The Stairwell Carollers Choir Blog

The Stairwell Carollers 2012 Web contest. ENTER NOW!

2012-02-25T11:54:00.009-05:00

This attractive person missed last year's deadline. Enter now!

The Stairwell Carollers 2012 Web contest* is still open!

Don't miss out on your chance to win $200* by simply visiting our website.

Go to http://www.stairwellcarollers.com/ click on "Contest" and complete the questions !

En Français -- Concours :)

All the answers are there on the website just waiting to be found :)

Want to get there fast? Simply go to the Contest form and start surfing the Stairwell Carollers official home to find the answers.

Once you submit your completed form, and we have verified that all your answers are correct, you will be placed in the draw.

Contest deadline Friday, June 8^th, 2012.

Contest draw Saturday June 16^th, 2012.

*SORRY to our international friends and recent former Stairwellers...

Contestants must be Canadian residents and have reached the age of majority in the province or territory in which they reside. Those who have been members of the Stairwell Carollers since 2009, and their immediate families are not eligible.

Amazing video -- you MUST watch this -- so inspiring!

2012-02-19T15:44:00.001-05:00

MUSIC PAINTING - Glocal Sound - Matteo Negrin from Smile Lab on Vimeo.
visit Matteo Negrin's site at: http://www.myspace.com/matteonegrin
buy Matteo Negrin's C.D at : http://www.jazzos.com/
visit Matteo Negrin's channel: http://www.youtube.com/mgitano

VIDEO - MUSIC PAINTING
created by Lab
info.labtorino@gmail.com
Alice Ninni
Alberto Filippini
Luca Cattaneo
© and property of Matteo Negrin and Lab

The Stairwell Carollers Official Website --------------- NOTEable Mention, Pete Massie

2012-02-17T23:31:00.001-05:00

Don't ask... his sister made him do it

Creating a website from the HTML up seems to me like magic.

A lot of people, like myself, depend on sites like Blogger to facilitate their interaction on the internet. Some are adept enough to adapt pre-made templates and write simple code.

The Massie standards
Years ago, when Pete decided that the Stairwell Carollers should have a website, the options were very limited, so he decided to learn how to wield HTML and create the site himself. He had no knowledge of website building and had taken only a small programming course focused on BASIC and DOS, so he learned it all on the fly. He can write code like a pro now.

He claims he still knows nothing, but he can glance at a page of screwed up code -- and tell you what is wrong with it.

Awesome!

Pete on a lake in Timmins a year or two ago

Finding the perfect home

At the beginning, we had a long convoluted address in a defunct domain. When it went the way of all internet dodos, we looked for a new home and realized we could buy our own name -- stairwellcarollers.com. One of Pete's former music students, Jason Lawrence, who now owns his own server, took us on. It has been sweet website music ever since.

Two, two... two sites in one...

Over the years, Pete has spent many hours updating, tweaking and fiddling with the Stairwell Carollers official cottage in cyberspace until it is what it is today. With lyrics to all the songs recorded on our 6 CDs and an alpha list of the hundreds of songs in our repertoire, choir photos , related information, and everything in both English and in French , he has created a truly representative site for our truly bilingual choir.

The dynamics of Dynamics -- as explained by Pete

MP3's on the web make rehearsals a breeze

Since Pierre spends rehearsals working the dynamics of the pieces, he expects each singer to come to practice prepared. To this end, he supplies MP3 practice files, which are available hosted on the website for a limited amount of time (because of bandwidth limits, he can't leave the files on for too long) Each singer is expected to download the files to their own computer and then do their best to get to know the pieces before each practice.

Thanks Pete -- for making the leap so long ago that has allowed us to be where we are today. Check out our Google ranking for choir. We are on the FIRST page!

NOTEable Mention -- The PR Committee

2012-02-15T11:50:00.001-05:00

David, Ann, Bill and Diana check out clippings

Congratulations to this year's amazing PR committee who worked so hard to get us on the global music map!

David, using his natural interest in journalistic writing, has produced many articles about the choir. We all hope he continues, since his talent and drive in contacting all the local newspapers and keeping track of important details along the way is unparallelled.
Thanks so much, David!

Ann has many contacts in the media and with her experience with publicity has helped galvanize the PR committee into what it has become. She is a lynchpin in ways I can't even imagine. Invariably, when I ask her, "Hey, Ann, did you see this community paper or that online billboard?" she had -- and she had already contacted them and was waiting on an answer.
Thanks, Ann!

Diana, our Vice-President, plays down her involvement, claiming that she has mostly proof-read copy. Of course, she looks over David's articles and press releases and (in her own words) enjoys tweaking words and phrases. Likewise for other print and web material, looking over the newsletter and programs for font types and sizes, spelling, and overall visual appearance. She even managed to spell check in two different languages this year: Huron and Spanish! (but speaks neither -- amazing!) Don't ask her to do the same for numbers or financial documents, though (her own words, again.)

She also talks up the choir A LOT and puts up posters wherever she can.
Thanks a bunch, Di!

René, our president, at the AGM with the Steering Comittee

René, our President, is our main "French Connection" for the PR committee. Like the entire choir, many of the PR committee are francophone or bilingual, but his pristine understanding of the French language makes him the perfect translator-on-the-spot. He also steers us toward French media and venues we may have missed otherwise. We are looking forward to some exciting possibilities for festivals and competitions coming up proposed by René and the Steering committee. Keep tuned here to stay up to date.
Merci, René!

Pete, husband and director, and me, Holly

Holly (that's me) -- if you read this blog you know that I hold up the internet end of the PR skip rope. Twitter, Facebook and myriad other sites have filled my head with passwords and filled my inbox with both interesting ideas, opportunities and (sometimes) dubious offers for the choir. I like postering too.
Thanks, me :)

I also take most of the photos found here.

Although not an official PR committee member, Andrea pulled some personal strings and got us a wonderful hour long Christmas Special on Rogers cable, which was beautifully directed by the Rogers staff and played many times over the 2011 Christmas season.

It will also be a great souvenir for the choir members -- thanks, Andy!

Michel (wife of Rene) setting up CDs at a concert venue

Many others, choir members and supporters, have helped promote the Stairwell Carollers this past year. They sold tickets, CDs and cookbooks and went door to door to businesses to get ads for the program.

Thank you to all who shared our YouTube channel, The Stairwell Caroller Choir Blog and our Official Website and Liked us on Facebook too. Don't stop!

Thank you,Thank you,Thank you to everyone who went above and beyond their singing contribution. Volunteerism is at our heart and keeps us strong and productive as an organization.

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform "Fatal la parte" by Juan del Encina (1468 --1529 ), a renaissance composer, poet and playwright

2012-02-12T15:00:00.000-05:00

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform "Fatal la parte" by Juan del Encina (1468 --1529 ), a renaissance composer, poet and playwright.

Buy our CDs!!! This version of "Fatal la parte" is available on our "Audite nova" CD.

Visit our website for updates.

Audio: Tom Barnes.
Recorded at St. Barnabas Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 18th, 2011.
Videographer: Zoe Hart.
Editing: Pierre Massie

A look back at a wondrous Season of song -- Christmas 2011

2012-01-31T14:41:00.000-05:00

Caroling in the Byward Market, singing before the giant tree in the National Gallery , and an hour long Rogers TV Christmas show filmed at our concert at the beautiful Woodroffe United church were just some of the highlights of this exciting past Christmas season of song!

Here are some photos of the journey...

I've put together a playlist below of some of the carols we performed at our 2011 Xmas concert,"Stille Nacht". Enjoy!

Dindirin -- An anonymous Spanish madrigal performed by The Stairwell Carollers, Ottawa.

2012-01-30T13:04:00.000-05:00

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform "Dindirin" -- an Anonymous Spanish renaissance piece.

Buy our CDs!!! This version of "Dindirin" is available on our "Audite nova" CD.

Audio: Tom Barnes. Recorded at St. Barnabas Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 18th, 2011.
Videographer: Zoe Hart.
Editing: Pierre Massie
Photos: Holly Massie

Visit our website . Please share us on twitter and LIKE us on Facebook.

Thanks,

Beware, businesses and charities -- Better Business Bureau phishing scam

2012-01-25T13:16:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone has had a wonderful Xmas and New Year -- almost the end of January and I've been quite busy with family and school work, so forgive the delay on new posts. We are currently tooling up, as it were, for our upcoming CD recording. News Soon!

Just had to tell everyone about this nasty Phishing email scam under the guise of the Better Business Bureau -- since we have been targeted. Simple answer, if you are a business or charity and receive a so-called notice that there is a complaint about you filed with the BBB, DO NOT go to the link supplied in the email. Visit the OFFICIAL BBB Ottawa site or go to BBB.org directory to find your local site . There you can do a search on your business or charities name. Most likely there will be NO complaint and you can breathe easy.

Have a great day :)

Cucú, cucú -- Juan del Encina - The Stairwell Carollers, Ottawa.

2012-01-16T22:03:00.000-05:00

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform the renaissance madrigal "Cucú, cucú" by Juan del Encina (1468 -- 1530), a Spanish composer, poet and playwright.

