WSU Students Take Musical Skills to New Levels in VPA’s Applied Music Program

by Christina Cronin, VPA PR and Marketing Intern

For students with a penchant for performing — for strumming the guitar, plunking a tune on the piano, stroking the violin, blowing a wind instrument or belting out a tune — Worcester State offers an opportunity to improve skills and perform on stage through its applied music program. The Program also offers students credit toward their degrees.

Tayla Aleci during a previous performance.

The applied music program offers voice and instrument lessons to students over the course of a semester. In the middle of the semester, students audition for lessons for the fall or spring semesters. At the end of the semester, students perform in the Fall or Spring Mosaic of Music, a showcase of the students’ acquired talents. 

The deadline to audition for the spring semester is Nov. 20.

The Fall Mosaic includes an array of students doing vocal performances of different Christmas songs. The students worked with Instructor Julie Krugman to find songs that best suit their voice type and how they portray the story they are telling through the song. 

Tayla Aleci has been involved with the program for four semesters. Being a VPA major going into music, she thought voice lessons would benefit her in the future. Joining the Applied Music program taught her how to know her abilities and limits as a musician. 

“Before, I wasn’t sure of any of that. By working with Julie, we’ve found my comfortable spots and where my limitations are,” said Aleci. “I’ve also learned more about how I can use my voice to teach students, hoping I’ll be a music teacher in the near future.”

This semester will be Aleci’s last Mosaic performance. She is looking forward to her song choice for this performance.

Chantal Thomas rehearsing for the upcoming Fall Mosaic.

For Chantal Thomas, who joined the program in the Spring of 2019, she feels that she is already learning to control her voice better. “I never knew there was so much that goes into singing, but now that I have this knowledge, it allows me to sing much better. Because I am singing better, it is more enjoyable,” said Thomas. 

Thomas is performing “O Holy Night” in the Mosaic. She said this is harder than anything she’s sung before, and she loves the challenge that comes with preparing for the performance.

Aleci and Thomas agreed that the applied music program provides the opportunity for students to take lessons who never got the chance to do so in the past. It allows students to test their voice or ability to play an instrument and see what works or does not work for them.

Although this is her final semester in the program, Aleci plans to continue with her music. She plans on using what she’s learned to pursue a career as a music teacher. 

“Julie has helped me by preparing me for vocal warm ups I may use with students, and other activities that use vocalizations,” said Aleci. “Everything I’ve learned will be going to use when I am able to teach students in elementary school music.”

Thomas would like to take these lessons and use them in a talent competition in the future. She wishes to continue with voice lessons after she graduates. 

Aleci and Thomas are just two of many students taking part in the applied music program and performing in the Fall Mosaic. The audience can expect a variety of holiday songs performed by WSU students. 

“It is just going to be very fun and high spirited,” said Thomas. “I know each of us have spent hours trying to perfect these songs so it will be great to see the outcome.”

The deadline to audition for the program for the spring semester is Nov. 20. To apply for the program, visit https://www.worcester.edu/Applied-Music-Lesson-Application/ or contact Kyle Martin at vpamusic@worcester.edu. The Fall Mosaic takes place on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Fuller Theater. The event is FREE and open to the public.

Ready to relive the good old days?

A photo of the Chorale in 1993 on its first international tour in the Czech Republic.

By Christina Cronin,
VPA Marketing and PR Intern

With over 100 singers from the Chorale past and present bringing their voices together, the 30th Reunion Concert of the WSU Chorale will deliver a sound that reaches the rooftops and raises those goosebumps.

The Worcester State Chorale members past and present are preparing for their 30th Anniversary Reunion Concert at All Saints Episcopal Church on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 4 p.m.

Chorale Director Christie Nigro first formed the Chorale in 1989. “I saw that there was no advanced singing group here at WSU and no a capella experience,” said Nigro. “I wanted WSU students to gain that experience.”

One of the struggles with starting the Chorale, Nigro admitted, was finding enough men to sing. “There is sometimes a stigma for guys who sing,” said Nigro. “Right now, though, I have a pretty even balance of men and women.”

