From Deseret News archives:

Choir fills musical void

Singers throughout Wasatch Front meet in Davis County to make their voices heard

Published: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 1:21 p.m. MDT
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As part of the audition, a singer must learn a piece of music in the part they usually sing and perform it for Rose. Rose said he also listens to the singer's vocal range and asks them to sight read a piece of music during the audition.

Although the choir is based in Davis County, its members hail from across the Wasatch Front, and the chorale performs in venues from North Ogden to Salt Lake City.

"We don't want to be just a Davis County choir, although this is central to everyone," Rose said. "It's a good meeting place, but we do make sure that we're performing all up and down the Wasatch Front to benefit the audiences in all those different locations that might not want to come all the way down here for a concert and to also let the musicians in those areas know we exist, and then if they want to join us, we're not too far away."

Salwa Bernier drives from her home in Riverton each week to the rehearsals.

"I was singing with (Rose) in the Sandy City Choir, and when I found out that he was coming here to start his own choir, I did everything I could to come," she said, adding that she doesn't mind the 35-minute commute.

Bernier, who sings alto with the group, also serves as the chorale's secretary. She said she gets along really well with the other members of the group.

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"I love the choir," she said. "They make coming here an absolute joy every week, and they are an incredible, talented and committed group of people to work with."

Bernier said all the members have a strong desire to be there. Not only are they giving up their Saturday mornings for rehearsals, they must also pay dues to be part of the group.

Dues for the 2005-06 year were $175. That money goes to cover sheet music purchases, rehearsal/concert facility rentals, concert recording services, professional liability insurances, music performance licensing fees, orchestral musicians as needed, accompanists and directors.

Wilson said that by holding auditions, the choir may turn some singers away, but it allows the members to sing challenging music.

"One of the advantages is that it is an auditioned choir and it's not just anybody that can come in," Wilson said. "It would be nice (to include anybody), but that would limit our repertoire."

The group's repertoire includes a variety of classical choral works, sacred selections, traditional folk settings, as well as new choral compositions and arrangements.

Wilson said Rose has a knack for choosing good music and is a good teacher, as well.

"Cameron is very good," she said. "The first time I got here I thought, 'OK, I'm in the right place.' "

Bernier agrees.

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Kathy Wilson, left, and Salwa Bernier sing. Wilson is a retired member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Bernier serves as Utah Master Chorale secretary.

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