Audio: Tom Barnes. Recorded at St. Barnabas Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 18th, 2011.
Videographer: Zoe Hart.
Editing: Pierre Massie

Buy our CDs!!! This version of "Cucú, cucú" is available on our "Audite nova" CD.

Visit our website for more info and updates.

Vexilla regis -- Juan Francés de Iribarren - The Stairwell Carollers, Ottawa.

2012-01-07T12:43:00.000-05:00

Stained Glass window -- Shawville, Quebec

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform "Vexilla regis" by Juan Francés de Iribarren (1699 - 1767), a Spanish late baroque composer.

This piece will be on our next CD, "Cantate Domino" which will be available in October 2012.

Visit our blog or our website for updates.

Audio: Tom Barnes. Recorded at St. Barnabas Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 18th, 2011.
Videographer: Zoe Hart.
Editing: Pierre Massie

CD SPOTLIGHT -- Mourning Dove -- Christmas CD #3 -- Feb 3, 2003

2011-12-31T17:34:00.001-05:00

Icicles are both dangerous and beautiful, but no one could imagine that sparkling frozen water could stand in the way of a CD recording. Warnig signs point to the icicles that form every year from St columba;s roof line and 2003 saw a bumper crop of thos watery daggers. We arrived at the church, Jay set up the sound equipment and the choir was all ready to start the first song. Jay heard a strange sound through his earphones, but we went ahead, all bundled in coas hats abd mitts in the chilly church (no heater on to avoid furnace creaks and groans) We recorded a few songs and then the sumn warmed the roof, and the welcome rays through the windows helped us endure the cold room.

However, before we could continue, the melting icicles rang out an unwanted metronome beat and we all ran outside to stare at the roof in order to come up with a solution.

Of course, someone had to go up and stop the dripping.

An old rug, a couple of brave Stairwellers scaling the roof and a lot of patience later, we managed to get a few more songs in -- dripdrop free.

A selection of pieces from the CD

Hark the Herald Angels Sing and We Wish You a Merry Christmas -- The Stairwell Carollers

2011-12-27T19:57:00.000-05:00

Relief of "Mary and Child" at S. Barnabas Church, Ottawa

"Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and "We Wish you A Merry Christmas" (an exclusive arrangement for The Stairwell Carollers by Sir David Willcocks) are performed by The Stairwell Carollers and the alumni on Dec 15, 2007 at their "30 Years of Song" concert. The Stairwell Carollers are an a cappella Ottawa choir, formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie. A non-profit organization, they raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.

Buy our CDs!!! These versions of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing & We Wish you A Merry Xmas" are available on our "Qui creavit celum" and our "I Saw a Swete Semly Syght"CDs respectively.

Les Anges dans nos campagnes - Traditional -- The Stairwell Carollers, 30th Anniversary Concert

2011-12-24T15:24:00.000-05:00

Rehearsing the Stairwell Caroller Alumni for the 30th concert

"Les Anges dans nos campagnes" performed by The Stairwell Carollers -- joined by Stairwell Caroller alumni on Dec 15, 2007 at their "30 Years of Song" concert.

The video begins with Jose Roy and Joel Haslam calling up the "ex" Stairwellers to sing the finale with the current group. They also join in, as both were Stairwell Carollers at one time:)

The Stairwell Carollers are an a cappella Ottawa choir, formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie. A non-profit organization, they raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.

Your Ottawa Region article -- "Choir group gives back to the community"

2011-12-24T13:54:00.000-05:00

Pierre, "What song do do you guys want to sing now?"

Kristy Wallace wrote a very nice article on us, embedded below, based on a phone conversation she grabbed with me between concerts and caroling.
Thanks, Kristy!

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CD SPOTLIGHT -- Noel Nouvelet - French Canadian Carols

2011-12-23T22:02:00.001-05:00

In 2005, we released Noel Nouvelet, our French Carol compilation, after many requests from our French Canadian listeners. Many of our French audience remarked that a good recording of French Canadian Carols did not exist! Noel Nouvelet includes all our French Canadian carols previously released on our other Christmas carol CDs -- all on one CD in this rare collection.

From another cd recording session, Jay Fee and Pete dissect the sound

Read the CD Review by Valérie Lessard of Le Droit

Noel Nouvelet CD back with song list

Noel Nouvelet CD insert interior with member names and song details

Choir Bio en Francais for Noel Nouvelet CD

A selection of pieces from the Noel Nouvelet CD...

A social network Christmas -- two youtube videos

2011-12-23T16:49:00.001-05:00

Two versions of the Nativity from the view of social networking.
The first is serious, the second a bit tongue in cheek.
No worries, the humour is appropriate.
Enjoy! -- and Merry Christmas!

Christmas Traditions -- Caroling, Wassailing and Holly

2011-12-23T14:08:00.001-05:00

Leah, soprano, from our 1993 Regional Contact episode for CTV

I did this originally as a guest-post on the Blog, "Keeping the Christms Spirit Alive, 365" -- another great blog by Natasha in Oz

Decking the halls with holly and wassailing all around the town...

Holly, Mistletoe and even our Christmas tree are most likely vestiges of a pagan heritage that some Christians would rather forget.To avoid persecution from the Romans, Christians adopted a number of the traditions usually practiced for Saturnalia. This helped them blend in with the pagans and avoid harassment for their christian faith.
Holly leaves and berries are often added to wreaths because of a folk tale dating back to the first century that said the crown of thorns was mixed with holly. John McCollister

Source: houseandhome.com via Stairwell on Pinterest

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly

Though most of us now live in modern homes rather than great vaulted halls, we still (deck) decorate at Christmastime. with holly, wreaths, candy canes and ivy.

Source: google.com via Stairwell on Pinterest

There is evidence that this old carol originated in Wales but the words are believed to be American. If you wonder why American lyrics would celebrate old English customs, the answer is simple. The lyrics were written in 19th century America when Mr.Washington Irving was glorifying English customs and Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" was at the height of its first popularity.
Abridged text from the Readers Digest Merry Christmas Songbook

Source: Uploaded by user via Stairwell on Pinterest

Christmas Caroling
"It may seem strange to us today that carols were originally used for dancing, since to dance in church smaks of irreverence. ... The Franciscan Friars were particularly devoted to dancing, and it may be that they brought the carole and its associated dances to England in the early 13th century."
From The Book of Christmas Carols, Fairmount books, inc.

The earliest carols were plainchant hymns from the middle ages.Modern choirs prefer many voices, so these songs are rarely sung. Holy Songs, 1582, by J. M. Neale collected the best carols of the Medieval period. Through the centuries, hymns and songs of Christmas, originated throughout Europe, were in vigorous use until a sudden decline of interest in the 18th century. It was reversed with the new idea of a "congregational hymn" encouraging multiple voice parts to lift the songs to exciting new heights.
From the New Oxford Book of Carols (easily the most exhaustive Christmas carol book on the planet!)

Wassailing from house to house, involved carrying a wooden bowl filled with spiced wine as a gift for the household.

Stairwell Carollers carrying a wassail bowl --That's me on the right. This is also from our 1993 Regional Contact episode

SOMERSET WASSAIL

"Somerset Wassail" was performed live in concert by The Stairwell Carollers on Dec 18, 2009.

Ultimate Dog Tease and Jinglebell Pets -- enjoy!! Merry Christmas :)

2011-12-22T15:26:00.001-05:00

First, Pete made me watch the funniest video
The viral vid of 2011 -- ULTIMATE DOG TEASE....

and then, we have PETS singing Jingle bells...
Christmas cheer doesn't get better than this!!

Pinning and Singing on the weekend Pinterest Party -- Peace On Earth

2011-12-21T16:03:00.000-05:00

Post created originally for 5 minutes just for Me, a spectacular blog by Natasha in Oz, who hails from Australia. This is a re post with her permission. Please visit her blog -- you won't be sorry:)

I'd like to thank Natasha for inviting me as a guest blogger for her Pinterest party -- Peace On Earth.

Being a part of a charitable choir, The Stairwell Carollers, whose focus from September to November is preparation for Our Xmas concert season gives me a special connection to our theme this week

PEACE ON EARTH

Source: stairwellcarollers.blogspot.com via Stairwell on Pinterest

We spend a lot of time singing the words "peace on earth", but I want to challenge everyone out there to really stop for a moment and think about what those words mean.

Is it peace in your heart from your faith that you share with others as easily as you breath?

Source: stairwellcarollers.blogspot.com via Stairwell on Pinterest

Is it the wind whispering through the trees and the leaves whispering back that they are forever one with life?

Source: myottawacanadascapital.blogspot.com via Stairwell on Pinterest

Is it the knowledge that the cost is so dear because Peace is worth the whole world?

Source: stairwellcarollers.blogspot.com via Stairwell on Pinterest

Is it that the Earth's beauty is almost to much to bear?

Source: stairwellcarollers.blogspot.com via Stairwell on Pinterest

Or that Love is the proof.

Source: awelltraveledwoman.tumblr.com via Stairwell on Pinterest

Or is it that you Love the world and the creatures that are in it?

