Embedded Files
This page will serve as the central hub for rehearsal updates, reminders, schedule changes, and project announcements throughout the summer.
june 18, 2026 - rehearsal focus & reminders
june 18, 2026 - rehearsal focus & reminders
reminders
With performances quickly approaching, singers are encouraged to continue reviewing checkpoint recordings, rehearsal audio, and any passages that still feel uncertain. Consistent preparation outside of rehearsal will allow us to focus increasingly on musical expression, ensemble cohesion, and performance preparation.
rehearsal focus
Tonight's rehearsal will focus on refining musical details, strengthening ensemble confidence, and continuing to build stamina as we move closer to performance.
We will revisit and polish:
no. 30 — Meet Me Here
no. 12 — Fire of the Ancient Heart
no. 3 — We Tell Each Other Stories / I Am Open
no. 19 — The Fence (One Week Later)
no. 32 — All of Us
We will also hold brief sectionals:
TB Sectional
no. 14 — Stray Birds
no. 15 — We Are All Sons
no. 16 — I Am Like You
Primary focus areas will include:
phrasing and musical shape
text clarity and storytelling
vowel unification and ensemble blend
dynamic contrast and pacing
expressive singing with healthy vocal production
confidence and independence within the ensemble
looking ahead
Following our focused work, we will move into a start-and-stop run of larger sections of the oratorio. As we enter the final phase of preparation, our attention will increasingly shift toward performance stamina, dramatic intent, and light staging elements that support the storytelling of the work.
If you are unable to attend tonight's rehearsal, please review these movements and rehearsal materials before our next meeting.
june 12, 2026 — checkpoint recordings now available
june 12, 2026 — checkpoint recordings now available
Our first full run-through of Considering Matthew Shepard has now been uploaded to the website and organized by individual movement.
To access a recording, simply click on the title of the movement below. Each title will open the corresponding audio file.
These recordings provide an opportunity to hear how the work is coming together and to review specific moments outside of rehearsal. Whether you're revisiting a challenging entrance, reviewing a section you missed, or becoming more familiar with the larger arc of the work, we encourage you to spend time listening throughout the week.
Please note that these recordings represent a checkpoint in our rehearsal process—not a finished performance. Some featured solos and recitations had only recently been assigned prior to the rehearsal, and several roles were temporarily covered by other singers in order to facilitate the full run-through. As a result, some recordings may not reflect the final solo assignments listed elsewhere on the website.
Rather than focusing on individual performances, we encourage singers to use these recordings as a resource for learning notes, rhythms, pacing, transitions, and the overall dramatic arc of the work.
As we continue rehearsing, refining details, building stamina, and incorporating staging, these recordings will help us move forward together with greater confidence and musical understanding.
Thank you for all of the work you've put into this project so far. We're excited to continue bringing this powerful piece to life.
— Tim & Eduardo
june 11, 2026 - checkpoint rehearsal & full run
june 11, 2026 - checkpoint rehearsal & full run
reminders
Tonight's rehearsal will serve as our first full-work checkpoint as we prepare for the final weeks leading into performance.
Please take some time before rehearsal to review any movements, entrances, text, rhythms, or notes that still feel uncertain. Even a brief review can make a significant difference as we begin putting the entire work together.
rehearsal focus
Tonight we will be running the oratorio from beginning to end for the first time as a complete work.
Before the run, we will spend time touching up several movements and addressing areas that need additional clarity, balance, and confidence. Following these refinements, we will move directly into a full run of the piece.
This rehearsal will be recorded as a checkpoint. Following rehearsal, the recording will be divided into individual movement tracks and posted to the website as a resource for continued preparation and review.
looking ahead
As we move into the final phase of the rehearsal process, our focus will increasingly shift toward:
building vocal and mental stamina for a complete performance
strengthening transitions between movements
refining musical details and ensemble cohesion
developing the emotional arc of the work
incorporating light staging and performance elements
Thank you for your continued preparation and commitment to this project. We are excited to hear the full journey of Considering Matthew Shepard come together tonight.
-Eduardo
june 8, 2026 - rehearsal focus & reminders
june 8, 2026 - rehearsal focus & reminders
reminders
Thursday's rehearsal will serve as our first full-work checkpoint as we prepare for the final weeks leading into the performances. Tonight's rehearsal will focus heavily on polishing, refining, and clarifying material across the work so that we can confidently run the complete oratorio on Thursday.
Please continue reviewing reference materials outside of rehearsal, particularly in movements that feel less secure.
rehearsal focus
Tonight we will revisit and refine a wide range of movements from throughout the work, with particular attention to:
ensemble precision
text clarity and diction
dynamic contrast
phrasing and musical shape
transitions between sections
overall confidence and storytelling
Specific movements being revisited tonight include:
no. 19 — The Fence (One Week Later)
no. 2 — Ordinary Boy
no. 3 — We Tell Each Other Stories / I Am Open
no. 12 — Fire of the Ancient Heart
no. 24 — Gently Rest (Deer Lullaby)
no. 32 — All of Us
no. 31 — Thank You
no. 14 — Stray Birds
no. 9 — A Protestor
no. 1 — Cattle, Horses, Sky, and Grass
no. 30 — Meet Me Here
no. 28 — The Fence (After) / The Wind
no. 5 — The Fence (Before)
no. 21 — Stars
no. 29 — Pilgrimage
no. 33 — Cattle, Horses, Sky, and Grass (Reprise)
If you are unable to attend tonight's rehearsal, please review these movements and rehearsal materials before Thursday's full-work checkpoint.
