University Community Chorus offers a series of webinars this fall
A choir that is already embedded in the community looks to deepen that connection this fall with a series of webinars, created for the virtual environment with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in the choral field.
The Fred Fox School of Music’s University Community Chorus has launched an interactive, eight-part Virtual Webinar Series that will cover subjects as broad as decolonization, shape-note singing, composer Q&As, experiential exercises to maintain vocal health and multiple sing-alongs, including the series finale in December; a national Messiah sing-along, co-hosted by Dr. David Rayl from Michigan State University.
The webinar series, free and open to the public, is offered live on Zoom (registration links below) and available for viewing on demand, following the event, on the UCC Facebook page.
The University Community Chorus is a choir with over 100 members, comprised of university faculty, staff, students, and members of the greater Tucson community, and is conducted by Dr. Alyssa Cossey, Assistant Professor of Choral Music and Music Education.
“Since March, we have learned that many of the things we used to do in-person can easily, if not more effectively, be done online. Choir, unfortunately, is not one of those things,” said Dr. Cossey.
“The experience of 100+ people all doing the same thing at the same time, in the same space, responding almost instantly to those around them, simply cannot be replicated online,” she added. “But there was no way to ensure that we could safely rehearse in-person this semester, so, rather than trying to replicate in-person singing, this webinar series was meant in to re-invent it.
“I wanted to turn these challenging times into an opportunity to explore new genres and composers, address important issues of equity and access in music, expand our community outreach efforts, and create new connections with people and organizations throughout Tucson and across the nation.”
>> Learn more about the University Community Chorus
THE SCHEDULE
“Justice Choir Sing-along”
Sept. 8, 2020 – 6p MT. Register Now.
An interactive virtual sing-along! Learn about the Justice Choir Movement, sing pieces from the songbook, and learn songs from a variety of guest artists and friends of UCC. Download a free copy of the Justice Choir Songbook prior to the webinar.
“Women Composers of Korea”
Sept. 22, 2020 – 6p MT. Register Now.
This webinar features a panel of women composers from Korea. The panel discussion will be led by Graduate Assistant Mirae Lee navigating the rich traditions and repertoire of this under-represented choral body.
“Gospel Choir Night”
Oct. 13, 2020 – 6p MT. Register Now.
Celebrate the rich traditions of gospel music in America. Led by Jason Thompson and Chase Moore, learn the diverse history of this music and participate in our first-ever Gospel Choir Sing-along.
“This Is What Democracy Looks Like”
Oct. 27, 2020 – 6p MT. Register Now.
A pre-election special, featuring music directly related to the democratic process. Plus, composer Andrea Ramsey will answer questions about her newly completed “Suffrage Cantata,” which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment.
“Music of Hawaii”
Nov. 10, 2020 – 6p MT. Register Now.
Guest presenter Dr. Jace Saplan, a native Hawaiian, will introduce us to the diverse and complex history of Hawaiian choral music with an interactive discussion about the decolonization of choral music in the 21st century.
“Sacred Harp/Shape-Note Sing-along”
Nov. 24, 2020 – 6p MT. Register Now.
Abigail Sorg and other guests will share a brief history of Shape-Note Singing, as well as a tutorial, and lead a virtual sing-along.
“Messiah Sing-along (Special Night)”
Dec. 9, 2020 – 6p MT. Register Now.
Join us for a National Messiah Sing-along co-hosted by Dr. David Rayl from Michigan State University! This exciting holiday event will include a “pre-concert” lecture, performances by guest soloists, and a sing-along concluding with Handel’s “Hallelujah” Chorus. A PDF doc of the choral score will be provided to all registrants.
The webinar series is open to the public. For more detailed information about the series or questions about how to register, please contact Dr. Alyssa Cossey at ajcossey@arizona.edu.
