By: Hayley Martin

This year, many drastic changes are being made to Galway high school’s select chorus. Formerly known as Chansonettes and Troubadours, or C & T, this new and improved chorus is now known as the Chamber Singers.  Along with the name change, the ensemble has changed its uniforms.  Instead of wearing graduation robes as they had in the past, the group decided to go for a more formal look: black dresses for girls and black pants and white shirts for boys.  Despite these changes, the chorus is just as strong and talented as it has been in years past.

Who are the Chamber Singers?  The Chamber Singers are a group of eighteen high school students whose love for music goes beyond the classes offered in school.  In order to become part of the choir, each member was required to learn his or her voice part for a piece of music in one week, and audition for the group’s director, Mr. Funigiello.  In addition to learning the piece of music, each singer had to sight-read a line of music.  Sight-reading involves singing a piece of music without previously seeing it.

After this first round of auditions, there were callbacks for the remaining singers.   Everyone was placed randomly into quintets to sing the piece of music they learned.  The singers got to perform with each other and learn everyone else’s voice.  All eighteen members who were called make made the cut, and now make up the Chamber Singers.

This strong group of musicians meets every Thursday from 2:30-3:15, as well as once a month for an evening rehearsal.  Due to their dedication and talent, the Chamber Singers are able to sing very difficult and advanced music for their performances.  They have many exciting events coming up, including their winter concert, singing at a local hockey game, and an appearance at a New York State Student Music Association (NYSSMA) festival.  Please show your support and come see the Chamber Singers!