Morgan Hunter
Contributing Writer
At a time in the semester when classes start ramping up, it is nice to be reminded that community can be found around every corner. Attendees filtered into Gault Recital Hall on Saturday evening, Nov. 16 about to find out just how close the community is with the help of The Wooster Chorus’s Fall Concert. The concert featured a diverse selection of compositions, leaving the audience captivated. Whether wanting to relive the night’s experience or interested in knowing what was missed, inquiring minds can continue reading for the details.
The program this semester boasted a wide range of pieces from a variety of composers. Among the contemporary western compositions (“All the way home” and “Unclouded Day”), the concert also featured a piece entitled “Mourning Poem” from Wooster alumnus Paul Winchester ’11. Numerous pieces were memorable for their usage of texts in Latin, Yoruba, Hindi and Zulu (“Caritas,” “Betelehemu,” “Dhire Dhire,” “Hope for Resolution”). Singing in another language presents many challenges. The Chorus devised many techniques to facilitate this.
“Oftentimes for these pieces, we would begin by signing the rhythms and notes on simple sounds. This allows us to learn the music and become familiar with the tempo,” explained William Musial ’28, a new member of the chorus.
The musical selections certainly contributed to the concert, but it was the group of dedicated musicians that made the night a memorable experience. The Wooster Chorus welcomes students of all different backgrounds, training, ages and disciplines. Students work tirelessly to perfect the pieces, striving for note accuracy while working constructively with their peers. Musial was eagerly welcomed by their peers and said, “The level of music we are able to create is so amazing, and I’m so glad to be doing it with such an amazing group of people.”
Ethan Yoder ’25, a senior chorus member, added, “Making music is an incredible tool for building community, and now more than ever being able to connect with people is so important.”
Many musicians have been known to be featured throughout concerts like these, too. Collaborative pianist Toni Shreve played alongside the group for over 15 years.
“As an alum of the College, I performed with The Wooster Chorus as a student, so for me, this is full circle,” said Shreve. “We are a community and we celebrate our differences.” For several selections from the concert, percussionist Henry Mattison ’27 was also welcomed to the stage to share his talents on the djembe drum.
The Wooster Chorus would not be able to perform with such efficiency as they did on Saturday without the dedicated instruction and support of director and professor Lisa Wong. Year after year, Wong puts incredible thought into music selections. “The one thing that all of the members share in common is a love of singing,” she shared. Wong is passionate about seeking pieces with unique educational opportunities alongside what audiences need to hear. “For one hour each day, we join together to create something extraordinary. I often tell students, ‘You don’t know who needs to hear your voice at any given moment.’ Everyone needs to experience beauty — perhaps now more than ever.”
With such care for programming, preparation and performance, it is unsurprising that The Wooster Chorus concerts always draw a large audience. Gracelyn Jack ’25, a departmental student who attended alongside their visiting family, shared their experiences as an audience member. “Every performance by The Wooster Chorus is remarkable,” Jack said. “There are many deeply frightening things right now. Coming together to create music puts a little joy into a world that desperately needs it.”
With the conclusion of the Fall Concert, the Chorus can now prepare for the Spring semester. Each spring, the ensemble hits the road to go on tour, and this year is no different. To those now wishing they claimed their front-row seats to the concert last week: be on the lookout for the announcement of spring tour dates, which start in Wooster and may travel to a city near you!