I’ve already told you my take on how the weekend went, but it is worth saying again… INCREDIBLE! It is such a pleasure to be associated with such high class individuals. Your performance, both as a solo choir and in the mass choir was outstanding. Your professionalism in rehearsal, performance, on the bus, at the hotel, and in transit between was again, high caliber. New friendships were forged, existing friendships deepened, and you represented YCCM well to many who have only heard about the choir, and many who knew nothing about our organization. Well done!

But, onward and upward! Two important announcements:

NO REHEARSAL TODAY (Sunday, January 29). This was in last week’s email announcements, and would have been announced in rehearsal last week it had happened. Given the time you’ve spent with YCCM this weekend, you and I could both use some family time (and perhaps homework time, too). We will work diligently on our next concert starting at next week’s rehearsal. Oh, speaking of next week…

SUPER REHEARSAL AT 2:00-4:10 ON FEB. 5! That’s right, it’s a national holiday. Super Bowl Sunday. We learned our first year as an organization that a contagion tended to spread through the group around 5:00 pm on Super Bowl Sunday. In order to avoid the wide spread absences due to this illness (known as SBS Fever), we will hold rehearsal 2:00-4:10pm on Feb. 5. While I am not a health practitioner, my medical advice is to gather with friends, eat some junk food (in moderation), and take two halves of football interspersed with :30 bits of entertainment. This should be done promptly AFTER our 2:00-4:10 rehearsal on Feb. 5. (I’m thinking you got the point by now…so go Giants, or go Patriots…or go Commercials? if nothing else, go get some homework done).

Thank you and see you February 5 at 2pm!

Mr. Lathe

We will see (most of) you this Friday for Concordia!

-Paula (and staff)

Attached are FOUR documents regarding our upcoming Concordia weekend:

1) ADMINISTRATOR LETTER: This letter should be printed, signed, and given to the person at your school who is in charge of your attendance. It is a letter indicating that you will need to leave school slightly early on Friday in order to make it to the Holiday Inn on time. If your school requires a parent letter, be sure that you attach that as well for added insurance.

2) PACKING LIST: I can’t stress enough that you should cross off each item on the list as it makes it into your bags. Double- and triple-check that you have everything, especially your polo/khakis, concert wear, and music. If you are coming straight from school, take time the night before to make sure you have each and every item. You will need to bring a bag supper to eat on the bus on Friday night and you will need to bring money to eat on Saturday night.

3) ROOMING LIST: We tried to match singers up with their requests as much as possible. Think of this weekend as a way to meet new people, especially if you didn’t reply back with your roommate requests. We are literally at the motel for about 10 hours and that is all.

4) CONCORDIA SCHEDULE: Just a reminder that about 98% of you should be meeting us at the St. Cloud Holiday Inn, and the other 2% will meet us in Alexandria. Three of you have already told me you will be meeting us at Concordia due to your schedules (Sarah, Sam, Cameron). I expect to see the rest of you at the bus stops!

**I have one family who has said they will meet us at the Alexandria stop. Who else will meet us there? Call me or e-mail me!**

**A few singers told me last weekend at rehearsal that they would be going home with their families. I MUST have this in writing (e-mail is fine). And before you leave on Saturday night, you need to check in with me so that I know you are leaving. Don’t tell the other staff; please find me and tell me personally. I am the keeper of the notes/records/documentation. Thank you!

**If any of you have plans to attend the final concert at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday night in Moorhead, I’ve been told that seating is VERY LIMITED. Concert begins at 4 p.m.; you may want to get there a little earlier. 550+ high school singers plus directors and staff = a lot of people!

Thanks, everyone.

-Paula
pheydman
320-281-9226 (YCCM)
320-230-4225 (home)

Administrator Letter for Concordia trip.pdf

Concordia Weekend Packing List.pdf

YCCM Concordia Room List – final.pdf

YCCM Concordia Schedule.pdf

Just a reminder to prepare your variety show youtube and send me the link by Monday! If you are unable to prepare a video for some reason, let me know. I will trust your judgement on the quality of the act.

Also, while the deadline has passed for voice lessons, we were informed that there are more open slots than anticipated. If you would like to take part, please let me know by Monday as well (email your name and the name of the piece you are preparing).

