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Show CHINA AND 2008 CULTURAL OLYMPICS Quinn and the Chamber Singers will depart for China, June 26. Awaiting the group wall be performances at Westminsters sister schools, Nankai and Donghau Universities, as well as inclusion in a during the Beijing Cultural Olympics. 350-stude- nt choir Veteran Member Balances Studies, Choir Post-Bachel- or ASHLEY ALFIERI, SECOND SOPRANO MEMBER A focused student and theatre junky with "The pieces to be performed in China are long and difficult. The repertoire will be a lot of work." Wyatt King The Cultural Olympics serve to usher in the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, and Westminsters performance will be in conjunction with a concert to bring peace and harmony. The mixed student choir will be led by renowned conductor Eric Knapp and, backed by a full orchestra, the group will perform Beethovens Symphony No. 9 a piece widely considered the iconic composers most masterful work. The program during the Cultural Olympic has been dubbed Music From The Americas and will feature the genres of Broadway, jazz, classical, folk and popular. The event takes place at the Forbidden venue dubbed one of City Concert Hall, a 1,400-se- at Chinas best. All the music is grandiose, exciting, uplifting, said Quinn! Were there to build excitement. In addition to the three performances, the Chamber Singers will perform two public concerts in Shanghai and Beijing. While performing at Nankai University, outside Beijing, the choir will be translated by a former Westminster exchange student from the school. "If you come into choir with baggage, you're not going to make a contribution. Members are there to work hard." Chris Quinn The pieces to be performed in China are long and difficult, said Wyatt King. The repertoire will be a lot of work With fundraising efforts in full swing, the group hopes to add another $20,000 toward travel expenses. While in a kind heart; Ashley Alfieri is a second soprano member of Westminsters Chamber Choir. There is a distinguishable difference between Alfieri and her peers. She is a graduate student. Alfieri graduated in May 2007, and is pursuing her Masters of Science and Professional Counseling. The choir veteran was a chamber member her senior year and missed the experience after graduating. She talked to Director, Dr. Chris Quinn, and was able to convince him to allow her to rejoin. I knew allowing her to join would be no issue, said Dr. Quinn. She is a talented musician and a major contribution to our group. She takes it seriously and is a hard-worker. "She is a talented musician and a major contribution to our group. She takes it seriously and is a hard-worker- ." Chris Quinn Alfieri hails from Orange County, Calif. Her family transplanted to Park City when she was d, where she attended Park City High School and was an active student. Alfieri played on the soccer team and was a member of the Wasatch eight-years-ol- Freestyle Ski Team. Choral experience began for Alfieri in sixth grade, China, the group will visit the Great Wall, TianAnmen Square and the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heavens and Olympic Games sites and the Beijing Opera. We plan to sing on the Great Wall, said Quinn. As long as they dont kick us off. COMING YEAR Quinn has received a large interest from incoming freshman for the petition is fierce. Of the 2008-200- 9 choir, and admits Com- 28 available positions, he anticipates near and she enrolled in voice lessons at age 14. She excelled in high school musical productions. My family gets tired of hearing me sing, joked Alfieri. If I had it my way, life would be one big musical. She favors The Sound of Music and Rent, and attributes an older cousin, who also sings, to passing the musical bug along to her. Alfieri is the only one in her family who sings and acts. make school my priority, but I enjoy music because it is so relaxing and you can forget "I about everything." Ashley Alfieri I have never wanted to be a big superstar, but I have always loved music and theatre, she said. Last semester, Alfieri was cast in the Vagina Monologues. Once I heard about it, and what a great cause it was, I had to be part of it, she said. She admits being a choir member is a large commitment and occupies a great deal of time. I have always been a dedicated student, Alfieri said. I make school my priority, but I enjoy music because it is so relaxing and you can forget about everything. I love how Quinn picks a wide variety (of pieces), she said. Anywhere from pieces of different languages, classical broadways to pop covers. He covers almost everything. She cites her favorite piece as There Will Be Rest and loves gospel music because it is so Alfieri plans to become a family counselor when she finishes graduate studies, and says she will always ng. up-lifti- sing. ly half of those auditioning may be turned away. The group is scheduled to perform at Admitted Student Day as well as the Scholarship Luncheon. Quinn keeps a close eye for those he feels will fit the mold of successful member. If you come into choir with baggage, youre not going to make a contribution, he said. I look for leaders. Members are there to work hard. If you dont work hard, youre not in it. For now, the leaders of Quinns choir continue to fundraise and are eager for the opportunity to perform in China. Chamber Singers Fundraising Efforts The Westminster Chamber Singers are fundraising aggressively to attend the 2009 Cultural Olympics. Areas include: Campus concerts Tickets are $5 and include choral material to be performed in Beijing. Dates include: April 19, 8 p.m. Vieve Gore Concert Hall Junel, 7 p.m. Vieve Gore Concert Hall Additional dates available at www.westminstercollege.edu music Corporate sponsorships are welcomed The octet group is available for private functions. The group sings a wide variety of music, and prices are negotiable. Interested parties may contact John Cook at j hc09 1 1 (Westminster 9. college.edu or (970) 593-894- APRIL 8, 2008 |