Introducing - The Northwestern Singers of Austin, Minnesota

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WHO ARE WE?

The Northwestern Singers is a non-profit, community chorus for men and women 18 years of age and older. Our purpose is to promote and develop an interest in choral singing and to contribute a chorus of high standard to the cultural and social life of the community. Oh, and to have a lot of fun! We do this by putting together two shows each year (in January and in May), and by lending our voices to area church services during the Lenten season. We also host an annual silent auction fund-raiser which includes an evening of entertainment showcasing several local groups. Half of the proceeds are donated directly to the Austin school music programs.

REHEARSALS

Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7 pm to 9 pm in the fellowship hall (north door) of the Westminster Presbyterian Church at 801 6th St. SW in Austin. Small groups will occasionally start between 6:00 and 7:00 pm to work on individual arrangements.

WINTER SHOW

During the month of January, the Northwestern Singers put on a show filled with popular music based on a particular theme. In the past, we have done shows with titles such as "Turn Your Radio On", "Celebration", and "Travelin' USA". These shows feature chorus, small group and solo numbers, lots of costumes and a fair bit of choreography (geared to each person's ability). Two performances are scheduled in Austin, and, on occasion, we've taken the show on the road to Albert Lea, Byron, and beyond. Rehearsals for this show begin in September and intensify to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays two weeks prior to our first performance.

LENT AND GOOD FRIDAY

Starting at the end of January, the Northwestern Singers begin rehearsing music for the Lenten season. This is a favorite time for many members, after the hustle and bustle of the Winter Show, to sing beautiful choral arrangements of old and new liturgical music and to share this music with area congregations. In addition, we have been asked to sing for the Good Friday Ecumenical Service at St. Augustine's Church every year since 1994.

SPRING SHOW

The Northwestern Singers Spring Show is a one-performance event that takes place in early May. This concert has fewer costume changes and much less choreography, but is, none the less, a wonderful vocal experience for the audience. Past shows have included music from "Ragtime", "Andrew Lloyd Weber", "Annie Get Your Gun" and "Les Miserables". We often invite one or more local groups to join us for this concert.

Introduction