Chorus
NEW for February 2010! Information evenings for new and existing choir members: Monday, Feb. 15 for Adults 7-9pm
& Tuesday, Feb 16 for Youth & Teens 6-8PM at the Clock Tower Building (former Town Hall in Campbellford).
Westben Festival Chorus
Westben is proud to be developing its Festival Chorus. Dedicated to preparing and presenting both dramatic and concert-style choral projects, the group performs at a variety of venues including The Barn. Over 40 voices strong, we are always ready to welcome new voices!
Westben Youth and Teen Choruses
Led by Westben’s Donna Bennett & Brian Finley, the Westben Youth and Teen Choruses will also involve various guests who will provide workshops on vocal technique, language diction, movement & dance, music history and note reading. This is an incredible opportunity for all the youth (ages 8 – 18) from across the community to come together to explore the wonders of all types of music.
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.
Westben Festival Chorus-Adult starts September 8 at The Barn on Mondays 7 pm to 9 pm. Westben Youth Chorus(ages 8-13) starts September 9 at The Barn, Tuesdays 6-7 pm. Westben Teen Chorus(ages 13-18) starting September 9 at The Barn, Tuesdays 7-8 pm.
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.
Spring 2010 - 1. The Selfish Giant - a new musical by Brian Finley and Ken Tizzard for Youth, Teen and Festival Choruses 2. Opera and Broadway Choruses for the Festival Chorus
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 , requesting chorus information.