Attention all future choirsters
After taking its usual post-holiday break, the Susanville Choral Society will be starting up rehearsals again in their march to the group’s May 29th concert, “Springing to May.”
According to the Choral Society’s Conductor and Artistic Director Liudmila Mullin, the singers rehearse every Wednesday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., in Chapman Hall at Lassen Community College.
“We have put together a wonderful selection of music for our May concert. As is commonly the case for our spring concerts, we are presenting a variety of musical genres for our audience. While classical music remains our base, we are also including folk, pop, waltzes, tangos, and more this May,” explained Liudmila Mullin.
According to Lisa Bernard, a member of the alto section and original member of the choir, the Susanville Choral Society does not require interested singers to audition. “People just join us at rehearsals and see if it’s a fit. Some of the music is not difficult, but some of it can be challenging even for experienced choristers. As we get closer to our concert date, everybody gets super focused on learning their parts, the lyrics and the dynamics of the music. By concert time, we’re this wonderful team of singers with the noble goal of giving the best performance possible for our audience members.”
Matt Mullin, the Choral Society’s resident composer and arranger (and Liudmila’s husband), reports that once again the pocket orchestra will be expanded to include a standard string quartet plus piano/organ and contrabass. “We started out with just a piano and choir, then added various different instruments on an as-needed basis. Maybe a clarinet, cello, and flute at one concert, and an oboe, two clarinets and a French horn at the next show. In the last few years, we’ve tried to standardize our pocket orchestra for ease of music arrangements. The last few seasons have included piano, violin, viola, cello and contrabass. This concert – and hopefully future concerts – will now include two violins, one viola and one cello – a traditional string quartet – supported by the piano and contrabass. This will probably be the last expansion, but it won’t preclude us adding a guest soloist on occasion.”
“There are many research studies available to the public that discuss the value of choral singing: for the pleasure it provides, for positive mental health, for exercising the mind and body, and improving one’s self esteem,” explained Liudmila Mullin. “And it’s great for the community as well!”
According to Liudmila Mullin, the Susanville Choral Society will begin rehearsing on Wednesday, Feb. 19 and continue most Wednesdays until the group’s Spring concert on May 29.
Interested singers can just show up on at the college at 6:30 p.m., or they can contact Liudmila at 251-6738 in advance for more information. Singers can also email [email protected] or visit the group’s Facebook page. “You don’t have to make it to the first rehearsal, and you don’t have to attend every rehearsal. Come join us. We look forward to meeting new singers!”
