Portland Recorder Society April Newsletter

Welcome to Spring! The change of season always brings about a flurry of activity, and this year is no exception! We are so pleased to hear all the positive feedback about the Columbia Gorge Early Music Retreat. We had a great group of 43 participants, playing everything from music of the ancient Greeks to pieces by our fabulous composer-in-residence, Glen Shannon, and music from most centuries in between. Instruments included all sizes of recorders, sopranino to contrabass, viols, racketts, doucaine, kithara, and baritone sax! It was a huge added bonus to have Bill Lazar in attendance with almost his entire early instrument shop! The silent auction was a wonderful fundraiser for the PRS and we were able to pay off all the IRS non-profit fees, plus put a deposit down for next year's workshop.

Save the date! The 2010 Columbia Gorge Early Music Retreat will be April 2-5, 2010, at Menucha. Yes, this is Easter weekend and we know it is far from ideal. Never fear, if you can't make it, in 2011 it will return to the last weekend in March.

If you are of that persuasion, click here to join the CGEMR Facebook Fan page

Heads Up!! The May PRS session is NOT the 3rd Friday of the month, as is usual. See you May 22nd instead, with our very own Vicki Boeckman conducting.

Don't be shy!! Please consider seriously an opportunity to perform in front of friendly, understanding friends. The PRS Member's Night concert is June 19th, and the program is YOU!!! For more info, see the article below, and contact me soon to let me know what you will play and approximate timing of the piece.

Winds and Waves Recorder Workshop in Lincoln City, Oregon has a few spaces left! Grab this opportunity and spend May 2-4 at the beautiful Sitka Center with stellar faculty Frances Blaker, Tish Berlin, Clea Galhano, and Annette Bauer. Please contact Corlu Collier for additional information.

Whew, best wishes to all,
Zoe

Upcoming Playing Sessions

April 17, 2009, Vicki Boeckman conducts
May 22, 2009 (NOT the 3rd Friday this month!), Vicki Boeckman conducts
June 19, 2009, Member's Night Extravaganza
Summer break: See you in September!

From our Music Director

Greetings everyone! Thank you to all who participated in making the inaugural Columbia Gorge Early Music Retreat the splendid success that it was. We are all thrilled that it went so well and are already looking forward to next year!

For the next meeting I would like to work on some beautiful renaissance polychoral music, a 12 part, 3 choir work by Hans Leo Hassler, Benedicam Dominum, and a stunning 7 part work in 3 sections by Orlando Lassus, Lagrimae di San Pietro. If there is time after digesting all that beauty, we will end with a sweet arrangement of Bach's well known cantata, Sheep May Safely Graze, set for 7 parts.

Hassler was not necessarily an innovator, but a developer of the current styles and idioms. He was clearly influenced by Lassus and the leading members of the Venetian school, Baldaserre Donata and Andrea Gabrieli, with whom he studied while in Venice. Upon returning to Germany he introduced his newly learned polychoral styles and his Latin works for single and multiple choir are among the the finest German compositions of their time.

Lassus' output was incredibly grand and diverse that it is hard to know where to begin to describing it. He wrote 530 motets, 175 Italian madrigals, 150 French chansons, and 90 German lieder. Lagrimae di San Pietro (Tears of St. Peter) was his final work and often considered one of his best. It is a gorgeous set of twenty-one religious madrigals, dedicated to the Pope Clement VIII, and published posthumously in 1595.

All sizes of recorders from soprano on down are needed, and all viols and buzzies and/or other strings and early winds are welcome.

Vicki

PRS Retreat at Menucha

By Carol Dumond
great basses

Having lived in Portland for a little less than two and a half years, the odds of my being a founding member of anything local are pretty slim. But against these odds, I am a founding member of the Portland Recorder Society (PRS). So you can imagine how wonderful it felt to get a chance to be a founding participant of what now appears to be the annual PRS retreat, March 27 - 30, 2009 at Menucha in the Columbia Gorge.

