CHESTERTOWN — The Chester River Chorale fall semester launches Sept. 9 with weekly rehearsals at the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown.
All singers are invited to join; the chorale has a specific need for male voices.
No audition is required.
All music is provided.
An added opportunity is the Chester Chamber Singers, an auditioned subset of the chorale. Please note your interest in auditioning for CCS when you register.
As a member of the chorale, you join the tradition of Christmas caroling with “A Feast of Carols.” This program features arrangements by David Willcocks, John Rutter, Alfred Burt, Ola Gjeilo, Rollo Dilworth and others — all celebrating the rich history of wassailing on a grand scale with the 100-voice community choir and professional chamber orchestra.
The physical and mental health benefits of choral singing are well documented.
The “Sing With Us” study (https://performancescience.ac.uk/singwithus/), conducted from 2016-2018, linked singing in a choir to reduced stress hormones and increased cytokines, proteins that can boost the body’s ability to fight serious illness.
Also, a 2013 Time magazine article states that “the benefits of singing regularly seem to be cumulative.”
The article further states: “In one study, singers were found to have lower levels of cortisol, indicating lower stress … our heart rates may sync up during group singing … study after study has found that singing relieves anxiety and contributes to quality of life.”
At a personal level, chorale member Trish Cleary writes, “Joining the Chorale was an exercise in courage for me. It was post-Covid, and I was new to Chestertown. Driving in the dark to my first practice, I was so nervous I almost turned around. I hadn’t been in a singing group for over fifty years. I knew I had a nice voice but not a strong one. I could follow a tune but couldn’t read music, and I missed the first session! Alexis, our artistic director, was welcoming and fun. The members in my section were supportive. Regardless of worries, I love singing with the Chester River Chorale!”
In addition to weekly rehearsals and seasonal concerts, chorale members have opportunities to sing with other choirs, be involved in music recordings and, earlier this year, 42 members and associates of the chorale joined together for a musical tour through Munich, Vienna and Salzburg.
“Joining the Chester River Chorale is a chance to be a part of something truly special,” Artistic Director Alexis Ward said in a news release. “As we prepare for ‘A Feast of Carols,’ you’ll not only have a fantastic time and make new friends, but you’ll also be part of a group of dedicated choir enthusiasts committed to making exceptional music. If you’re passionate about singing and enjoy being surrounded by people who share your love for choral music, we’d love to have you with us!”
Whatever your reason for joining, singers can come to one or both of the first two rehearsals to see if the Chester River Chorale is a good fit.
Dues are $75 per semester; there is no cost for students.
New singers and returning members can pre-register by filling out the singer registration form found on the website, www.chesterriverchorale.org/about/join/
Fall semester rehearsals start Monday, Sept. 9 at the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown, 905 Gateway Drive. The church’s website is www.presbyterianchestertown.org.
Weekly rehearsals are on Mondays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
There will be two holiday concerts at the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 and 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Another concert will he held in conjunction with the Easton Choral Arts Society at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 at St. Elizabeth’s Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware.
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The Chester River Chorale is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council.
Support also is provided by the Kent Cultural Alliance, the Artistic Insights Fund of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, the Hedgelawn Foundation, the Rosin Creek Collaborative, the Choptank Electric Trust, and sponsors, patrons, advertisers and audiences.
According to its website, the chorale’s mission is “to provide opportunity, education and inspiration for amateur singers to strive for artistic excellence. We entertain diverse audiences and enrich the cultural life of the community.”
The repertoire is varied and expansive, including classic favorites as well as works from living and underrepresented composers.
Singers with the Chester River Chorale run the gamut of those with professional music experience to those who do not read music. Members range in age from teenagers to octogenarians. If you love to sing, the community choir welcomes you.
More information about the Chester River Chorale can be found at www.chesterriverchorale.org. Go to
the contact page and fill in your contact information to receive updates.