Spring 2009 Intergenerational Choir News

Dear Intergenerational Choir Members, Friends, Prospective Members,

Happy New Year! It has been a while since we were in touch after our wonderful concert.
Thanks again for all your time, hard work, and commitment. It resulted in a very joyous and uplifting experience for us; we hope it was the same for all of you!

In the short term, we have decided, after much discussion, that it is better to let the weekly choir rehearsals lie fallow this Spring, and move forward a little more slowly. The Choir requires much time, commitment, and energy from all of us, and everyone has so many important activities on their schedules. It is often difficult to fit in a rehearsal every week, not to mention a concert, or concerts, after the 10 weeks.

SPRING SINGALONG
So we like to invite you to a Spring Singalong instead! We will sing and play lots of the songs we have learned together, as well as lots of other music we haven’t even visited yet! All are invited-- current and former Choir members/families, prospective members, friends, and probably some folks who don’t even know that they are prospective singers! It should be a lot of fun, without having to deal with the nuts and bolts of weekly rehearsals. We have reserved the shelter at Municipal Park, on S. Walnut St., for Sunday, April 26, around 1:30. PLEASE, save the date!

INTERGENERATIONAL CHOIR WORKING GROUPS
We have been thinking about the best way to proceed from here. Many of you have offered to help with various tasks of operating the choir. Thank you for that!
We would like to take you up on your offers to help. This group is so rich with amazing talent of all kinds—it’s unbelieveable what we have done so far!

In the meantime, some of us, who are interested and committed to making the Intergenerational Choir an ongoing, vibrant part of Boise life, can work to put some things in place so that the Choir can continue with vigor, to inspire us and bring joy to all who sing or hear. There are so many things, including:
-email
-posters & publicity & programs
-music & songbooks, communication
-rehearsal conventions that we can all agree on
-transportation and moving instruments
-concert set-up
-lots we haven’t thought of.

So some of us could work on those “nuts & bolts” periodically.

RESUME REGULAR REHEARSALS FOR FALL
In the Fall we will start up again with a series of rehearsals and a couple of concerts, and nobody will be stretched too far to enjoy and savor the experience.

We are totally committed to the Intergenerational Choir, the idea, the group, and the music. We think it will be wonderful to continue this year, and for many years to come.
Please let us know what you think of this approach, and share any ideas you might have through the "contact us" button on this website.

Thanks for all the joy we have shared so far, and all your energy. Love, and commitment. We look forward to further adventures and more beautiful Music with all of you!

With Gratitude and Friendship

Vashti Summervill and Will Martin

Intergenerational Choir Concert Sunday, November 23rd

The second Intergenerational Choir concert will be held on Sunday, November 23rd at 3 p.m. at Boise First Presbyterian Church (950 W. State Street). Admission is free but as part of fulfilling our mission of building community through the arts, donations will be gratefully accepted for Corpus Christi House, a day shelter for homeless in Boise.

The Intergenerational Choir is in its second season in Boise and, with over 70 voices ranging from age 1 – 80+, is a rare opportunity for several generations to participate together.

"We have 3 generations participating in some families. It is a chance for parents to have an activity to do with their children, rather than ‘farm them out.’ We seem to lack opportunities in our modern culture for participatory music experiences. As one choir member put it, ‘This isn’t a serious choir, but it is a chance to experience music the way it should be experienced!’ It is said that the average American family knows no more than 5 songs they can sing together, such as ‘Happy Birthday,’ ‘Twinkle Twinkle,’ and the ‘ABC’s.’ I like to point out that after participating in the Intergenerational Choir they have a whole ‘road trip repertoire!’ The concert will be a diverse blend of music accompanied at times by instruments and ensemble performances of choir members. I also believe that joy filled experiences such as this are paramount to counteracting the stress that the world seems to be experiencing presently.” Vashti Summervill - Director

Corpus Christi House, 525 Americana in Boise, is an inter-faith sponsored, all volunteer organization providing clothing, showers, laundry, computer and internet access, U.S. mail, referrals, periodic medical consultations, haircuts and other services for the homeless, as well as coffee, snacks and hospitality. Its mission is to provide loving attention to “the least of them” and to encourage self confidence and self esteem among its guests.

Intergenerational Choir To Resume In September!

The spectacular Intergenerational Choir under the direction of Vashti Summervill will begin our fall session on Wednesday, September 17th. If you don't know about this unique group please read our testimonials or call Vashti at (208) 571-4242.

We will meet for 10 weeks and end with another glorious concert on Sunday, November 23rd at 3 p.m. The choir is open to all ages and no skill is necessary. Just show up, smile, have fun, and the directors will take care of the rest. We encourage families, singles and especially hope to add more community members over the age of 65. Here are the details:

When:
Wednesdays (September 17th - November 19th) 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Where:
1520 N. 12th Street (Hyde Park Mennonite Fellowship)
Choir Dues:
$50 for an individual $100 for an entire family. 65 and older are FREE

PLEASE DON'T LET THE CHOIR DUES KEEP YOU FROM PARTICIPATING. Scholarships are offered on the honor system. Simply tell Vashti you need a partial or full scholarship and it will be awarded. No questions.

Register online or by mail via the links below. Call Vashti Summervill at 571-4242 or contact me vial e-mail.

To register ONE PERSON ONLINE click here.

To register TWO OR MORE ONLINE click here

To register BY MAIL click here