Over the next 30 years, the Chorale doubled in size with more incoming students wanting to continue their high school experience.

Member Katherine Wagner joined the Chorale because she was a part of her high school choir and wanted to continue singing and performing in college. “My experience with the Chorale has exceeded all of my expectations of the group. It is like having a second family,” said Wagner. “Everyone in the group is super welcoming, and everyone makes you feel comfortable with your voice.”

Here the Chorale is in Italy in 2013.

Dakota Hinerth joined the Chorale a few semesters ago after learning about the group from a classmate. This was Hinerth’s first time joining a Chorale group. “Being in the Chorale has been one of the most fun learning experiences I’ve had at Worcester State,” said Hinerth. “The people I’ve met through this group have quickly become some of my absolute best friends, and I’ve also learned a great deal about music and singing in a group.”

For Chorale president and nursing major Mallory Breen, the Chorale is the place for her to destress from her intense coursework and show off her love for singing. “We are all so supportive of each other and happy to be singing together. I love going to Chorale,” said Breen.

Being a Chorale member gives its members the chance to make new memories and live new experiences.  The Reunion Concert welcomes back alumni who were members of the Chorale during their time at Worcester State. 

Through a full day of events, past and current members share their memories and experiences — finding commonality in calling the Chorale a family. 

To orchestrate the reunion, Nigro worked with Alumni Relations in locating alumni and planning the performance. “The alums love to come back and sing. It sounds like they never left,” said Nigro. She expects over 100 singers to return for the event, some members returning from areas such as Arizona, California, and Tennessee.

The day of the performance represents a whole day of reunion activities including a meet and greet brunch, the 4 p.m. performance and a reunion dinner.

The rest of their time together consists of the members of the Chorale rehearsing for their performance later that afternoon. It is the first time that all the members performing will be performing at once. 

“I am looking forward to hearing how we all sound as a group, as everyone in the Chorale is so talented and brings so much to the music,” said Breen. “It will be so cool to hear all the voices, and the group is going to be very large, so it will be awesome to hear the sound we can make all together. I am excited to see how the music comes together once we are all together practicing.”

The performance consists of past songs the Chorale performed, including  “Shenandoah” by Bob Dylan, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” by Elton John, “Fix You” by Coldplay, “Ubi Caritas” by Durufle, and “A Capella Overtures.” Through visual media, the performance also highlights past Chorale experiences, including international tours, fundraisers, singing valentines, Friends of Chorale, and many more memories that past and present members shared.

“I think the biggest takeaway for me is just that the love for music will never go away,” said Breen.

The Reunion Concert takes place at All Saints Episcopal Church in Worcester on Saturday, Oct. 26, beginning at 4 p.m. Tickets are $10. For more information and to buy tickets, contact Christie Nigro at cnigro@worcester.edu

The Chorale Sings the Swinging 60s

By Nicole O’Connell, guest blogger

Though most will be singing songs written years and even decades before they were born, members of the Worcester State Chorale are preparing their solos for the “Swinging 60s” performance at El Basha on Thursday, March 7.

Ian Simpson, a senior VPA major, was in charge of organizing this year’s theme night. “Initially we were thinking about a bunch of different things,” he said. “The first that came to mind was Motown. I was really interested in doing some Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye-type stuff, but we wanted to open that idea up a lot more. We thought about decades night and then we kind of zoomed back in from there. So that was this whole process of deciding the theme.”

Several Chorale members offer up a solo at the March 7 performance, The Swingin 60s.

“It gives them a chance to get to know the music of that period,” said Dr. Christie Nigro, the Chorale director.

“And it is a terrific period for music!” said Simpson. “We settled on the sixties because it’s like the golden age for a lot of different types of music, from Motown and soul to rock. There’s just so much; it’s a great selection.”

Singing at El Basha also gives Chorale members the opportunity to perform alongside the Bobby Gadoury Trio. Instrumentalists back the singers, with some spotlighted soloists. Instrumental back-up presents a different kind of experience for members of this vocal ensemble that normally sings a cappella.

“This gives us a chance to show the public the individual talent of people in the Chorale,” said Nigro. “Everybody knows they sound great together, but they also sound great as individuals.”

