Music Professor Joseph Amante y Zapata conducts the CCRI Chamber Singers in a recent practice session. The group is made up of music majors and non-majors with an interest in singing.

Making beautiful music is paying off for the CCRI Chorus and Chamber Singers. This fall marks the release of their first-ever CD, and a concert is scheduled at the historic St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center in Woonsocket, RI on December 11. The venue, a former church, can seat up to 1,000.

Comprised of students and alumni the chorus boasts a varied repertoire including "everything from contemporary music, to gospel, to the classics," explains Music Professor Dr. Joseph Amante y Zapata, DMA, professor of music and director of choral activities at CCRI. Amante leads the CCRI Chorus, 20 members strong, and the Chamber Singers group, an eight-member ensemble of vocalists. Besides performing classics, this year’s Chorus & Chamber Singers are also studying the romantic requiems of the turn of the century, such as those by Fauré, which they will perform December 11. "We picked a French composer for this concert in honor of the predominately French community in Woonsocket," explains Amante. The specific music to be performed includes: Vaughan Williams’ "Serenade to Music, and Fauré’s, "Requiem" and "Cantique de Jean Racine."

"Our goal is to have a diverse repertoire that will both challenge our members and create memorable performances," states Amante. On tap for later this year is a Duke Ellington concert accompanied by the CCRI Jazz Ensemble and Dr. Steve Lajoie on the piano.

The Chorus CD, entitled Mostly Gospel, will be released soon, and is a studio recording of last year’s concert at St. Mary’s in Narragansett. The CD, available at the CCRI Bookstore, is $10. Proceeds will go to charity.

This year the Chamber Singers are exploring a variety of music styles, including a cappella Renaissance music and contemporary pieces. Performances include Fall concerts on campus and in the community, including a performance at Spring choral festival and annual Spring concert. Auditions are held at the first two rehearsals of the semester

Chorus meets Mondays 3-5 p.m. and Wednesdays 3-4 p.m., with club meetings held Mondays from 2:30-3 p.m. The Chamber Singers meet once a week, on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. Participation in either club counts toward a one credit music course, and transfers to both RIC and URI.

A Talented & Diverse Group

Choral clubs membership includes 75 percent Associates in Fine Arts majors. The other 25 percent are students who simply enjoy singing, including high school seniors and alumni. "We have several students who enjoy singing so much they are in both groups," notes Amante. "We have a very talented group—I feel like I’m teaching at a conservatory," he says.

Amante himself is an accomplished musician, having earned recognition for his work among his peers, and on a national level. Originally from California, Amante directed several church music programs and community choirs in San Diego and Los Angeles, including one choir that appeared on the CBS show 48 Hours. He taught high school and elementary school music in Los Angeles, and served as music director for a popular 50-member chorus known in Hollywood circles. After moving to the East Coast, Amante served as assistant conductor for the Harvard Musical Association Orchestra and guest conductor for Saxa Versantia, an early music group in Boston.

Amante welcomes inquiries for performances at cultural or theatrical venues and events. "We are always looking for performance experiences," he says.

Upcoming Performances

The CCRI Music Department holds a joint concert each semester featuring the CCRI Chamber Singers and Chorus, and the college’s classical music instrumental group, the CCRI Chamber Ensemble. This year’s concert will take place in early December. Watch for more information via Pipeline and The Crier.

In addition, CCRI’s Theater & Music Departments will perform a Sondheim musical titled "A Little Night Music," December 1, 2, 3, and 4. For more information on performances, log on to Dr. Amante’s faculty Web page at faculty.ccri.edu/jamante.

For more information on the Chorus, Chamber Singers, or Music Programs at CCRI, go to: www.ccri.edu/service_learning/clubs/