Thanks, and we will see you at rehearsal tomorrow!

Mr. Lathe

Just a reminder to prepare your variety show youtube and send me the link by Monday! If you are unable to prepare a video for some reason, let me know. I will trust your judgement on the quality of the act.

Also, while the deadline has passed for voice lessons, we were informed that there are more open slots than anticipated. If you would like to take part, please let me know by Monday as well (email your name and the name of the piece you are preparing).

Thanks, and we will see you at rehearsal tomorrow!

Mr. Lathe

CURRENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Concordia Choir Festival – Jan, 27-28, 2012
Watch for a roommate list, packing list, and schedule (to be sent this weekend). One of the items you will need to have is a GARMENT BAG (labeled with your name) for your concert attire. Once you know who your roommates are, you are welcome to combine two or three uniforms in one bag (this is optional). Please make sure your names are identified on the outside of the bag (use masking tape if necessary).

On Friday, Jan. 27, plan to arrive between 3:00-3:10 to the St. Cloud Holiday Inn (Hwy 15 and Division). We need to depart at 3:30 p.m. Leave yourself plenty of time if you are coming from a distance or for winter conditions. *If you are getting on the bus in Alexandria, let Paula know by Jan. 23.
**PLEASE BE ON TIME at both locations.**

Bring a bag supper to eat on the bus ride up to Concordia. Bring money to use when we stop for supper on the way home Saturday night.

If you are coming directly from school, make sure you have everything packed the night before! Your car can be parked overnight at the Holiday Inn, but they request that you go to the hotel front desk and register your vehicle with them so that it does not get towed.

YCCM’s new CD “Stars” If you’d like a copy, we can ship to you, friends, or family for $14 (includes S&H) or feel free to purchase one ($12) from the YCCM Office (Paula’s hours vary), Hams Music in St. Cloud (they have normal business hours!) or at the next concert on February 26.

Check E-mail Often! The YCCM office (mainly Paula) sends out requests, reminders, and other information fairly often, so please singers and parents, check your e-mail often so that you don’t miss anything important…

Program Book Distribution – At the beginning of December, singers were given 5 of the new Program Books to deliver around their communities. Does anybody need more? It is our hope that we can get more books out into the public. Does anybody have an “in” at the St. Cloud Hospital? Or any other businesses in the area that have larger waiting areas? What places are we missing? Any help that you can give is greatly appreciated. E-mail Paula with your thoughts.

Black Folders are for performances (bring to Concordia) and final rehearsals only. Please do not use them for regular rehearsals or any other purposes.

Concert Attire Guidelines: Just a reminder, especially with the Concordia Festival coming up:
Girls should wear BLACK opaque tights or knee-hi hosiery under the dresses. Hair looks best behind the shoulders – off the face, please. We should be able to see your eyebrows! Hair accessories should be black and used only if necessary. No necklaces. Earrings can be metal studs or small rings. Please don’t forget your black dress shoes when you leave the house. Double check that you have everything you need.

Boys need to make sure they wear a white undershirt beneath their tux shirt. Black socks and black dress shoes are required.

REPEAT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(for a full list of all past announcements, as well as a calendar of all rehearsals and performances, visit the website’s members section)

Absence Reminder: If you will be absent for a regular rehearsal and it is not on your Conflict Catcher, make sure you use the online form. This assures that it gets logged properly. If you are going to miss a dress rehearsal (i.e. April 14), or even a concert, you need to contact Mr. Lathe directly by e-mail. The sooner you do this, the better!

facebook Group. Announcements will also be published on a private facebook group. If you would like to get your announcements via this group, search facebook for “YCCM Singers 2011-12” and request to join. Only singers and parents will be approved. This group is for announcements only, and is not an effective way to communicate back to staff.

The Czech Boys’ Choir is coming to town in a few weeks as part of one leg of their concert tour. The St. John’s Boys’ Choir and YCCM were contacted because this choir is in need of host families for all 40 boys (ages 9-20) for two nights. Please let me know if you are willing to welcome these boys and young men into your homes for two nights. I appreciate whatever support you can offer our guests. Please see further details below…

Thanks in advance!

