| Fred Waring organized his first choral workshop in 1947 at the Shawnee Inn. The vocalists he recruited learned to sing not only with enthusiasm and expressiveness, but precision, sensitivity, and a wholly American sound. When these singers returned home and shared what they had learned with fellow musicians, Fred Waring’s approach to choral music spread across the country. As his fame grew, he centered his musical activities here at the Inn, preparing and broadcasting his radio programs here throughout the 1950s. Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians — America’s first real “show choir” — sold millions of records.
CHORAL WORKSHOP 1: At various points during the program, you’ll work on technical vocalization, posture, and breathing; ensemble considerations such as matching vowels, blending, and listening skills; group and individual musicianship, intonation, and rhythmic integrity, and achieving artistry through phrasing.
Imagine yourself a member of Fred Waring's Glee Club with our first choral workshop session under the expert leadership of Midge McClosky, Executive Director of the Shawnee Playhouse, assisted by an outstanding rehearsal pianist and accompanist. A vocal performance major in college, Midge moved to New York City to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy's Integrated Musical Theatre Program and began a professional performing career that has taken her to 49 of the 50 states including recordings, television, film, and commercials. Midge is also Artistic Director of The Worthington Players and the creator of "River's Edge: The Shawnee Story" — an historical play complemented by music and photo footage. |