Next Friday, a new movie called “Pitch Perfect” opens in theaters across the country. This movie follows the journey of one college freshman woman as she joins her college’s all-women’s a cappella group, which competes with the all-male a cappella group and makes its way to a final competition. The trailer for the movie looks funny, and there seems to be some great music as well, but what really caught my eye was the idea of an all-female chorale ensemble getting together to accomplish something amazing.
Luckily for St. Olaf women, one such chorale ensemble exists here on campus! Collegiate Chorale is a non-auditioned music ensemble made up of female students, faculty and staff emeriti. That’s right, no auditions, and any woman on campus can join (sorry guys!). The good news is that no advance sign-up is needed, but unfortunately the time to join has closed for this semester already. That doesn’t mean you can’t sign up for next semester, however! Look out for the email blurb that gets sent out around the start of second semester so you can join in on the fun!
The group meets to rehearse just once a week on Tuesdays from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in Christiansen 140. The amazing Dr. Armstrong, who directs the internationally-known St. Olaf Choir, directs the Collegiate Chorale as well! This group gets to sing many different kinds of music and since rehearsal is only once a week, it is easy to fit into an Ole’s busy schedule.
This semester, Collegiate Chorale’s public performance will be leading the Advent Chapel on Christmas Festival weekend, which takes place on Friday, Nov. 30 at 10:10 a.m. in Boe Memorial Chapel. Everyone should keep that date in mind and remember to hear this amazing group of Ole women perform. We have some great musicians and choirs here at St. Olaf, and now there is one more group just for women! So, if you love music and singing in a choir, this might the group for you!
Keep your eye out for the email next semester to join if you are interested, and don’t forget to check out Collegiate Chorale at their performance during Christmas Fest weekend. Just like the movie coming out, I bet this group is “pitch perfect,” too!!