If you like to sing, you read a bit of music, you’re over 18, a hard worker, and you enjoy performing, consider coming out to an audition for one of the two Just in Time performance choirs. The Jems are a group of 14 or so women who meet on Wednesday evenings (September through May) to rehearse under the direction of Wendy Nixon Stothert. The Jems usually meet for a second time on the weekend, to practice at one another’s homes.
Vocal Minority is a mixed choir, bringing together about 14 men and women each Thursday evening during the fall and spring.
These choirs provide singers with challenging repertoires, great personal reward, incredible ongoing learning, and so much fun. Being in a small ensemble is a special and positive experience. As an added treat, these choirs are accompanied at their weekly rehearsals by Sean Mooney on piano, and joined by a three-piece band during concerts.
Here’s what some members of the Jems and Vocal Minority have to say:
“In a small ensemble, you have the opportunity to share beautiful harmonies, develop individual skills and bond with each other.”
“The sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when you conquer a difficult piece. ..now THAT keeps me young!”
“Everyone’s an anticipatory nervous on audition night, even if you’ve done it 11 times, but JIT choir is always a happy, supportive place. Informed feedback from the amazing Wendy and Sean is so useful.”
Auditions will be held on Thursday, June 16, from 7-9 p.m. in the Highland Secondary band room. Come prepared to do a music reading evaluation, a sight-singing exercise and a maximum two-minute unaccompanied solo of your choice, in a style that reflects your taste and skills, in front of the other candidates.
If you would prefer to sing in a less “intense” environment, the larger, mixed-voices, unauditioned ‘unplugged’ choir has a welcoming spot for you.
Unplugged is the third member of the Just in Time Choir family. All are welcome at the first rehearsal, to be held in September.
For more information about the choirs, and to register for Unplugged, go to bit.ly/1X9csws