-Eduardo
june 4, 2026 - rehearsal focus & reminders
june 4, 2026 - rehearsal focus & reminders
reminders
Please continue reviewing rehearsal audio and reference materials throughout the week, especially if you are unable to attend tonight’s rehearsal.
As we move into the final third of the rehearsal process, singers are encouraged to spend a few minutes each day reviewing entrances, text, and difficult passages. Consistent individual preparation will help us make the most of our rehearsal time together.
rehearsal focus
Tonight we will begin work on the final movements of the work:
no. 30 — Meet Me Here
no. 31 — Thank You
no. 33 — Cattle, Horses, Sky, and Grass (Reprise)
We will also revisit:
no. 32 — All of Us
Specific sections being rehearsed tonight include:
no. 31 — Thank You
m. 1–end
no. 30 — Meet Me Here
m. 12–end
no. 33 — Cattle, Horses, Sky, and Grass (Reprise)
m. 8–end
no. 32 — All of Us
full run
If you are unable to attend tonight’s rehearsal, please review these movements and rehearsal materials before our next meeting.
-Eduardo
june 1, 2026 - rehearsal focus & reminders
june 1, 2026 - rehearsal focus & reminders
reminders
Please continue reviewing rehearsal audio and reference materials throughout the week, especially if you are unable to attend tonight’s rehearsal.
Thank you to everyone who submitted solo and recitation recordings. Additional updates regarding featured assignments will be shared in the coming weeks.
rehearsal focus
Tonight we will continue detailed work on:
no. 1 — Cattle, Horses, Sky, and Grass
no. 7 — The Fence (That Night)
no. 12 — Fire of the Ancient Heart
no. 19 — The Fence (One Week Later)
no. 24 — Gently Rest
no. 28 — The Fence (After) / The Wind
no. 32 — All of Us
Specific sections being rehearsed tonight include:
no. 32 — All of Us
m. 53–end
no. 28 — The Fence (After)
rhythmic accuracy
no. 12 — Fire of the Ancient Heart
m. 56–end
no. 19 — The Fence (One Week Later)
m. 17–end
no. 7 — The Fence (That Night)
m. 9–16
m. 80–end
no. 1 — Cattle, Horses, Sky, and Grass
m. 13–end polish work
If you are unable to attend tonight’s rehearsal, please review these movements and rehearsal materials before our next meeting.
-Eduardo
may 28, 2026 - rehearsal focus & reminders
may 28, 2026 - rehearsal focus & reminders
reminders
The Solo Submissions page remains open through Sunday, May 31 at 11:59 PM. Singers are encouraged to audition for featured solos, small ensembles, and spoken recitations.
Please continue reviewing rehearsal audio and reference materials throughout the week, even if only for a few minutes each day.
More updates and resources will continue to be added to the website throughout the rehearsal process.
rehearsal focus
Tonight we will continue detailed work on:
no. 9 — A Protestor
no. 12 — Fire of the Ancient Heart
no. 32 — All of Us
no. 7 — The Fence (That Night)
Specific sections being rehearsed tonight include:
no. 32 — All of Us
m. 22–53
no. 12 — Fire of the Ancient Heart
m. 15–56
no. 9 — A Protestor
m. 1–end
no. 7 — The Fence (That Night)
m. 1–9
If you are unable to attend tonight’s rehearsal, please review these movements and rehearsal materials before our next meeting.
-Eduardo
may 21, 2026 - rehearsal focus & reminders
may 21, 2026 - rehearsal focus & reminders
reminders
Please continue reviewing rehearsal audio and reference materials throughout the week, especially if you are unable to attend tonight’s rehearsal.
The Solo Submissions page remains open. Singers are encouraged to audition for featured solos, small ensembles, and spoken recitations.
rehearsal focus
Tonight we will continue detailed work on:
no. 5 — The Fence (Before)
no. 12 — Fire of the Ancient Heart
no. 21 — Stars
no. 24 — Gently Rest (Deer Lullaby)
no. 26 — Deer Song
no. 28 — The Fence (After) / The Wind
no. 29 — Pilgrimage
no. 32 — All of Us
Specific sections being rehearsed tonight include:
no. 28 — The Fence (After) / The Wind
m. 3–end
no. 24 — Gently Rest (Deer Lullaby)
m. 10–49
no. 26 — Deer Song
m. 34–end
no. 29 — Pilgrimage
full run
no. 21 — Stars
full run and tuning work
no. 5 — The Fence (Before)
m. 63–end
no. 12 — Fire of the Ancient Heart
m. 6–15
no. 32 — All of Us
m. 12–22
We will also revisit:
no. 1 — Cattle, Horses, Sky, and Grass
no. 2 — Ordinary Boy
If you are unable to attend tonight’s rehearsal, please review these movements and rehearsal materials before our next meeting.