Even without the thrill of pioneering, this was something to look forward to: Vicki Boeckman, the amazing Gayle and Phil Neuman, composer Glen Shannon, the natural beauty of the Gorge, and, oh, yes, word was out that the food was excellent.

The event was even better than the expectation. Bill Lazar came up from Sunnyvale, CA with two rooms full of recorders and a few other items, like baroque oboes and all sizes, it seemed, of gemshorns, which I at least had never seen or even heard of before. Vicki brought with her the professional photographer Bill Stickney. Bill himself brought, not only an array of his beautiful photographs, but also a baritone sax that gave a solid foundation to the large recorder orchestra.

The grounds of Menucha (Hebrew for "still", we were told, as in "beside the still waters") were indeed lovely, even in the rain that never left us for long. But the daffodils were not deterred from opening, and the Columbia could be seen rolling on as usual from many windows, especially in the dining room. And speaking of the dining room, the food lived up to its billing. It was all good solid church supper cuisine, the kind that represents all those churches and granges in America's history: Delicious, satisfying, and, of course, fattening. One of my roomies has a gluten allergy, and they accommodated her needs, not only by cutting all the wheat products out of her servings, but by baking special breads and desserts that she could eat. The same was true of people with other special food needs, so nobody got left out.

After Friday night's dinner, we met for Tutti La Banda in Wright Hall, where we read through some music with Vicki. Afterward, we milled around talking for hours, checking out Bill Lazar's store, Bill Stickney's photos, and the silent auction items. A quartet got together in Wright Hall to read through Glen's "Peanut Butter" Prelude ("Crunchy") and Fugue ("Smooth"). Some people even found the stairs down to the former speakeasy in the basement. It was, alas, locked, but there was at least access to a lounge with ping pong and foosball tables. A word to the wise: Don't get Vicki Boeckman started on ping pong unless you're prepared to play four a few hours.

Saturday morning we had our first classes. I was signed up for Glen's "French Twist", then Gayle's "Ars Subtilior", both of which were intensely rewarding. Lunch was followed by our third classes; I'd signed up for "Ancient Greek Music", also with Gayle. I loved my classes; the only regret I had about signing up for them was that I couldn't be in three places at once so as to take all the other classes as well. All too soon, classes were over, giving us an afternoon break and an "elective" session, which offered a choice of English country dance band, percussion, or (I swear this is true) baton twirling.

But I hadn't been outdoors all day, and went out in spite of the drizzle to see what I could find. Venturing out on the wet grounds, I found a koi pond, a swimming pool (closed for the winter), and a rose garden surrounding a labyrinth. I walked it in the rain, and found the experience calming and centering. I later found out that several others also walked it in the rain. This could become a trend!

Saturday evening, after a dinner that featured a light show (well, a lightning show) viewed through the dining room windows, we English Country danced to music played by our very own Dance Band (you know, the ones who took the band elective in the afternoon) and a professional caller. Much hilarity ensued, and of course the party didn't end with the end of the dancing.

Sunday there wasn't so much rain, but still some showers. We took the same classes, and this time I took the reed-making elective, just to see what was what, because I'd fallen in love with Aage Nielsen's douçaine and decided I have to have one. The faculty concert in the evening was fun and impressive, and followed by the end of the silent auction. I picked up some plastic Dolmetsch flutes at a steal!
Monday, alas, was the end of the retreat, and we had shortened classes. But there was time for the Ancient Greek Music class to walk the labyrinth, singing the "Invocation to the Muse" three times in honor of Eileen Hadidian. We were aiming for the Muse of Healing, if there is one, as Eileen's illness was the one unsatisfactory part of the retreat. Well, that and the occasional lack of hot water for morning showers.

We finished with lunch and the final Tutti La Banda. It was over too soon! I couldn't wait to get home and start planning for 2010!

