M ARTIN COUNT Y CHOIR COMMUNIT Y
Hits High Notes! By Karen Janson
Photos by Liz McKinley
Murray Middle School Students Perform at ArtsFest
T
he oldest form of music written for a choir can be dated back to ancient Greece and the Delphic Hymns, which were dedicated to the god Apollo. Martin County’s history with choirs does not date that far back; however, for decades a rich and diverse choir community has flourished and can be heard in our schools and in music organizations throughout the region. Let’s look at why. Our area’s success in creating a dynamic choir community ultimately stems from Martin County School District’s decision to consistently support the arts in its programming. From Mr. Harris’s lively music class at Indiantown’s Warfield Elementary to the nationally recognized choirs of Jensen Beach and Martin County High Schools, music is literally in the air we breathe. In fact, in 2003, Dr. Doug Jewett founded the locally renowned Treasure Coast Community Singers (TCCS) inspired by his time spent with the Martin County High School’s OPUS Choir. When not conducting the Indian River Pops Orchestra, you can find Dr. Jewett leading multiple TCCS choirs including a youth choir, community choir, chamber singers and the cantante choir. “I wanted to create a place where anyone can join and find their voice,” said Jewett. “We provide a community service of making music and helping people feel connected to one another through singing.”
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“Choral music is so unique because there are no external instruments, just the sounds of the human voice.” –Emily Vitale, OPUS Choral Director The global pandemic curbed the entire choral community and prevented attendance at competitions and public performances that serve as necessary fundraisers. For example, the TCCS choirs went 14 months without a fundraiser and are just now getting back on track. “We would love it if the entire community knew about our choir and supported it with attendance at concerts.”
Felix A. Williams Holiday Ensemble
