Church comes alive with sounds of children singing |
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E. Wayne Abercrombie, artistic director/conductor of the Children's Chorus of Springfield, checks the vocal ranges of Brittany-Ann Fox and Catherine Lupien during a rehearsal break at Trinity United Methodist Church in Springfield on Oct. 27.
Reminder Publications photo by Lori Szepelak
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By Lori Szepelak, Correspondent
SPRINGFIELD Trinity United Methodist Church on Sumner Avenue will come alive with the sounds of children singing on the afternoon of Nov. 21 as the Children's Chorus of Springfield takes the stage for its annual fall concert.
Now in its third season, this year's 57 singers range in age from eight to 14 and represent 26 schools in the area, according to Vera S. Baker, managing director.
"The Children's Chorus of Springfield is an amazing group of children whose artistry and enthusiasm represent the power, diversity and greatness of Springfield to its people, demonstrating the bright future the city has in its children," Baker said during an interview with Reminder Publications.
Baker works diligently behind the scenes while E. Wayne Abercrombie serves as artistic director and conductor, and Becky Isaacson, director of music at Trinity, serves as accompanist to the chorus.
Starting promptly at 4:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Abercrombie takes the helm and conducts warm-up exercises with the children, accompanied by Isaacson. His fatherly approach is also commanding as he reminds everyone to keep their feet planted on the floor while sitting on the edge of their seats. After a 20-minute warm-up, children begin breaking into small groups as well as taking their turns receiving a treat cupcakes and juice.
During a snack break, Kiara Torres of Springfield, was brimming with pride about the upcoming concert.
"I love to sing, it's my passion," Torres said, noting this was her second year with the chorus.
Zachary Holland of Springfield echoed those sentiments.
"The chorus is fun," Holland said, adding he has made new friends and enjoys working with the interns.
Abercrombie and Baker noted that since the chorus is much larger this year, they needed to create chamber group sessions where singers work in small groups on specific skills, songs and musical activities.
Interns working with the chorus this fall in the smaller groups include Julia Handspicker, Teaching Fellow from the University of Massachusetts Amherst; Kathleen Wynne, student intern, Springfield Central High School; Kathryn Middleman, student intern, Longmeadow High School; Jack Breshnahan, student intern, Longmeadow High School; Christian Banda, student intern, Longmeadow High School; Kate Therrien, rehearsal assistant and music teacher, Homer Elementary School in Springfield and Carmen Oyola, rehearsal assistant and art teacher, Lynch Elementary School in Springfield.
As the afternoon rehearsal quickly progressed, Abercrombie reminded everyone to practice the songs at home since some youngsters were still struggling with the words.
The Nov. 21 concert at 4 p.m. will feature folk, gospel and classical music and will represent several languages. Songs will include singing in unison, two-parts and three-parts. The concert is free and open to the public, and donations will be gratefully accepted.
For more information on the chorus, visit their Web site at www.childrenschorusofspringfield.org.
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