Trinity Church To Host Choir Camp

Trinity Episcopal Church will host Choir Camp during the week of July 27–31.

Choir Camp presents trebles singers from grades 3 to 12 with an opportunity to musically travel the world in a single week. Campers learn about and sing music from across the centuries and around the globe: baroque music, motets, songs in German, chants, Spanish songs, gospel, and African music

It is a great chance to learn choral music from around the world, while developing individual and group vocal skills, says Trinity Music Minister Fiona Smith Sutherland, who also director the camp. “The only prerequisite,” she says, is a love of singing!”

Each day the campers meet at 9 am to work on choir chimes and group vocal technique. The morning continues with choral singing in brief, energetic rehearsals, music theory classes in small groups, snack, outside time, arts and crafts, and skit preparation. Camp ends at 12:30 each afternoon following the final joint choral rehearsal.

The week concludes with a concert and skit night at 7 pm on Friday, July 31.

Costs for 2009 are $95; scholarships are available. The fee is due by July 22, but enrollment is limited so early reservations are suggested.

Children do not need to be a member of Trinity Church to participate. No audition is required, and no previous choral experience is necessary.

Having coached hundreds of boys and girls in choral singing in her 20-plus year career as an organist and choirmaster, Ms Smith Sutherland is experienced in bringing strong, pure, and healthy sounds out of the voices of young people. Under her direction, her choirs have toured Canada, participated in yearly choir festivals both local and international, have sung in concert for The Yale Alley Cats, performed with Vermont’s premiere choral ensemble Counterpoint, have sung for conductor Kurt Masur, and this past year had a work composed specifically for her choirs by the award-winning Broadway arranger Bill Brohn called “Under The Christmas Tree.”

“You don’t want to miss this singular experience,” said Ms Smith Sutherland. “In addition to the fun and excitement, each camper will leave this year’s camp with an increased love for one of the greatest gifts we all have: music.”

For more information or to sign up, call Ms Smith Sutherland at 426-9070, extension 11, or 203-273-5715 or send email to MusicMinister@TrinityNewtownCT.org.