Westben Spring
Westben Festival Chorus (16 years and over): Mondays 7-9 pm
Westben Teen Chorus (ages 12-18) Tuesdays 7-8 pm
Westben Youth Chorus (ages 8 to 11) Tuesdays 6-7pm
The Festival Chorus Fall term begins Monday, early February, 2013 at 7pm at The Clock Tower
The Youth and Teen Chorus Fall Term begins Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 6pm at The Clock Tower
Mandate:
The Westben Arts Festival Chorus and Westben Youth and Teen Choruses are singing ensembles committed to artistic excellence through the preparation and presentation of both dramatic and concert-style choral projects. They seek to involve dedicated, able and committed singers in a rigorous and stimulating atmosphere. Members study vocal production, music-reading, musical styles and languages, and perform a wide range of sacred and secular repertoire. Designed to be a self-sustaining entity, the WFC, YC and TC perform independently and with professional guest artists.
Auditions:
Auditions are held annually in September or by special request throughout the season. All prospective Chorus Members must pass an entry-level audition. Current Members may also be asked to audition yearly at the discretion of the directors. In addition to assessing musical proficiency, the audition is instrumental in the placement of new or returning Chorus Members within the ensemble.
Chorus Fee:
All Chorus Members are required to pay an annual Chorus Fee which helps cover tuition and operational costs: rental of rehearsal space, musical scores, personnel (including the Assistant Conductor, accompanist and visiting conductors and guest coaches) and out-of-town transportation (if required).
Rehearsals:
The Westben Festival Chorus meets most Monday evenings from early September to early December and from mid February to mid June. The Westben Youth and Teen Choruses meet on Tuesdays. Additional rehearsals may be scheduled prior to performances.
Repetoire:
The Chorus has been performing at The Barn since 2002. The repertoire has included: Vivaldi’s Gloria, Franz Schubert’s Mass in G Major, J.S. Bach's Magnificat, selections from Handel’s Messiah, selections from Gilbert & Sullivan, Broadway classics, traditional Christmas fare as well as original music by Brian Finley. Season 2008/09 included the new musical written by Brian Finley and Michael Nitsch called The Magic Ornament and Wind in the Willows with Tom McCamus and the new musical by Brian Finley and Ken Tizzard, The Selfish Giant.
In November and December 2011 the choruses will be performing the Dicken's classic A Christmas Carol at The Barn and churches in Warkworth and Bowmanville.
More information:
If you would like more information on the chorus including audition requirements, rehearsal and/or fee details, please contact the Box Office by phone at 705-653-5508 or 1-877-883-5777 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. requesting chorus information.


