WESTFIELD-Singers of all ages who seek challenges are welcome to join the Greater Westfield Choral Association which begins rehearsals in January.
“Our group has been in the Westfield area for over 40 years, and continues to perform a wide variety of music at a very high level, while being open to all singers of all talents and walks of life,” said Marc Winer, who is entering his 12th year as director.
Marc Winer serves as director of the Greater Westfield Choral Association. He is seen during the group’s 40th anniversary concert in 2017 at St. Mary’s Church in Westfield. (Submitted photo)
Winer first joined the group as the tenor soloist and served in that role for 11 years before assuming the directorship from Allan Taylor.
“Allan Taylor was and still is a mentor of mine, and he had me direct a few rehearsals in his absence,” said Winer. “I have always enjoyed conducting since high school, so when he asked if I wanted to take his spot as director, I jumped at the chance to direct my own group.”
Winer explained that the group’s “mission” is to educate and enrich each musician’s experience through the study and performance of primarily sacred music.
“I like to be open-minded about the experience and learn the music along with the singers,” said Winer. “Being a singer myself, I have a lot to offer in the approach to learning the music and how to sing passionately and expressively.”
Winer noted that the repertoire performed is widely varied between classical works, spirituals, sacred and secular songs and new works. Karen Ducharme has served as the group’s accompanist for more than a decade.
Singers of all ages are welcome to join the Greater Westfield Choral Association, seen here during a 2016 performance at the First Congregational Church in Westfield. (Submitted photo)
“There is something for everyone in each season,” said Winer.
The group performs one concert each year, usually on the second Sunday in March. Rehearsals start the first Sunday after New Year’s Day at the Catherine Dower Center for the Fine and Performing Arts at Westfield State University. Rehearsals run from 1 to 3 p.m. up to the concert which is slated for March 10 at 3 p.m. at Second Congregational Church on Western Avenue in Westfield.
“We offer a large choral experience at a low price without having to go to the big cities to be a part of,” said Winer, adding, “It is a short nine to 10-week season, so the commitment level is short.”
A tuition fee of $40 is charged per season which helps to cover the cost of the sheet music and a portion of basic expenses. Funding is also derived from donations, program advertisers, grants and ticket sales.
“The only requirements that we have for new singers is that they have sung in some group before and love to sing, learn and appreciate the music we perform,” said Winer. “No audition is required, just the commitment to attend rehearsals and the concert.”
Currently, 35 to 45 members are active each season, and Winer is always looking to “grow” the group.
For the March concert, Winer said the group will feature two of G. F. Handel’s works – Chandos anthem #11 and Coronation anthem #4 – during the first half of the program. The second half of the program will include a wide variety of music including two spirituals, one by Jay Althouse and one by area composer and arranger Clifton J. Noble. Also during the second half, singers will perform works by J. S. Bach, Bob Chilcott and an “exuberant closer” by David McK. Williams.
“My favorite part about directing this group is the people I get to collaborate with, namely the singers and the accompanist,” said Winer.
Winer noted the choral association is a “family oriented group.”
“Couples, parents and children, generations of singers, all get to sing and learn music together, which I believe is one of the main reasons why the group is strong and enjoyable,” said Winer.
Winer added that all participants will learn “some wonderful music,” enjoy the process and each other, and be “proud” by the end of the season.
“The compassion, support and drive to challenge each other and themselves is what keeps everyone coming back year after year, including the accompanist and myself,” said Winer. “We love it just as much as the singers.”
For more information on getting involved with the nonprofit organization, visit www.westfieldchoral.org or send an email to Winer at [email protected].
