News release
Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061
publicinfo@selu.edu Summer  2005 news releases Public Information home News archive

Contact: Christina Chapple
Date: 11/23/05
 
CMS Select Vocal EnsembleClick on image for publication quality photo 
YOUNG SINGERS DEBUT AT SOUTHEASTERN’S CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS – The Southeastern Louisiana University Community Music School’s Select Vocal Ensemble will make its campus debut on Nov. 29 at the “Celebration of Lights,” scheduled for 5 p.m. in the Pottle Performance Circle. Ensemble members are, from left, back, Meghan Wagner, Hammond; Sarah Bertrand, Bush; Director Amy Prats; Kimberly Gordon, Hammond; Karlin Fitzmorris, Abita Springs; middle, Cooley Patenotte, Hammond; Erin Long, Ponchatoula; Laura Brooks, Hammond; Amanda Lucas, Albany; front, Katy Bertrand, Bush; Erin Holloway, Hammond; Rebecca Olinde, Covington. Not pictured are Sarah Whittle, Hammond; April Nelson, Covington; and Gabby Acosta, Ponchatoula. 
SOUTHEASTERN'S NOV. 29 "CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS" FEATURES CAMPUS DEBUT OF COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL SELECT VOCAL ENSEMBLE
       HAMMOND – Holiday lights go on at Southeastern Louisiana University on Tuesday, Nov. 29, to the accompaniment of a choir of young voices making their campus debut.
       The university’s annual “Celebration of Lights,” scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Pottle Performance Circle, will feature Southeastern’s Community Music School Select Vocal Ensemble, made up of young singers from Tangipahoa, Livingston and St. Tammany parishes. 
       Before President Randy Moffett ceremonially lights campus holiday decorations, the ensemble will set the mood with seasonal music, said CMS Director Kenneth Boulton. 
       Conducted by Amy Prats, choir director at Ponchatoula High School and a member of the CMS faculty, the Select Vocal Ensemble gave its first performance in Covington on Nov. 22 as part of Southeastern’s Christwood Arts and Lectures Series at the Christwood Retirement Community.
       “The Select Vocal Ensemble is part of an overall rejuvenated choir program at the CMS,” Boulton said. He said members are selected by audition or special invitation. 
       “A vocal group like this gives talented junior high and high school singers the chance to learn about and experience singing in a subtle and intimate chamber music setting, something that is not possible in a typically large school choir,” Boulton said. “Diction, blend and tone production are emphasized to a much greater degree - plus, a genuine sense of camaraderie develops among the students.”
       The Select Vocal Ensemble performs music from all eras and quality arrangements of folk music and jazz. The ensemble plans several performances throughout the year on campus and in the community.
       Members are Sarah Whittle, Kimberly Gordon, Meghan Wagner, Cooley Patenotte, Laura Brooks, and Erin Holloway, all from Hammond; Gabby Acosta and Erin Long, Ponchatoula; Amanda Lucas, Albany; Sarah Bertrand and Katy Bernard, Bush; Rebecca Olinde and April Nelson, Covington; and Karlin Fitzmorris, Abita Springs.
       In addition to the seasonal sounds from the CMS ensemble, Celebration of Lights will also feature refreshments as well as candy for youngsters, distributed by Southeastern’s lion mascot Roomie – attired as “Roomie Claus” – Lionettes and cheerleaders.
       “Admission” for this year’s lighting festivities will be a voluntary donation to the Southeastern Hurricane Relief Funds, which were recently established by the Southeastern Development Foundation to provide financial support to members of the Southeastern family affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Checks may be made payable to the Southeastern Development Foundation.
       Prior to the Celebration of the Lights, the community is also invited to the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts’ annual “tree-trimming party” from 3:30-5 p.m. in the lobby of the downtown theater. The event will feature photos with Santa Claus, ornament-making, refreshments, and entertainment by the Loranger High School Choir.
       The tree-trimming party is sponsored by State Farm Insurance agent Alexis Ducorbier. 
       The Columbia’s holiday tree has been decorated with ornaments crafted by local school children. One of those students will be selected as a “guest conductor” of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, which will present its annual holiday concert at the Columbia Theatre on Dec. 2.
       For additional information about the Celebration of Lights, contact the Southeastern Public Information Office, 985-549-2341. Information about the Community Music School, which is currently registering students for the spring 2006 semester, is available at www.selu.edu/cms or 985-549-5502.