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Children's chorus ready to make beautiful music
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Demaris Cosme follows the words of "De Colores," a Mexican folk song, during a recent rehearsal of the Children's Chorus of Springfield. Reminder photo Lori Szepelak
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By Lori Szepelak
Correspondent
SPRINGFIELD "Bravo! Bravo!"
Those words echoed throughout the rehearsal hall of Trinity United Methodist Church on a recent Tuesday afternoon by E. Wayne Abercrombie as he directed more than 35 children of the newly formed Children's Chorus of Springfield.
Abercrombie, Professor Emeritus, University of Massachusetts Amherst, is serving as artistic director of the chorus, while Vera S. Baker, former director of Visual & Performing Arts for the Springfield Public Schools, is managing director.
Abercrombie and Baker have dreamed about the formation of a children's chorus in the city for years and feel truly blessed that their conversations have finally blossomed into the Children's Chorus of Springfield.
Nathan Blais, 11, of Forest Park School, was one of many children who eagerly spoke about the new chorus during a snack break.
"Singing is my favorite thing to do," said Blais, adding he enjoys the diversity of the songs they have an opportunity to sing.
For Danielle Smith, 12, of the Kennedy School, singing in this choir is a natural extension for her since she has been singing in choirs since kindergarten.
"I like being a part of the choir to sing and to make new friends," said Smith.
Having the chance to sing and make new friends were heard repeatedly from children interviewed and both Abercrombie and Baker couldn't be happier about that finding.
Writing to supporters recently via e-mail, Abercrombie noted that "the dream that Vera and I have talked about for several years is now a reality, and even in the very earliest steps, a beautiful one."
Abercrombie added that the singers more than 35 fifth and sixth grade students from the city's schools have a "great set of experiences in store." Springfield schools represented include Balliet, Beal, Bowles, Brightwood, Brunton, Chestnut, Dorman, Duggan, Forest Park, Freedman, Gerena, Glenwood, Harris, Kensington, Lincoln, Lynch, Milton Bradley, Mt. Carmel, New Leadership, Renaissance, SABIS and Kennedy.
With only three rehearsals behind the students, they have already learned several songs and pitches, names and hand signs for Do, Sol and Mi.
"Their singing even at this early stage warms the hearts of all present," added Abercrombie.
Indeed. Just a quick glance across the rehearsal room saw a lot of smiles from younger brothers and sisters and moms and dads listening to the childrens' combined voices.
"The Children's Chorus of Springfield was conceived as a way of uniting children and families of all economic, social and ethnic backgrounds, representing the power, diversity and greatness of Springfield to its people," said Baker. "Springfield's children need affirmation and the chorus is one way of demonstrating the bright future the city has in its children through music of many cultures."
Abercrombie echoed those sentiments.
"We will need all the support available to see that the chorus flourishes, and are more sure than ever of both the rightness of the idea and its success," he added.
Abercrombie was quick to thank the many supporters who have made donations for the start-up of the chorus, as well as a "generous grant" from the Springfield Cultural Council. He also acknowledged the support of Dennis Egan of Bacon and Wilson of Springfield, who is helping the chorus establish its nonprofit status, and Nancy Ursbchat of TSM Design in Springfield who is working on marketing materials. Both Bacon and Wilson and TSM Design have "deeply discounted" their rates to help the chorus get on its feet financially. Additionally, Trinity United Methodist Church is donating the space for the rehearsals, sponsoring the chorus, and Becky Isaacson, director of music, is serving as accompanist and music literacy coach.
"We also thank Kayla Werlin of the Longmeadow High School music faculty, who has three student interns assisting us in all aspects of rehearsals and student support," said Baker.
With only a few more rehearsals to go before their first public concert on May 10, Abercrombie and Baker are spending 90 minutes every Tuesday afternoon with the children learning a host of songs in several languages, representing many cultures and genres.
"The May 10 concert will provide an opportunity for the people of Springfield to witness the work of artistic director, Wayne Abercrombie, a nationally known choral director," said Baker. "They will also see and hear confident and musical singers who have evolved from our philosophy which in addition to teaching music literacy strives to nurture personal growth and confidence through music stressing teamwork, discipline, responsibility and self-control."
The 4 p.m. concert will be conducted at Trinity United Methodist Church, 361 Sumner Ave., and is open to the public.
Financial donations are still needed to support the purchase of percussion instruments, sound equipment, music and training materials, concert attire, transportation, outreach programs and operational expenses. Persons or businesses interested in making a charitable donation may do so to Children's Chorus of Springfield, 55 Ellendale Circle, Springfield, MA 01128.
"There is nothing more powerful than witnessing the joy of children learning to sing, the discipline of music education, the exuberance of public performances, and the pride of personal accomplishment," said Baker, adding that donations in any amount will be greatly appreciated.
Ultimately, Baker and Abercrombie would like to see more than one chorus in the future so "all the children who want to sing can," said Abercrombie, adding that "money should not keep a child from singing."
With both Baker and Abercrombie at the helm, there is no doubt that with the support of the community, children throughout the city will have music in their lives for years to come.
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