Bel Canto Senior Singers: New Berlin to Begin on March 10 at Holy Apostles Parish

MILWAUKEE - Feb. 18, 2014 - PRLog -- The Bel Canto Senior Singers Program is a free program open to the public. No audition is necessary. The program begins on Monday, March 10, and rehearsals will take place on Monday afternoons from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm at Holy Apostles Parish (Lofy Hall Meeting Room), 16000 W National Ave, New Berlin, WI. The program will run through mid-May, culminating in a free public concert. Men and women are welcome! To register please contact Rebecca Whitney at 414-481-8801 x4 or email: rwhitney@belcanto.org.

There is increasing scientific research that being a member of a chorus is good for you! Choral singing has physical, mental, emotional and social benefits for all age groups. Specific research shows that senior citizens who belong to a chorus experience less depression, less falls, less visits to the doctor, and less need for medication than the general population. Older adults who sing also report a lift in their moods, increased energy, and increased social interactions. On top of all that, it’s just plain fun!

The Bel Canto Senior Singers Program started in 2006 at San Camillo Senior Living Community in Wauwatosa where it still runs. There are fall and spring semesters of the program. There is no audition to be in the group. It is open to anyone in the community 55 or better who enjoys singing, regardless of previous singing or musical experience. All kinds of music are performed; Hymns, Christmas carols, Broadway tunes, popular songs of the past – almost anything.

The program is run by professional conductors, accompanists, and administrators from the Bel Canto Chorus organization. A typical rehearsal begins with gentle stretching and vocal warm-ups. The bulk of rehearsal is spent learning the music, but time is also given to learning basic musical concepts and practicing good singing technique.

About Bel Canto Chorus
Founded in 1931, Bel Canto Chorus enriches the lives of its audiences and members through the presentation of fine choral music.  The group has been led for more than 25 years by Richard Hynson, considered one of the nation's finest choral and orchestral conductors (American Prize Winner 2012). Bel Canto Chorus ranks in the top ten percent of choral organizations in the country in terms of budget, longevity, and repertoire. Educational outreach includes Bel Canto Senior Singers and Bel Canto Boy Choirs. Rehearsals are held at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center. Characterized by a heartfelt belief in the value of Bel Canto Chorus, and supported by its 100 devoted singers, audiences, talented artistic and administrative staff, and dedicated board members, the group's passion for sharing the thrill of live choral music has remained steadfast throughout its long, proud history. For more information visit http://www.belcanto.org.