Source: myottawacanadascapital.blogspot.com via Stairwell on Pinterest

Or is it simply in the eyes of a child?

Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via Allie on Pinterest

And in the hands of the children.

Source: google.com via Deb on Pinterest

Source: images.google.com via nauticalnun on Pinterest

Irish Music Ottawa - blog: Stairwell Carollers - Great blog for Christmas in Ottawa

2011-12-19T23:06:00.001-05:00

Where it all happens -- Holly's desk of Dooom

We got a Review :)
Irish Music Ottawa - blog: Stairwell Carollers - Great blog for Christmas in Ottawa

Rogers TV -- Christmas with the Stairwell Carollers -- on all this week on cable 22

2011-12-18T21:54:00.001-05:00

Recorded live at our 2011 Woodroffe Church concert, "Stille Nacht", this Rogers cable TV Special is an hour and a half of traditional and brand new Christmas carols to enjoy all this week on Ottawa's Rogers cable channel

ROGERS TV schedule

Stairwell Carollers Christmas Special

8:00 - 9:00 pm Monday Dec 19th

7:00-8:00 pm Wednesday Dec 21st

3:00 -4:00 pm Friday Dec 23rd

1:00 2:00 am Christmas Eve

Eya, eya gaudeamus - Pierre Massie -- The Stairwell Carollers, 30th Anniversary Concert

2011-12-18T11:42:00.000-05:00

Pierre Massie's award winning original composition "Eya, eya gaudeamus" placed first in the Amadeus Carol Competition in 2007. This performance by The Stairwell Carollers took place on Dec 15, 2007 at their "30 Years of Song" concert. The Stairwell Carollers are an a cappella Ottawa choir, formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie. A non-profit organization, they raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.

Buy our CDs!!! This version of "Eya, eya gaudeamus" is available on our Laudemus cum armonia" CD.

FINAL CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT THIS SATURDAY -- DON'T MISS US!

2011-12-15T00:17:00.000-05:00

The Stairwell Carollers last Xmas concert of the 2011 season is this Saturday at St Columba Anglican Church, 24 Sandridge Rd, Ottawa.

Ottawa choir sings a charitable tune this Christmas

Women’s shelter to receive $2,000 gift

Each Christmas, you can hear them in churches throughout the Nation’s Capital, crafting their special a cappella gems for appreciative audiences on both sides of the Ottawa River.

They’re called the Stairwell Carollers and they’ve received both provincial and national recognition for their singing excellence – but the gifts these singers bring are not all packaged in purely musical wrapping paper.

Under the leadership of their award-winning director, Pierre Massie, this 28-member choir has transformed income from concert tickets and CD sales into $50,000 of donations to 20 local charities and 11 high school students going on for further studies in music.

This December, the Carollers are very pleased to announce that Harmony House – Ottawa’s only second-stage women’s shelter – has been selected as the 2011 recipient of our special $2,000 Christmas gift.

The choir recognizes the great service that Harmony House provides – offering safe, affordable transitional housing for women and children who are survivors of violence.

“We are so thankful for the support of the Stairwell Carollers”, says Harmony House Director Leighann Burns. “Their generosity will help us continue to assist women and children find freedom from violence.”

The Stairwell Carollers will make an official presentation of the gift to Harmony House as part of their annual Christmas Fundraising Concert, “Stille Nacht”, December 17, at St Columba Anglican Church, 24 Sandridge Rd (N end of St Laurent Blvd) at 7:30pm.

Tickets are $15: available at The Leading Note, 370 Elgin St, two Compact Music locations, 785½ Bank St and 190 Bank St, Books on Beechwood, 35 Beechwood Ave, and at the door.

To learn more about Harmony House, visit http://www.harmonyhousews.com/index.html.

David Rain, Tenor

- 30 -

St. Columba has beautiful acoustics and, to date, we have recorded all our CDs there rather than in a sterile studio. The wooden interior provides a resonance ideal for live concerts and for recording.

We expect a full turn-out, and there is no reserve seating, so make sure you arrive early.

Doors open at 6:45pm and the concert will start at 7:30.

Hope to see you there!

Mourning Dove - a Christmas carol by Pierre Massie -- Stairwell Carollers

2011-12-11T21:36:00.001-05:00

Mourning Dove on our backyard deck

"Mourning Dove", an original Christmas carol written by Pierre Massie, performed by The Stairwell Carollers on Dec 15, 2007 at their "30 Years of Song" concert.

Listen for the call of the dove in the melody line.

The Stairwell Carollers are an a cappella Ottawa choir, formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie. A non-profit organization, they raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.

Buy our CDs!!! "Mourning Dove " is available on our "Mourning Dove" CD.

O Little Town of Bethlehem - Arr: Vaugh Williams --The Stairwell Carollers, 30th Anniversary Concert

2011-12-11T10:53:00.000-05:00

Crèche

"O Little Town of Bethlehem" performed by The Stairwell Carollers on Dec 15, 2007 at their "30 Years of Song" concert. The Stairwell Carollers are an a cappella Ottawa choir, formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie. A non-profit organization, they raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.

Buy our CDs!!! This version of "O Little Town of Bethlehem " is available on our "Laudemus cum armonia" CD.

CD SPOTLIGHT -- I Saw a Swete Semly Syght -- Well-loved Christmas carols

2011-12-10T11:54:00.004-05:00

Our second CD, "I saw a swete semly syght" (pronounced EE SAW A SWAY-TUH SAME-LEE SEEKT ) was recorded February, 2000 at St. Columba church -- here in Ottawa.

The title is in Old English and means " I saw a sweet and seemly sight". It is also the title track -- an original carol Pierre wrote in the summer of 1999. He went on to win First Place for this original composition in the Toronto Amadeus Choir's International Christmas Song Competition. The lovely carol premiered Dec. 5, 1999 at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts in Toronto ( now the Toronto Center for the Arts)and was broadcast nationally on CBC radio on Christmas day.

When the decision was made to record a second CD,"I saw a swete semly syght" seemed a perfect choice for the title track and started a trend. Each of our Christmas CDs to date are titled for one of Pierre's original carols.

Back cover of I saw a swete semly syght with list of Carols

Known as the "Purple CD" or just "I Saw" to choir members, sales were so good that we had to do a second pressing. Various theories abound, but I think it's the list of carols represented. There are so many old favourites on this CD, that if people buy only one CD, they often choose "I Saw."

Inside cover fold I credits for "I saw a swete semly syght" CD

"I saw a swete semly syght" -- Song credits

Includes translations for songs on "I saw a swete semly syght" CD

A few songs from "I saw a swete semly syght" CD performed live in concert by The Stairwell Carollers

Ottawa Citizen article -- "Carollers to donate $2,000 to Harmony House"

2011-12-10T10:11:00.001-05:00

From our first rehearsal -- Carols in September

The Ottawa Citizen has finally recognized that we are a force for good. Thanks guys!
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I have to point out that this year is unusual, in that we would normally give up to three $2000 gifts. We are saving up to record our first Sacred CD in the new year, which would then raise money from and spread the joy of our music to an even wider audience.

Christmas Carol Concerts this weekend in Gatineau and Ottawa

2011-12-09T12:22:00.000-05:00

The Stairwell Carollers at the National Gallery, Ottawa, 2009

December 9
Église St. Alexandre 1 chemin des Érables,Gatineau, QC , 7:30pm.

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December 10
Woodroffe United Church 207 Woodroffe Avenue , Ottawa, (ON), 7:30pm.

December 11 -- NOTE -- This concert is only 1 hour in length
National Gallery of Canada, 380 Sussex Dr Ottawa, 3pm, in the Great Hall

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Stairwell Caroling in the Byward Market

2011-12-07T19:39:00.002-05:00

New Stairwellers, Adam, Felicia and Nikki get into caroling

Caroling is what we do. Our name is the Stairwell Carollers, but it's been years since we caroled in a stairwell or on the street or in a bus -- 2007 to be exact.

Caroling in the Ottawa U residence stairwell for the choirs 30th anniversary

Time was, back in the day, when Christmas season came around, the Stairwell Carollers would have over twenty appearances around town -- caroling. Not so much anymore, since we do big Carol concerts..

This caroling included a couple of free concerts that we'd give, when asked by a local church or community center. They would advertise, sell tickets and keep the proceeds to use for their own benevolent purposes. Now, we are hired out by similar groups, and both of our charitable efforts are funded that way.

Caroling in Riverside Hospital

We've organized ourselves to the point where caroling seemed too random -- and certainly makes no money.

But wait! When we began, back in 1977, Pete said all he wanted to do was "bring the spirit of Christmas to everyone." That "everyone", to me, means people who DON'T go to choir concerts.

Serendipitous chance decided this year that we would stroll back to the sweet roots of our group and walk out into the randomness that is street caroling. That chance was a cancelled concert booking. I don't remember who jumped on the idea of caroling down in the Byward Market, Saturday, Dec 3rd, but I was all over it like White on Frosty.

I was kind of hoping we'd be arrested.

Well, not really, but risk is part of the fun -- you never know how people will take you. I mean... some people don't even like Christmas -- and here we are, twenty-five wild and crazy people, singing at the top of their lungs -- in red and green cloaks -- walking from Sparks street to Rideau and then down into the Byward Market.

