The Brattleboro Women's Chorus extends an invitation to new singers to join their upcoming spring session, dedicated to showcasing the music of Black composers.
This inclusive ensemble, open to individuals at least 10 years of age who identify as female or nonbinary and possess a vocal range that comfortably includes the A in the middle of the treble staff, invites voices of all backgrounds to join in this celebration of music from the African diaspora.
"From stirring spirituals to contemporary compositions, the repertoire will offer a captivating journey through a range of styles and genres, highlighting the richness and depth of Black musical heritage," organizers wrote in a news release.
On Mother's Day at the Latchis Theatre, the Chorus will offer a concert of thanks and appreciation for all the richness given by the composers, named and unnamed, with African roots.
Their music this spring includes songs by Ysaye Barnwell, Bobby McFerrin, Melanie DeMore, Rollo Dilworth, and Stevie Wonder. Local artist Samirah Evans will be the featured soloist.
"Under the direction of esteemed conductor Becky Graber, the Brattleboro Women's Chorus provides a welcoming and supportive environment for singers of all levels to come together and share their love of music," organizers said.
"Our spring session is an opportunity […] to hold discussions around what it means to be a predominantly white community singing this music," says Graber. "We welcome singers of all backgrounds to join us as we come together in song."
To put their repertoire into some historical context, they will welcome DeMore, a vocal activist from California, to lead a virtual workshop for all registered singers on Feb. 26.
The Chorus will host an open rehearsal Thursday, Feb. 29, and participants choose whether to attend the morning session from 10 a.m. to noon at the Brattleboro Music Center, or from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro. These rehearsals will provide an opportunity for prospective members to experience the joy of singing with the chorus firsthand.
Continuing beyond Feb 29, evening sessions are for the "concert singers," who commit to attend rehearsals and work on assignments between them.
Morning rehearsal sessions will offer "relaxed singing" for those who want to sing together without the pressure of working between sessions and without an attendance requirement. They will sing some (but not all) of the same songs as the evening sessions, and they may sing in the concert on some songs, if they choose to.
While attendance at the open rehearsal is open to all, registration is required. To register and learn more, visit brattleborowomenschorus.org.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.