Technique Tips from Vicki: An Introduction to Alexander Technique

Several people who attended my brief introduction to the Alexander Technique (one of the late afternoon elective classes at the Retreat) commented on how useful it was and how they wished they would have known about this technique sooner in life. Well, there is no time like the present! There are teachers of the Alexander Technique in most cities in the US. The Alexander technique is a self-help technique that teaches proper use and body awareness. It is like taking lessons when you want to learn to dance or play an instrument. In this case, you are your instrument. I would highly recommend browsing the site for the American Society of teachers of the Alexander Technique. The answers to the FAQs are extremely informative: http://www.amsat.ws/

Incorporating a period of lying down on the floor into your practice routine will prove highly beneficial. This can either be at the onset or in the middle of your session, if and when you feel like things are not working right... anytime! Loose fitting clothing and no shoes will be the most comfortable for this. This is Alexander's rest position.

Choose a warm room and a clean space that you feel comfortable in. You will need an uncluttered spot on a carpet, (or fold a blanket or quilt if you have hardwood floors). Lie down in a semi-supine position on your back, (knees bent upward, feet flat on floor), with a paperback book or two under your head to allow the neck to be a free continuation of the spine. Bend your elbows and rest your hands gently around the abdominal area.

Free your mind of all problems or events concerning anything past or present, and focus on your body here and now. Soften your neck muscles and concentrate on your breathing. Let the weight of your head sink gently back onto the books so that your cheeks are parallel with the ceiling. Breathe in through your nose, slowly filling the lungs completely with each breath. Stay focused on softening the neck muscles, which in turn will allow the jaw and trapezoid muscles to soften, then... let go of your tongue. Most people have no idea how tense their tongue is! Focus your attention on letting the tendons in your shoulder joints release their hold, which, after a few tries, will produce a sort of melting, tingling sensation in the shoulder joints. Send mental messages and simply let it take the time it takes. (I like to use the words release or let go of instead of the word relax when referring to muscles and joints).

Focus on one arm at a time for now, and "tell" (send a mental message to...) the upper arm to elongate downwards towards the elbow joint. (When you have more routine with this you can "work on" both arms at once). Focus on your elbow joint and release it, and send a mental image to the forearm to lengthen outwards towards the wrist. Release the wrist joint and let the fingers elongate outward (imagine that they become longer). Let your thoughts return to free the neck at all times.

This is a relaxing, rejuvenating time that can take anywhere from 5 - 20 minutes depending on how stressed the body is. Some of you may be saying to yourselves, "I don't have time for this, I only have half an hour to practice!" and to that I would respond that 5 minutes on the floor is better than no minutes! When getting back up, roll over to one side first and use your hands in an ape-like manner to assist in pushing you up. (Use your own good judgement. If you have back or knee trouble please don't try getting up or down without help or supervision).

We Want to Hear From YOU! The June Member's Night Extravaganza is Coming Up Soon!

Reserve the third Friday in June on your calendars and start rehearsing now!! As an alternative to hearing your small ensembles play during each monthly session, we have planned a whole evening of music featuring...YOU! The setting is designed to be a supportive, low-key atmosphere for ANYONE who wants to perform in front of people, no matter what your experience level. All instruments are welcome, as many recorder players are talented on other instruments as well! Bring a potluck dessert dish, bring supportive friends and family and plan to participate! If you have a newly formed ensemble and want coaching prior to the performance, please contact any of our esteemed conductors, as listed above. If you would like to form a new ensemble, a classified ad in this newsletter can help find other members, or you are welcome to make an announcement at the next PRS session. Please contact Zoe Tokar at pdxrecorders@comcast.net as soon as possible so we will have an idea of the number of groups.
Should be a fun evening!

From Eileen Hadidian

Dear PRS members,

Congratulations on a very successful Columbia Gorge early music workshop, and a big thank you to all the organizers for all the hard work you put into it.

Also, thank you SO MUCH for the two beautiful cards with heartfelt messages from you all who attended the workshop! I felt very surrounded by healing and love. I am feeling better every week, recovering slowly but surely from the severe side effects of the spine radiation. It's so great to be able to walk again with no pain, as well as drive, things that we normally take for granted. The Spring here is so beautiful, and we have been enjoying the lush green hills and wildflowers everywhere.

