Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 2, 1991 TAG: 9104020104
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Joe Kennedy
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Indeed, several choral directors in Western Virginia say they are open even to novices who are willing to attend rehearsals, study their music and take instruction. But those who don't read music will have a tougher time of it than those who do.
Stan Kingma of the Virginia Festival Singers in Roanoke says he rejects perhaps 10 to 15 percent of candidates because they aren't good enough. But more may be turned down in order to keep his group in balance.
"If we have 50 sopranos and I only have room for 20, I will pick the best 20 I can find. I might reject only 10 percent of the tenors."
Craig Fields, director of the Blacksburg Master Chorale, has used an informal selection process since he formed the group in 1987.
"They chat with me and I interview them," he says, "and 90 percent have tremendous backgrounds" - unsurprising, perhaps, in a university town.
"They sang in college choirs, they have degrees in voice, and they have a real interest in this kind of music."
Fields is considering formal tryouts, but says his low-key approach has worked so far.
"I've only had two people I've had to go to and say, `I don't think this is working out.' Normally the people who can't keep up phase themselves out."
Jeff Sandborg says just 10 to 15 percent of the 110 singers in the Roanoke Valley Choral Society have extensive musical training. "Really talented, singing musicians are tough to find," he says. "They're already in such high demand."
While his group's level of performance is high, it should not intimidate anyone from trying out.
"I'm the only one that hears them in the audition. It's quick and painless. We just want to see if they're strong enough to lead or if they need to be put near someone who can lead them."
The Virginia Gentlemen, a barber shop chorus, is looking for younger men to take the lead in performance choreography, says Richard Harmon Sr., the group's president.
"You don't have to be an accomplished singer," he says. "If you can carry a tune, you'd be surprised - after a few weeks you'll start learning how to read music. You don't have to be an accomplished singer."
"One has to balance professional standards with accessibility," says William McCorkle, director of the Rockbridge Chorus in Lexington. That's why he tells people who are interested in singing to pursue it.
"I've certainly experienced a number of people . . . who have said, `I could never do that,' and I've said, `Come and see.' And yes, of course they could do it, and it became very important to them."
Several directors suggested that a good place to test your talents is in your church choir - not that some church choirs aren't as accomplished as the choral groups. In fact, some of the area's best singers are so tied up with their church work, they haven't time for outside gigs.
by CNB