By Kris Rued-Clark

Contributor

MARSHFIELD — Prospective members are invited to audition for Central Chamber Chorale, a central Wisconsin group for singing and performing. Members must be able to sing, blend their voices with a group, follow directions, attend rehearsals, and be able to read music. The group is open to all area adults as well as high school students with appropriate musical and vocal skills. Membership is subject to a “singer friendly” audition.

Central Chamber Chorale presents major choral literature, sacred and secular, either a cappella or accompanied by piano, organ, or other instruments, from all musical periods for central Wisconsin communities. Central Chamber Chorale performs three free concerts Nov. 13, 14, and 15 and in March at three different sites all in one weekend. The two regular concert sites are Wisconsin Rapids and Marshfield with an additional site rotated among neighboring communities, including Abbotsford and Medford.

Rehearsals for the November concert series will begin on Monday, Sept. 14, starting at 7 p.m. in the Marshfield High School choir room.

Noting that Central Chamber Chorale is comprised of a mix of ages, Board Chair Ann Stevning-Roe said, “We have some high school students, depending upon attitude and ability, some young adults, and then middle-aged and older singers.”

A number of music teachers participate in the group for their own musical enjoyment. The singers also come from a variety of backgrounds. The size of the group fluctuates from about 38 to 50 members.

What Stevning-Roe finds most satisfying is, “The music and the camaraderie, singing also makes me feel better. If I am stressed from my work day or have a headache, a two-hour rehearsal is relaxing to me. I always feel better after singing.”

There is a voluntary singer fee of $25 per year. Support for Central Chamber Chorale comes through an annual fund drive in November, membership contributions, and audience donations at concerts. It has been Central Chamber Chorale policy never to charge admission, thus making its concerts accessible to anyone who wishes to attend. In-kind support includes most concert sites and rehearsal space at Marshfield High School.

For more information or to schedule an audition, go to centralchamberchorale.com or contact Music Director Greg Reierson by calling 715-387-4756 or emailing reierson@charter.net.