The Northeast Men's Summer Chorus will perform at local churches in Keene and Acworth, New Hampshire, and in Chester, Vermont, during the Aug. 8–10 weekend.
The chorus sings a variety of numbers in four-part harmony in the tradition of the Yankee Male Chorus, which sang in southern Vermont and New Hampshire for 65 years. Selections are taken from musical theater, vintage pop, rock, country, spirituals, hymns, and patriotic genres.
Chorus organizers say they eagerly accept tenor, baritone, and bass singers to their group. No auditions are required; however, choral singing experience is helpful. Organizers offer a program for youth (high school/college) singers to earn a stipend or scholarship for their participation, starting at $250 for first-year singers. Community service credit may also be possible.
Youth are accepted right up to, and including, the first concert day on Aug. 8. Practice occurs at 1 p.m. on that day. Community members and youth are encouraged to look into this opportunity as "commitment is small and rewards are great," organizers say.
The chorus is conducted by Michael Wright, who is also the conductor of the Catskill (N.Y.) Glee Club, and is accompanied by Kate Butterfield, the retired choral director of Keene Middle School. Singers hail from Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.
All concerts are free. On Thursday, Aug. 8, the first performance will be presented at the Keene United Church of Christ, 23 Central Square. Friday's concert will be at the United Church of Acworth on Turkey Shoot Road, while Saturday's concert is at Chester Baptist Church, 162 Main St. All concerts begin at 7 p.m.
There is no admission charge. A free-will offering to be contributed to charity or to defray the costs of the hosting church will be collected. For further information, visit conductorsclub.org, the chorus Facebook page: @ttbbnortheast, [email protected], or 802-463-2271.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.