Youths and adults invited to be part of Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida
The Symphonic Chorale of Southwest Florida will hold auditions and conduct a workshop in which participants will later go on stage at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall for the holiday classic “The Messiah”.
The group, formerly known as the Southwest Florida Symphony Chorus, will hold auditions at First Presbyterian Church, 2438 Second St., Fort Myers on Sunday, Aug. 21 through Tuesday Aug. 23. They are particularly interested in tenor and bass voices, said Fran Thomas, the new group’s marketing committee chair.
They also are looking for members of a variety of ages. The auditions are open to singers 15 and older.
Lori Siegmann, from North Fort Myers, is the chair of the Development Committee for the Chorale.
Due to economic situations concerning funding, the new non-profit group will recruit members and do their own funding. “My main job is to develop and execute self-sustaining fund-raising strategies for the Chorale to provide the musical and educational services to the southwest Florida community to which we are dedicated.”
She said she is excited about the new opportunity. “I think the two most exciting aspects for me with this new, independent Symphonic Chorale are the experience, expertise and teaching ability of our director, Tim McDonnell. He is making our Chorale soar musically.”
He is chair of the music department at Ave Maria University.
“Our independence also now provides us with the opportunity to develop our own concert season offerings, and they will be exciting. I know that the other singers in the Chorale from North Fort Myers (and other local areas) share my excitement.”
The Symphonic Chorale rehearses at Canterbury School on Mondays from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Currently planned performances include works by Handel, Finzi, Beethoven, Dvorak, and Brahms.
“Our first major concert is The Messiah in partnership with the Southwest Florida Orchestra at the Barbara Mann on Dec. 16. It is my understanding that this is the first time the Messiah will be performed at the Mann.”
Those that attend the upcoming Sing Out Southwest Florida Workshop on Saturday, Aug. 20 will all have the chance to be on stage during that performance. “It will be a thrill to stand on the Barbara B. Mann stage and sing with the symphony, and then having that standing ovation.”
The long-standing concert tradition is whenever a group sings The Messiah, everyone stands.
“We’re looking for more talent and we want to reach out to all ages of singers,” she said. “Music is an excellent avenue for mental sharpness, mental discipline, as well as enrichment. It stimulates the brain and provides enjoyment to the listener.”
They started this Chorale earlier this year when many northern enthusiasts where still in town. “It is a membership organization and you do have obligations, such as a membership fee, actively seeking sponsorship, and at all times being goodwill ambassadors.”
The all-day vocal workshop is scheduled at Alliance for the Arts on Aug. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is required.
Times for the auditions are 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21; and 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 22 and Tuesday, Aug. 23.
Auditions are by appointment. Singers should bring two copies of a prepared vocal selection of their choice in any genre. In addition, singers will be asked to sing some vocal exercises and some unprepared selections.
For the workshop call 939-2787 or 560-5695. Call 560-5695 for more information or to schedule an appointment.