What a wonderful community you all are!
With love and gratitude,
Eileen

	Thank You Volunteers!
Thank you to all who signed up to bring snacks for enjoyment after our playing sessions. Here's another friendly reminder to Bruce and Gwyneth Van Buskirk and Bee Neufeld - you're on for April 17th. Simple and healthy is ideal: juice, fruit, crackers, cheese, etc.

	We Need Your Membership!
Portland Recorder Society membership includes: ~monthly playing sessions (Sept-May) coached by professionals ~Discount to Columbia Gorge Early Music Retreat ~Monthly e-mail newsletters ~Networking opportunities with like-minded musicians Yearly dues are $40, additional donations welcomed and are tax deductible. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization! Click HERE for a link to our membership registration form. If you are not a member, drop-in fees are $10 per playing session; your first visit is free to try us out!

Upcoming events

PRS members are welcome to submit recorder/early music related items for this section. Deadline is 7 days prior to the next PRS playing session. Submit to pdxrecorders@comcast.net
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Cançonièr, "The Garden Enclosed"
Medieval Music of Spring and Celebration

Monday, Apr 13 2009, 7.30pm

Annette Bauer: recorders, pipe & tabor, duduk, voice
Tim Rayborn: percussion, harp, psaltery, oud, symphonie, voice

Community Music Center
3350 SE Francis St.
Portland, OR 97202
503-823-3177

$10-15 suggested donation at the door, none turned away for lack of funds.

Cançonièr is a San-Francisco-area-based medieval music ensemble devoted to repertoire from the 12th to the 15th centuries, as well as traditional music from related regions (the Balkans, Scandinavia, and the Middle East). "The Garden Enclosed" features Annette Bauer and Tim Rayborn in a program of virtuosic music of the 13th and 14th centuries from Italy, France, Spain, Hungary, England, and Scandinavia.
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From the Early Music Guild of Oregon:

Gabrieli, Schütz, and others: Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 26 at 3:00 p.m. : The Choral Arts Ensemble will present "Something Brassy" with Gayle and Phil Neuman of The Trail Band, members of the Oregon Renaissance Band, and organist Tim Drewes. Music for multiple choirs and soli featuring the justly famous motet In Ecclesiis by Venetian composer Giovanni Gabrieli. We will also perform multi-choir music of Schütz, Pinkham, and Rheinberger. Music to celebrate Oregon's 150th will be included. First Unitarian Church , SW 12th & Salmon. For more information and tickets e-mail info@caeportland.com.

Handmade Musical Instrument Show: April 25 and 26, 2009 at Marylhurst University near Lake Oswego, Oregon. Over 30 builders of string, percussion, and woodwind instruments will be there with instruments on display and to try out. For more information contact Cyndy Burton at cyndyb@hevanet.com.

Oregon Renaissance Band will give a concert "Early Music of Scandinavia" on Friday, May 8, 2009, at 7:00pm as part of the Family Fridays series at the Community Music Center, 3350 SE Francis in Portland, Oregon. Admission: $5 per person, $15 per family. Proceeds benefit the Community Music Center. Music by Dowland, Brade, Borchgrevinck, Pederson, Schattenberg, Gistou, and others, performed on voices, recorders, violin, lute, harp, sackbuts, double reeds, and many others.

Events in Salem, Oregon:

Monterverdi: The First Methodist Church in Salem (on the corner of Church and State Sts.) will perform Monteverdi's "Beatus vir" and "Laudate Dominum" at the church service at 11am on April 26, 2009. The choir will be accompanied by a variety of instruments including the 4 sackbutt players of the Oregon Renaissance Band.

Oregon Renaissance Band will give a concert "Early Music of Scandinavia" on Sunday, May 17, 2009, at 2:30pm as part of the Camerata Musica series in Salem, Oregon. The concerts are held at the Salem Public Library, 585, Liberty St. SE, Salem, OR in the Loucks Lecture Hall. For details see the May 8th Concert.

	Classified Ads
PRS members are welcome to submit recorder/early music related items for these ads. Deadline is 7 days prior to the next PRS playing session. Submit to pdxrecorders@comcast.net ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------