Kevin Reynolds
Choir students are getting geared up in the music department for the upcoming concert May 19 in the Performing Arts building.
With no auditions required and all students welcome, the Pierce College Choir is the primary daytime ensemble, according to adjunct assistant professor of music Cathryn Tortell.
“The choir is a great chance to learn different kinds of music,” said Cara DiMolfetto, 26-year-old music major. “Just study your music and learn the basics.”
The performance “Love and all that Jazz” will be hosted on May 19, 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts building.
It will be a joint concert featuring the Pierce College Choir, the Women’s Ensemble Choir and the Pierce Encore singers.
“The Choir is a great release,” said Roxanne Diamond, 44-year-old undecided major. “It’s a way of harmonizing with other singers.”
A portion of the proceeds from every concert are donated to charity. Donations from last December’s performance went to the West Valley Food Bank.
On April 16, 8 p.m. adjunct instructor of music Terry Danne, conductor of the San Fernando Valley Master Chorale is hosting a performance of Saint Mathew Passion by J.S. Bach.
The performance will be done in collaboration with the South Nevada Musical Arts Society Chorus.
Rehearsals will be hosted this August for a special performance on September 11.
The choir is still searching for a venue for the September 11 concert since renovations to the Performing Arts building begin in June, according to Tortell.
The entire music department is still looking for a place to host future events after construction begins in June.
“I try to do a lot of reach work every year,” said Tortell. “People should come in, it’s a great way to learn camaraderie.”
Tortell also works with a volunteer choir group, the Pierce Women’s Ensemble. She hopes that the volunteer program will eventually become a class.
Choir students who work with Tortell have great things to say about her and the choir.
“It’s a great experience and the professor (Tortell) is inspiring,” said Diamond. “I could speak wonders about her.”
Tickets for all upcoming events are available for purchase, info can be found at http://www.piercecollege.edu/media/pdf/710N%20ArtCalendar2008_FINAL.pdf