-Paula

Monday, February 6

7:30 pm concert in Great Hall (host families invited)

8:30 pm go home with host families

Tuesday, February 7

Breakfast with host families

Dropped off at SJU – 8:00 am

Send bag lunch with singers

(Possible evening concert in St. Cloud)

Dinner and overnight with host families

Wednesday, February 8

Breakfast with host families

Dropped off at SJU – 8:00 am

Send bag lunch with singers

Boys need to be in hosted in pairs. Beds (including two to a queen/king), cots, pull-out couches, are all suitable accommodations. Sleeping bags are not suitable. Boys should be hosted with families or couples (no single hosts).

Information needed from host families:

· Name, Phone, Address, Email

· Age of kids in the home (they will try to match with the ages of boys where possible)

· Pets in the home (in case of allergies)

· How many boys you can take (2 (or more))

CURRENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Voice Lesson/Variety Show
If you have a solo (art song, folk song, aria) prepared and are interested in working with the voice faculty at Concordia, please email Mr. Lathe with the name of your piece. If more students are interested than time available, singers will be chosen at random. Please email Mr. Lathe by Wed., January 18.

There will be a variety show Friday evening at Concordia. If you have an act that you would like to perform at the show, post it to YouTube and email Mr. Lathe the link, or post it to the MEMBER facebook page. Please email Mr. Lathe the link (or let him know it’s on the facebook page) by Mon. January 23.

Concordia Choir Festival – Jan, 27-28, 2012
Changes to the roommate groups will not be made unless someone is sick or is unable to travel at the last minute. Watch for a roommate list, packing list, and schedule (to be sent via e-mail next week). One of items you will need to have is a GARMENT BAG (labeled with your name) for your concert attire. Once you know who your roommates are, you are welcome to combine two or three uniforms in one bag (optional). Please make sure all names are identified on the outside of the bag (use masking tape if necessary).

On Friday, Jan. 27, plan to arrive between 3:00-3:10 to the St. Cloud Holiday Inn (Hwy 15 and Division). We will depart at 3:30 p.m. Leave yourself plenty of time if you are coming from a distance or for winter conditions. *If you are getting on the bus in Alexandria, let Paula know by Jan. 23. **PLEASE BE ON TIME**

If you are coming directly from school, make sure you have everything packed the night before! Double check! If you are leaving your car overnight at the Holiday Inn, they request that you go inside the hotel and register your vehicle with them so that it does not get towed. Let Paula know if you will be doing this.

YCCM’s new CD “Stars” will be released to the public on January 15!!!!
They will again be available for purchase at rehearsal this weekend. This CD features singers from years 2008-09, 2009-10, and 2010-11. If you are a new singer (2011-12), you are not on this CD, but are welcome to purchase one for your collection. Cost of the CD is $12. Paula prefers checks or exact cash. We can ship one to you, friends, or family for $14 (includes S&H) or feel free to purchase one from the YCCM Office, Hams Music in St. Cloud (after Jan. 17), or at the next concert!

Check E-mail Often! The YCCM office (mainly Paula) sends out requests, reminders, and other information fairly often, so please singers and parents, check your e-mail often so that you don’t miss anything important…

Black Folders are for performances (bring to Concordia) and final rehearsals only. Please do not use them for regular rehearsals (starting in January) or any other purposes.

Concert Attire Guidelines: Just a reminder, especially with the Concordia Festival coming up:
Girls should wear BLACK opaque tights or knee-hi hosiery under the dresses. Hair looks best behind the shoulders – off the face, please. We should be able to see your eyebrows! Hair accessories should be black and used only if necessary. No necklaces. Earrings can be metal studs or small rings. Please don’t forget your black dress shoes when you leave the house. Double check that you have everything you need.

Boys need to make sure they wear a white undershirt beneath their tux shirt. Black socks and black dress shoes are required.

REPEAT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(for a full list of all past announcements, as well as a calendar of all rehearsals and performances, visit the website’s members section)

Absence Reminder: If you will be absent for a regular rehearsal and it is not on your Conflict Catcher, make sure you use the online form. This assures that it gets logged properly. If you are going to miss a dress rehearsal (i.e. April 14), or even a concert, you need to contact Mr. Lathe directly by e-mail. The sooner you do this, the better!

facebook Group. Announcements will also be published on a private facebook group. If you would like to get your announcements via this group, search facebook for “YCCM Singers 2011-12” and request to join. Only singers and parents will be approved. This group is for announcements only, and is not an effective way to communicate back to staff.

CURRENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Concordia Choir Festival – Jan, 27-28, 2012
We are working on the roommate lists and will try our hardest to pair you with at least one other person that you request, but we cannot guarantee. Changes to the groups will not be made unless someone is sick or is unable to travel at the last minute. Thank you for understanding. Watch for a packing list and schedule (to be sent via e-mail in the coming weeks). If you are getting on the bus in Alexandria, let Paula know. Everyone else will be departing from the St. Cloud Holiday Inn (Hwy 15 and Division St.) on Friday, Jan 27. Plan to arrive between 3:00-3:15 with a 3:30 departure. If you are leaving your car overnight at the Holiday Inn, they request that you go inside the hotel and register your vehicle with them so that it does not get towed. Let Paula know if you will be doing this.

YCCM’s new CD “Stars” will be released to the public on January 15!!!!
As a current singer, you can purchase it at rehearsal this weekend! This CD features singers from years 2008-09, 2009-10, and 2010-11. If you are a new singer (2011-12), you are not on this CD, but are welcome to purchase one for your collection. Cost of the CD is $12. Paula prefers checks or exact cash. We can ship one to you, friends, or family for $14 (includes S&H) or feel free to purchase one from the YCCM Office, Hams Music in St. Cloud (after Jan. 15), or at the next concert!

Check E-mail Often! The YCCM office (mainly Paula) sends out requests, reminders, and other information fairly often, so please singers and parents, check your e-mail often so that you don’t miss anything important.

Black Folders are for performances and final rehearsals only. Please do not use them for regular rehearsals (starting in January) or any other purposes.

Concert Attire Guidelines: Please refer to the Handbook for more in-depth info, but just a reminder, especially with the Concordia Festival coming up:
Girls should wear BLACK opaque tights or knee-hi hosiery under the dresses. Hair looks best behind the shoulders – off the face, please. We should be able to see your eyebrows! Hair accessories should be black and used only if necessary. No necklaces. Earrings can be metal studs or small rings. Please don’t forget your black dress shoes when you leave the house. Double check that you have everything you need.

Boys need to make sure they wear a white undershirt beneath their tux shirt. Black socks and black dress shoes are required.

REPEAT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(for a full list of all past announcements, as well as a calendar of all rehearsals and performances, visit the website’s members section)

Absence Reminder: If you will be absent for a regular rehearsal and it is not on your Conflict Catcher, make sure you use the online form. This assures that it gets logged properly. If you are going to miss a dress rehearsal (i.e. April 14), or even a concert, you need to contact Mr. Lathe directly by e-mail. The sooner you do this, the better!

facebook Group. Announcements will also be published on a private facebook group. If you would like to get your announcements via this group, search facebook for “YCCM Singers 2011-12” and request to join. Only singers and parents will be approved. This group is for announcements only, and is not an effective way to communicate back to staff.

The Board of Directors have been working hard the past 4 months to put together policies for our first overnight travel. Attached to this e-mail are two documents: a TRIP AGREEMENT FORM, which you will need to completely fill out, sign, and have a parent sign. The second document goes hand-in-hand with the Trip Agreement: it is an excerpt of the Code of Conduct and Overnight Travel and Tours Section from our handbook with some additions.

You will need to read each document fully. It is crucial that you understand what is being expected of you when we travel so that we can continue to plan for the future (a tour, perhaps?).

The TRIP AGREEMENT FORM must be turned in to me before we leave for Concordia. I realize that we are asking for your medical information and emergency contact information again, but sometimes, things change after the 1st of the year, or a new medical condition was discovered since last August (sleep walking??). It’s best to be prepared, I think.

I would ask that singers please turn in your completed forms this weekend at rehearsal (Jan. 8) or at the latest, Jan. 15.

Thank you,

-Paula Heydman

Concordia Trip Agreement.docx

Code of Conduct and Overnight Travel Guidelines 2011-12.doc