Local Maennerchor in Harmony for Big Sing! The Cold Spring Area Maennerchor prepares for the upcoming AMCofA Big Sing at St. John’s Abbey. These dedicated singers will join choruses from across the region for a weekend of workshops, rehearsals, and a powerful massed choir concert at 7 p.m. on April 27th. Don’t miss this chance to experience the rich tradition of male choral singing!
What is a Big Sing? A Celebration of Male Choral Harmony
Imagine a powerful wave of sound washing over you, not a crashing wave but a harmonious one. Hundreds of male voices, rich and deep, blend together in perfect unity. This is the essence of a Big Sing, an annual event organized by the Associated Male Choruses of America (AMCofA) that brings together choruses from all over the region for a weekend of singing, camaraderie, and musical growth.
A Tradition Steeped in Brotherhood The Big Sing is more than just a concert; it’s a celebration of male choral singing and the unique bond that forms between singers who share a passion for music. The event has a long history, with some chapters like the Cold Spring Area Maennerchor hosting it multiple times since 2000. This repeated hosting reflects the positive impact the Big Sing has on the community, fostering a love for choral music and bringing together singers from different backgrounds.
A Weekend of Camaraderie and Competition (the Friendly Kind) The Big Sing is a two-day event filled with activities designed to refine the choruses’ skills and cultivate a spirit of camaraderie. Here’s a breakdown of what a typical Big Sing weekend might entail:
• Adjudications: Clinicians, experienced choral conductors, work with each participating chorus to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement. This is not a competition, but rather a learning opportunity for the singers to elevate their performance level.
• Rehearsals: Choruses come together for intensive rehearsals, often led by the clinicians. This allows them to learn new pieces, refine their existing repertoire, and prepare for the culminating event the massed choir concert.
• Workshops: Educational workshops are offered on various aspects of choral singing, from vocal technique to performance etiquette. These sessions provide valuable skills and knowledge that the singers can take back to their individual choruses.
The Grand Finale:
The Massed Choir Concert The highlight of the Big Sing weekend is the massed choir concert on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. on April 27th held at St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville. Here, all the participating choruses join forces to create a truly awe inspiring soundscape. Imagine the combined voices of around 200 men singing in perfect harmony, filling the concert hall with a rich tapestry of sound. The concert typically features a diverse repertoire, ranging from traditional choral pieces to contemporary arrangements.
The Legacy of the Big Sing
The Big Sing leaves a lasting impact on participating choruses and the communities they represent. Singers return home with new skills, a polished repertoire, and a renewed sense of purpose. The event also exposes audiences to the beauty and power of male choral singing, potentially inspiring a new genration of singers to join the ranks and keep this rich musical tradition alive.
Come join us for an extraordinary musical event. Tickets available online. (Use QR code in corner of photo). CSMaennerchor.com.
