Singers In

The Making

Audience members at the January 19 Newtown High School Singers’ Madrigal Feaste got a taste of upcoming vocalists when 18 students of the Reed Singers from Reed Intermediate School performed.

The Reed Singers are an after-school, nonauditioned group led by music instructor Michelle Tenenbaum. The singers — boys and girls from grades five and six — have been meeting regularly every Wednesday afternoon since early December.

“It’s evident that these students truly enjoy singing,” said Ms Tenenbaum. “They’re all so filled with life and energy.”

Students learn songs and practice breathing exercises, vocalizing, and singing in two parts in order to become more knowledgeable about singing in a group. Time for “schmoozing” during the rehearsals is also big piece of what makes Reed Singers an enjoyable experience, said Ms Tenenbaum. “This is very important to the well-being and overall success of the group.”

At the January Madrigal event, Reed Singers performed “Consider Yourself,” “Sakura,” “That’s Amore,” “Hava Nagila,” and “Bye Bye Blackbird.”

The group will perform again Thursday, April 26, at 7 pm, at Reed Intermediate School with The RIS Jazz Band and The RIS Chamber Orchestra. The Reed Singers will also perform on the last day of school in June.