, Cary).
• Also on Aug 12:  5:30p Board Meeting – open to anyone who would like to attend. We also have open slots for new board members for 2025! Attending a board meeting is a great way to see what goes into OCS. If you’re interested in a board or volunteer position, please contact Andy Fuson (fusonandy@gmail.com; 919-847-2797 or cell 919-272-6197).

• Who Might Hire us for a Concert? Do you know of any upcoming community events or a group looking for some entertainment? Contact our Marketing VP Bob Inskeep.
• Help Needed! NC State Home Football Concessions: We need 2 more people for the first game (Thursday, Aug. 29). We also have 4 or 5 open slots for each of the remaining games (Sept. 14 & 28, Oct. 5 & 12, Nov. 2 & 9).

• Truck Location? The chorus needs to find a suitable location to park our truck. Do you have room on your property? Any additional ideas?
• Are you available to sing at the April 4 & 5, 2025, Carolinas Barbershop Harmony Convention in Southern Pines? If you know you will NOT be available for the Convention next year, please let us know as that may influence our decision on the competition.

• Thanks to everyone for continuing to take on different songs each week – as Mike mentioned at rehearsal, working these songs is helping us finalize our list for the holiday season.
• Rehearsal plan for Monday, August 12  ...(Yes, same songs as last week!):
  • Mixed:
    • I Only Have Eyes for You
    • Christmas Through Your Eyes
    • White Christmas
    • Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (women will need to sing tenor or baritone)

• • Men’s:
    • Sleigh Ride
    • Christmas Time is Here
    • Songs of Christmas
    • Winter Wonderland

• Sept 2: - NO Rehearsal - Labor Day Holiday
• Sept 29 (Sunday), 3pm: Concert at Preston Pointe in Morrisville.
• NEW >> Sept 30 (Monday): Concert at Glenaire (our normal space)
• Dec 2 (Monday): Concert at The Cardinal (at North Hills) in ballroom.
• Dec 9 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Waltonwood on Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh.
• Dec 16 (Monday), 7pm: Concert at Springmoor in north Raleigh.
• Dec 17 (Tuesday), 7:30pm - Christmas Show at Halle Cultural Arts Center in historic downtown Apex. Our big show that will include quartets & the Holiday Chorus.
• Dec 23 (Monday), 7pm - Concert at Whispering Pines in north Raleigh on Leadmine Rd.

• Cross O’Donovan’s wife Brenda is recovering from surgery to improve her chronic back pain. Cross reports she’s doing well, and he will be home taking care of her the next few weeks.
• Nic Cols came through brain surgery with his speech intact – and he even showed up to sing on Monday! Congrats!
• Prayers for Jim Murrell's son, Scott, who had emergency surgery on July 31 due to a tear on the wall of his intestine. He has a new iliostomy that will hopefully allow for chemo to resume soon.

• This new section of the newsletter will periodically highlight a chorus member and their story.