FARMINGTON – The Western Maine Choral Society, formerly the UMF Choral Program, is looking for singers for the 2004-05 season. There have been some significant changes in the program this year, including the following opportunities:
The 100-member UMF Community Chorus, which requires no audition to join, will continue its 23rd year tradition. Rehearsals are Monday evenings starting Oct. 4. The choir will be conducted by Dennis Hayes and feature Northfield, an a cappella choral group of eight singers, and Andy Buckland on banjo in a program of classical, folk and holiday music. Performances will be Dec. 4 and 5. People may join simply by going to the first rehearsal from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 4.
For beginning singers, a new workshop on the basics of choral singing is being offered from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 26 and Oct. 3. “A Choral Primer: An Introduction to Choral Singing” will be taught by Steven Pane and Dan Woodward. Those interested may come to either or both classes, and may join the Community Chorus to apply their newly learned techniques. There is no fee or registration.
The UMF Chamber Choir is on hiatus this season and will be replaced by the 50-member Nineteenth-Century Singers and the 16-member Camerata Choir. Both groups require auditions to join, and bother are conducted by Steven Pane. The choirs will debut in concerts Oct. 16 and 17. Guest artists for this concert will be Lily Funahashi and Kate Reid. The Nineteenth Century Singers will rehearse on Tuesdays, with additional sectionals. The Camerata Choir will rehearse on Mondays.
Open auditions for both choirs will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 1 and 2. No preparation is needed.
More information may be obtained at the Western Maine Choral Society Web site at FranklinCountyArts.org, or by calling 778-7515.
All choirs are open to community members, UMF students, faculty and staff. Auditions, rehearsals and concerts are held in Nordica Auditorium, Merrill Hall, University of Maine at Farmington. All rehearsals, unless otherwise stated, are from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
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