Vocalists Invited to Sing in ASO Pops in the Park Concert

The Ashland Area Chorus (AAC), a non-auditioned mixed choir of 40-60 participants, invites local singers to join them for a short summer session and to perform with the Ashland Symphony Orchestra. The 4-week rehearsal schedule meets for four consecutive Mondays including: June 4, 11, 18 and 25. Each rehearsal is from 7-8:30 p.m. at Ashland University in Room 242 of the Center for the Arts (formerly the Arts and Humanities building). The session will conclude on Sunday, July 1 with a live performance of light, popular, and patriotic tunes with the Ashland Symphony Orchestra for the Pops In the Park concert at Brookside Park Band Shell.

The Chorus is open to the entire Ashland community and beyond, with previous singers travelling from Richland, Medina, Wayne, Holmes, and Crawford counties. Previous choral experience is helpful and encouraged. While there are no strict age limits, singers under 18 must be approved by the director. There is no cost to the singer for the summer session.

The AAC performs in several concerts each year on the AU campus and with the Ashland Symphony Orchestra. Recent appearances have included a stand-alone presentation of the Dvořák Mass in D Minor, subscription concerts with the ASO (including Orff’s Carmina Burana, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, and Mendelssohn’s Elijah), Ashland University choral concerts (including Handel's Messiah and the Brahms Requiem) and summer pops concerts in the park.

Current members should encourage their talented friends and neighbors to attend the first summer rehearsal to join this unique community opportunity. For further information, please contact the AU Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Ron Blackley, at rblackle@ashland.edu or (419) 289-5114. Or, simply show up on June 4.

Lewis Invited to Eastman's Wind Conducting Institute

Congratulations to Joseph Lewis, Ashland University Director of Bands, who is one 1 of 10 conductors invited to attend Summer@Eastman's Wind Conducting Institute (SWCI).  The Institute capitalizes on the relationship between the Eastman School of Music and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, providing talented apprentice conductors the opportunity to conduct and rehearse highly skilled professional musicians. The course focuses on the relationship between conductor and ensemble, exploring how conductors can achieve their artistic intentions. Eastman professors Mark Scatterday and Donald Hunsberger will lead the SWCI and collectively have directed the Eastman Wind Ensemble for over 50 years. READ MORE

AU Choir's Unique Opportunity at Ohio State Reformatory

On day one of its 2018 choir tour, the University Choir toured the Ohio State Reformatory which was the site for the popular 1994 Academy Award nominated film Shawshank Redemption. While touring the site, they performed an impromtu concert in the facility's chapel. Listen here as the choir takes full advantage of the acoustics.

Choir Tour 2018: May 7-12

All alumni and friends of Ashland University are cordially invited to attend one of the University Choir's upcoming concerts as they travel close to you. The 2018 tour presents concerts scheduled at various churches and high schools in northern Ohio, western New York and Toronto. The following performances are free and open to the public.

Monday, May 7, 7:30 p.m.
First Lutheran Church, 33 Broadway St., Shelby, OH

Tuesday, May 8, 7 p.m.
Painesville United Methodist Church, 71 N. Park Place, Painesville, OH

Wednesday, May 9, 7 p.m.
Williamsville United Methodist Church, 5681 Main St., Williamsville, NY

Thursday, May 10, 7:30 p.m.
Glenview Presbyterian Church, 1 Glenview Ave., Toronto, ON

Under the direction of Dr. Rowland Blackley, the 2018 tour program includes selections from throughout the 2017-2018 concert season. Pieces by living American composers Egil Hovland, Z. Randall Stroope, André Thomas, and Wendell Whalum are featured along with those of Philips and Lotti. The Ashland University Chamber Singers will contribute songs by Debussy, David, and Tate, as well as works from the Renaissance. Excerpts from Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb and some Moses Hogan spirituals will round out the program. There’s something for every choral taste!