Wesleyan singers in tune

When the fall semester begins, most students are busy re-adjusting to life after summer and preparing for classes. But there is a group of students hidden behind the walls of the Fine Arts building who are preparing for something bigger. Wesleyan singers in tun The Wesleyan Singers, who are a group within the college choir, have auditions during the first week of the fall semester. They have one week to prove they have what it takes to hold a note. Wesleyan singers in tun "I'm interested in how they learn, read music, their voices, and the ensemble," said Dr. David Clayton, director of the music department.

The first audition is held on a Monday and students are given pieces of music. They work together with the other singers and Clayton and by Wednesday, they sing in quartets.

"I want to see how they are able to hold their parts. Often times you'll get someone who can really sing, but they get lost when you put them in a group," said Clayton.

Intercollegiate athletics aren't the only organizations on campus that recruit talent. The admissions office actually sends Clayton copies of applications, which indicate interest in music and choir.

"We get applications from students who have been in all-state choirs, and performed in district chorus," said Clayton.

"If we find somebody who is interested I can show them the programs and how they work. Sometimes they even come to a rehearsal where they meet the other singers and even participate."

Although the Wesleyan Singers don't compete against other choirs, they participate in several major concerts a year and even go on tour. This year they will head to the Northeast and even go as far as Maine.

"Singing is subjective. It's not like athletics where you have points that are absolute, so competitions don't really mean anything. I just want them to perform at the highest level possible," said Clayton.

Every other year the Wesleyan Singers go on an all state tour visiting many cities throughout Virginia.

Last year, they performed in several places, including Richmond, Harrisonburg, Amherst and Danville. Danville and Amherst have already extended an invitation for them to return.

"When we decide to go on tour again, they will be the first places I will contact," said Clayton.

Although half of the members of this years singing elite are fresh faces, Clayton is confident in the new talent.

"The choir is good, some of the best people we've ever had", said Clayton.

Last year the college choir performed Messiah, Handel's most famous oratorio, and this year they are preparing to perform the 4a requiem on April 1 with members of the orchestra from the Virginia Symphony.

"We actually hire members from the Virginia Symphony to perform with our students. It's a great experience and we all really enjoy it," Clayton said.

As Christmas time approaches, so does time for the choir's Christmas show. The annual Carols and Scriptures will be performed at the end of the year with a slightly different approach.

"In the past, we've had the president and vice president read the scriptures. This year, I would really like to have student readers," said Clayton.

The Christmas show will end on a lighter note with some songs by PDQ Bach, a fictitious character who was created to poke fun at classical music.

As for now, the Wesleyan Singers look forward to going on tour in January, and in late April the college choir will entertain with show tunes, film scores, and popular music.

"Most of it isn't even classical," said Clayton. "Just sheer entertainment, it should be a lot of fun."