Preparing for the First Rehearsal!

The first rehearsal of our new choir is almost upon us! Here are some things to be aware of....

1) There will be a registration form for parents to fill out. Please plan to spend a few minutes doing this so we have everyone's contact information.

2) Remember that the first $25 of the $150 registration fee is due at the first rehearsal, but that payment options are flexible! Please let me know if we need to work out a plan. Checks can be made out to Brian Clissold-VYS. I've opened a separate account for this choir but it is in my name.

3) Music, folders, and pencils will be provided!

4) Please enter through the archway at the BACK of the building. Trinity's address is Berry Street, but the parking lot in back is off of Wayne Street. We will rehearse upstairs in the choir room.

5) We could use a couple parent volunteers to watch the doors (they must remain locked) and one to be in the room so there are multiple grown ups in the rehearsal.

6) Rehearsal will begin at 9:30 am and finish promptly at 11:00 am.

7) A tentative calendar will be provided, but know that we will not have rehearsal over Thanksgiving weekend.

8) If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Mr. C at 260.255.4481 or email at brian.clissold@gmail.com

9) Sometime next week we will have a website. Updates will be posted on this blog and on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/vivacesingersfw

10) We're going to have a TON of FUN!!!!!

As Pooh Would Say...

I wanted to post just a taste the music we’ll be doing in the Vivace Youth Singers. As Pooh would say, it’s just a smallish smackeral of the music. 

During a recent visit with composer and conductor Sean Ivory, I had the good fortune to hear his choir sing a beautiful new piece of music. Chante Avem Haiti was written by Mr. Ivory and his composition partner Paul Caldwell not long after the tragic earthquake in Haiti. Featuring a rich piano accompaniment, soprano saxophone, wonderful choral parts, and several solo opportunities, the piece honors both the victims and the survivors of the earthquake. 

I’ve never been to Haiti, but just two weeks after the earthquake I had the opportunity to meet Makly Prophete, a professional musician from Haiti. He was in the United States on tour at the time of the tragedy, but his family was all still in his home country. He was blessed that they were all ok and accounted for, but thousands of others were not so fortunate. He is a tremendous musician and a wonderful person, and spoke of the exceptional beauty and nature of his country. This piece, I believe, helps to capture that beauty both of the nature and of the native people.

As musicians sometimes we feel like there is little we can do to help after massive events. But now, as the world’s attention moves to the latest disaster, we can offer comfort and hope to people whose lives will forever be changed by the earthquake on January 12, 2010. A sense of peace, hope, and the comfort that they are not forgotten can have a bigger impact on someone’s life than we may ever know. Here is a link to the website with a recording of this powerful piece of music.

SO Exciting!

Wow! Only a bit more than 24 hours since the announcement of this new group and already so much energy, excitement, and momentum! I'm busily looking at some GREAT music by Caldwell & Ivory, Chilcott, Rutter, Dilworth, Dwyer, and some unpublished South African music. We're going to have SO. MUCH. FUN!!!

We're Hiring!

The Vivace Youth Singers is seeking an accompanist! The choir meets on Saturday mornings, 9:30-11:00 am, and will have several performances throughout the late winter and into the spring. The ideal accompanist will not only be a fantastic musician, but also thrive in the children's choir environment, serving as a role model for the students and help out in non-musical capacities once in a while. If you love getting more kids involved in singing, and you're a pianist with strong accompanying skills, please contact Brian Clissold, Founder and Director.

Welcome!

Welcome to the Vivace Youth Singers of Fort Wayne, Indiana! We are a NEW children's choir. We are starting small with one ensemble, but who knows what the future holds! Our choir is open to talented, energetic young people of all ages who not only have a love of singing, but a desire to share that love with others to learn, create, and inspire. The choir is built on the philosophy that we can all share with each other, and we can all learn from each other. More experienced members of the ensemble will have an active role in educating the less experienced singers, and the fresh energy of the younger ones will help develop an even deeper love of the art for the older singers.

• When? Saturdays, 9:30-11:00 am beginning November 19 and continuing through May, 2012
• Where? Our rehearsal site is Trinity Episcopal Church. Click here for a map.
• Who? YOU! All singers, ages 9-18 are welcome. The choir is directed by Brian Clissold
•  How? The choir is open by audition. If you have been accepted to the FW Children's Choir you do not need to audition, but you may need to schedule a brief interview with Mr. C.
•  How much? $150 will cover this entire first season. $25 is due at the first rehearsal. While no financial assistance is available at this time, extremely flexible payment plans are available! DO NOT let finances be a barrier to this fantastic experience!
• Questions? Email Mr. C or call him at 260.255.4481

Please note that this choir is NOT trying to take away from any other ensembles. It is strategically scheduled to allow participation in multiple community groups. Students are welcome to participate in more than one activity of course!