Happy to say, we saw it all:

Paul brought his flag!

Our chance to stroll downtown Ottawa in full Christmassy regalia (and with a Santa flag) singing till our throats hurt...

The guy clapping his hands and waving and hooting from his car to us as we strolled past the Cenotaph..

Discovering the acoustics in the "old train station" center of the Market..

The girl who listened to Stille Nacht and buried her face in her boyfriends shirt as the tears started falling...

The gorgeous gaggle of beautiful people who stood by their fancy cars, thrilled when we stopped to sing Carol of the Bells just for them...

We sing for celebrities??

Realizing that we could sing on the third level of the Rideau center and be heard all the way down to the first, where the Salvation army girl rang her bell in time with the songs...

Outside in the Market, the little old man, well in his cups, who danced and conducted us through Iesous Ahatonnia...

The distinguished older gentleman with a tear in his eye, who pressed a twenty into Pete's hand exclaiming "this isn't enough -- nothing could be enough." ...

Carolers on the escalator at the Rideau center

Being tracked down by a CTV cameraman who did some impromptu filming of our singing!

Quite thrilling to be followed by a cameraman in the middle of Byward Market!

The busker who followed us, accompanying our voices with his flute....

And all the other lovely people who listened, requested songs, cheered and clapped as we gave them an unexpected Christmas gift -- for nothing.

What am I saying -- we were the ones who got the gift. It was an amazing day! NOW PRESS PLAY

Finally, we all crowded into the entrance of the Keg, sang one last song (really for us) and said our goodbyes till the next rehearsal. A group of us stayed for supper. Which we didn't sing for :)

Oh, and Ryan's binder was squashed flat by a car on Rideau street. Luckily, Ryan was not there when it happened.

O Tannenbaum - arr: John Rutter -- The Stairwell Carollers, 30th Anniversary Concert

2011-12-04T12:54:00.000-05:00

"O Tannenbaum" performed by The Stairwell Carollers on Dec 15, 2007 at their "30 Years of Song" concert. The Stairwell Carollers are an a cappella Ottawa choir, formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie. A non-profit organization, they raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.

Buy our CDs!!! This version of "O Tannenbaum" is available on our "Qui creavit celum" CD.

Christe, Redemptor omnium - Pierre Massie -- The Stairwell Carollers, 30th Anniversary Concert

2011-12-03T21:54:00.000-05:00

"Christe, Redemptor omnium" performed by The Stairwell Carollers on Dec 15, 2007 at their "30 Years of Song" concert. The Stairwell Carollers are an a cappella Ottawa choir, formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie. A non-profit organization, they raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.

Buy our CDs!!!
This version of "Christe, Redemptor omnium " is available on our "Laudemus cum armonia" CD.

We are carolling in the Byward Market starting at 3:00 pm TODAY :)

2011-12-03T10:46:00.000-05:00

Talk about spontaneous and unrehearsed (well, we are rehearsed)

I haven't been strolling and caroling for YEARS!

So looking forward to it -- see you there I hope!

2011 Christmas Carol Concert season starts TONIGHT at St. Barnabas, Ottawa

2011-12-02T12:49:00.000-05:00

St. Barnabas, Ottawa On.

Tonight we sing our first Christmas concert of the 2011 season.

St. Barnabas on James Street -- downtown Ottawa has a lively concert series of their own, but has engaged us to do a special concert just for them. A thrilling start to the season, since the sound at St.Barnabas is etherial and full of mysterious echo and reverb. I don't understand the science of sound, but Jay Fee, our sound engineer for virtually all our CDs thus far, came to the rehearsal to test the sound quality for our next recording-- our first Sacred CD -- to be produced in the new year.

Here's a little slideshow of our dress rehearsal for tonight's concert.

Stained Glass windows, St. Paul's Anglican Church, Shawville, Quebec

2011-11-27T23:53:00.001-05:00

Stained glass wind at a church in Shawville, St. Paul's Anglican

Hope you enjoyed my photos.

Travellers three - Pierre Massie -- The Stairwell Carollers, 30th Anniversary Concert

2011-11-27T18:23:00.000-05:00

"Travellers three", an original composition by Pierre Massie -- all rights reserved -- performed by The Stairwell Carollers on Dec 15, 2007 at their "30 Years of Song" concert. The Stairwell Carollers are an a cappella Ottawa choir, formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie. A non-profit organization, they raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.

Buy our CDs!!! This version of "Travellers three" is available on our "Laudemus cum armonia" CD.

Good King Wenceslaus - arr: Parker, Shaw -- The Stairwell Carollers, 30th Anniversary Concert

2011-11-26T11:39:00.000-05:00

"Good King Wenceslaus" performed by The Stairwell Carollers on Dec 15, 2007 at their "30 Years of Song" concert. The Stairwell Carollers are an a cappella Ottawa choir, formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie. A non-profit organization, they raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.

Buy our CDs!!! This version of "Good King Wenceslaus" is available on our "I saw a swete semly syght" CD.

CD SPOTLIGHT -- Qui Creavit Celum -- The First Stairwell Caroller CD

2011-11-22T23:11:00.005-05:00

In May, 1997, we recorded our first CD, a Christmas Carol collection, named for Pierre's original lullaby-like Christmas carol, Qui creavit celum.

It became the title track which started a tradition -- each of our Christmas CDs to date have an original carol by Pierre as the title track. It has 27 Christmas carols -- some familiar, some not so common, but all beautiful and a joy to sing. I listen to that CD, mixed in with other Christmas music and invariably ask Pete. "Is that us?"

At that moment, for a second, I can appreciate our music as the audience must -- as if I had no part in creating it.

original "proof" of Qui creavit celum back cover

Katrina in 1993

Our first CD recording was a bittersweet accomplishment, since it was to be the last time one of my best friends, and fellow Alto, Katrina Fowler, would lift her angelic voice in song.

She was in a great deal of discomfort during the recording sessions, but soldiered on -- it was so important to her to get this one last thing done. To get it on record for all time.Barely one month after we finished the recording, Katrina would succumb to her breast cancer. She had battled it for two years from the onset, so her struggle was a short but brave one.

We dedicated Qui creavit celum to her memory, and a portion of the proceeds went to breast cancer research.

Liner Notes for CD

Details of each carol on the inner booklet

UPDATE -- OCDSB Arts recognition award to Pete Massie

2011-11-21T22:41:00.001-05:00

Pierre Massie OCDSB Arts Integration Award 2010-2011

Pierre waiting for the event to begin

We went to the Gala at the OCDSB board office and I think Pete was a bit nervous.

Pete was thrilled to see so many friends and colleagues in attendance

It was all very grand. The place was packed with well-wishers for all the award-winners and my face got sore from smiling. Fellow carollers, friends and colleagues were there to share in Pete's big night and he was surprised how many came. He is at heart a big softie and truly a modest person. His former principal, Pat Kulka was the one who nominated him for the award without his knowledge and kept it secret till she knew he had won.

Afterwards there was an abundant spread of munchies and enough Bridgehead coffee to satisfy the excited but exhausted gaggle of educators.

A lovely night in all -- Thanks Pat -- and of course the OCDSB.

Official OCDSB Awards announcement
Why Pete got this award.

Qui creavit celum by Pierre Massie -- The Stairwell Carollers, video from their 30th Anniversary Concert

2011-11-19T15:37:00.002-05:00

Wreath designed by Judy McCallum

"Qui creavit celum" performed by The Stairwell Carollers on Dec 15, 2007 at their "30 Year of Song" concert. This concert celebrated the 30th anniversary for the group.

The Stairwell Carollers are an a cappella Ottawa choir, formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie. A non-profit organization, they raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.

Buy our CDs!!! This version of "Qui creavit celum", written by the director of the Stairwell Carollers, Pierre Massie, is available on our "Qui creavit celum" CD.

Away in a Manger - arr: John Rutter-- The Stairwell Carollers, 30th Anniversary Concert

2011-11-12T13:23:00.003-05:00

setting up the risers at St. Charles church, Vanier

"Away in a Manger", arrangement by John Rutter and performed by The Stairwell Carollers on Dec 15, 2007 at their "30 Years of Song" concert. The Stairwell Carollers are an a cappella Ottawa choir, formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie. A non-profit organization, they raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.

Buy our CDs!!! This version of "Away in a Manger" is available on our "Mourning Dove" CD.

Stay updated! Grab the Stairwell Carollers Choir Blog Widget for your site or FB -- share us!

2011-11-12T13:05:00.000-05:00

Pete teaching the choir about finding our notes

Here's an easy way to stay updated on our blog.

The Stairwell Carollers Choir Blog widget can be installed on any page where you can install code or html. It can also be shared to Facebook or many other platforms.

Please grab it and share it around to help us find our audience!

Just click "GET WIDGET" or copy and paste the code below where you would place code or html on your site:)

"A Pittance of Time"-- Written and Performed by Terry Kelly

2011-11-11T17:48:00.000-05:00

for Remembrance and in tribute to the fallen

This video and the story of why he wrote this song is so moving. Visit Terry Youtube site for the full story.