So, just how many Chorale members will be singing on Thursday night? “26 out of a group of 39,” said Nigro. “That’s the biggest bunch of people that we have ever participated at theme night!”

With that many performers comes a great amount of songs. The audience at El Basha will hear “House of the Rising Sun,” “Hey Jude,” “These Boots are Made for Walking,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” among a multitude of others.

There are different reasons why each soloist landed on their tune of choice. Some soloists chose songs they associated with a loved one.

Alexis Ramos, a sophomore majoring in occupational therapy, will be performing “It’s A Man’s World” by James Brown on Thursday night. “It’s my grandma’s favorite song,” she said.

“I’m doing ‘I Wanna Hold Your Hand,’” said Mallory Breen, a junior nursing major. As to why she chose this Beatles song, she said, “My mom really likes it, so I wanted to do it in honor of her.” Her mother will be attending the performance at El Basha, as will many friends and family of Chorale members. However, sometimes, loved ones of the Chorale are also in the Chorale!

Alyssa Herter, a senior in early childhood education, will be singing “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” by Elvis Presley. “I chose this song because it’s the one song that no matter where or when it comes on, Sam, my wonderful fiancé, always slow dances with me.” Herter’s fiancé will also be performing a solo on Thursday; he chose “Sounds of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel.

Others in the Chorale picked songs for the simple reason that they enjoy them.

Josh Vongkhamheuang, a senior studying mass communication, said, “I’m doing the song ‘Born to be Wild’ by Steppenwolf, mostly because I’m a rock-driven artist and that’s my song of choice.”

Though Simpson will be emceeing Thursday’s event, he also has a solo planned. “Personally, I’m doing “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin, or really by Carole King as done by Aretha Franklin,” he said. “I’m a huge Aretha fan and it’s kind of ironic, but I’m going to try to do it unironically. I really wanted to have her music involved, kind of as a tribute to her. At the very beginning of this whole process, I wanted Aretha to be involved somewhere.”

The Swinging 60s takes place at El Basha in Worcester on Thursday, March 7, beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and food and beverages can be purchased separately at El Basha. For more information and to buy tickets, contact Ian Simpson at isimpson@worcester.edu or Christie Nigro at cnigro@worcester.edu

VPA Students Gain Accolades for Their Work in the Arts

By Lyn Branscomb, VPA coordinator of public programming

Fight Choreography Earns Praise

Kim Collazo, ‘17 , visual and performing arts major, recently received accolades for her work as a fight choreographer on a production of Hamlet for Poor Yorick Productions in Dallas, Texas.

The Column Online by John Garcia, as reviewed by Mark-Brian Sonna, wrote:

“Miron (director) also smartly hired a Fight chorographer. WOW! The word fight in the final scene made me jump out of my skin. It was so real, rapid, and violent it truly felt like a fight had broken out on stage. I must tip my hat to Kim Collazo who choreographed the violence. I can’t recall ever seeing a stage combat scene that made my pulse quicken. It rivaled the film versions I’ve seen.”

Kim Collazo performs with Erick Lindenberger in A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2016.

Collazo gained experience as an active member of VPA’s theatre program. She held roles in Twelfth Night (2014), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2016) and Almost Maine (2017). In addition to her acting roles, she was the assistant director for Boeing, Boeing (2017) and the director for Marisol (2015).

VPA Music Student Earns National Award

Ian Simpson, ’19, recently earned accolades at the national level for writing and performing a song titled “No More.” He was one of three winners in his age bracket, 19-26. After counting the 16,000 votes, he earned one of three spots as a winner of a national competition sponsored by Jewish Rock Radio.

The grand prize award offers Simpson private mentorship by Jewish celebrity recording artists, a professional recording of his original song and exposure for his music over Jewish Rock Radio.

WSU Student Art at Arts Worcester College Show

On view in the Aurora Gallery of Arts Worcester are artworks from eight WSU students as part of the 15^th Annual College Show which opened Feb. 1 and remains open until Feb. 23. The show also exhibits pieces from students in other area colleges.

