Many singers are preparing for the upcoming Christmas concert this winter.
Emily Paradise, education major, said, “Chorus is my creative outlet, it allows me to use my creative talents among others who can share and elaborate upon them.”
This year, the chorus was introduced to a new instructor, Helene Furlong, who teaches at Henry C. Lea School in Philadelphia. This is her first year conducting the Cabrini chorus.
She is also the music director of the Arden Singers in Delaware. Furlong said, “This has been a positive experience for me. I love to try new things and I wanted to learn. The fun thing about chorus is that I get to do a little bit more advanced music, and we can have more variety.”
Students can be a part of the chorus and they can take this class for credit or noncredit. You can earn 1.5 credits by joining chorus.
When asked about the future of the chorus, Furlong said, “I would like to see a big group and do some more show tunes and have more for the chorale to do. I would like to introduce other groups and do more social things together.”
For example, last year the chorus went to see “Mamma Mia!” The chorale is a select group of singers that sing advanced music and in order to join, you have to audition.
Dr. Adeline Bethany, the previous chorus instructor, said, “The college enrollment affects the chorus enrollment. Since this year’s freshman class was larger than usual we expected a larger enrollment in chorus. This did not happen possibly because incoming first year students did not know of the opportunity.”
Students of all majors and all interests are welcomed to join the chorus.
Furlong said, “I don’t think there is a community chorus I have been in that doesn’t need more men, so come join us and meet some of the lovely ladies in the choir.” Most people think that in order to join the chorus, they have to be really good at singing, but this is not the case. There is no audition requirement, you just leave it up to the instructor to teach you how to sing.
Steve Halko, biology major, said, “I really enjoy chorus because it is a fun class and an easy way to get an aesthetics requirement! The classes are enjoyable and a great environment.”
“We encourage anyone who wants and loves to sing to come and join us, next semester. We will be having a really fun concert in the spring, and I encourage you to come watch the winter concert”, Furlong said. The chorus traditionally performs at Cabrini Night at the Phillies, the Honors Convocation, the Christmas Concert, the Spring Concert and other events.
Jessica Austin, junior special education major, said, “I would like to see the choir expand next semester because it will give us the opportunity to sing more complex songs. I enjoy choir because it allows me to express my feelings after a busy day.”
@MarinaHaley1
