What is the "Learn 2 Sing" Program?
Who can participate in "Learn 2 Sing"?
Where and when does the program take place?
What will I learn, and what do I get?
Is the "Learn 2 Sing" program really free?
How does someone register into the program?
Who can I talk with to find out more?
What is the Westchester Chordsmen Chorus?
Why give the “Learn 2 Sing” program away for free?
When do the Westchester Chordsmen rehearse and perform?
Can I join the Chordsmen without registering in the “Learn 2 Sing” program?
Does completing the “Learn 2 Sing” program make me a Westchester Chordsman?
Can I hire the Westchester Chordsmen Chorus or Quartets to perform?
What is the “Learn 2 Sing” Program?
Back To Top
The Learn 2 Sing program is a free five week singing instruction course presented to the Westchester community by the Westchester Chordsmen Chorus. The course consists of ten hours of singing lessons and voice development, delivered one evening per week for two hours, over a five week period. The course is designed to teach the fundamentals of singing and harmony, and to provide participants the experience of learning, practicing and performing in a group. Two songs will be learned and prepared by the “Learn 2 Sing” students for a graduation performance with the Westchester Chordsmen Chorus at the last course session. Family and friends are encouraged to hear their singers perform in concert!
Who can participate in “Learn 2 Sing”? Back To Top
The “Learn 2 Sing” program is open to men age 16 and up. Singing experience is helpful but not required. The program will improve the singing of every participant, from the “shower singer” to the experienced musician. The most important prerequisites to successful completion of the “Learn 2 Sing” program are a desire to sing well, an interest in music, and a determination to participate fully in the course.
When and where does the program take place? Back To Top
The “Learn 2 Sing” class meets at 6:30pm, once every week for five weeks, at the White Plains Middle School Highlands Campus in White Plains. The class schedule is:
Monday, October 13, 2008 6:30pm - 8:30pm.
Monday, October 20, 2008 6:30pm - 8:30pm.
Monday, October 27, 2008 6:30pm - 8:30pm.
Monday, November 3, 2008 6:30pm - 8:30pm.
Monday, November 10, 2008 6:30pm - 9pm.
The White Plains Middle School Highlands Campus is located 128 Grandview Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605.
What will I learn, and what do I get? Back To Top
You will learn the fundamentals of singing, making music, and unaccompanied singing with a group. The lessons will consist of warm-up sessions, instruction, break-out groups for learning and fine-tuning musical parts, and rehearsals under the direction of Music Director Keith Harris and the Westchester Chordsmen Section Leaders. You will find out what your voice range is (if you don’t already know) and you will learn a part in two songs. You will Learn 2 Sing on pitch and in time, and how to create harmony. Course participants are provided with music, instructional materials, and practice audio files. You will not need to read music to learn your part or complete the program. You will have a Westchester Chordsmen Chorus member as a mentor to support you in the course, and make sure you are having fun and making progress. Participants who attend all 5 weekly sessions will earn a Certificate of Completion, and you will sing much better for having completed this valuable program.
Is the “Learn 2 Sing” program really free? Back To Top
Yes, the program is free, but that doesn’t mean it costs nothing. You must commit time and effort to get the benefits of the program. Participants are expected to attend all five sessions, and complete the very easy homework assignments. It will be fun and rewarding (singing in a group is, after all, our hobby and what we love to do,) and you will be surprised at how well you sing and how great the group sounds. It will take time and effort to accomplish that, but we are a super group of men to learn with, and we will support you every step of the way.
How does someone register into the program? Back To Top
We have an online registration form you can access here.
Who can I talk with to find out more? Back To Top
If you have questions about the program, or would like additional information, call Alan Ferris at (914) 271-4648 or via email at: alan@chordsmen.org.
What is the Westchester Chordsmen Chorus? Back To Top
The Westchester Chordsmen Chorus is a Championship Barbershop Chorus made up of men from Westchester County, NY; Fairfield County, CT; and Long Island, NY. We sing a wide variety of close harmony songs in shows presented throughout the year. We meet on Monday nights at the Highland School in White Plains, NY. More information can be found on our website at http://www.chordsmen.org.
Why give the “Learn 2 Sing” program away for free? Back To Top
A number of reasons. First, its our way of giving back to the Westchester community that has been so supportive of us over the last 53 years. We are committed that every man who wants to sing better has access to basic instruction, a place to learn and progress, and a group of singing men to support him in the effort to learn. We love singing- it is our passion, and something we love to share. We want everyone who is interested in what we do to be able to try it without having to pay money to participate. We also want to see if some of the men who complete the “Learn 2 Sing” program are interested in joining the Westchester Chordsmen as members. There is no better way for us to find new Chordsmen than to fund and staff our own “farm system” to teach men in our community to sing. Our free “Learn 2 Sing” program is a big win for everyone involved.
When and where does the Westchester Chordsmen Chorus
rehearse and perform? Back To Top
We meet most Monday nights at the Highland School in White Plains from 7pm to 10pm. The Westchester Chordsmen Chorus performs several public concerts a year, usually at Christmas time and in the Spring. We also have barbershop quartets and singing groups performing in a variety of events throughout the year. Finally, we compete in regional, national and international contests several times a year. For current information about our upcoming activities, see our website here.
Can I join the Chordsmen without registering in the
“Learn 2 Sing” program? Back To Top
Yes, qualified singers can join the Westchester Chordsmen Chorus without participating in the “Learn 2 Sing” Program. Contact Carter Willsey at (914) 498-0662 or email at: membership@chordsmen.org if you would like to inquire about being a Westchester Chordsman and find out about the new member audition process. While completing the “Learn 2 Sing” program is ideal preparation for a Westchester Chordsmen Chorus audition, it isn’t a requirement.
Does completing the “Learn 2 Sing” program make me a
Westchester Chordsman? Back To Top
Not automatically. Completing the “Learn 2 Sing” program and becoming a member of the Westchester Chordsmen Chorus are not the same thing. Graduates of “Learn 2 Sing” are encouraged to take the next step to singing with us- a Westchester Chordsmen Chorus new member audition. The process isn’t difficult, but all auditions must be scheduled. Talk with your Chordsman Mentor, or Contact Carter Willsey at (914) 498-0662 or email to make those arrangements.
Can I hire the Westchester Chordsmen Chorus to perform? Back To Top
The Westchester Chordsmen Chorus is available for hire. We are available for performances at a variety of events throughout the year- from Singing Valentines and the Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies, which we have done at the New York Botanical Garden, to private and holiday performances in offices, nursing homes, almost anywhere you can think of in the area. If you would like to inquire about booking the Westchester Chordsmen Chorus, call (800) 413-7153 or email. |