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You are SUCH a genius! You took a bunch of scared non-musicians and, in five days, made us a choir. Thanks so much for the joy and fun.
Sarah King; participant, Gospel/World Music Choir Douglas College Summer '07
Information on the Douglas College Community Choir
Choir Workshops
ANNOUNCING THE FORMATION OF A NEW GOSPEL/WORLD MUSIC CHOIR


Brian Tate is seeking experienced adult and young adult choral singers to form a new 35 - 40 voice SATB Gospel/World Music choir. Singers should have solid vocal technique, reading ability, a strong rhythmic sense, a soulful singing style as well as some experience in classical choral repertoire, and an interest in folkloric music from oral traditions.

This will be a choir that performs as a service to the greater community, using music as a source of inspiration, healing, understanding, and social justice.

REPERTOIRE


The repertoire will focus on both folkloric (oral) and arranged (published) sacred and inspirational music of many faiths and cultures with an emphasis on music from Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, and American spirituals and gospel.

Examples: Traditional songs and chants of West Africa Freedom songs of South Africa Santeria (folk religion) music of Cuba Contemporary music of Cuba and Latin America Spirituals: arrangements by Linda Tillery, Moses Hogan, Brian Tate Gospel: traditional as well as contemporary repertoire Classical: From Renaissance (Palestrina, Byrd, Victoria); to contemporary (Arvo Pärt, Urmas Sisask, John Taverner) Music from Islamic, Jewish, Buddhist, and other spiritual traditions


Some material will be a capella, some with added percussion (djembe and other percussion), and some with rhythm section (keyboard, bass, and drums).

REHEARSALS


Regular rehearsals will be held Monday evenings from 7:30 - 9:45 PM, location TBA (central Vancouver). The season will include a mix of public and outreach concerts, workshops, and other events. Future projects will include appearances with other choirs and artists, touring, and recording.

AUDITIONS


Auditions will be held Wednesday, Sept. 12 and Thursday, Sept.13 at St. Andrews-Wesley United Church at Burrard and Nelson in Vancouver. Singers will be expected to sing a passage from a song of their choice, preferably a spiritual or gospel song-something soulful (e.g. Amazing Grace, Every Time I Feel the Spirit). Singers will be taught a rhythmic passage of music by rote, memorize it, and sing their part with a quartet, demonstrate sight-reading ability, and learn some basic clapping patterns.

Please email Brian at btate@axion.net and sign up for your first and second choice for a fifteen-minute time slot between 6:00 and 9:15 PM on either day.
For example: Wednesday Sept. 12: first choice, 6:30 - 6:45; second choice 6:45 - 7:00

If you wish to audition and cannot make either of these dates, contact Brian and request another date and time.
BRIAN TATE BIO


Brian Tate is a well-known choral conductor and clinician as well as an award-winning composer and arranger. Formerly the director of Vancouver's multi-faith, multicultural Universal Gospel Choir, Brian frequently gives choir workshops acorss Canada and the U.S. Many of his choral works have been published and his music is performed worldwide. Brian is on the faculty of Lanagara College's Studio 58 Theatre School and also teaches at the Banff Centre for Leadership Development. He is known for his passion, musicality, knowledge, and versatility in many different musical styles.




LIFT UP YOUR VOICE!
Join the Douglas College Gospel /World Music Choir
 with Brian Tate


Experience the passion and power of gospel and world music with acclaimed choir conductor and composer/arranger Brian Tate. Come for an inspiring, enlivening, and fun-filled term of singing traditional and contemporary gospel as well as music from Africa, Cuba, and other cultures! There will be opportunities for solos as well as playing percussion. At the end of the term we will give a public concert accompanied by a live band.

Auditions will be held on the first day of rehearsals from 6 - 7:30PM, September 11, and also after rehearsal. Choral experience, reading ability, and vocal training an asset, but not essential. Requirements: to be able to sing in tune and hold a part. Be prepared to sing a verse of "Amazing Grace". If you cannot make these time to audition, another time will be arranged.

Brian Tate is an award-winning composer and arranger, with many published choral works to his credit. Former director of Vancouver's 70-voice Universal Gospel Choir, Brian leads gospel and world music choir workshops throughout Canada and the U.S. and is in demand as a choral and vocal clinician. Brian teaches choir and singing at Langara College's Studio 58 theatre school and is on the faculty of Leadership Development at the Banff Centre. A passionate advocate of making music, Brian believes that music has a fundamental role in learning, communication, community, and health and well-being.

TIME: Tuesdays 7:30 - 9:45
DATES: September 11 - December 4 (no rehearsal September 18)
CONCERT: Friday December 7

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER:

Douglas College Information & Registration


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