8/17/12

St. Lawrence University Music Ensembles Seeking New Members

CANTON - St. Lawrence University's music ensembles are accepting new members for the fall semester, offering a mix of music-making opportunities for students, faculty, staff and the North Country community.

University Chorus - As Canton's community chorus, University Chorus combines the vocal talents of students, faculty, staff and community members, performing a varied repertoire, often with instrumental accompaniment. This fall, veterans of the armed forces will be honored, in a concert on Veteran's Day. The national anthem and the various service anthems will be performed, along with works on war and peace. The University Chorus also sings at the annual Candlelight Service. Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m., beginning September 4 in Griffiths 15. For membership information, contact director Barry Torres, 315-229-5171 or btorres@stlawu.edu. New members will be accepted until September 11.

String Orchestra - The String Orchestra includes violins, violas, cellos and basses played by students, faculty and staff, as well as adults and students from the community. Their focus is on performing a diverse assortment music styles, including classical, baroque, traditional/folk, contemporary and popular, in concers on and off campus. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 7 to 9:30 p.m. in Peterson-Kermani Performance Hall, Griffiths Arts Center, starting September 5. Auditions will be held Wednesday, August 29, from 7 to 8 p.m. in Peterson-Kermani Hall. For more information contact director Chris Hosmer at cello@twcny.rr.com.

Wind Ensemble - The ensemble pursues an eclectic mix of music for the wind band repertoire. This fall, the group will perform Percy Grainger's Lincolnshire Posy, as well as some Sousa, a Joplin rag, a Spanish doble and the great jazz tune "South Rampart Street Parade." Rehearsals are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Peterson-Kermani Performance Hall. Auditions will be on Thursday, August 30, and Tuesday, September 4, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Peterson-Kermani Hall. For more information contact director Michael Farley at mfarley@stlawu.edu.

Improv Lab - Directed by Tim Savage, the "lab" provides opportunities for musicians to individually and collectively develop their interests and skills in a variety of American music styles, including jazz, blues, rock, folk, hip-hop, alternative, country and bluegrass. "Ear" playing, combined with varying degrees of written notation, will be used to best suit the situation. Players and singers are welcome to join this member-driven group. Rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Launders Underground (Noble Center 001) starting September 3. Auditions are at the first rehearsal, or by contacting director Tim Savage at tsavag@twcny.rr.com.

More information about all of the ensembles is available on the music department website.