THE DOX APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

As part of our continuing effort to provide outreach opportunities in the Central Leatherstocking area, the Catskill Choral Society has created the Dox Apprenticeship Program. This unique initiative offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to rehearse and perform with the Choral Society in its fall and spring concerts, and to receive free private voice lessons from professional voice teachers.

Selection of apprentices is based on their applications, recommendations from music professionals acquainted with their abilities, and an audition before the Society’s Auditions Committee.

Auditions are held each spring. High school juniors and seniors may audition to receive free vocal instruction and to sing with the choral society during the fall semester of the year. Information is typically available from school chorus instructors.

Honoring the Choral Society’s longtime music director Thurston J. Dox, the Apprenticeship Program recognizes his dedication to enriching the musical experiences of young people. Music students from our area have shown considerable interest in singing masterworks with a seasoned chorus accompanied by a professional orchestra. Since the inception of the program in 1992, nearly 70 high school students have completed apprenticeships. Students from Andes, Bainbridge/Guilford, Cherry Valley/Springfield, Cobleskill, Cooperstown, Delhi, Franklin, Gilbertsville/Mt Upton, Jefferson, Laurens, Milford, Morris, Norwich, Oneonta, Sidney, South Kortright, Unatego, Walton, and Worcester have participated during the tenure of the program.

The 80-member Choral Society performs an extensive repertoire of choral masterpieces, including classics by Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Dvorak, Beethoven, Brahms, and many others. The society performed the American premier of the "Bonhoeffer Oratorium" by Tom Johnson, and has also performed "Itaipu" by Philip Glass.

Application forms are provided to choral director in schools in the four-county area shortly after the first of the year. Interested students should inquire of their director to obtain a program brochure and application.

CATSKILL CHORAL SOCIETY GIRLCHOIR

The Catskill Choral Society (CCS) Girl Choir was formed in November 1998 by CCS chorister, Tracy Verma of Oneonta, to provide girls in this area the delights of singing a variety of music. Members of this ensemble are afforded the opportunity for professional instruction in voice, musical terminology, and reading skills, as well as to perform a wide range of fine and challenging choral music. Through these experiences, members gain self-confidence and poise in concert performances, learn cooperation and teamwork, and experience the thrill of singing beautiful music.

The Girl Choir presented its premiere performance in the spring of 1999 at St. Mary's Church in Oneonta, under the direction of Kathleen Slavinsky. Since then they have performed at the Community Christmas Carol, the Candlelight Evening at The Farmers' Museum in Cooperstown, at the Wieting Theatre in Worcester and on numerous occasions with the Catskill Choral Society.

Since 2002 the Girl Choir has been directed by Laura Hamwey, Vocal Music Director at the Worcester Central School for the past 23 years. Ms. Hamway earned her bachelor's degree in Music Education from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam and her Masters in Music Education from Goddard College in Plainfield, VT. She also has conducted the Otsego County Music Educators Association, All-County Jr. Chorus, Elementary Chorus, and the All-County High School Jazz Vocal.

The Girl Choir is open by audition to all girls from the fourth through 12th grades. For more information, to arrange an audition, or for Girl Choir concert bookings, please contact Ms. Hamwey at 607-397-1708.

CCS GIRLCHOIR SCHOLARSHIP FUND

A Scholarship Fund has been created to provide girls who cannot afford the full membership fee an opportunity to sing in the girlchoir. Any amount of donation will be appreciated.  If you would like to make a tax deductible scholarship donation, please send it to CCS Girlchoir, P.O. Box 135, Oneonta, NY 13820.