June 1998
SEVERNA PARK VOICE - B19

A Grand Night For Singing

Arundel Vocal Arts Society Performs Annual Spring Concert

By Janet Hefler

The Arundel Vocal Arts Society's (AVAS) spring concert was billed as "A Grand Night for Singing," and indeed it was. Featuring the works of Irving Berlin, Richard Rogers, Harvey Schmidt and Stephen Sondheim, the well-chosen variety of songs showcased many of the performers in solos and duets.

"Mixing choral and solo per-formances keeps a concert more lively," said Music/Artistic Director Glenette Schumacher. A charter member since 1983, Ms. Schumacher has served as pianist, arranger, singer, assistant conductor and now director.

The 61-member chorus opened to an almost full house. What was obvious from the moment they took to the stage was their enjoyment of singing. Smiles lit their faces and their enthusiasm was contagious.

Although there are more wornen than men, their placement in the center of the chorus worked well. Their voices blended, but also were not overshadowed. Harmony and balance overall were excellent.

The choral group changed gears effortlessly from the lively Rogers and Hammerstein "Okla-homa" selections into the difficult, sometimes discordant music of Sondheim's "Into the Woods." "When we first started practicing the Sondheim music, it was quite a challenge. but it came to-gether perfectly," said Jeff Sneeringer. He has performed in theater in the Baltimore area, and has known Ms. Schumacher for many years.

Music from "Fantasticks," tile longest running musical, finished up the concert's first half. Vicki Estep, who has also worked in local theater and with the Annapolis Opera, sang both solos and duets. One of her partners, Weldon Ward, has been with AVAS for about five years. "We seem to add about 8 to 10 people each 'semester,' but membership remains pretty constant," he said. The Show's second half highlighted Irving Berlin's music, "A Century of Song." These were tile songs where featured singers could really have some fun. Kathy Warthan and Donna Ruokonen did a comic duet of "Anything You Can Do." Stephen Martino wore many "hats" during the concert, donning an Army cap to sing, "Oh How I Hate to Get Up," and acting as emcee and chorister as well.

Although the weather was hot outside, it went without saying that "White Christmas," one of everyone's Berlin favorites, had to be included. The chorus brought the audience back to reality with "Heat Wave" a few songs later.

A medley from "Annie Get Your Gun" got off to a lively start with Vicki Bannerman's "You Can't Get a Man With a Gun." Sally Gilles and James Handakas finished up with a humorous duet of "An Old Fashioned Wedding." Their facial expressions and play between each other brought a lot of laughs.

"It's not a great song unless you 'sell' it," explained Mr. Handakas. lie has appeared in television soap opera roles and in theater and film. He currently is directing "Company" at Hartford Community College. Ms. Giles, a piano instructor and musical the-atre audition coach, also is the AVAS rehearsal assistant.

Accompaniment was provided by pianist Cynthia Slate, bass-player Adrian Cox and per-cussionist William Thomas. "Accompanying is what I love best, said Ms. Slate, who is also Eastport United Methodist Church's organist. A versatile musician, she was able to master much of the solo music in only a week's time.

The concert concluded with a touching rendition of "Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor," com-bined with "God Bless America." A reception followed.

Now in its 15th year, AVAS was created by a group of singers who wanted to produce programs of choral works with orchestral accompaniment. They perform two concerts , fall and spring. Tickets cost $10.

"Our attendance was up at this concert, and everyone had the confidence to go out on stage and do it," said Ms. Schumacher. Rehearsing at the Community Cen-ter at Woods has helped, she said, since it is a central meeting place for members, who come from Annapolis and Baltimore, as well as the surrounding communities.

Membership is open to the community. Auditions can be ar-ranged by calling (410) 268-313 1. Rehearsals for the fall holiday concert will start Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m.