Choral Group Taps Campus Talents

An unusual combination of ambitious music, friendly but professional leadership, and a campuswide welcome mat have members of the Faculty and Staff Choral Ensemble singing the group's praises.

"It's a very friendly group and there's a high standard of musicianship," said Cathy Oliverson, an Arts & Lectures manager who joined the ensemble last fall. "Going to rehearsal and getting into the music is a great way to end a day."

Noting that there is no audition to join the group, new member William Davies King said there is "completely no pressure to sing alone—unless you want to." Members gradually learn difficult choral pieces, like Ramirez's "Missa Criolla" or Vivaldi's "Gloria," said the professor and chair of the Dramatic Art Department.

"We rehearse each week and present a concert at the end of each quarter," said Claudia Kashin, a College of Letters & Science analyst who is an original member. "We have a lot of fun together."

Now in its sixth year, the ensemble is currently conducted by graduate music students Muriel Gibala and Daniel McGrath, who are working on their doctorates in choral conducting. Professor Michel Marc Gervais, director of choral studies, is faculty adviser to the ensemble.

The faculty and staff choir is also open to teaching assistants, post-docs, and spouses. They will have the first organizational meeting of the quarter on Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Music Building, room 2218. Each member pays a quarterly fee of $20.

"The choir," said Gervais, "is one of the few places where both sides of the workforce can play as well as work together. In addition to singing, we have picnics and wine-tastings." For more information, contact him at gervais@music.ucsb.edu.