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Show THE FORUM - DECEMBER 11 5,2012 Choir Concert Evokes Holiday Spirit Will Ermish Staff Reporter As the weather gets and lights begin adorn the walls and yards of houses, voices of the holiday season begin to target consumers with advertisements of gifts and material happiness. In the midst of the bombardment of holiday commercials, the Westminster community can find a different form of celebrating the holidays, for free. Westminsters Chamber Singers choir will be performing their annual holiday concert, open to the public, on Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Vieve Gore Concert Hall in the Emma Eccles Jones Conservatory. The songs that will be featured in the concert range from a diverse set of holiday favorites, with some unexpected songs added in. There are always new ideas and perspectives that come with each group and each conductor, said Jeffrey Pedersen, a member. We have a very diverse set, with songs from the Renaissance all the way to settings of modem favorites. In order to effectively present such an eclectic array of music, our rehearsals are always very focused and intense. Members of the Chamber Singers are also excited about the concert because they can relate to the amount of work put in for 1 of preparation. I am excited to see the choir concert because I like holiday music and it will be a great way to get into the holiday spirit, said Edward Lopez, a member. Being a member of the Chamber Singers, I can appreciate the time and effort the choir has put into preparing for this show. It would be a shame for the community to miss this concert. Its going to be a great time! Pedersen said that the concert is hard work, but that it always becomes a rewarding experience in the end. As with any concert, my favorite part is getting to delve into the music, he said. Its always such a great experience to learn new repertoire. Even if there are pieces in the program that Ive sung before, I truly believe that you never sing the same song twice. Pedersen said much of the progress the group has made through rehearsals is due to Director Austin Thorpes passion and dedication. We have been rehearsing every Tuesday evening since the beginning of the semester for two hours a night, which we use to not only learn our repertoire but also to hone our vocal skills, said Pedersen. Our director, Austin Thorpe, brings a unique brand of energy to every single rehearsal. His passion for music, as well as teaching, makes even the most intense rehearsals a pleasant, insightful learning experience, said Pedersen. I have been singing with this group since Austin first took it over, and I have noticed vast improvements in both the musicianship and the tone quality of the Choir, all thanks to his magnificent pedagogical practices. Members of the choir are hoping for a solid turnout from the community and encourage all students and the public to come out and enjoy the show. Students have already started to express excitement about the upcoming concert. I am excited to see people I know perform holiday music, said Sammi Branch. Its fun to be able to go to a free event at school, especially since they are singing Christmas music. I am hoping it will really get me in the holiday spirit. siigarls Gc'.S a C0i.463.05Q0 lfstorage.com |