THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, November 17, 1995 TAG: 9511170833
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY XIAOHONG ZHANG SWAIN, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 81 lines
When Linda Vastardis of Western Branch became director of the Old Dominion University Children's Choir two years ago, she did the job all on her own.
Now, the 44-year-old public school choral teacher can draw on a crew of enthusiastic parent volunteers, who assist her in training and organizing the choir's more than 30 members.
A number of Vastardis' assistants come from Chesapeake. They include administrative assistant Vicki Matthews of Western Branch, training choir coordinator Dorie Johnson of Deep Creek and Jo-Ann Dixon of South Norfolk, who doesn't have an official title, but just likes to hang around and help out.
Vicki Matthews got involved with the administration of the choir last year when Vastardis was overwhelmed with various duties.
``We are in charge of costumes and act as chaperons,'' said Matthews. ``We do fund-raising, program design, photography, publicity and organize Christmas parties. The parents run the choir really.''
Over the past two years, Vastardis has witnessed major improvements in the way the choir is organized.
``I see us really moving forward,'' said Vastardis, who graduated from Old Dominion University in 1994 with a bachelor of music in music education. ``Our level of excellence becomes greater and greater. We're working with very challenging material, for example, Benjamin Britten's `Ceremony of Carols.' ''
On Oct. 13, the choir sang for the king and queen of Norway while the royal couple were visiting the region. The choir appeared at the White House during its tour of the District of Columbia in June.
The tour of the nation's capital made an impression on 10-year-old Lauren Denardi of Western Branch.
``I learned the president likes to play golf,'' Lauren said with a giggle. Lauren explained that while the choir was singing in the back yard of the White House, members were told that President Clinton was playing golf somewhere.
``We didn't see the president,'' said Lauren with a tone of disappointment. ``We just sang to the parents who came with us and the tourists who passed by the White House.''
But Lauren and the other Chesapeake singers - Nicole Johnson, 9, Aubrey Matthews, 12, and Felicia Dixon, 11 - agreed that they enjoyed the opportunity to tour the White House, Capitol Hill and the National Zoo.
For the four Chesapeake girls, their favorite choral song is ``Going Up a-Yonder.''
``I like the beat and the rhythm,'' said Aubrey of Western Branch.
From March 28 through April 5, the choir is scheduled to give a performance tour at Moss, Norway. The program is sponsored by Norwegians and facilitated by members of Moss-Virginia Beach Sister City Association Inc. in Virginia Beach, said Kay Griggs, the association's president.
Griggs said choir members will be matched with Norwegian families during their stay. Currently, the association is helping the choir raise funds for travel expenses.
Vastardis said she expects about 50 people to participate in the tour. The average cost for a member is about $600, she said. Adults and choir family members will pay their own expenses, Vastardis said.
``We will be singing at the royal palace,'' said Vastardis. ``We have been invited by the king.''
Vastardis said two children's choirs from Moss will be coming to Hampton Roads to perform in October 1996.
Meanwhile, Vastardis is working on a choir tour to England.
A choral teacher at Taylor Elementary School and a choirmaster and organist at David Adams Memorial Chapel in Norfolk, Vastardis said she learned to pace herself. Her work with the choir is more than just training the children's singing and performance skills.
``It will be interesting to see how the choral experience is going to affect their future,'' said Vastardis. MEMO: For information on making donations to fund the trip to Norway, contact
Mary Beth Horton at 627-8721.
AT A GLANCE
7:30 p.m., Dec.8 and 9 - ODU's Chandler Recital Hall, Norfolk,
``Ceremony of Carols.''
8 p.m., May 17, 18 and 19 - Christ & St. Lukes Church, Norfolk,
``Noye's Fludde.'' by CNB