Ding Dong Merrily on High - arr: Charles Wood -- The Stairwell Carollers, 30th Anniversary Concert

2011-11-07T15:00:00.001-05:00

Detail of the Reliquary (where the communion wafers and vessels are kept) -- St. Charles church in Vanier

"Ding Dong Merrily on High" performed by The Stairwell Carollers on Dec 15, 2007 at their "30 Year of Song" concert.

The Stairwell Carollers are an a cappella Ottawa choir, formed in 1977 by director Pierre Massie. A non-profit organization, they raise funds for local charities through concert, CD and cookbook sales.

Buy our CDs!!! This version of "Ding Dong Merrily on High" is available on our "Qui creavit celum" CD.

DA CAPO -- Joel Haslam and Regional Contact, CJOH TV - The first show

2011-11-06T12:18:00.001-05:00

Pete, Dawn, Louise, Holly, Katrina, Margo, Marjorie, John and Bob -- the Stairwell Carollers, Xmas, 1990

Way back in 1990, when human beings were still manning all the cameras at CJOH and show guests had a dressing room and a makeup artist, Joel Haslam decided to do a segment on us for his own show about local talent in the Ottawa Valley, Regional Contact .

Joel has a plan, Pete looks on

We went on, in later years, appearing many times on Regional Contact (as well as on other TV specials and spots) but our relationship with "Regional" became more special than we ever could imagine.

The first time we met Joel, he, and his cameraman, followed us singing on Sparks street -- and onto an OC Transpo bus. Thank goodness he didn't use the recording done on the bus, since the bumpy ride gave us a challenge to even stay in tune! Then, on Parliament Hill, we stood in a wet, sleety, snowfall singing for the mounties. They seemed to appreciate our efforts to cheer them and we appreciated the cozy fire barrels set up for the public -- and the free hot chocolate. Even then we were jokingly calling ourselves the "Eatwell Carollers". We started the episode on the grand staircase at the Chateau Laurier and finished in the CJOH studios.

The Stairwell Carollers, CJOH studios 1990 for Regional Contact

All recordings were done live.For those of you who don't know, a 7 minute segment on Regional Contact took hours to shoot, and Joel hung out with us for most of the day.

Joel and Pete discussing carols

You may notice how tiny the group was. At only nine members, we had not yet considered going into any competitions or recording CDs. We had however, a cassette for carols released in and CFMO produced a recording on vinyl in 1985 that raised thousands for Ronald McDonald House, so our mandate of raising funds for local charity was already set.

Waiting for them to set up the cameras at the Chateau, Joel chimed in with us on a verse of one of the carols. Pete remarked that he thought Joel had a great tenor voice and asked if he wanted to join the group. Joel grinned and asked Pete if he was serious, Pete said of course, I never joke about music -- and, with that, Joel joined our merry band.

The crew was a lot of fun

Luckily, we had saved a copy of our episode, since The CJOH newsroom and many of the archives were destroyed in the fire that engulfed the CJOH headquarters on Merivale road in 2010. It is embedded here for you to view. Please excuse the lack of quality as it was transferred from an old VHS tape.

Joel, Dawn, Bob, Margo and Louise

Joel stayed with the choir for two years, only quitting when the birth of twins and increasing responsibilities with Regional got too weighty for him to juggle. He asked that we keep his involvement low key, and did not appear in many of the TV spots we did on all the local stations.

Joel is a truly humble and sweet person. When you watch Regional Contact -- he is that guy you see. Funny, friendly, warm, serious and silly -- his contribution to the choir was so much more than his sweet tenor tones.

Next time -- our second Regional Contact spot, in 1993, puts us in period costumes at the Billings Estate!

Stained Glass windows at Cathédrale Saint-Joseph, 245 Blvd Saint-Joseph, Gatineau

2011-10-30T12:32:00.001-04:00

Stained Glass window, Cathédrale Saint-Joseph, 245 Blvd Saint-Joseph, Gatineau

Over the years, I have photographed the gorgeous stained glass windows in all the lovely churches we have sung in. This first post is for Cathédrale Saint-Joseph, 245 Blvd Saint-Joseph in Gatineau. We sang Mass there and it was heavenly!

Stained Glass window, Cathédrale Saint-Joseph, 245 Blvd Saint-Joseph, Gatineau

Stained Glass window, Cathédrale Saint-Joseph, 245 Blvd Saint-Joseph, Gatineau

Cathédrale Saint-Joseph, 245 Blvd Saint-Joseph, Gatineau

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

2011-10-25T14:43:00.001-04:00

The Stairwell Carollers -- Pretty in Pink

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

Sigh.

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

Sigh of relief:)

The Stairwell Carollers in All Black

BACK IN BLACK

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

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

In All Black at the Rideau Chapel in the National Gallery

BLACK RULES!

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

Men:
collared shirt , long sleeves

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

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

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

The Stairwell Carollers Spring 2011 Group Photo in All Black

NO PRUDES HERE

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

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

Well, dear readers, this brings me to the end of the CHOIR HOW-TO -- COSTUME series for the blog.
If you need help with costume decisions for your choir, I'm only a comment or email away and I'd love to help you.
Holly M

Podcast #6 Vocal Warmup 1 — Vowels and mouth positioning

2011-10-23T13:54:00.001-04:00

Warmups

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Our director, Pierre, leads the choir in a warmup to practice proper mouth positioning for vowels. French vowels are included. This podcast can be used to improve your own mouth positioning for singing vowels and as a good general vocal warmup.

Allons au vert bocage -- Guillaume Costeley - The Stairwell Carollers, Ottawa

2011-10-22T15:39:00.001-04:00

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform the madrigal "Allons au vert bocage" by Guillaume Costeley (1530 -- 1606, a French composer of the Renaissance.

Audio: Tom Barnes. Recorded at St. Barnabas Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 18th, 2011.
Stills: Holly Massie
Videographer: Zoe Hart.
Editing: Pierre Massie

Welcome New Stairwellers! Our choir complement for Christmas 2011

2011-10-16T11:48:00.003-04:00

Pete directs the warmup

A big welcome to our four new members.

Official Stairwellers all!

Martha

Nikki

Adam

Felicia

Soprano 1

Diana, Nicole, Denyse, Maggie

Soprano 2

Ann, Felicia, Andrea

Alto 1

Jan, Diane, Holly, Martha

Alto 2

Nicole, Kelly, Helen, Susan

Tenor 1

Ryan (sometimes may be Tenor 2), Aditi, Morgan, Pete Massie

Tenor 2

Paul, Martin, David

Bass 1

Keith, Bill, Adam, Rex (sometime Bass 2)

Bass 2
John, René

First rehearsal with the new choir members

A New Name, Easier Navigation, a Testimonials Page and more!

2011-10-16T11:20:00.001-04:00

I want to tell the world about our new Look!

NEW BLOG NAME
The Stairwell Carollers Song Blog is now The Stairwell Carollers Choir Blog. Why? It makes more sense for search engines and individuals to find us. Say you search "choirs in Ottawa" -- now we have a better chance of being found with the keyword "choir" in our name.

NEW STAND-ALONE PAGES
New Pages such as a Testimonials Page, Contact Page and About Us Page make important information about our choir easier to find. Pages enable direct links to our CDs at our Support Us Page, concert listings and even an opportunity to advertise in our Playbill for the upcoming Christmas season..

The YouTube Page has an embedded link to the Stairwell Carollers official YouTube channel.

Finally, a new Page I've dubbed "Hear here! Ottawa" collects local Ottawa/Gatineau online classical musician and concert resources.

ONE-CLICK NAVIGATION
Every one of these important topics are now instantly accessible with one click. Please comment and tell us what you think of our new look!

Holly :)

Gloria in excelsis -- Claude Goudimel - The Stairwell Carollers, Ottawa.

2011-10-09T11:48:00.000-04:00

Stained glass window at St. Joseph's in Gatineau

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform "Gloria in excelsis" by Claude Goudimel (b 1514-20, - d 1572), a French composer, music editor and publisher, and music theorist of the Renaissance.

Audio: Tom Barnes. Recorded at St. Barnabas Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 18th, 2011.
Stills: Holly Massie
Videographer: Zoe Hart.
Editing: Pierre Massie

Au joly bois by Claudin de Sermisy - The Stairwell Carollers, Ottawa

2011-10-01T12:30:00.001-04:00

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform the madrigal, "Au joly bois" by Claudin de Sermisy (1490 -- 1562) a French composer of the Renaissance.

Audio: Tom Barnes. Recorded at St. Barnabas Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 18th, 2011.
Stills: Holly Massie
Videographer: Zoe Hart.
Editing: Pierre Massie

* French text

Au joly boys, en l`ombre d`ung soucy,

M`y fault aller pour passer ma tristesse,

Remply de dueil d`ung souvenir transy,

Menger m`y fault maintes poires d`angoisse,

En ung jardin remply de noires flours

De mes deux yeulx feray larmes et plours.

Fy de lyesse et hardiesse! Regret m`oppresse,

Puis que j`ay perdu mes amours.

