To anyone who has a desire to sing, to grow musically, to learn new techniques and compositions, to share your voice in a community of enthusiastic singers, and to enjoy the thrill of performing, consider becoming a part of Easton Choral Arts Society.

Comprised of members from throughout the region, the choral society performs music ranging from classical compositions to works by living composers. Beginning in January, the chorus will be working on compositions by four of the greatest composers of all time. Tracing the footsteps of Vienna’s world-renowned musical heritage, the spring concert will feature music from “The Four Gems of Vienna,” Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, and Schubert, all of whom did most of their work in Vienna. Rehearsals are held Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Christ Church in Easton.

Auditions are scheduled by appointment and are straight forward and uncomplicated. For more information, interested singers are invited to visit EastonChoralArts.org or email eastonchoralarts@gmail.com. Easton Choral Arts is supported by the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, The Talbot County Arts Council, and the Maryland State Arts Council.

The Mission of the Easton Choral Arts Society is to bring great choral masterworks programs to audiences of all ages on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The organization’s vision is to contribute to the cultural life of the community by providing a volunteer organization to local singers of all ages who are committed to the challenge of choral music repertoire study and quality public performance. Easton Choral Arts Society believes in the power of music and its ability to meaningfully contribute to a rich and satisfying life experience for mature and young people alike. Learn more about ECAS at eastonchoralarts.com.

High School Choral Competition

Nine high school choral ensembles will take the stage on Saturday, February 29 from 1 to 5 p.m. to compete for a total of $5,000 in prize monies at the Third Annual Easton Choral Arts Society (ECAS) High School Choral Competition at Easton High School in Easton. The competition was designed by ECAS to be an outreach to the youth of the region to instill the life-long pursuit of choral music – both as performers and as consumers.

According to Carolyn Harrison, this year’s ECAS Competition Administrator, “We reach out to the youth of today hoping that they will continue to perform and enjoy listening to quality choral works as they move through life.”

The competition is open to public and private high school ensembles, comprised of a minimum of 12 singers, within an approximate 150-mile radius of Easton. The nine choral ensembles were selected through a blind audition process by a screening committee of ECAS. Each ensemble will perform three selections from different major musical periods, such as the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, or 20th Century periods, to demonstrate the group’s versatility.

The nine finalists at this year’s competition are Bowie High School Choir (Bowie), Liberty High School Madrigals (Eldersburg), Notre Dame Preparatory Chamber Choir (Towson), Old Mill Vocal Ensemble – Old Mill High School (Millersville), Oxon Hill High School Choir (Oxon Hill), Queen Anne’s County High School Concert Choir (Centreville), Severn School Vocal Ensemble (Severna Park), Severn School Treble Choir (Severna Park), and Tower Hill School Vocal Ensemble (Wilmington, Delaware).

According to Wes Lockfaw, Artistic Director of the Easton Choral Arts Society, “This year’s competition will feature in one location nine accomplished high school choirs who will exhibit some of the finest choral work among high schools in the Mid-Atlantic region. We are very pleased to be able to present such a complement of young choral and vocal talent to Talbot County, and we are extremely proud to be able to showcase and invest in both their work and the work of their directors.”

The competition will begin at 1 p.m. with the performance of the first choral group. The final chorus will perform at 3:50 p.m. The ensembles will be judged by three judges. Results of the competition will be announced at approximately 5 p.m. and checks will be issued at that time. The prize monies are designated to benefit the choral music program in each recipient’s school.

The ensemble that is judged the best based on their performance that day will receive a check for $2,500. The second place ensemble will take home $1,500 and the third place ensemble will be awarded $1,000. Donations from generous supporters of the Easton Choral Arts Society are making the competition possible.

Audience tickets for the competition may be purchased for $10 at eastonchoralarts.org or at the door. Students are admitted free of charge. Easton High School is located at 723 Mecklenburg Avenue in Easton. For further information regarding the Choral Competition, contact Carolyn Harrison at ecaschoralcompadm@gmail.com.