Children’s choir enriches members, communities

“The Bangor Area Children’s Choir, a nonprofit, nonsectarian community organization, was organized as a single treble choir in 1992 and is not affiliated with any church or public school. Last year, its members represented 12 towns and 17 learning environments from the Greater Bangor area. In Spring 2000, the choir reorganized into a two-choir program, the Treble Choir and the Youth Chorale.”

So reads the introductory paragraph of the choir’s formal mission statement, which reflects the organization’s basic design. However, one must attend a choir rehearsal or concert to see and hear the singers’ joy of music on their faces, through their body language and in their voices.

The simple act of observing the chorus members’ arrivals at rehearsal can leave one breathless. They come flying through the door from after-school sports and music activities, and sometimes from after-school jobs. They come with backpacks in tow, laden with the homework that awaits them after focused, rigorous rehearsals.

Sometimes they come to rehearsals weary from the day, but they always come with eagerness to sing and a willingness to give their very best to the choral art for which they have such a passion.

As the Bangor Area Children’s Choir begins its 12th season, it owes a debt of gratitude not only to the talented, energetic singers, but to their families, music teachers, schools and church choral programs. They also thank area institutions that open their doors for rehearsals, concerts and fund-raisers, and to the businesses that support the choir.

The singers enrich the lives of those who hear them, and the communities enrich the lives of the singers, making the circle complete.

The Treble Choir is open to ages 9 to 16. Auditions will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, at All Souls Congregational Church. Twenty-five openings are available in the choir.

The Youth Chorale is open to seventh- to 12th-graders. Auditions were held in June.

Michele Hall is artistic director for the Bangor Area Children’s Choir and teaches classroom music at Downeast School. For information about BACC, call her at 947-2023.