-Eduardo
may 18, 2026 - rehearsal focus & reminders
may 18, 2026 - rehearsal focus & reminders
reminders
Please continue reviewing rehearsal audio and reference materials throughout the week, especially if you are unable to attend tonight’s rehearsal.
The Solo Submissions page also remains open. Singers are encouraged to audition for featured solos, small ensembles, and spoken recitations.
rehearsal focus
Tonight, we will begin detailed work on:
no. 21 — Stars
no. 23 — In Need of Breath
no. 24 — Gently Rest (Deer Lullaby)
no. 26 — Deer Song
no. 28 — The Fence (After) / The Wind
no. 29 — Pilgrimage
Specific sections being rehearsed tonight include:
no. 29 — Pilgrimage
m. 10–end
no. 28 — The Fence (After) / The Wind
m. 17–end
no. 24 — Gently Rest (Deer Lullaby)
m. 49–end
no. 26 — Deer Song
m. 6–30
no. 21 — Stars
assigned group and interval work
no. 23 — In Need of Breath
m. 28–32
If you are unable to attend tonight’s rehearsal, please review these movements and rehearsal materials before our next meeting.
-Eduardo
may 14, 2026 - rehearsal focus & reminders
may 14, 2026 - rehearsal focus & reminders
reminders
Please continue reviewing rehearsal audio and reference materials throughout the week, especially if you are unable to attend tonight’s rehearsal.
The Solo Submissions page also remains open. Singers are encouraged to audition for featured solos, small ensembles, and spoken recitations.
rehearsal focus
Tonight, we will continue detailed work on:
no. 1 — Cattle, Horses, Sky, and Grass
no. 2 — Ordinary Boy
no. 5 — The Fence (Before)
no. 17 — The Innocence
Specific sections being rehearsed tonight include:
no. 1 — Cattle, Horses, Sky, and Grass
m. 73–131 and ending
no. 2 — Ordinary Boy
m. 72–end
no. 5 — The Fence (Before)
m. 23–63
no. 17 — The Innocence
m. 27–end
If you are unable to attend tonight’s rehearsal, please review these movements and rehearsal materials before our next meeting.
-Eduardo
may 12, 2026 - thank you for a wonderful first rehearsal
may 12, 2026 - thank you for a wonderful first rehearsal
Thank you all for a fantastic first rehearsal! We are incredibly grateful for the energy, openness, musicianship, and care everyone brought into the room as we began this journey together.
rehearsal audio & highlight reel
The full rehearsal audio and highlight reel have now been posted to the Rehearsal Audio page.
Please take some time to listen through the materials this week, especially if you would like to review notes, reinforce learning, or revisit moments from rehearsal. These recordings are also a great resource for anyone who may have missed rehearsal.
solo submissions reminder
As a reminder, the Solo Submissions page is now open. Singers are encouraged to audition for as many opportunities as they would like, including solos, small ensembles, and spoken recitations.
Thank you again for your artistry and commitment to this project. We are excited for what is ahead and grateful to be creating this work together.
-Eduardo
may 10, 2026 - rehearsal parking & info
may 10, 2026 - rehearsal parking & info
Our first rehearsal will take place Monday from 6:00 PM–9:00 PM at:
Concordia Lutheran Church Bedford
2503 Bedford Rd
Bedford, TX 76021
reminders
Please download or print your music before arriving.
Singers are encouraged to listen through the music beforehand to become familiar with the structure of the work.
Parking is available throughout the church lot.
Tim will be available near the entrance approximately 30 minutes before rehearsal.
rehearsal focus
At our first rehearsal, we will begin work on:
no. 1 — Cattle, Horses, Sky, and Grass
no. 2 — Ordinary Boy
no. 17 — The Innocence
and fully learn:
no. 3 — We Tell Each Other Stories / I Am Open
no. 15 — We Are All Sons
If you are unable to attend the first rehearsal, please review these movements before the following rehearsal.
-Tim
may 9, 2026 - voice part assignments posted
may 9, 2026 - voice part assignments posted
Voice part assignments and ensemble splits have now been uploaded to the musician portal.
ensemble structure overview
two-choir split
For double-choir sections:
1s (S1, A1, T1, B1) will form the Main Chorus
2s (S2, A2, T2, B2) will form the Semi-Chorus
sectional splits
Some sections may divide further within voice parts:
singers highlighted in grey will sing the upper split
non-highlighted singers will sing the lower split
high / mid / low divisi
Certain SATB passages will divide into High, Mid, and Low ensemble groupings. Please check your spreadsheet assignment carefully.
If any of this feels confusing on paper, do not stress — these configurations will become much clearer once rehearsals begin.
-Tim
may 9, 2026 - musician portal now available
may 9, 2026 - musician portal now available
The musician portal for Considering Matthew Shepard is now available.
The portal includes:
rehearsal materials
scores
project resources
reference materials
Please be sure to select the chorus score rather than the conductor score when preparing materials.
-Tim
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