Chroal Society

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Suzuki Academy

Choral Society

The Choral Society had its first rehearsal in the spring of 1980. The idea for the ensemble came from its permanent conductor Dr. Al Carnine. He realized that there were no vocal ensembles available in the area for adults desiring to sing in a secularly-oriented non-professional mixed choir. Presently the number of singers averages fifty with the national average for community choruses in the thirties.

The choir performs three different repertoires each year covering the Christmas season, late spring, and summer. A wide variety of literature is covered including both sacred and secular selections ranging from classical to Broadway. The ensemble rehearses on Monday evenings from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in Room 208 of the Music Bldg., Missouri Southern State University. It is under the auspices of the Division of Lifelong Learning in cooperation with the Dept. of Music. Membership is open without audition to anyone of college age or older. There is a nominal fee of $30 for each semester and the cost of a costume used for the performances. Eleanor McLemore is the accompanist. All concerts are open to the public without charge. For further information, please contact the Division of Lifelong Learning (Ph.417-625-9384) or Dr. Carnine or by phone 417-625-9633.

Director’s Comments

I started the Choral Society in Spring, 1980 after several area residents indicated a desire to start an area-wide community chorus. From a modest beginning of twenty-seven singers, the ensemble has had a peak of almost eighty and is averaging close to fifty at present. There are so many people who grew up singing in high school and/or college choirs that had no outlet available to them for singing secular as well as sacred music. Today we sing both sacred and secular pieces. The repertoire is quite varied. The summer performance is always a “pop” concert. The emphasis for the December music is Christmas. Spring provides a balance of offerings from classical to Broadway. We have singers from all kinds of backgrounds, “bathtub” to music degrees. We welcome anyone who enjoys singing, and there is no audition. Monday evenings have helped me revitalize for the remainder of the week. It is truly exciting for me to work together with my friends as we give the gift of music to others in the area!