Letter from the Director: KaeRenae Mitchell
Dear Alumnae and Friends,
We started the year off with a bang! I was so proud of the girls for coming in early and learning the 14-page arrangement I made for them to sing for Rotunda Sing. They not only memorized it (with only 3.5 hours of rehearsal) but they sparkled during the performance! It was well-received and the audience even clapped along to the final song - Girl on Fire! It was a lot of fun and we had a great turnout for auditions. Special thanks to the managing board (MB) members who worked so hard to organize them! We also sang an old favorite to showcase our choral skills And So It Goes. Have a listen and help us reach 16,000 views!
We’re busy preparing for our 3rd annual Women Against Violence concert which will take place Saturday, September 29, at 8 PM in McLeod Hall. The theme this year is Imagine, and I’m busy making an arrangement that will incorporate sections of Prayer of the Children. Our MB was especially sensitive to the situations with refugee children when we were discussing the theme. Special guests - Virginia Belles, Virginia Gentlemen, Virginia Glee Club, and No Fella A Cappella - and others will help us use the power of music to uplift and inspire. We hope you’ll join us if you’re close by.
Looking ahead to concerts this semester, we will joining the other choral groups at UVA for Family Weekend on Friday, October 26. Check our website for updates about that fun concert.
Our Candlelight Concerts are quite early this year, Friday, November 30 (8:30 PM), and Saturday, December 1 (3:30 PM) and will be in a lovely new location - St. Paul’s Memorial Church on the Corner! We are excited to use real candles and cannot wait to, once again, sing with professional harpist, Anastasia Jellison. This year’s concert will feature Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, Op. 26 by Gustav Holst. Remember that lovely and challenging work? There will also be seasonal and festive music to brighten your holidays!
As always, I am grateful to work with motivated, intelligent, and talented young women, and I am continuously inspired by them. Our Managing Board had a conference call this summer and they continue to work extremely hard to bring the best experience for female students at UVA.
Without your support we would be unable to offer this unique opportunity and I/we are most appreciative of everything you have done to make the Chorus what it is today, and what it will be tomorrow. My deepest thanks to you. I love catching you on Facebook and hearing from you, and especially love seeing the friendships that began during Vdubz days continue to grow and flourish.
Speaking of growing…On a personal note, Luke Parker was born to my oldest son, David, and his wife, Lindsey, July 19th, making me a grandmother! Some of you will remember David and that I went into labor with him after giving three Candlelight Concerts in the Chapel. He also made a grand appearance as a 3-month old on our Florida tour. I think one of the best parts of this next circle of life is witnessing how in love my son is with his son – what a joy!
Wishing you all a beautiful and peaceful autumn, and hope to hear from you!
Vdubz love,
KaeRenae