Congrats to these WSU VPA artists: George Annan Jr., Laurel Feinberg, Jasmine Fouracre, Kayli Lopriore, Colin Plante, Maura Sheehan, Emi Suzuki and Kelsi Whittemore.

VPA Opens New FREE Music Series

By Tim Mulkern, VPA PR and Marketing Intern

Many of us find a song trapped in our heads. Many of us constantly hum and tap along to a tune. Music is a weird mixture of sounds that are pleasant to our ears, so pleasant and mystifying that we forever go back to listen…some even create.

The music students at Worcester State University fall deeply into the music lovers category, and this school year they perform around campus in a new series of concerts.

Following a national trend of pop up performances, this semester the Visual and Performing Arts Departments offers a new FREE coffee house and lunch series with a variety of music ensembles and genres.  The coffee houses take place one Friday a month starting this October 26. The coffee house in the LRC will be home to soft acoustic ensembles performing a mixture of jazz, soul and pop music. The informal setting of the library allows a more intimate and relaxed performance, leading to a unique experience for both performers and listeners.

The lunch series offers a different type of musical performance for the students. Taking place in the Sheehan Dining Hall, the diverse ensembles performing include string, guitar, wind, piano, and choral ensembles among many others.

These two new performance series allow more music socialization and diversity to enter the campus for the many students, performers and listeners.

Previously, the jazz ensemble performed in the Blue Lounge with great success and attendance, but the two new series add to the accessibility of music on campus.

The music program allows students’ creativity and talents to grow through the numerous ensembles and courses. Next semester, plans are in place to add a Latin American music ensemble and also a brass ensemble. The additions broaden the opportunity for student musicians to dive into more diverse and challenging music to perform. And, lead to greater exposure of WSU students to different kinds of music.

The first coffee house series starts on Oct. 26, 2 – 2:30 p.m., followed by one more on Nov. 30. The next ones start with the spring 2019 semester in February, March and April.

“Oh, you’re an art major? Isn’t that a hobby?”

By Ciera Cutten, VPA PR and Marketing Intern

Art majors get a bad rap, especially when art becomes designated as a ‘hobby’ or an ‘unrealistic job.’ Art concentrators in the Visual and Performing Arts Department hear this all the time when they tell people their major. VPA students hear that they’re not as smart or people push them to a more “realistic” career.

 

But, nine graduating VPA majors concentrating in art know better. Their work is currently exhibiting in the Cosgrove Gallery. On May 4 at 11 a.m., these students offer a special ArtWeek Massachusetts event, “Talk with Graduating Artists,” where the public gains an opportunity to learn what it means to be an artist. Each student has a story to tell.

The story of these artists gains ground when, on an early Friday morning, the nine soon to be graduating students, who are completing Prof. Catherine Wilcox-Titus’s arts capstone class at Worcester State’s Sagamore Studios, gathered to complete their projects. They offer firsthand insight into why being an art concentrator is more intense than people think.

Artwork by Veda Bleau

Veda Bleau, one senior, created a series composed of six individual pieces all containing symmetrical geometric patterns. Her series is titled Equipoise, meaning of equal balance. The idea reflects Islamic architecture, and ideas from M.C. Escher and Simon Beck. One piece spans 8’ x 8’ and contains 16 squares of a symmetrical circular pattern. She printed each piece on a plywood block to negate the use of negative space that comes about on a white canvas. Bleau’s designs were a year in the making. She said that as an art concentrator, she completes the research long before she starts the physical work of creating the piece.

The more the artists talk, each one mentions the length of time it takes to complete a piece. Each piece took a year or more to create. The stigma surrounding the study and creation of art makes it seem as if artists just pick a medium and then do it. In actuality, students must research an area of interest and present it to their professors before any construction begins.

Artwork by Jeffrey Ellis

Senior Jeffrey Ellis is well aware of the stigma surrounding his major. He attended art school back in 1984 and is now finishing what he originally started. He created 24’’ x 36’’ mixed media prints of people that surround him. One piece features Veda Bleau, his fellow classmate. The pieces involve charcoal like portraits serving edgy vibes. This idea reflects Ellis’s combinations of punk rock flyers and ideas from abstract expressionists.

