First Christian Church allowed the "Voices" to use their Fellowship Hall for rehearsals. The first concert was February 9, 2003 at First Christian. As artistic director, Beaty is responsible for all of the planning and logistics involved in setting up the concerts and hiring musicians and soloists. "I do all of the planning and programming during the summer months," she said, "because we only rehearse from October to April."
Voices of Naples welcome new singers who want to audition. The rehearsal consists of "a cappella" singing, reading music and voice-placement exercises. According to Beaty, it is a "painless" audition. Cutoff dates for new members are established for the fall and the spring. Once singers pass the audition, they are required to demonstrate their commitment to the group before they can sing in the productions.
"In order for members to be able to sing in the concerts, they are required to have a certain number of points, which they earn by going to rehearsals," noted Beaty. "Our members are very loyal to the group."
Beaty is a soprano soloist and a self-described "lifelong choral enthusiast." She has experience in choral groups and musical theater and sang locally for two years with the four-member Fourmost vocal quartet. The Voices of Naples 2006-07 concert schedule will kick off November 19 at the Naples United Church of Christ with the fourth annual sing-along of Messiah.
"Messiah is probably the best known oratorio," said Beaty, "and is performed probably more than any other oratorio in the country. People can listen or sing. If they need music they are able to rent it for one dollar. The sing-along is a great opportunity for people who love to sing but don't have the time or have other obligations that keep them from joining a group."
Admission to the Messiah sing-along is free. "We feel like this is a gift to the community," said Beaty. "That's why we have never charged admission." To encourage and support young people who are interested in vocal music, Voices of Naples has recently established a scholarship fund. In April of this year, the group awarded two $2,500 scholarships. "Applicants for the scholarships fill out the application and audition live before a committee," said Beaty. "We look for applicants who are interested in pursuing music as a career, particularly vocal music."
The 2006 scholarships were awarded to soprano Lora Lee Gayer and mezzo-soprano Stephanie Christiano. Voices of Naples is recognized as a charitable organization by the IRS and operates under the direction of a seven-member board of directors. Membership dues are $50 annually. The group also accepts donations.
For more information visit the group's website at www.geocities.com/voicesofnaples.
Reprinted with permission from the Naples Sun Times: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17027884&BRD=2605&PAG=461&dept_id=523946&rfi=6
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