Upcoming celebration brings together choirs

By Elaine Souza/reporter

David Sylvester, Kate Brogden and Michael Sycamore perform a scene from A Christmas Carol on NE Campus. The play was part of the drama department’s Outreach Program, which performs free plays for at-risk schools.  Photo by Alex Muhindura/The Collegian
David Sylvester, Kate Brogden and Michael Sycamore perform a scene from A Christmas Carol on NE Campus. The play was part of the drama department’s Outreach Program, which performs free plays for at-risk schools. Photo by Alex Muhindura/The Collegian

NE Campus Collegiate Chorale and the newly formed Community Chorus will present Midwinter Celebration 8 p.m. Thursday at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Keller.

“ The upcoming choral concert is specially exciting to premiere this new choir on the same concert with the Collegiate Chorale,” said Bobbie Douglass, assistant professor of music and the concert’s director.

The concert is a result of a desire to offer members of the community a place to sing. Mid-Cities does not have as many professional choruses as do bigger cities like Fort Worth and Arlington, so it is an opportunity for students to participate and show their talents, Douglass said.

“ Right now, the Community Chorus is offered through the continuing education department for non-credit,” she said.

Anyone can participate who is willing to go to rehearsal once a week on Thursday evenings.

The Collegiate Chorale consists of music students with varying experiences in music education and vocal performance.

In the Community Chorus, the singers are vary in their musical training and experiences.

During the presentation, the audience will hear several selections of Celtic music from the Collegiate Chorale. The evening also includes sacred works and seasonal selections by the Community Chorus.

“ We will combine the two choirs on the final number, a spiritual, ‘I’m Gonna’ Ride in the Chariot,’” she said.

Douglass said she considered the choir members, the time of year, the location of the performance and the audience when choosing songs.

“ We hope that each member of the audience will enjoy these selections,” she said.

Midwinter Celebration also features Cherrie Townsend as guest conductor and Karen Parsons and Marilyn Derrett as accompanists.

The concert is free and open to the public.