Bluefield College is looking for a few good voices.
The college’s Masterworks Chorale will begin rehearsals in preparation for its Christmas choral presentation, and, as always, community residents are invited to be a part of the college/community choir.
Masterworks rehearsals will take place on Mondays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in 108 Harman Chapel, beginning Monday, September 12, in preparation for the group’s winter performance of “Christmas in Appalachia,” Thursday, December 1.
“Christmas in Appalachia” will feature choral music with Appalachian themes, composed by musicians from Appalachia, using familiar Appalachian instruments.
“Some of our selections are arrangements of familiar Appalachian tunes by well-known folk music collectors,” said Dr. Barbara Hudson, associate professor of music and director of BC’s Masterworks Chorale, “and some are new compositions by living composers who have captured the unique and hauntingly beautiful sound of music that is characteristically Appalachian.”
The selections include Larry Moore’s “Six Appalachian Carols,” John Jacob Niles’ “The Seven Joys of Mary,” Phillip Rhodes’ “The Shepherds,” and David Stocker’s “Simple Gifts” and “Appalachian Christmas.”
“If you have roots in or special ties to Appalachia,” said Dr. Hudson, “you won’t want to miss these selections, plus the other treats planned for this concert.”
The Masterworks Christmas concert will be part of Bluefield College’s yearlong symposium, “A Celebration of Appalachia,” featuring concerts, art exhibits, theatre performances, lectures, movies, tours, and guest speakers.
Membership in Masterworks is open to anyone from the ninth grade to adult “who loves to sing, can match pitch, and blend with a group.” No audition is required. Members are asked to pay a $21 fee during the first rehearsal for the cost of musical scores.
“I hope to see everyone back with us again this fall, along with lots of new faces for another great time of music-making,” said Dr. Hudson. “It’s been such a blessing to watch Masterworks grow, not just numerically, but also musically, but we need continued community participation to help sustain and build on that growth.”
Masterworks Chorale is a non-auditioned chorus composed of voices from both the college family and the community. The group performs classic choral works in concerts in both the winter and spring.
For more information, please contact the Bluefield College Department of Music by phone at 276-326-4258, or by e-mail at [email protected]