Mary Poppins Sing-Along

Here's a creative idea for a chorus fundraiser.  The Placer Pops Chorale will host two screenings of the newly re-released, Mary Poppins movie.  And while the characters are singing those very famous songs, the words will be displayed above the screen so that the audience can sing along.

This will all take place at the State Theater at 985 Lincoln Way in Auburn at 2:00 and 7:00 on Saturday, April 5.  Tickets are $10 and can be reserved by calling 916/543-8797.  Get more information at www.placerpops.org.

Chorus for Those with Parkinson's Disease

Colla Voce of the Sierra, in collaboration with McConnell Music Therapy, has organized a community chorus for people affected by Parkinson's Disease and their caregivers and families.  "This is a non-performance chorus, led by board certified Music Therapist, Kathleen Humphries, MA, MT-BC. No musical experience is needed. This program is supported in part by Sutter Medical Group and Colla Voce of the Sierra. The goal of this group is to provide support for people and families while engaging in singing exercises that help to sustain vocal abilities."  The 10-week program began February 12 and is held at Pioneer United Methodist Church in Auburn.  For information, contact Tara McConnell at 916/996-1589 or tara.mmts@gmail.com.

You Can Be a Soloist

A short solo is part of every Christian Science church service, and local churches are frequently looking for regular and substitute soloists.  The church in Carmichael will be holding auditions for substitute soloist ($100 per service) on Saturday morning, March 8 at 10:00 a.m. and Monday evening, March 10 at 7:00 p.m.  The church is located at 4949 Kenneth Ave., Carmichael.  To register for an audition, contact Lonnie Best-Jarvis at laserlynn@sbcglobal.net or call 916/468-9294.  Register by March 1.

Welcome: Meadowlark Ensemble

There is a new chorus in town. Meadowlark Ensemble is a new chamber choir, "consisting of young vocal professionals in the Sacramento area." Directed by Andrew Hudson, the group has announced its inaugural concert centered on Dufay's "Missa L'Homme Armé." The concert will be held Saturday evening, February 15 at the Davis United Methodist Church. Click here for more details in the Sacramento Choral Calendar.

The Benefits of Singing with Others

The book, published late last year, is called Imperfect Harmony:  Finding Happiness Singing with Others, and in it, author Stacy Horn describes how she, as a so-so singer, learned the thrill of singing in a chorus, and especially singing major choral works.  She tells of her experience with the Choral Society of Grace Church in New York, and the book has received a lot of favorable notice in recent months.

Now, if you want to sample her ideas before tackling the book, you can view her TEDx Montclair talk, recorded November 9, 2013.  Here's a link to the 13-minute talk on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBbj2wtjLpE.