Robyn Jones
Staff Writer
The Claremont Chorale performed its spring concert, “She Shall Have Music,” Saturday at the Claremont Methodist Church.
After a COVID-mandated hiatus, the choir worked on their program as a group after they were cleared for rehearsals in January, following mandatory vaccination and other Health Department requirements and recommendations.
Although the choir is starting back up slowly but surely, this program was beautiful. It consisted of songs strictly arranged by women in honor of International Women’s History Month and to recognize women in the music field.
The opening piece called “How Can I Keep From Singing” is an old Shankar tune arranged by Gwyneth Walker.
The aesthetic of the stage where the choir sang complimented their all-black formal attire. With their heads held high and their shoulders rolled back, their melodious voices danced throughout the room filling every space with the tune.
Choir Director Alan Wellman said his favorite piece was the opening song, which had a message of going forward despite obstacles.
Another piece was “The Golden Harp” also arranged by Gwyneth Walker.
Choir member Anna Morrison said she loved this piece because it was harmonically interesting.
“How the chords are built and …,the way it all fits together fascinates me, so it’s really rewarding to sing,” Morrison said.
“A Tapestry of Music” featuring soloist Leslie Schroerlucke and composed by Sherry Blevins was Claremont resident Dave Moss’ favorite piece.
“I enjoyed (and) I didn’t know she was singing a solo until I saw the program,” said Moss who attended the performance.
This piece began with a piano intro leading into a solo followed by humming by the choir. As the song continued they broke out into a cannon. The bases and altos mixed graciously with the sopranos creating a wave of notes crashing seamlessly together.
Wellman was appointed artistic director of the Claremont Chorale in 2018, and he had been directing choral groups for over 20 years for various congregations at different churches.
Since the start of the pandemic, the Chorale has had to adjust.
“We are still limited by masks,” Wellman said, adding that the choir lost some of its members during the past two years. “It depends on what venues or rehearsal spaces we can be in because we want to make sure people feel safe,” Wellman said.
For more information about the choir visit claremontchorale.org.
Robyn Jones can be reached at robyn.jones2@laverne.edu.
Robyn Jones is a senior journalism major and sports editor for the Campus Times. She is also a member of Iota Delta and a freelance photographer whose work can be found on Instagram at @jnaisphotos.
Ethan Bermudez, a sophomore photography and political science major, is a staff photographer for the Campus Times. His work can also be found at bermudezproductions.com..
