THE SALT LAKE Children’s Choir, which features several Davis County members, has been performing for the last 30 years. Some of the kids who sang with the choir in its early days now have children who are members.
The group, which focuses on singers ages 8-16 and includes several Davis County members, will be auditioning new members for the first two weeks of January. They’re also hoping to hear from any previous members who would be interested in taking part in an alumni choir, which is scheduled to perform at the group’s 30th anniversary gala on May 15 at Abravanel Hall.
“We already have a big alumni list, but you know how people move around after 30 years,” said Margaret Jacobs, who serves as director of operations for the choir. “The people are always so excited about being able to sing with (choir director) Ralph Woodward again.”
The alumni choir, which had 100 members last time it came together, also performed at the Salt Lake Children’s Choir’s 20th and 25th anniversary celebrations. Though a more permanent version of the group would be welcomed by many, circumstances make that idea a difficult one.
“They’d love to get a regular choir together, but Ralph’s so busy with the children’s choir that it’s just hard,” said Jacobs. “That’s why we try to get them involved when we can.”
The choir also welcomes new musicians, and anyone ages 8-16 with singing and/or playing experience is asked to call Woodward at 801-537-1412 in order to set up an appointment. Though auditioners are expected to be prepared, advance practice isn’t expected.
“The truth is, you either have it or you don’t,” said Jacobs. “No matter how much preparation you do.”
Sometimes, the quest for new members can end up creating a legacy. The choir has been in existence long enough that they’ve had new members who turned out to be the children of previous choir members.
In one case Jacobs could think of, the choir’s first boy soprano (now a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir) has now had all three of his children come through the choir themselves.
“It’s really kind of fun,” she said. “All of a sudden, you’ll see the name of a new member and recognize it.”
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