Waltzing Matilda

If you, like me, were confused (and amused) by the Australian slang in "Waltzing Matlida," be confused no longer! Here are the answers to your un-asked questions:

A swagman is basically a nomad--a man wandering looking for work. His swag is his bedroll and belongings.

A billabong is a lake.

A jumbuck is a sheep. Go figure.

A billy is a can used for boiling water.

A tucker bag is a bag used for carrying food. Tucker, then, is food.

Troopers and thoroughbred you can probably figure out: police officers and a horse.

The term squatter is used the same as we use it in America--someone using land they don't legally have rights to use.

And lest you think Waltzing Matlida is actually a waltz--to waltz actually means to travel around and learn new skills and Matilda is simply a nickname for the swagman's bundle. Some people say that these men did actually dance with their bundles, but that's disputed.

Anyway, with all of these terms explained, you should be able to figure out that this song is about a man who was camping by a lake making tea, when a sheep wandered by. He grabbed it and stuck it into his bag. But then a squatter comes by, claiming to own the sheep. He's brought the police. Refusing to be taken in, the wandering worker decides to drown himself in the lake and haunt the site instead.

All clear? :)

Tuition Update

There was a slight error in the tuition information given out last week. The adjusted rates are as follows:

Regular member: no change ($200 payable as $70, $70, and $60)
Married couples: $350 (payable as $125, $125, and $100)
Full-time student: $150 (three increments of $50)

Sorry for the mix-up!

Farewell to the Clarks

Christine Clark and her husband David are moving away, and everyone involved with SLCA would like to wish them good luck and a fond farewell.

In case you didn't know, David Clark was chairman of the board before Alicia, and Christine has been our managing director for several years. Both of them did a lot of great work for SLCA.

Thank you very much for all your hard work and dedication, Christine and David! You will be missed, but we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

And we're back!

The first meeting for SLCA's 2008-2009 season is tomorrow from 7:00-9:30 in the choir room at Olympus High.

This meeting is for ALL MEMBERS. If you have not yet paid your first installment of tuition, please bring it tomorrow if you would like to receive music tomorrow night. Otherwise, the first payment is due at the first regular rehearsal on September 2.

See you there!

Thank you, Kerrin!

The Summer Choral Institute ended last weekend with a performance of the Requiems of John Rutter and Gabriel Faure. This last session concluded a summer full of music including everything from Broadway favorites to opera choruses to folk music.

There were many people involved in making SCI work this year who deserve thanks--volunteers at the registration desk and helping with refreshments, pianists, guest soloists, and more--but we need to give a huge thank you to Kerrin Gates, who is the SCI director. Kerrin worked ridiculously hard on this program for months, and without her hard work SCI would not have been the success it was.

Thank you for a great summer of singing, Kerrin! And thank you to everyone who participated and/or helped in any way. We look forward to next year!

Two weeks and counting!

The beginning of our 2008-2009 season is only two weeks away!

That's right, the first meeting for all members, whether new or returning, is on August 26 from 7:00-9:30 at Olympus High School. Don't miss it!

Our upcoming season is full of a great variety of music:
October: Multicultural music
December: Vaughan Williams' "Hodie"
February: Eastern European music
May: Navajo Oratorio

For more details about these concerts, visit our homepage, and start spreading the word now! It's sure to be a great year.

See you in two weeks!

Vocal Assessments

If you have not yet signed up for a vocal assessment time and you are planning on returning in the fall, contact Judy Prawitt as soon as possible to schedule a time before the season starts. This is something every choir member must participate in, so make sure you get signed up.

Also, if you are not planning on returning, contact Judy to let her know. If you know someone who is not returning, let them know they need to contact Judy as well.

Thank you for helping us keep our rosters current and our choir running smoothly!