Choral group is seeking new voices

St. Clare's Choraliers are looking for a few good men and women to help them sing.

The Choraliers, a volunteer vocal group that raises money for St. Clare's Hospital in Schenectady, performs two concerts each year, one at Christmastime and another in the spring.

This year, the group hopes to raise money for the hospital's diagnostic imaging center.

David Rossi, the leader, is music director at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Schenectady. He also teaches music at Notre Dame/Bishop Gibbons School in Schenectady.

He said that the rehearsals at the hospital are very informal, lots of fun and a time when everyone is relaxed.

The group sings holiday tunes for Christmas, including Christmas carols and other traditional selections. "In the past, we've performed the Alleluia chorus from Handel's 'Messiah' and Benjamin Britten's 'Ceremony of Carols,'" he said.

For the spring concerts, the group turns to a lighter program of show tunes and popular music.

The Choraliers have been performing for 13 years. Sue Senecal, co-chair, said the group is not only a way to support the hospital but also "a great way to get the larger community involved with singing. We would love to see some new members. It's such a great group of people."

"We really have a lot of fun," Mr. Rossi said. "We work hard, but we enjoy ourselves. You don't have to audition. You don't even have to be able to read music. All you need is to love to sing. Just come along and have a good time."

(Prospective singers -- teens, adults or senior citizens -- must be able to rehearse two hours a week: Mondays, 7-9 p.m. For information, contact David Rossi at 878-7137.)

(8/18/05) [[In-content Ad]]