Since class sizes at Worcester State are smaller than the average university, it’s common for students in these classes to form close bonds with one another and help each other. In the class, the students interact often, offer advice and react to each other’s projects as if they were working on their own.

OranguTrump by Daniel Acuña

As Bleau helped Ellis, Ellis helped Senior David Acuña. Although Acuña’s piece may come as controversial to some, the way he expressed his views show creativity. His piece titled, OranguTrump, is a depiction of Trump as an orangutan. The piece stands roughly six feet tall and includes several unique elements. Each element Acuña added includes specific reasons behind it. The elements include graffiti, a red phone, a trash can, and more. Acuña is an Army veteran that served overseas during the Obama administration. He is a smart and expressive man. He is not out to rustle political feathers. His piece is an expression of how he feels about Trump and what he thinks is wrong in America.

Firing up one of Jennifer Potvin’s pieces.

Jennifer Potvin, like Acuña, steps away from the canvas. Potvin created three ceramic sculptures using raku firing, an ancient Japanese technique, to create pieces resembling the human organic form. Her influence comes from ceramic artist Toshiko Takaezu and her love of nature. Potvin faced difficultly with the firing process. The process must take place over an electric kiln outside and applies a crackle glaze. Since the pieces go from extreme heat to cold in a matter of seconds, they faced possible damage before they could be set.

From business, to communication, to art, each major presents a challenge to the seniors hoping to graduate. Ellis said, “If it’s easy, it’s not fun.” She said the fun comes from how students overcome the challenges presented and who helps out in the process.

Visit the 2018 Student Thesis Art Exhibition, open until May 8 during regular gallery hours. Join the artists for a special ArtWeek event called “Talk with Graduating Artists” on May 4 at 11 a.m. in the Cosgrove Gallery. Come and talk with them about their pieces and learn what it really means to be a visual and performing arts major.

Use the Arts to Reduce End of Year Stress

By: Ciera Cutten, VPA PR and Marketing Intern

 

Puppies and Art — what a way to de-stress. VPA offers all the art you want during Extreme ART-ery, April 18 – May 8.

 

Spring semester never fails to present a challenge to students and faculty — the changing of the seasons, warm summer days just on the horizon, and of course, graduation. With finals just a mere five weeks away with summer to follow, stress among students and faculty mounts and anticipation for a break grows.

Along with therapy dogs and stress management seminars, on-campus organizations provide events aimed at promoting relaxation leading up to finals.

While dogs and seminars are great outlets for controlling stress and promoting positive mental health, the arts also offer an avenue to ease the mind.

From April 18 – May 8, the Visual and Performing Arts Department hosts Extreme ART-ery, a collage of events celebrating student work from various music, art, and theater courses taught this semester.

Each event allows students to submerge themselves in artwork, live music, or a riveting theater show – giving the mind a break from studying, job searches and graduation.

The various art shows, live music, and a theater performance take place on- and off-campus and are open to students, faculty and the public. All, but two, events are free. VPA sells tickets for admission to Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage and Dvořák Mass in D Major, op. 86 by Antonin Dvořák. Purchase tickets at the door, plus – theatre tickets at VPABoxOffice@worcester.edu and Dvořák tickets at cnigro@worcester.edu

Intimate Apparel is this year’s final theatre performance. It is a heartbreakingly real story about a black woman in 1905 New York overcoming monumental obstacles. Dvořák Mass is performed by the combined voices of WSU’s Chorus, Chorale, and Alumni Singers.

Extreme ART-ery takes place each spring, but events vary year to year. Staple events include the Spring Mosaic, Spring Concert, the Student Art Exhibition, and a theatre show.

The Visual and Performing Arts Departments believes it is important to keep the arts and creativity alive on campus and within the classroom. And, they’re good for mental health, especially as a stress reliever.

For a full list of events and details visit https://www.worcester.edu/extreme-art-ery/. Come and visit, take time to relax, support your friends and fellow students.

After Mastering Challenging Comedic Timing, Student Actors Are Ready Fly

By Robbie Moll, Media Writing CM105

With Worcester State University’s production of “Boeing, Boeing” debuting on April 27, only three days away, the cast and crew rehearse to master the fast-paced comedic timing required in this classic farce by Mark Camoletti.