Las! trop j`endure, Le temps m`y dure, Je vous asseure:

Soulas, vous n`avez plus de cours!

* English translation

I have to go to the pretty wood

and spend my grief in the shadow of worry

Filled with mourning for a penetrating memory

I must eat such bitter fruit

In a garden filled with black flowers

I shall weep and sob from my two eyes

So much for jollity and bold adventures, I am oppressed with regret

Because I have lost my love

Alas I endure too much, time hangs heavy on me, I tell you for sure:

Joy and solace are no more.

*FRENCH TEXT AND ENGLISH TRANSLATION FROM CPL.ORG WITH THANKS

Pierre Massie wins prestigious Ottawa-Carleton District School Board "Arts Recognition Award"

2011-09-24T13:08:00.002-04:00

Pete with his Glebe Offbeat group at Winterlude 2010

Exciting News!

The director and founder of the Stairwell Carollers, Pierre Massie, has been chosen as the recipient of the OCDSB (Ottawa-Carleton District School Board) Arts Recognition Award for Secondary Integrated Arts for 2010-2011.

An excerpt of the email Mr. Jim Mcnabb, chair of the Awards Committee, sent Pete the other day informing him of his win is below.

Dear Pierre Massie.

It is with great pleasure that the Advisory Committee on the Arts of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board announces that you are the recipient of the Arts Recognition Award for Secondary Integrated Arts for 2010-2011. Your nomination from Principal Pat Kulka was assessed in relation to other applications and was deemed by the Committee to be very worthy of this award. Your enthusiasm and long hours of hard work as the Arts Department Head and a Music teacher inspiring your students and your fellow Arts teachers have been outstanding for years. Your mentorship of the strong Visual Arts and Drama programmes, along with your wonderful instruction in the Music Department which creates the highly appreciated Music Nights, inspires all those around you at Glebe Collegiate Institute. Most remarkable is your unique OFFBEAT group which integrates a variety of arts to produce an amazing rhythm ensemble. Your passion for the arts has enriched all your students immeasurably. Please accept our heartiest congratulations.

Sincerely,

Jim McNabb, Chair, Awards Committee ACA

Michael Wilson, Judy Kirsh, Co-Chairs, Advisory Committee on the Arts

Cc Pat Kulka, Principal, Glebe Collegiate Institute

Greg Wysynski, Instructional Coach: The Arts, OCDSB

Congratulations from all the Stairwell Carollers Pete, on this achievement. You've worked long and hard to earn the recognition it represents.

Le chant des oyseaux -- Clément Janequin - The Stairwell Carollers, Ottawa.

2011-09-20T13:49:00.002-04:00

Purple Martin -- spring 2011, Gillies Lake boardwalk, Timmins, On

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform "Le chant des oyseaux" by Clément Janequin (c. 1485 -- 1558) a French composer of the Renaissance. He was one of the most famous composers of popular chansons of the entire Renaissance.

Audio: Tom Barnes. Recorded at St. Barnabas Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 18th, 2011.
Stills: Holly Massie
Videographer: Zoe Hart.
Editing: Pierre Massie

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Place your Ad in our 2011 concert playbill - all season for one price. Book for 2012 now .

2011-09-17T14:55:00.010-04:00

Sponsorship opportunity for corporations and small business owners.

It's that time again for companies to reserve their ads in the Stairwell Carollers concert playbill. Any company or organization, anyone wanting to promote an event or celebration, is more than welcome to buy space in the concert booklet.

UPDATE: 2011 offer now closed -- pre-book your ad for 2012 NOW.

Many of the ads we have had in the past were local Beechwood area businesses, but any business in the city could benefit from placing an ad. We perform in a variety of locations throughout Ottawa and we use the same playbill for all our concerts, so any business that does put in an ad will have it viewed by attendees at every performance location.

At left is our new 2011 Xmas season Playbill cover. The cover is printed in colour on glossy stock and the interior is printed in black and white.
The size is 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" (folded 8 1/2"x 11").
Ads are mixed through the playbill with the concert info to encourage a good view of our sponsors ads.

Ad Prices

Business Card ad = $100

Half-page ad = $150

Full-page ad = $250
Example Page

Last year's ads

Campbell Douglas Keyboards - 1547 Merivale Road

Clocktower Pub, 575 Bank Street

CD warehouse

Books on Beechwood

Christopher Wheeler Heating & Cooling

Great Books Great Gifts Ottawa U Book Store

Lester's Barber Shop - 13 Beechwood

Fraser Café - 7 Springfields at Beechwood

New Edinburgh Pub

Hampton Wellness Centre - 1419 Carling

Charitable Contribution

If you would like to make a tax deductible contribution to the choir in someones memory, or have a Christmas message placed, you can either supply your own artwork which we will scan or we can do it for you. Please describe the look you would like (font, type of clip art) as best you can, with the proper wording for your message, and Holly will design it accordingly.

We have room to double the number of ads in our booklet this year.

Please contact us at info@stairwellcaroller.com to book your ad

Sept 2011 issue of CAMMAC Ottawa-Gatineau newsletter is out

2011-09-13T13:59:00.004-04:00

The Stairwell Carollers 2011 group photo

For all us Canadian amateur musicians out there, the CAMMAC (Canadian Amateur Musicians/Musiciens Amateur du Canada) Ottawa-Gatineau newsletter has just come out.

Through the magic of embedded webpage code, I have included it below. Since it is a multi-page pdf, you may have to wait a moment for it to download. Be patient -- it will appear -- like magic!
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Missa secunda, Hans Leo Hassler -- performed by The Stairwell Carollers, Ottawa

2011-09-11T13:21:00.001-04:00

Side aisle detail in St. Barnabas Anglican church, Ottawa

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform "Missa secunda" by Hans Leo Hassler (1564 - 1612), a German composer and organist of the late Renaissance and early Baroque eras.

Audio: Tom Barnes. Recorded at St. Barnabas Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 18th, 2011.
Stills: Holly Massie
Videographer: Zoe Hart.
Editing: Pierre Massie

Ave Maris Stella - Claudio Monteverdi - The Stairwell Carollers, Ottawa.

2011-09-10T12:20:00.001-04:00

St. Barnabas Anglican church, Ottawa

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform "Ave Maris Stella" by Claudio Giovanni Antonio Monteverdi (1567 - 1643) an Italian composer, gambist (a player of the viola da gamba), and singer.

Audio: Tom Barnes. Recorded at St. Barnabas Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 18th, 2011.
Videographer : Zoe Hart.

Miserere -- Antonio Lotti - by The Stairwell Carollers, Ottawa.

2011-09-04T10:44:00.001-04:00

St Barnabas -- gorgeous pews and arches

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform "Miserere" composed by Antonio Lotti (ca. 1667 - 5 January 1740), an Italian composer of the Renaissance. Camera: Zoe Hart. Audio: Tom Barnes. Recorded at St. Barnabas Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 18th, 2011.

CHOIR HOW-TO -- Costume -- Part Five: Cloaks are all the Vogue

2011-09-02T10:26:00.002-04:00

Caroling in capes in the Byward Market, 1997

One sunny Saturday afternoon in December, 1997, we were booked to carol while strolling through the Byward Market (here in downtown Ottawa.) The market administration supplied one-size fits all fleece capes (deep grey-green with attached red scarves) for us to wear, in keeping with their Caroling in the Market theme. The whole choir loved them because they were cozy, festive and surprisingly clean (Holly, the clean freak, always appreciates clean costumes.)

Being a natural ripoff artist, and knowing many of the choir members were fed up with the tuxedos, I searched pattern books for the same look.

Wouldn't you know, Vogue had the perfect pattern.

The Vogue pattern -- no longer available -- naturally, I still have it

SIZING UP THE CHOIR

Since I was sewing them myself, I wanted them to "fit" the current members of the choir. I took arm length measurements and measurements from the neck to the back of the knees. Some cloaks had to be shorter in length or arms, some longer.With these adjustments, the women's cloaks were made according to the original pattern. For the men, I added a back center panel . This fulfilled the need for necessary extra shoulder width and arm length without compromising the overall shape of the cloak. Once again, my experience with costume held up -- I am comfortable adapting and even combining patterns if necessary to get the look I want.

Now I had the tools to judge how much fabric to buy.

CHOOSING FABRIC -- WHY FLEECE?

Running down to my favourite fabric stores, Bouclair (now defunct) and Fabricland, I searched through the materials looking for the right weight and drape. Working with costumes in theater taught me that any costume has to look right under lights and must move the way you want. I had the winter cape image in my mind and finally settled on fleece. Available in almost any colour (since it was all the rage in 1998) I found the perfect Christmas green and red.

Fleece yet to become choir Cloaks

I wish I had a photo of my ancient Honda Civic filled above the headrests with fleece. I needed a whole bolt of green and about eight meters of red. It was a challenge to drive it home, since Pete had fleece filling his rear-view mirror, I navigated.

THE DEVIL'S IN THE DETAILS

Red buttons -- a challenge to get enough of all the same button. I fear I will never find the exact button again if I need replacements!

Matching thread -- So important! Buy the BEST quality you can afford and match it to the fabric exactly in natural light right there in the store.

