What is a Guided Practice Session?

The Guided Practice Sessions are weekly videos created by our Music Director, Knox Sutterfield. In them, we dive into the details of the choruses in Handel's Messiah, with attention to vocal technique and musicianship (specifically style, articulation, phrasing, and text).

How do I access the Guided Practice Sessions?

The Guided Practice Sessions are viewable on YouTube. The first two are publicly available for free. Subsequent videos are available by private links sent out weekly to members who have paid dues.

How can I keep track of the Guided Practice Sessions?

To help you keep track of what we cover each week, members may view this Guided Practice Session Index (Google Doc) with each video listed and linked. Members have also recommended creating your own YouTube playlist to save them or setting up a separate folder or mailbox for the emails with the links. Find what works best for you!

Can I share the videos?

You may share the first two Guided Practice Sessions with anyone you want—in fact, please do! Beginning in the third week, Guided Practice Sessions will only be shared with members who have paid dues.

Where can I get additional help practicing at home?

Visit our Resources page for suggestions ranging from rehearsal aids to YouTube videos, Spotify playlists, and suggested recordings.

How do I join the Wednesday gatherings?

Every Wednesday, members who have paid dues will receive an invitation to a 7:30pm Zoom meeting. You can click on the link or dial in using the information provided. If you have not received a link by 5:00pm on Wednesday, please email kentsingersvirtual@gmail.com.

What edition of the score are you using? Can I borrow one?

We are using the—famously orange—Novello edition (Watkins-Shaw). But our phenomenal music librarian is working to facilitate use of the Bärenreiter and Schirmer editions as well. If you want to borrow one, email us, and we can set up contact-free pickup in the New Milford area.

When will we perform Messiah?

Once it is safe and prudent for us—and our audience—to gather in person. More specifically, we will probably rehearse for two months in person before performing with professional soloists and period instrument orchestra!

Other Questions?

Contact kentsingersvirtual@gmail.com for more information.