a community chorus directed by Anna Dembska
a program of Schoodic Arts for All
The Schoodic Summer Chorus is a multi-generational a capella community chorus devoted to nurturing musicianship and community, in residence at Hammond Hall in Winter Harbor, Maine and sponsored by Schoodic Arts for All. Its members share a passion for singing beautiful and unusual music. Directed by singer and composer Anna Dembska, the chorus is open to anyone who loves to sing.
2019 Program: A la Vida Bona! (To the Good Life!)
Join the chorus to celebrate the sweetness of life. Here’s a taste of the music:
Vela Vela (trad. Xhosa)
The Daisies (trad. Appalachia)
Je ne Fus Jamais si Aise (I have never been so happy) (Pierre Certon, 16th cent.)
Simple Gifts/Delight (Anna Dembska, based on trad. Shaker song)
How Can I Keep from Singing (arr. Dembska, shape note-style)
Lazy Afternoon (Moross/La Touche 1954)
Fa Una Canzona (Orazio Vecco 16th cent.)
A la Vida Bona (Juan Arañés 1694)
Rain, Beautiful Rain (Ladysmith Black Mambazo)
In These Delightful, Pleasant Groves (Henry Purcell)
The Blue Bird, swung (Charles Stanford, 1910, swung by A. Dembska)
O Sapo (trad. Brazil, arr. Stephen Hatfield)
Calling Paul Fowler
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are at Hammond Hall in Winter Harbor, 6-8:30 pm. Scheduled rehearsal are:
Tuesdays, May 21–July 23
Thursday, July 25
Sunday, July 29
We may add one or two extra rehearsals toward the end if we need more practice. There may also be some sectionals from 5 or 5:50–6 pm on Tuesdays. This would mean each section (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass) would come once or twice at 5 or 5:30 if possible.
To make sure everyone is prepared to perform the music together, we ask that singers commit to missing no more than 2 rehearsals. If you have a scheduling problem but really want to sing with us, please contact Anna.
Performances
Monday, July 29, 7 pm, Schoodic Arts Festival, Hammond Hall, Winter Harbor
We will also probably give 2 other performances in August in Ellsworth and Southwest Harbor—dates and venues TBD by chorus members.
Sign Up!
The Schoodic Summer Chorus is primarily supported by membership dues, but we want everyone who wants to sing to be able to join us. Scholarships are available for all who need them.
Membership fee:
adults: $120
students: $60
families: $120 for 1 parent/adult & child; additional children $30 each
(Children as young as 10 have sung with the chorus, but usually 12 seems a good age to begin. If you wonder if your child will be a good fit for the chorus, please contact Anna)
To sign up for the chorus or questions about dues and payment, please contact Schoodic Arts for All.
For questions about music, rehearsals, and performances, contact Anna.