One voice, together

The human voice can do amazing things – especially when it’s speaking in the universal language of music.

This is perhaps most apparent with chorale music – a style of performance that is ultimately about creating togetherness. The focus becomes the variety of harmony and unity amongst the singers in the ensemble and the enjoyment that the performers share with an audience.

Whether they are presenting Johann Sebastian Bach or an Elton John medley, chorale members invest great time and energy into learning, rehearsing, and eventually performing their brand of captivating sounds. A majority of the

Sean McCarthy

chorus members are volunteers inspired by their love for singing.

“A chorus is a group of people doing something together,” says John Graef, President of the Greater New Bedford Choral Society. “For any given singer the satisfaction comes with experiencing the music with other people. There’s a great pleasure with that. The singers are able to create something by doing it together. This music is about harmony.

“Back when composers composed, they did so with the idea of creating sounds that go together in a musical context. You have to be able to sing your part when someone else is singing their part with another set of notes. You also have to be able to start and stop together. It requires discipline and there’s a pleasure that comes from getting it right.”

Graef has advice for what to listen for at your first chorale performance.

“You hear the different sections – the altos, sopranos, tenors and bass – and enjoy the sound that’s being produced by them. What you want to experience is the sense of togetherness coming from the singers.”

It’s not a sensation felt only by the audience. “Chorale music is a feel-good experience for all involved,” says David Imhoff, President of the South Coast Community Chorale, based in Fall River. “The audiences say that they can they can see the joy and excitement on our faces while we’re singing. If we have a soloist

singing that’s when you get goosebumps and heads turning – they sound flawless. It all comes together and sounds beauti- ful. The audience is always appreciative.”

Singing out

The GTCC received a high-profile opportunity recently when they performed at Trinity Repertory Company’s “A

Celebrating its 40th season, the organization is perennially responsible for using their talents to help those less fortunate

When it comes to the efforts of the Greater Tiverton Community Chorus, people appreciate the music even if they are not present for the performances. Celebrating its 40th season, the organiza- tion is perennially responsible for using their talents to help those less fortunate.

The GTCC has raised funds for numerous people in need including a two-year old boy in need of a liver transplant, and helping to provide a special wheelchair for the son of a chorus mem- ber. They have also teamed with The Wish Come True Foundation for terminally ill children and the Newport County Women’s Resource Center that supports battered women and their families. In its 2009/2010 season they raised funds to supply pianos for the Westport and Tiverton public schools. In the spring of 2014 their concerts earned funds for two organizations that work to improve the nature of water in the area – the Watershed Alliance and the Nature Con- servancy in Rhode Island and Westport. They have also contributed financially to the construction of Tiverton’s new public library and performed at its dedication ceremony. In May of 2018, the GTCC raised more than $4,000 with their spring concerts to assist with disaster relief for the citizens of Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Christmas Carol” this past December.

Also in the spirit of giving back, each year the South Coast Community Chorale offers a pair of music-related scholarships – The Isabel White Memorial Scholarship for a resident of the Fall River area entering a degree program in music at an accredited college or university, and the Karen K. Miller Memorial Scholarship for any member or family member of the SCC Chorale who will be pursuing a degree in music from an institution of higher education.

Area chorale concerts are traditionally held in May and Decem- ber. The SCC Chorale traditionally presents their spring concerts at The Good Shepherd Parish in Fall River, and St. Jude the Apostle’s in Taunton.

“Most chorale singers want to perform as well as do something for the community, and this is a way of doing both,” says Simone Pasquariello, Publicity Director for the GTCC. “There’s a very nice feeling at the end of a concert when people are applauding for something you’ve worked really hard to do.”

“It’s a commitment but it’s something we all enjoy doing,” Imhoff says. “The power of music is beyond comprehension.” Sean McCarthyhas been a freelance journalist for 27 years. He lives in New Bedford.

“Most chorale singers want to perform as well as do something for the community, and this is a way of doing both”