About Summer Singers

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Who We Are

We are an SATB choir open to any member of the community without audition.  We come together because we love to sing and love that singing builds a community united in its search for beauty.  Begun over 25 years ago, we meet every June and July for weekly rehearsals.  We give one concert at the end of July.  We range in age from 10 to over 80, in experience from none to professional musician status.   We invite our audience not only to hear us but to join with us in several singalong songs each summer.

Our Mission

To enrich individuals and our community by providing an opportunity for singers of all ages and all abilities to sing a wide variety of choral music that we share with as many people as possible.

Our Vision

We believe that music celebrates the dignity of all people and unites people in a focused pursuit of beauty and truth through song.  We sing for recreation, for reverence, for learning and laughter, for struggle, for hope and understanding.  We believe that music makes the world a better place.

Our Goals

To help each individual singer develop a more expressive voice.

To develop each singer’s musical skills.

To foster independence of effort and unity of purpose.

To build understanding of a variety of texts and musical styles.

To give even non-singers a sense of the physical, emotional, and aesthetic joys of singing by encouraging audience participation and attentive listening.

To build a community of respect among people of every kind through a common goal of expressive singing.

Rehearsals

We rehearse every Monday night in June and July, from 7:00-9:00 p.m.  Rehearsals take place in room Grant 114 which is the back part of the Norton Center for the Arts at Centre College.

Fees

Each singer pays a small fee to offset the cost of music and to pay the accompanist.  There is a discount for more than one singer from a family.  No singer is turned away for inability to pay.

Expectation of the Singers

Joining the choir means attending every rehearsal possible, arriving a few minutes before the start time and staying until the end.  Up to two absences are excused.  Every singer should have music and a pencil in hand at the beginning of each rehearsal.   Music may be left in the music storage cabinet in the rehearsal room between rehearsals.  Music must be returned immediately after the final concert.    Volunteers also provide drinks (water, juices, iced tea, etc.) for the break at the midpoint of each rehearsal.  Singers also share responsibility for publicizing the concert to family, friends, community and religious organizations.

Rehearsal etiquette

Singers take responsibility not only for their own learning of the music but also for the steady progress of the group.  Arriving a few minutes before the starting time, staying alert and focused, following directions, not talking with neighboring singers during rehearsal, marking their scores both at the conductor’s direction and also to note reminders and corrections for themselves, and maintaining a focus on individual and group improvement will guarantee satisfying rehearsals and a fine performance.

Performance attire

We wear a solid colored, short-sleeved polo shirt which can be purchased – with the name of the group embroidered on it - through our treasurer.  Singers may also wear their own polo shirt of the same type.  These shirts are worn with solid khaki or dark trousers/slacks/capris or skirts that reach the knee.  Shoes of any style are fine as long as they are comfortable for extended standing and don’t make excessive noise (flapping) when walking.  No large jewelry of any kind and no perfumes or other scented products.