Westchester Choral Society – Virtual Rehearsals
WCS will begin rehearsals via Zoom starting on Tuesday, May 5th, and continue through Tuesday, June 9th.
In choosing music for our virtual rehearsals (and therefore our December concert), Music Director Frank Nemhauser decided that two things were of primary importance.
1) the music should be in the public domain and available online.
2) The music can be performed with organ only, but other instruments can be added.
The choir will be working on two pieces during the virtual rehearsals.
- Joseph Haydn – Missa Brevis Sancti Joannis De Deo. Commonly known as the Little Organ Mass and Brahms – Geistliches Lied (Spiritual Song)
The choir will meet in sectional rehearsals, led by Frank Nemhauser and by David Baranowski, Associate Music Director. The choir will be working on the text, text in rhythm, and the pitches, eventually putting all the elements together.
The Haydn is available on Choraltracks and the entire chorus will have access to Choraltracks for a three-month period. Brahms can be found on YouTube.
These are very unusual times, and it is important to remain engaged while we are unable to come together and sing together. Virtual rehearsals seem to be the answer. Choral members seem excited to try this new version of rehearsals and everyone seems to be in good spirits.
About Westchester Choral Society
The award-winning Westchester Choral Society was founded by Sarah Stewart Bowne in 1942 to perform Bach’s B minor Mass with 15 singers. Today we are 55 singers performing works from Baroque to contemporary, presenting three concerts per season as well as Summer Sings and other musical events. Smaller ensembles are available for private and community performances. We welcome singers in all voice ranges to join us at a rehearsal before auditioning. We rehearse Tuesday evenings at the Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains (handicapped accessible; free parking available; near public transportation). To arrange a trial membership, contact WCS President Numa Rousseve at 914-285-9026. The Westchester Choral Society is a proud member of Chorus America, the Vocal Area Network, and ArtsWestchester, which honored us in 2000 with its Arts Organization Award.