In Search of High School Boys Who Can Sing

It seems like the beginning of a trend:  children's choruses expanding to accommodate high-school-age singers.  Maybe this development is driven by the slowly increasing number of high schools that have dropped their choral program.  Or maybe it's kids and parents simply looking for the more systematic voice instruction that can come from a private organization.  There's tuition involved, of course, but then, there is value that not every public high school can provide.

The latest example I've seen is the Northern California Children's Chorus.  I believe it was last year that director Judy Britts established Bella Voce for high school girls.  Now she is hoping to attract high school boys who are looking for a more rigorous singing experience -- emphasizing vocal technique, performance skills, and a challenging repertoire.  And to attract them she's planning on giving the group a more gender-neutral name.

It's the start of a new season, with rehearsals in Granite Bay on Mondays from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m.  Interested young singers should call Judy Britts at 916/220-0970 or send an e-mail to jbritts@NorCalChildrensChorus.org.

Sierra Gold Holds Open House, Sept. 22

Members of the award-winning Sierra Gold Chorus are holding an open house to invite women to join them as they prepare for their annual Christmas Show. The event will take place on Monday, September 22, at 6:30 PM, 11577 E Avenue, Burback Hall, De Witt Center in Auburn. Ladies of all ages are invited to attend Monday evening rehearsals to have an opportunity to perform in the Christmas Show. For more information, call (888) 625-3430, or Kay (530) 268-2456, or Gayle (530) 268-08963 or visit the website at www.sierragoldchorus.org.

The Sierra Gold Chorus, the Auburn Chapter of Sweet Adelines International, has a membership of over 50 women from Nevada City to Sacramento, including Placerville and also as far away as Reno, Nevada. They welcome any woman of average singing ability, with or without vocal training.

Ron Black became the director of Sierra Gold Chorus in June 2013, leading the chorus to perform as a “triple winner” at the 2014 Regional Competition in Reno last April. Along with scoring the Most Improved Chorus, they also received the third place medal in their division, and won a trophy for the chorus with the largest increase in membership for the current year.