CHORAL SPECTRUM
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Vibrant Voices | ||
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CHORAL SPECTRUM |
Creative Concerts |
About CHORAL SPECTRUM:
Choral Spectrum is an ensemble of 20-25 experienced singers whose mission is to master and present varied choral literature for enrichment and enjoyment. Outreach is also an important component of the Choral Spectrum mission.
Originally formed as Oberlin Community Chamber Singers in 1966, the group was under the direction of Carol Longsworth for almost all of the years from 1967 through 2002. In 1996 it was decided that the group would benefit from a more appropriate name, as singers were being drawn from a larger geographic area. Since the group performs a wide spectrum of musical styles, the title Choral Spectrum was selected.
The Choral Spectrum singers enjoy challenging music: classical repertoire, madrigals, spirituals, folk music, newly commissioned works (sample Charity and Love (<|) written by Alice Parker for Choral Spectrum), jazz, and music with instruments. Especially noted for creative programming, the singers often offer theme concerts, concerts with dialogue or costumes, collaborative performances with dancers or other choirs, and feature music often neglected in others' typical concert programs: music by women composers, African American composers or Jewish composers.
Choral Spectrum is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. In May 1996, Choral Spectrum moved into an office space in The New Union Center for the Arts, 39 S. Main Street, Oberlin, Ohio. For the first time, correspondence, promotional activities, fundraising, planning, mailings, etc., as well as music storage, began taking place in one location! This has improved efficiency and the cooperation with other arts organizations also housed in the New Union Center has offered new opportunities for collaborations and more creative networking.
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Dr. Ted Williams, Music Director, studied at Lindenwood Colleges, Ohio University (BA Summa Cum Laude), Cleveland State University (Master of Music in Choral Conducting), and Kent State University (Ph. D. in Music Education). A music teacher with the Vermilion, Ohio school system for more than twenty years, he has taken his high school choirs to perform at Carnegie Hall nine times as part of Mid America Productions concert series. He is also Director of Music at United Church of Christ in Vermilion, OH. |
Auditions:
Once admitted to Choral Spectrum by audition, singers do not have to
re-audition unless they drop out for more than one trimester.
Music:
Music is provided to each singer who then is responsible to return it at
the end of the trimester. A singer should notify the Music Director and
the Librarian at once if music is misplaced. In the event music is not
returned, the singer will be billed for replacement costs.
Rehearsals:
Monday evenings at 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. during the school year. Attendance is
absolutely necessary for building fine ensemble singing. If, for any
reason a singer must miss a rehearsal, he/she should notify the Music
Director ASAP and prior to the rehearsal.
Outside Practice:
Because rehearsals are only two hours in duration, some work on music at
home is necessary. Some singers like to set up rehearsal times with a
partner. Others learn the music at home to be prepared for more crafting
at rehearsals. Additional rehearsal time may be scheduled as needed.
Dues:
Membership dues of $51.00 are required, covering three trimesters.
Concerts:
Three major concerts are given each year, with dates agreed upon by the singers.
Other concerts also may be scheduled, in consultation with the singers.
Perfect attendance is expected at the three major concerts, unless one has the
prior consent of the Music Director and the Executive Committee.
Concert Wear:
Women: Long black skirt, long-sleeved white blouse which matches others
in Choral Spectrum, and black shoes.
Men: White tux shirt with studs, black bow tie, cummerbund, black slacks and
black shoes (tie and cummerbund are provided).