Collegiate Singers in Concert Oct. 10

The first choral concert of the academic year takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 10, in the Turley Center Ballroom. Included during Homecoming week activities at Fairmont State, the Collegiate Singers and Chamber Choir begin their concert at 8 p.m. under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Poland.

Audience members will be taken on a vocal survey of several musical styles. The Chamber Choir will begin the program with English madrigals and partsongs, followed by a Latin motet, Palestrina's Alma Redemptoris Mater, performed by the Collegiate Singers. Coronation music by Handel is next with an anthem written for the crowning of King George II at Westminster Abbey in 1727. A love song by Brahms contrasts the pomp and grandeur of Handel's music, and features accompanist John Morrison at the piano. Another lyric poem and melody follow the theme of young love in Daniel Gawthrop's setting of Summer Days Are Gone, with poetry by Christina Rossetti.

The program then turns to American folksong and spirituals as the singers perform the familiar tune Polly-Wolly-Doodle, the gospel melody Obey the Spirit of the Lord, and the signifying music of The Drinking Gourd. Throughout the concert the varied styles will include a cappella singing and piano accompaniment.

Wednesday evening's concert follows the Lip Sync Contest and the Bike Night in the Parking Garage. The Turley Center is a short walk from the garage for continued free entertainment. The public is invited to enjoy the college choirs in their season opener.