Austin Gannon, a business major and visual and performing arts theatre student, plays the role of Robert, a long-time friend of the lead character Bernard, played by Eddie Sanchez.

“I like to act,” said Gannon. “Every play I do I learn more.”

Austin said he prefers dramatic and serious roles and finds it difficult to play a comedic role like “Boeing, Boeing’s” Robert.

Robert’s role is the foil in the play as he can’t keep straight the fiancée rotation of his friend, Bernard. Bernard finds folly in balancing the schedules of three fiancées, all flight attendants. When Boeing builds a faster jet, it throws off the rhythms of his sexual encounters. Three fiancées. One Man. Lots of sex. What could go wrong?

Eddie Sanchez, who plays Bernard, has never held a role in a comedy and finds the challenge of a farce a new learning experience. The VPA major studies acting and directing at Worcester State and said it is “wonderful to learn as an actor and a director the basic elements of farcical comedy.”

For Eddie, it’s faking intimacy that has proven difficult. His character Bernard struggles to balance three fiancés throughout the play. As an actor, Eddie finds it tough to “create a private space in a public space,” as he described it. He talked about the difficulty of creating a moment you might share with a significant other behind closed doors with over a hundred people watching you.

Both Eddie and Austin face the challenge to master the comedic timing, they both feel lucky that their roles don’t require them to learn strong accent. Their castmate, Shyiesha Brown, must master an Italian accent for her role as Gabriella, Bernard’s Italian fiancé. It isn’t easy. She described “Boeing, Boeing” as one of the hardest plays she has worked on.

“Boeing, Boeing” is a farce comedy that involves a lot of timing-based jokes and jokes dependent on the entry and exit of the stage. Between learning a foreign accent and finding the perfect timing for every joke, Shyiesha has found the play both challenging and rewarding.

Walking through the challenges of their many rehearsals, the hard work and stress of organizing “Boeing, Boeing’s” careful comedic timing brought the cast closer. Shyiesha described the cast as “a little family” and Austin was not hesitant to say he loved them all.

Krystal Barrera, the elementary education and VPA double major who plays the New Yorker fiancé Gloria , said that it is “easy to work with everyone” and she likes the camaraderie of the cast.

Every member of the cast said they were grateful for their part in “Boeing, Boeing” and are glad to be a part of it. “I always look forward to putting on a good production,” said Austin about why he enjoyed theatre at Worcester State.

For students interested in participating in theatre at WSU, auditions for the plays are typically held the second week of each semester. WSU produces three shows per academic year; one department run show a semester as well as a student-directed show in the spring.  Students are also creating a theatre club that is currently in the works. Eddie Sanchez described it as “a theatre club by students for students.”

Boeing, Boeing opens at Worcester State University on April 27, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. with following shows on April 28 and 29 and 8:00 p.m. and April 30 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets cost $14 for the general public, $10 for senior citizens, and $7 for students and can be purchased at the Worcester State Box Office. For more information, contact 508-929-8145 or visit the Visual and Performing Arts Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VPAatWorcesterState/.

WSU Students Take the Stage to Perform Concert Arrangement of Broadway classic, Les Misérables

By Grace Ingraham, VPA PR/Marketing Intern

Your favorite music from the Broadway classic comes to life in a live performance of Les Misérables. The emotional music and performances by WSU students collide to create an unforgettable show.

Christie Nigro, show director, chose Les Misérables for this spring’s musical performance for several reasons. “The production is well-known and the songs are so good I knew it would appeal to a large audience,” said Nigro.

This is the first year WSU students will perform a concert arrangement of a musical. The cast includes students like Jonathan Costello as Jean Valjean, Ian Simpson as Marius, Leah Gibson as Cosette and Bart Vinik as Thenardier.

A concert arrangement involves a chorus, singers, and a narrator that brings the story across to the audience. The arrangement highlights the critical parts of the show and actors perform important musical scenes.

Les Misérables opened on Broadway in 1987 and closed in 2003, making it one of the longest-running musicals on Broadway.

