 THE CHOIRS
 The Concert Choir is one of two
choirs in the WCJC Music Department. The
enrollment varies from 35 to 50 students, depending on availability of classes.
Its membership consists of music majors and non-music majors from many
walks of life and cultures. This
richness brings freshness to the music repertoire performed, and the unique
quality of the choir that performs the repertoire. The Concert Choir performs many styles of choral literature
including ballads and folk songs from countries all over the world; standard
choral literature from composers such as Brahms, Mozart, Berlioz, Mendelssohn,
Handel, Dello Joio, Moses
Hogan, Johann Pachelbel, John Rutter, Kirby Shaw,and Daniel Pinkham.
From these composers and others, the Concert Choir has performed
“Messiah” by G.F. Handel, “A German Requiem” by Brahms, “Christmas
Oratorio” by Daniel Pinkham, “Mass in C” by Mozart, and “Gloria” by
John Rutter. The Concert Choir has
also performed choral selections from Africa, Israel,
Spain, Mexico, Czech Republic, Ireland, and Scotland. The choir performs annually
for the Choral Dinner/Music Revue, Candlelight Holy Days Concert, Art, Music and
Drama Showcase, Choir Tour, and the Spring Concert.
The Chamber Singers are a
smaller, more select ensemble with between 15 and 20 members.
The repertoire is selected from more intimate, chamber styles of music
including music from the
Renaissance to contemporary music.
Lighter musical styles include folk songs from many cultures, spirituals,
gospel, swing, show tunes, and vocal jazz. The Chamber Singers have performed
music composed and arranged by Kirby Shaw, James Mulhousen, Kenneth Fulton, John
Rutter, and Moses Hogan. Within the Chamber Singers
are smaller ensembles including The
Women’s Chorus which performs music styles such as boogie woogie, blues, and
intimate romantic music such as "The Rose", and the Men's Chorus, which
performs styles such as barbershop, blues, and country music.
The choirs take an annual
tour in the spring. The tours have taken
the choirs to Branson, Missouri; Carnegie Hall; the Bahamas and Cozumel, Mexico
on cruise ships; and Disney World and Sea World. Funds for choir tours are raised through fundraising events,
the annual dinner show, and donations from various foundations.
Although there are no UIL
competitions at the college level, choir members have the opportunity to
audition for the Texas Two-Year All-State Choir
which performs at the Texas Music Educators' Association.
Some of the most respected choral
directors in the country are selected to be clinicians for this All-State Choir.
The best two-year college choir members in the state of Texas are selected to be
a part of this prestigious choir. Many members of the WCJC choirs are selected
each year to participate in the All-State choir.
AUDITIONS
Students may audition for
the Concert Choir and the Chamber Singers beginning in the fall semester of their high
school senior year. Auditions
include warm-ups and singing a song like “America" or a UIL-preferred vocal
section. Performers are evaluated on vocal range, vocal quality,
artistry and technique, sight reading, interval intonation, and skill in holding
a vocal part.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Choir scholarships are
available to students who audition for the choirs.
Choir students are strongly encouraged to go to Financial Aid to explore
the possibilities of grants and scholarships that can augment the choir
scholarships. Money for tuition
costs and free dorm space are offered to students participating in the choirs. Also, music majors are eligible for fine arts scholarships.
CREDIT
One semester hour per semester
is earned for participation in the Concert Choir. One semester hour per semester
is earned for participation in the Chamber Singers.
COST
There is no cost for choir
folders, music, concert dresses, tuxedos, or choir shirts.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Are there extra rehearsals outside of regular choir rehearsal times?
No!
Many of the choir members have to work after school.
There are no extra rehearsals for the Concert Choir or the Chamber Singers.
How much does it cost to be a part of the Choir and Chamber Singers?
There is no extra cost for
membership in the Concert Choir and the Chamber Singers. The only out-of-pocket expenses are for
choir tours to pay for what is not covered by fundraisers, and food
money for those who make the Texas Two-Year All-State Choir in San Antonio. The
college provides concert outfits and choir shirts.
Do I have to be a music major to join the Concert Choir or the Chamber Singers?
No!
All students regardless of major are eligible to audition for both choirs
and may be eligible to receive choir scholarships.
How difficult are the auditions to get into the Concert Choir and the Chamber Singers?
The audition is not difficult. Those who have had choral experience have no difficulty
making the choirs. Those who have
not had choral experience find it a bit more difficult but are almost always
successful. The Chamber Singers
auditions are a bit more difficult in that sight reading counts more for this
choir, but allowances are given to those who have a good ear for remembering
pitches.
Are there a lot of concerts that will cause me to miss classes?
No!
Most of our day concerts are with service organizations that meet during
lunch. Choir meets during noontime
so that community members can come during their lunch times for rehearsals and to
join us for large concert works. All
of our major concerts are on Tuesday or Thursday evenings on campus.
A list of concert dates, times, and locations is given to the choir
members on the first day of each semester.
This gives the members plenty of time to change work schedules and to
notify instructors in case some class time is missed.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions, or
if you are interested in auditioning for one or both of the choirs, you can
contact the Music Department by mail, telephone, e-mail, or fax.
Wharton County Junior College
Music Department
911 Boling Highway
Wharton, TX 77488
Division
Office:
(979) 532-6300
Fax: (979) 532-6587
Dr. Paul
Spellman
Music Department
Head
Tel: (979) 532-6300
pauls@wcjc.edu
Mr. Lee
Lemson
Director of Choral Activities
(979) 532-6447
leel@wcjc.edu
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