"Ave Maris Stella" by Pamintuan
Voice: TTBB
performed by Newmen Sound Men's Choir

A setting of the text by philipino composer Pamintuan. I am quite shocked to know he is not that well known here in the states! His works are amazing and should deserve more attention! We are currently working on this piece with the MSU's Men's Glee and I picked his Dulcis Maria to work with the State Singers. Awesome!!

Have been here at Michigan State University for almost a month. All things finally settled, studies commenced, assignments coming up with readings, rehearsals and many music everyday. Things may not turn out well, and eventually you start questioning yourself why are you leaving all your friends and family behind and ran into this city in the middle of nowhere.

It doesn't mean I don't enjoy my life here. I enjoy most of the classes that I am taking now, having wonderful rehearsals, working with different colleagues and wonderful music faculty, and being inspired every moment. However, eventually there's an emptiness within. Probably I am missing someone who I used to be able to talk to every now and then, and know that they will be there whenever I need them. They are still here, willing to listen, comfort you when you need, just that it may not be possible to by physical with you.

That makes a whole lot of difference. Friends, I miss you.

Loch Lomond arr. Jonathan Quick
Voice: TTBB/SATB
Loch Lomond, also known as The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond, is a popular Scottish folk song. This beautiful arrangement done by Canadian composer Jonathan Quick. Set in chorale in the beginning and end, with a highland party in between. Interestingly, "Loch Lomond" is also used as a shorthand for anything Scottish.

BREAKING NEWS! 

World Youth Choir is calling young singers to join the 25th session in Croatia, July 2014. 

As one of the most original and important choirs existing nowadays, bringing together talented young singers from all over the world, The World Youth Choir is heading to its 25th Anniversary Session which will be held in July 2014 in Croatia under the motto ''Singing the World''. The session will be followed by a tour with concerts in Croatia and further countries in the South East Europe. World's ''classical'' choral repertoire and ''ethno'' inspired choral music of South East Europe will be performed. 
By announcing session's 2014 global auditions OPEN from September to December 2013, The World Youth Choir is looking for young, talented, experienced singers from all over the world, age 17 to 26, interested in improving their skills of choral singing in a multicultural, multinational ensemble and without any speeches or banners, by music and presence in South East Europe send the message of international peace, brotherhood, and the vitality of life itself for which the UNESCO has named this project “Artist for peace” in 1996, recognizing its success as a platform for intercultural dialogue through music. 

If YOU ARE or you know somebody who IS: 

Passionate and experienced high level choral singer or soloist. 
Age between 17 and 26 on July 1st, 2014 (obligatory).
Have basic or professional music education. 
Ready to improve singing and social skills. 
Ready to meet new friends all over the world. 
Ready to accept diversity of world cultures. 
Eager to learn in a multicultural environment. 
Ready to spend one month with great people. 

Then YOU OR YOUR FRIEND fit the perfect World Youth Choir singers’ profile. YOU should audition at the national level NOW and qualify for the final international selection! 
JOIN THE WORLD YOUTH CHOIR 2014 - ''SING THE WORLD!''

How? Please visitwww.worldyouthchoir.org/Audition2014/GeneralInfo.aspx
All eligible should apply for national selection organized from September to December 2013 in their home country. Those selected have to pass an international audition in spring 2014. SUBMISSION DEADLINE for the international selection is not later than DECEMBER 31st, 2013. Candidates' physical presence is not required in the final international selection. NOTE: If you come from a country where national recruitment partners are not active, not existing and no auditions are organized, you can apply directly to the World Youth Choir management in the international selection. Contact us! 

Important: No session participation fee. Selected singers have to cover their travel expenses to Croatia and back.

Contact: “Foundation World Youth Choir” c/o World Forum, Churchillplein 10, 2517 JW Den Haag, The Netherlands. General info: www.worldyouthchoir.org / info@worldyouthchoir.org

A piece that Randi will be doing for her Doctoral Recital. I am so touched by this arrangement. Heart Wrenching.
"Where is Love" arr. Joshua Shank
Voice: SATB

Immersed in readings.

A long weekend with social nights. Fun with HKSA people and graduate choral fellows.

Taking the graduate orientation exam made me realized how much I have learnt in HKU.

Visited the Broad Museum. Zaha Hadid's signature distortion of space is still so inspiring and interesting.