Les Misérables is a tale about a freed prisoner, Jean Valjean, who uses money from stolen silver to reinvent himself as a mayor and factory owner. Javert, the officer who freed Valjean, vows to bring him back to prison. Many years later, Valjean becomes the guardian of a child, Cosette, but Javert’s relentless chase for him makes raising a child difficult.

One of the challenges Nigro faced as a director was pushing actors outside their comfort zones. “A lot of the performers were new to acting and it was hard for them to express themselves on stage,” said Nigro. “Even so, the most rewarding part of directing is watching it all come together and that means watching the actors finally feel comfortable.”

WSU students act out scenes and perform songs from key parts of the story that fans of the Broadway classic appreciate. Students and alumni perform familiar songs from Les Misérables including; Bring Him Home, Stars, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, In My Life, On My Own, I Dreamed a Dream, Master of the House, Castle on a Cloud, At the End of the Day and Do You Hear the People Sing.

Leah Gibson who plays Cosette said, “My favorite song has to be Master of the House because it is fun to watch and fun to perform.”

Les Misérables performances are on April 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. and April 23 at 2 p.m. in the Sullivan Auditorium on the WSU campus. Tickets will be available at the door and are $15 for general public and $10 for students and seniors. http://www.worcester.edu/extreme-art-ery/

What do Uptown Funk and Old Time Gospel Have in Common? WSU’s Chorale.

By Paul Fontaine, VPA PR and Marketing Intern

Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars. Pure Imagination from Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Old time gospel. Holiday classics – and so much more.

This selection of music seems not to have a lot in common — except maybe one thing — all were performed at the Dec. 4 concert of the Worcester State University Chorale.

“We try to be eclectic in the choice of music we sing,” said Chorale director, Prof. Christie Nigro. “The situation we are singing in dictates our musical choices.”

On Dec.4, the Chorale performed the above selections and more at Our Lady of the Angels Church. On Dec. 11, the group performs in the meeting house at Old Sturbridge Village, joining OSV’s Christmas by Candlelight event for the 15^th year in a row. Plus, on Dec. 10 at 8 p.m., the Chorale performs with other area colleges at the Holiday Pops Concert with the Mass. Symphony Orchestra in Mechanics Hall.

In addition to performing locally, the group also sings outside the Unites States. “The Chorale group has been going on international tours since 1993 when we went to Austria and the Czech Republic. We’ve toured abroad every other year since then,” said Nigro.  ‘We have been to Spain, Ireland, England, Scotland, almost every country in Europe except France.”

This spring, the Chorale travels to Italy. It is visiting the island of Sicily from May 15 to 22. “Everybody in the Chorale is allowed to go, but some members will not be able to make the trip,” she said. “In addition to the Chorale, we usually have an entourage of non-singers who come along on each trip.”

The total cost of the trip to Sicily is about $60,000. Students pay about $1100 of their own money and raise the rest through a variety of fundraisers.

“Students pay for about a third of the trip on their own,” said Nigro. “The rest of the money comes from fundraisers, which the students work on for two years.”

Two popular fundraisers are their fall leaf raking event where Chorale students earn money raking leaves for homeowners. Another fundraiser happens around Valentine’s Day where people hire Chorale singers to serenade that someone special.

With the holiday season approaching, area organizations often call on the group to perform at an event. “We receive lots of calls to perform during the holidays,” Nigro said. “We sing as much as we can, but we don’t charge for everything.”

The Chorale group was originally formed in 1989 when Nigro first joined the WSU faculty in the Visual and Performing Arts Department. “I kind of started it,” she said.

The Chorale started with four voice students and 12 non-students. Since then, the number of WSU students in the Chorale has grown to 33 members.

“Most members of the Chorale are students and WSU alumni,” said Nigro.”Everyone who wants to join must audition first. Currently, the Chorale is looking for a couple of bass vocalists to join the group before traveling to Sicily.”

Students interested in being part of the Chorale sign up for MU 300, a one-credit course offered through the VPA department.

“Students who take the class aren’t in it for the credit, they take the class because they love to sing,” said Nigro.