Anyone interesting in singing with the Grant Park Chorus this summer may apply for an audition by contacting the Chorus Manager at 312/742-7640 or going on line at www.grantparkmusicfestival.com. Rehearsals begin in early June, and the concerts run from mid-June to mid-August. Regular members perform twelve programs during the season as part of the Grant Park Music Festival.

What a good idea! One of our members put a donation to NSCS on her Christmas list. Not only did she avoid receiving something she might not have needed or wanted, she gave the giver a tax deduction. Next Christmas is a long way off, but what about those birthdays and anniversaries--or even Valentine's Day!

Thanks to all of you who took the time at our last rehearsal to write your comments about the Saints Faith, Hope & Charity concert. These opinions are being carefully considered by members of the Board, who will make a report in the near future.

Incidentally, the Board meets this coming Saturday, January 10, at 9:00 A.M. in St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1225 Wilmette Avenue. If you have any matters for the Board to consider, please give them to Julie McDowell. And, of course, you are welcome to attend. At its last meeting, the Board passed a motion to admit children 12 years of age and under to our concerts for $10.00.

If you've not yet looked at the note paper bearing the Messiah facsimile, stop by the back table during this evening's break. It's a class item--and a real bargain: only $10.00 for 20 notes and envelopes. And $5.00 of that goes into our bank account.

On this Sunday, January 11, from 10:00 until 4:00, the 20th Chicago Anniversary Sacred Harp Singing will be held at the Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 North Knox Street in Chicago (right by the convergence of the Kennedy and Edens Expressways: exit on Wilson from I-94.) This event is free and open to the public, who are welcome for all or part of the day. (Dinner is served at 12:30.) No experience is necessary, and song books are available for loan or purchase. Over a hundred singers from several states are expected to attend. (Last Sunday’s Tribune had a long article about sacred harp singing—especially in relation to the movie Cold Mountain.)

Remember to channel your donations and bills through Len Barker, who also accepts items for Blue Notes by phone at 847/272-2351 or on line at lenpbarker@comcast.net

The Border’s gift wrapping caper netted $187.00. Thanks to Marj Lundy for organizing this fund raiser--and to those who wrapped.

Get 2004 off to a good start by signing up to bring juice to a rehearsal in the near future.