The Wakefield Choral Society (WCS) begins rehearsing for its new season at 7:00 pm on Monday September 8 th in the music room of the Wakefield High School.  The group is open to new members, and anyone who enjoys singing is invited to attend. 

 The Choral Society has a new Director this season, Ryan Murphy.  Mr. Murphy holds degrees from Brigham Young University in Piano and Organ Performance and Pedagogy and Choral Conducting, where he studied with Mack Wilberg and Ronald Staheli, directed the 300 voice University Chorale, and was Assistant Conductor and accompanist for both the BYU Men’s Chorus and Concert Choir.  Before coming to Boston he was also on the faculty of Snow College and the Meridian School.  He is currently completing his doctorate in Choral Conducting at Boston University where he studies with Ann Howard Jones, and where he worked for two years on the faculty of the Boston University Tanglewood Institute as assistant conductor and accompanist for the Young Artist Vocal Program and Chorus. He also directs the Adult and Children Choirs at St. Malachy Church in Burlington

 As a professional music director for the Sundance Institute and the Tuacahn Center for the Arts, Mr. Murphy has done extensive orchestral conducting and arranging, vocal coaching, and accompanying, working with such Broadway veterans as Maureen McGovern, Judy Blazer, and Michael Rupert.  He has also appeared as an accompanist with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He currently lives in Belmont with his wife and two beautiful daughters.

 “Several well-qualified candidates auditioned for the position” says   WCS president Judi Grogan of Melrose.  “We chose Ryan because we believe he will be a good fit with our chorus.  He’s energetic, can teach the group a lot about singing and performing, and he has a good sense of humor!”   Mr. Murphy says “I had a great time auditioning with the Choral Society, and I believe we will have a great season.”

 The chorus will be preparing for its annual Holiday Pops Concert which will be presented at the Americal Civic Center in Wakefield on Saturday, December 6 th.  The Choral Society does not hold auditions, but does require that members be able to carry a tune, commit to attending rehearsals, and take some time to practice each week between rehearsals.  Some members have been singing in groups most of their lives and are proficient sight singers.  Others members have never sung with a group before joining the Choral Society.

Along with the Holiday and Spring Pops concerts, the group performs every year at Wakefield’s Veteran’s Day ceremony.  In addition, every few years the group prepares a spring concert with a more classical focus.  Past spring concerts have featured works such as C.P.E. Bach’s Magnificat, and Vivaldi’s Gloria. 

The first three rehearsals of the season, on September 8 th, 15 th, and 22 nd are considered “open rehearsals”.  They offer an opportunity for newcomers to decide if they want to join before paying the membership fee of $50 for the season or $100 for the year.  For more information about the Wakefield Choral Society and the upcoming season, visit www.wakefieldchoralsociety.org or call WCS Manager Tom Merchant at   781-246-6444.