Two singing groups to present combined concert
By Angela Greiner Community Reporter

PHOTO/SUBMITTED Simple Harmonic Motion is a collegiate a cappella ensemble from WPI that includes (front, l to r) Jesse Herrera, Taylor Mazzali, Anthony Del Vecchio and Nate Piper, all of Worcester, Nate Merril of Paxton, (back, l to r) Joel Reed of Townsend, Kevin Black of Northborough, Business Manager Geoff Hook of Marlborough, Greg Coffey and Jarrod Ratcliffe, both of Northbridge, and Peter Worrest of Hudson.

Hudson - The Pro Musica Chorus will be performing with the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) collegiate a cappella men's singing group "Simple Harmonic Motion" Friday March 28 at 7 p.m. in the Hudson Town Hall. Several members of Simple Harmonic Motion come from the surrounding communities, including Peter Worrest (Hudson), Kevin Black (Northborough) and Geoff Hook (Marlborough). Many of the performers first developed their musical interests in enrichment programs like the Arts Alliance, which sponsors the Pro Musica Chorus.

Worrest, who is a familiar face in the area for his many theater debuts and musical performances, said he was happy to see the Pro Musica Chorus, in which he used to participate, still going strong.

"It should be interesting to perform with the group. Over the past few years I have enjoyed listening to them perform," Worrest said.

The 11 WPI singers, whose repertoire includes tunes ranging in style from the Goo Goo Dolls to the Doobie Brothers, are looking forward to performing with the local students.

The Pro Musica Chorus, run by Arts Alliance Director Jan Patterson, is in its 21st year, with students in grades three through 12 from 10 surrounding towns.

At the March 28 concert, the two groups will perform both individually and together, presenting arrangements of popular, familiar tunes, as well as American folk, do-wop, jazz, multi-cultural and classical pieces.

"I think I have been singing since I was in the first grade," Worrest said. "… And I know I like it because I am still doing it."

He explained that through his singing he has made great friends and social connections. Worrest hopes that through the involvement of Simple Harmonic Motion with Pro Musica, the college students will encourage boys to continue singing.

"Maybe we can demonstrate that singing can be cool and erase some of the common stereotype that singing is un-cool," Worrest said.

Worrest, who is a vocal percussionist, said that the other members of the group hope to continue to work with elementary and high school students.

"I hope we can inspire some kids," he said.

Tickets purchased in advance are $9 for adults and $7 for students and seniors. For more information about the upcoming performance or any other events, contact the Arts Alliance at www. upwitharts.org.