Season XXII:  2008-2009 school year 
             Fr. Bede Camera OSB, Director
           Mr. Robert Aldrich '01, Assistant to the Director
           Brother Andrew Thornton, O.S.B. Prof. Donald Cox, Accompanists
                       

 

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Frequently Asked Questions  (updated for 2007-2008 school year)

 How big is the choir?

Between 70 and 100 students, depending on how great the response is from your class.

 What does the choir do?

The college choir is a liturgical choir and we sing the student Sunday evening Mass each week ( 7pm ), special occasions such as Family Weekend and other college events. In addition we have two special performances in our Concert Series: "DecemberSong" (the first Saturday after Thanksgiving Weekend)  an annual Spring Concert given the Saturday after Easter. In addition, selected members of the choir are given opportunities to sing at other events on campus. In addition to this, during Spring Break of even-numbered year, members of the choir CONCERT TOUR abroad.  

 What type of music does the choir sing?

All the choir’s music is sacred music and it runs the range from classical to contemporary styles, some in Latin, mostly in English. Last year the choir’s classical repertoire featured compositions by Bach, Mendelssohn, the Fauré Requiem, Victoria and Handel. Contemporary music is in a wide variety of styles, representing recent works by major liturgical publishers. 

 How much time does the choir require?

Rehearsals are on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-7 pm , and Sunday evening at 6:15 pm (a warm-up for the 7 pm Mass). In addition there is one special weekend practice in the fall semester. That’s all. There are additional rehearsals for those going to Europe. These will be announced at the beginning of the semester.

 I’m concerned about the academic pressure and don’t know if I should commit to the choir right now.

You will find, and choir members will back me up on this, that being in the choir will actually help you handle the academic pressure. It provides a stress release, the music refreshes the mind and soul and spirit and helps balance out your brain energies, it keeps you coming to church, it helps develop your spirituality, gives you a sense of belonging and an outlet for very worthwhile community service. How’s that for an unbiased answer?  

How much experience do I need? Are there auditions?

Any experience at all is desirable although some students have actually begun their singing careers in choir. There is a REQUIRED AUDITION which is not terribly difficult. You can get more information about the audition at the audition page on the choir website.

I’m interested in joining the theater group. Is it possible to be involved in both activities?

Yes. The Abbey Players and the Choir arrange their schedules so that there are no rehearsal conflicts. Many students are involved in both programs, provided they can keep their grades up.  

As a freshman, am I eligible to go on the Concert Tour Abroad?

All accepted members of the choir are eligible to go on TourMost definitely, if you can make a commitment to the cost (to be announced soon), and attend the special rehearsals required for trip members.  The next tour is schedule for Spring Break of 2010. For more information, pricing, to make reservations, please contact the tour manager, Robert Aldrich at choir@anselm.edu

OK. I’m interested. What do I do next?

E-mail (bcamera@anselm.edu) or call (603-641-7277) me to register. Please send name, address, e-mail and phone.  Please tell me what voice part you sing. Once registered, you will get further information via email or voice mail when you come to campus. Don’t forget: Try-outs are on Sunday, Aug 31 from 2-5 pm and Monday, September 1 from 3-5 pm. The first rehearsal is on Monday, September 1 at 6 pm. Come down to the lower church shortly before 6.