Red acrylic Yarn --Easy care is important if you want to add details. You don't want the item to come out of the wash with dye running or material shrinkage!

CUTTING THE FLEECE

I laid the fleece out on the dining-room table to cut, and found I could do no more than two layers at a time due to the thickness of the fleece. Luckily the paper pattern stayed put and I had no need to pin it, avoiding damage to the delicate tissue pattern. After all, I had to make over twenty-five cloaks . (am I nuts, or what?)

SEWING IT UP

Fleece doesn't need to be hemmed, but, to strengthen the edges, I did a single line of stitches 1/3 of an inch all round -- on the scarves too.

ALMOST DONE - JUST...

A bright red button on both sides holds the cloak halves together without inhibiting the drape of the fabric.

Cloak button -- and edge stitch

I LOVE Vogue design!

The cloaks are not "slimming", so I decided to do a large blanket stitch by hand down the front edge of each cloak with a matching red acrylic yarn to create some vertical interest. The result seemed to "finish" the look nicely.

hand-lettered Stairwell Carollers on attached scarf of choir cloak

I finished the scarves with a hand-written "Stairwell Caroller" logo on each using liquid writer gel. I designed a sample and then worked each one referring to the sample. A bit nerve-wracking, considering this was the finishing touch to each cloak and if I messed up, I would have to replace the whole scarf.

I also used the writing gel to scribe each person's name in their cloak for convenience. Now that so many people have come and gone, the names are assigned to new people according to fit. One of those choir members has since passed on -- and his name is in a way memorialized in the cloak.

No, I didn't mess up. On the scarves anyway. I can't tell you how many times I had to pick pattern pieces apart because I sewed them together backwards or upside down! Assembly line production can be hypnotizing at times and Pete had to literally drag me away from the machine for meals when I really got going.

By the way...

Don't let anyone tell you that you need a fancy sewing machine to do make beautiful items.

Best sewing machine on the planet -- the 221 Singer Featherweight

I used my old Singer 221 Featherweight electric for everything. I acquired this machine from a secondhand store while at Ottawa University and Pete has helped me keep it working ever since. I have sewn wedding dresses (my own and Dawn's,) and all the bridesmaid dresses for both weddings. I've sewn costumes, promotional flags, you name it, but those are other stories... for a different Blog :) That I haven't created... yet. (Collective sigh of relief)

In the end, I had enough fabric left to make some children's cloaks for a special concert. Yes, I also made a few extra adult cloaks before running out of fabric. I cross my fingers every season that I will get all cloaks back in one piece -- so far -- so good. This post better not jinx it.

WRAPPING IT UP...

The choir cloaks -- or as David Rain calls them , our "Cloaking Devices" have turned out to be both comfortable and versatile. Onstage, most of us wear a light weight shirt underneath and, since churches tend to be on the cold side, most of the singers find them cozy but not too warm. For an outdoor venue, such as Sparks street, the cloaks are perfect, protecting our throats -- important when singing out in the cold air!

Thirteen! years later, the cloaks still look new, and even with machine washing and drying at the end of each Christmas season.

The Cloaks at nine years -- still looking great

Next -- Back in Black!

Amor Vittorioso - an Italian Madrigal -- Giovanni Giacomo Gastoldi -- sung by The Stairwell Carollers, Ottawa.

2011-08-31T13:25:00.001-04:00

Bleeding heart and bee from our backyard

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform "Amor Vittorioso"by Giovanni Giacomo Gastoldi (1554 -- 1609), an Italian composer of the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods.

Recorded at St. Barnabas Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 18th, 2011.

Audio: Tom Barnes.
Videographer: Zoe Hart.

Medici.tv -- LIVE Classical concert streaming broadcast

2011-08-29T16:20:00.003-04:00

This is a very cool website I ran across. They broadcast LIVE Classical concerts in real time. There is a subscription fee, but for REAL lovers of classical music this looks like the best access online.

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You may need to refresh the page if it flips to their subscription window.

Adoramus te - Palestrina - Sacred music performance by The Stairwell Carollers, Ottawa.

2011-08-27T13:54:00.001-04:00

Stairwell Carollers 2011 Christmas Carol Concerts -- Gatineau and Ottawa

2011-08-23T23:56:00.003-04:00

Stairwell Carollers in concert at St. Columba, Ottawa

Here it is -- Live from our official concert listing page. The Stairwell Carollers 2011 Christmas Concert Season.

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The Associated Press: Facebook's spam program catches activists

2011-08-22T15:37:00.006-04:00

Stairwell Carollers (we are not spammers) Rank First Place in Ontario (we are human beings)

I've included two articles here. Thanks go to Brian Fisher for finding this :)

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We're in good company -- I've been getting the same message while I was just casually promoting the choir on Facebook I'm waiting for my apology and fear it may take a while.

Oddly, I am only occasionally blocked from posting to a wall. It's like the algorithm that has fingered us as "spammy" can't quite decide...
Perhaps there is hope yet.

Deo Gratias by William Byrd -- Sacred Renaissance Music -- The Stairwell Carollers, Ottawa.

2011-08-20T15:37:00.003-04:00

Ah Robin, Gentle Robin by William Cornysh -- sung by The Stairwell Carollers

2011-08-20T11:01:00.003-04:00

CHOIR HOW-TO -- Costume -- Part Four: Period Wear -- Medieval/Renaissance to Victorian Era

2011-08-18T12:12:00.008-04:00

Pierre and Holly at Rideau Hall, 1901 -- uh, I mean, 2001

Who doesn't love to dress up? Lots of people, I guess. Luckily I jump at the chance to wear costume. At least I used to. When I was ... younger. Anyway, this post features one-shot costumes. All period pieces -- all for specific occasions.

Doing costume for theater productions at Ottawa U taught me some invaluable tips and shortcuts.

1. If it can't be seen it doesn't matter. Always have safety pins (for sudden costume malfunctions), petroleum jelly (for shining shoes, slicking hair etc) and duct tape (for hems and edges) on hand.

2. For Period costume -- I always teach my Drama students to look at the Silhouette of each period. The web page below from the National Arts Centre explains this better than I could here.
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3. Do some research! Here's the link for the above embedded page. They have tons of info -- and are master costumers.

4.Dig through available closets and jewellery boxes -- use your imagination before you spend money.

In Renaissance-inspired costume rented for a song from OLT From Left -- Pierre, Mike, Dawn, Me, Diane, Marjorie, Denyse, Donald and Simon

At Dow's lake for the Tulip Festival. Handmaiden to Queen Denyse

We were on Regional Contact so many times, and we usually wore our regular scarves and sweaters. But for one show, in 1993, we got to dress up in a range of outfits from Medieval to Victorian . Costumes again provided by Ottawa Little Theatre. The only difference was, I didn't have to drive down to OLT at King Edward Ave and Rideau Street to pick up the outfits myself. Joel Haslam had the costumes there, all ready for us to try, when we arrived at the Billings Estate to start filming.

In 2001 we were invited to sing at the Governor General's skating party at Rideau Hall. FUN! Costume fun, anyway...but that little bit of local gossip will have to wait. We're focusing on COSTUME here. Focus.

The men wore OLT's tail tuxedos and we girls raided our wardrobes, my schools costume cupboard and local thrift shops. I reminded the girls that "VICTORIAN" means COVERED from top of the head to the toes. Cinched waists, High necks, ruffles, bustles and gloves maintained the proper silhouette for the Victorian Era. "Good enough for Jazz", as my dad used to say.

Ready to sing for the Governor General's Skating Party at Rideau Hall, Ottawa

More details on former Governor General Adrian Clarkson and the Rideau Hall skating party gig in a future post.

NEXT... our now-famous Christmas CLOAKS become reality thanks to a wonderful Vogue pattern!

A Little Pretty Bonny Lass - John Farmer, sung by The Stairwell Carollers, Ottawa.

2011-08-13T17:59:00.003-04:00

View of the Merrickville Ruins, Merrickville, On

Honda - 'Choir' Advertisement

2011-08-13T10:36:00.004-04:00

I still love this and was reminded of it this morning. Enjoy!

It makes me think of Le Chant des Oyseaux because of all the bird sounds we emulate. Singing for this Honda ad must have been so much fun!

CHOIR HOW-TO -- Costume -- Part Three: Dressing the Choir, Girls in Tails

2011-08-07T23:49:00.003-04:00

On and into the late 90's, where we depended on the generosity of Ottawa Little Theatre, and Costume Mistress, Sue McKinley, for tailed tuxedos. Well-cared for, basically antique, tuxedos.We looked fabulous -- and very festive, as well as formal.

The Stairwell Carollers, 2000, year of the Tux

Another confession -- I always wanted to dress in "Tux 'n Tails", and these were authentic! Once a theater person, always a theater person.

I still own a tickle trunk.

The venture was inexpensive as well -- me and my shoe-string budget brain again.

$10 rental per tuxedo -- and we returned them to OLT unlaundered (they always handled costume cleaning)

$10 per red bow tie (purchased)

$20 per tux shirt -- I measured each singer and picked up the shirts at a local menswear store(they reimbursed me).

