Introduction
The Bard Symphonic Chorus is back after a rocky off-and-on hiatus due to COVID’s halt on everything, especially activities that involve singing out and breathing deeply in close proximity to others. The chorus of about 50 to 60 singers, including several LLI members, has a long history at Bard. Currently, it is exceedingly fortunate to be directed by renowned choral conductor James Bagwell. This past December, after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, BSC performed Mozart’s Vesperae Solennes de Confessore in a concert celebrating the music of Mozart in Olin Auditorium. The chorus was joined by the Bard College Chamber Singers and singers from the Vocal Arts Program. BSC rehearsals start up again in person after the Bard winter break.
Best Deal Around
For those of any age who have had experience singing in choruses in high school, college, or anywhere, and love to sing, there is no better deal around. Bard Symphonic Chorus requires no fees OR AUDITIONS! Sheet music is provided. Singers are expected to come regularly to rehearsals, work on music at home, and help put away chairs at the end of rehearsals. Some level of music reading skill is important and helpful. BSC Director Bagwell says that after attending a BSC rehearsal or two, most people know whether the chorus is right for them and if they can make the necessary commitment.
A Little History
The Bard Community Chorus was started back in 1975 by then-incoming Bard College president Leon Botstein. The goal was to establish a chorus combining people from the community and Bard students. Dr. Botstein is a big supporter of choral music and even sang with the chorus in the early years. The first director was Jim Marvin from Vassar College. Luis Garcia-Renart from Bard led the chorus next for many years, and James Bagwell took over in 2000. That means Bard students have been able to get a college credit or two for singing quality choral music, along with nonstudent community choral music enthusiasts, for close to 50 years. Also, students studying choral conducting at Bard have an enthusiastic, ready-and-willing chorus on which to practice their skills.
The Basics
Important aspects of a rewarding choral experience include committed, capable singers, great music, and a strong accompanist. For many years, BSC has been lucky to have the incredible James Fitzwilliam at the piano for rehearsals and performances. But the biggest factor is the conductor, the one who pulls it all together.
James Bagwell is among the very best. He has impressively extensive experience working with choruses and orchestras all over the country and internationally. Included among the many titles he holds at Bard College are director of performance studies in the Bard College Conservatory of Music and codirector of the Graduate Conducting Program. Dr. Bagwell, also a teacher of music history and literature, makes sure he shares some knowledge about how and why, and when Bach or Vivaldi or Mozart or Brahms wrote what we are working on.
He can be demanding in the kindest ways, often using rather interesting tips to encourage better singing, consonant enunciation, and sound production. Examples include: “When you spit out the ‘f’ in the word famine, we should be able to grow crops in here!” (Obviously, a pre-pandemic bit of advice.) Also, “As snarky as it sounds, you have to open your mouth to sing! You don’t have to look like muppets!” Dr. Bagwell does not deny he has said these things but claims he has no memory of such outbursts. To work under his direction is truly an uplifting, educational, rewarding, and fun choral singing experience.
Rehearsals Start Again
The first rehearsal of the Bard Symphonic Chorus for the new semester will be on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. Rehearsals are held on campus in Olin Auditorium each Tuesday evening from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Just show up if you are interested. Mask wearing is optional. We especially need tenors and basses. (What chorus doesn’t?) Contact [email protected] for more information.
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