Children's Chorus prepares for concert season

Date: 11/4/2008

By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent



SPRINGFIELD From musical exercises to just "being silly," Steve Folmar Jr., wouldn't want to miss any part of a rehearsal of the Children's Chorus of Springfield.

Folmar is not alone.

More than 40 young people representing 22 city schools converge on the Trinity United Methodist Church on Sumner Avenue on Tuesday afternoons to make beautiful music together. Their enthusiasm and thirst for learning new music was evident during a rehearsal on Oct. 21 that was also attended by parents and grandparents on the sidelines.

As Dr. E. Wayne Abercrombie, artistic director and conductor noted to the youngsters, "We have so much music to learn today," everyone seemed to take his pep talk in stride as he started out the session drilling them on the scales.

The Children's Chorus of Springfield (CCS) recently launched its second season and from the beginning, rehearsals have went well, according to Vera Baker, managing director.

"CCS unites children from across the city and has the potential to remove social, economic and racial barriers from families who want their children to have more arts enrichment activities," Baker said during an interview with Reminder Publications.

Baker noted that the long-range goal of CCS is to work toward a singing school structure in Springfield, providing a singing opportunity at little or no cost to Springfield children from grades three to 12.

"Of course, the other piece is keeping the singers who have been with us since the 2007 festival and develop their skills to a higher level," she added.

A Community Sing on Nov. 15 is the first professional venue for the new ensemble, and will feature Nick Page, a nationally known songwriter, song leader, conductor, composer and workshop presenter. Page will offer a morning workshop for local music educators and choir directors, and later in the day, he will work on one of his compositions with CCS, culminating with a singalong from 3 to 4 p.m. The community sing, an intergenerational event, is open to the public and donations to CCS will be accepted.

"Community singing is a unifying experience bringing students, teachers, family and the community together creating a community identity," Baker said. "One of the main purposes of the CCS is bringing together children, families and community leaders from all of Springfield's diverse backgrounds to sing and celebrate together."

Children also talked enthusiastically about their love of music and being a part of the chorus.

Folmar, a fifth grader at the Indian Orchard Elementary School, is "happy" whenever he is singing, and likes the idea of making new friends through the chorus. Folmar is no stranger to musical programs since he has been a participant in the gospel program at the Community Music School in Springfield for four years. He is the son of Lorraine and Steve Folmar of Springfield.

Angela and Michael Landry, a brother and sister team, share the same ideals about the chorus. Angela noted that joining the chorus offers a "good experience for young people," and Michael added, It's fun getting to sing songs." Both youngsters attend the Samuel Bowles School, and are the children of Marie and Donald Landry of Springfield.

As the children set their sights first on the community sing, it won't be long after that their first major concert is planned Dec. 6 at the church.

"The December concert will feature music in Hebrew, Latin, Russian, German, French, and Swedish, along with music of Handel and Bach," Baker said. "Students will also perform two pieces by Nick Page."

The children will also perform May 6 in concert that will feature the world premiere performance of a spiritual arranged by Clifton J. Noble, Jr., a well-known local composer.

"The repertoire of both concerts at 4 p.m. includes classical, folk and contemporary music," Baker added.

The CCS received funding from the Springfield Cultural Council and the Springfield Teachers Club last year to get the project off the ground, and Baker noted that monetary donations for the 2008-09 year are still needed. All donations are tax-deductible.

"We are in need of funding for the 2008-09 season, especially since we want to do a lot of community outreach," Baker said, adding that "wish list" items also include a high quality sound system, a camcorder and percussion instruments.

As the rehearsal wound down, it was overwhelmingly evident that Baker and Abercrombie are passionate about their love of music and bringing children together to make music come to life.

"Another unique aspect of CCS is that only Springfield children can participate," said Baker. "Many, if not most, of the children's choruses that have sprung up across America's urban centers, include suburban children whose financial resources and cultural experiences are seen as an asset. CCS is all about Springfield."

For more information on CCS, call 782-2224 or 749-5980.