The Carollers supplied their own black shoes and socks/nylons -- and I was a bit more strict on the footwear to keep the formal and uniform look

Everyone was very good about the total cost per outfit and we wore the tuxes for 1997 Xmas and for the 1997 - 2001 Spring seasons. New members only had to buy the tux shirt -- and we made sure to choose a classic style that was still available from year to year.

We got so many complements! As I thought, many people liked the fact that the ladies wore the same suit as the men and how flattering they were.

However, some of the choir members were not as thrilled as I -- they squirmed under the tight collars, and perspired under the wool on stage. I've always believed one has to suffer for their art, but even I can't get my way forever, and we shifted to new ideas. Who said a change is a as good as a rest? I mourned the loss of our tuxes, but, unbeknownst to me, we were moving toward our costume destiny.

Next... Period costume takes the stage.

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

2011-08-02T14:44:00.004-04:00

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

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

STEERING COMMITTEE

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

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

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

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

We just show up.

Communication!

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

PROMOTION

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

A CD door prize results in names for our mailing list

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

Outside CD tray Proof for our Madrigal CD, Audite Nova

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

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


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

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

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

Maybe two million..

Exultate justi in Domino by Lodovico Grossi da Viadana - sung by The Stairwell Carollers, Ottawa.

2011-08-01T17:45:00.005-04:00

St. Charles Church, Ottawa

Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform "Exultate justi in Domino" by Lodovico Grossi da Viadana (1560 -- 1627). He was an Italian composer of the late Renaissance.

St-Charles Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 8th, 2001.

Jill Laforty retires from CBC radio

2011-07-26T09:42:00.001-04:00

Long-time supporter of The Stairwell Carollers, Jill Laforty retires from CBC radio.

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Jill has followed us for years and did a wonderful interview with us for our 30th anniversary in the stairwells at Ottawa U.

We will miss her. Hopefully we will see her as producer on her own projects in the near future.

CHOIR HOW-TO -- Costume -- Part Two: Dressing the Choir, Gowns or Gownless Evening Straps?

2011-07-24T23:53:00.001-04:00

Holly in costume at Rideau Hall, Feb 2001. My kind of choir gown.

I know what you're thinking -- costumes cost money. Who should pay for them? Simply, I was determined to do costumes for nothing, asking the choir members to contribute or supply as much as they could give personally.

Yes, this is not how many choirs do it. Often they raise funds to pay for costumes or trips to Constantinople. Without sounding judgmental, I think this is selfish. The kind of music we do (primarily Christmas and Sacred) represents the kind of citizens we are. We want to give rather than take, so, diatribe over, the money was not coming out of the choir coffers if I had any say.

From the get-go, I refused to wear a "choir gown". (And they are bloody expensive!) I insisted our choir was different -- we weren't affiliated with any specific church and I did not want us to appear to be of a particular denomination over any other. I was also young enough to think I'd look like some "old lady" in a choir gown -- I admit I had some preconceptions about traditional choir attire.

I persisted, the choir resisted.

And, for a while I did wear a...gown

A complete set donated to us by Keith's church choir -- they had upgraded and we benefited.
I grinned and wore it.
For a short time.
Only for Masses.
Funny that I have no photos of us in those gowns. Well, you can imagine, flowy dusty rose polyester. Go ahead imagine. Now go scrub the inside of your eyes with a toothbrush.

Don't get me wrong, I was thankful when the other choir donated the twenty or so robes to us -- at first it seemed to be the easy solution. But, after much whining from myself, (and I am SUCH a whiner) we settled on black and white for singing Mass and for the occasional Spring concert.. This was easy since individual singers supplied their own version of white shirt and black pants/long skirt.

Forced to be the bad guy -- I encouraged long sleeves, pressed seams, black socks and no running shoes.

Still, some insisted on black jeans (not black under lights!) Or snow boots -- or black Adidas.
Or white tennis shoes.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Next: The Penguin Carollers

Seeking Singers for their 7th CD Stairwell Carollers, Audition Notice

2011-07-24T20:05:00.004-04:00

July 24th, 2011

For Immediate Release

(Ottawa) – Do you get a rush up your spine when singing a cappella, without any instruments accompanying you? Does the thought of donating to charities, or giving scholarships to young musicians bring inspiration to your spirit? Are you perhaps a singer with a pure sound who has hesitated auditioning for choirs because you’re not the greatest at sight-singing?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Stairwell Carollers WANT YOU!

We are an award-winning 25-member choir from the Ottawa-Gatineau region whose mission is to create the highest level of pure, a cappella singing, while giving back to the community through our charitable works.

In 2010, we placed 1st in the Ontario Music Festivals Association choral competition and second in the national finals! We are a registered charity ourselves, have donated over $43,000 to twenty local charities and provided just under $10,000 in scholarships to eleven talented students going on for music studies at Canadian universities.

During our 2011-12 season, we’ll be recording our 7^th professionally-produced CD, and we’re looking for sopranos and basses to join us in this exciting project.

To arrange an audition, send an email to info@stairwellcarollers.com or phone (613) 746-2779. If you sing alto or tenor, please contact us too, as we may have auditions later in the year.

We rehearse at St. Columba Anglican Church, 24 Sandridge Rd. (Manor Park). For more information, or to hear excerpts from our 6 previous CDs, visit www.stairwellcarollers.com.

- 30 -

By David Rain, Tenor

CHOIR HOW-TO -- Costume -- Part ONE: Dressing the Choir -- what NOT to wear?

2011-07-20T14:14:00.002-04:00

I've always been stubborn and a know-it-all. I know it -- ask anyone who knows me. My Mom used to call me Doctor Holly -- but that's another story -- one you won't read here because it has nothing to do with the Stairwell Carollers.

So, early on I decided what the choir would NOT wear -- rather dictatorial in retrospect, but I was too vain for my own good and refused to be seen in anything decided by someone else. I did have an awareness of the importance of the whole group's appearance and the impression costume could make. I wanted us to have a "Look" -- but what kind of look was not clear to any of us yet. Looking back at some of my own personal clothing choices, perhaps I should have given up some control. LOL.

Holly choosing to wear pink stretch pants and a yellow sweater

But no one resisted, thus -- I became Costumier for the Stairwell Carollers.

It didn't hurt that I loved doing costume for my Ottawa U. Theatre courses. I guess the choir deferred to my expertise, such as it was.

Early on we had had a few discussions about what to wear that resulted in random Christmas colour sweaters with scarves. More from a lack of funds, since we were all starving students.

At the Rideau Centre -- still random with scarves-- and still jeans -- weirdly I'm in a dress -- well, it WAS red:)

We went all out a year or two later and added little bells as accents.

I liked this look -- the opposite scarves and sweaters clicked.

Then the fun began when I wanted us all to wear the SAME sweaters -- what a nightmare! Sizes, the right style -- no store had ENOUGH of one or the other.

We made a group decision that the choir members would buy them, but we would keep the sweater if they left the choir. This worked for a while -- till the sweaters got old and the group got bigger. We couldn't find the same sweaters, so, START AGAIN!

For a while we had these green sweaters I'd like to forget. Two years ago I finally cleaned out my basement and donated them to the Salvation army.

Next -- beyond sweaters...

May you sing like no one is listening

2011-07-20T10:19:00.002-04:00

Pete found this cutie on YouTube and emailed it to the choir with the subject line -- "we need to book this guy for an audition."

Jubilate Deo by Orlande de Lassus - The Stairwell Carollers, Ottawa.

2011-07-16T12:59:00.006-04:00

Stained Glass at St Charles church, Ottawa

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Ottawa choir, The Stairwell Carollers, perform "Jubilate Deo" by Orlande de Lassus (also Orlandus Lassus, Orlando di Lasso, Roland de Lassus, or Roland Delattre) (1532 -- 1594). He was a Franco-Flemish composer of the late Renaissance. St-Charles Church, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, June 8th, 2001.

Condolences to long-time Stairweller, Denyse, on the loss of her beloved sister, Madeleine

2011-07-14T16:24:00.001-04:00

We were very sad to hear that Denyse Mageau's sister, Madeleine Bellefeuille (née Mageau), was not well and sadly, yesterday she lost her battle to stay with us. The whole choir is thinking about you today, Denyse. We all love you.

Friends are invited to visit at the St.Laurent Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 1200 Ogilvie Road at Aviation Parkway on Saturday, July 16, 2011 from 2 p.m. until Service in the Chapel at 4 p.m.The full notice is here.

Podcast #5 "A Little" Spring concert rehearsal

2011-07-13T13:32:00.005-04:00

Pierre taking a break during rehearsal

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Podcast recorded at the dress rehearsal for our spring concert at St. Barnabas, June 18th 2011.

Our director fine tunes the chorus.

Rehearsing for St Barnabas concert

A Little Pretty Bonny Lass is a sprightly madrigal with tricky timing. Pierre's attention to detail -- rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!

This kid went through many great challenges

2011-07-10T23:47:00.002-04:00

Denyse sent this to me and I thought it was so wonderful, I would post it.
Think Susan Boyle, but in Korea -- don't worry there are subtitles.