New director for youth choir

From left, Monica George Punke, Maura MacDonald and Katey Aucoin practise a choral tune at the piano at St. George’s Anglican Church. (Goodwin photo)

NEW GLASGOW – CHOR ALPHA is one of those odd names people give to a choir for younger singers. This is the name – drawn from the ancient Greek language – that the Pictou District Honour Choir gives to its beginner choir program.
This year, CHOR ALPHA is being directed by Maura MacDonald, a native of Stellarton, who grew up in the Honour Choir program, went on to study music and vocal performance at Mt. Allison University, and who has a background in working with young people. MacDonald is excited to be taking over the direction of this program from long time CHOR ALPHA director, Monica George Punke.
CHOR ALPHA meets each Saturday 10-11:30 a.m. in the Lower Hall at St. George’s Anglican Church, New Glasgow. The first meeting of CHOR ALPHA will be on September 8.
It’s that time of the year, when invitations are being extended to all young Pictonians, boys and girls, to join CHOR ALPHA. This choir experience is open to young people who will be in grades 1 to 4 this coming year, who love to sing and who want the experience of learning more about music and choral singing in a program where the emphasis is on having fun while exploring what it means to grow musically and socially, and be a member of a team.
“Choral singing is all about team work,” said MacDonald.
To find out more about what it means to become a member of CHOR ALPHA or to arrange an interview to become a member, contact Maura MacDonald, 396-8685, or email: mpmacdonald@mta.ca In addition, potential new members are welcome to come to the first meeting of CHOR ALPHA at 10 a.m. in the Lower Hall at St. George’s on September 8.