By Patty Welsh and Bob Tripi, Westborough Community Chorus members
Photo/submitted
Westborough – A local chorus is continuing its mission not only to entertain, but to give back to the local community.
Westborough Community Chorus, which originated in 1971, presents two concerts a year, with three shows each, at spring and at Christmas. It also provides scholarships for private music lessons to Westborough junior and senior high school students. So far, more than $55,000 in scholarships has been provided.
Musical director Debbie Temple said, “We have a wonderful chorus family that not only comes together to share our love of music, but to support and encourage the youth of the community,” Musical Director Debbie Temple said. “Music gives young adults the chance to express themselves and to learn techniques that will continue to benefit them throughout their lives. We’re proud to be even a small part of that.”
Students can obtain information about the scholarships from their school or one of several musical outlets in town, which are listed on the chorus website at www.westboroughchorus.com. Scholarship applications will be available in the fall and, when the students apply, they should include a sample of their work.
The other purpose of the chorus is for the more than 80 members, from ages in their early 20s to late 80s, to share their love of music with the community through the concerts. WCC is considered a “show” chorus, with vibrant sets and costumes, dance numbers and a variety of music, from the early 1900s to current day.
In 1971, the founding director of the Westborough Community Chorus, Faith Newark, was adamant that the members interact with the audience. Therefore, attendees will notice that the members do not hold any music, but memorize the words and music.
“People who come to see the shows are usually blown away by all the effort put in – from music to costumes and more,” said Beverly Remillard, chorus president. “And, often, once they see how much fun we’re having, they ask how they can join.”
Members don’t need to be from Westborough; current members hail from as far away as Bellingham and Westwood. There are no auditions, members just need to be willing to put in the work to make the shows a success. For those interested, Temple recommends attending an initial rehearsal to see what the chorus is about. Rehearsals begin in September for the Christmas show and in January for the spring show.
The upcoming show, “Musical America”, will be presented Friday and Saturday, May 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 20 at 2 p.m. at the Sarah Gibbons Middle School, 20 Fisher St., Westborough. Tickets may be purchased from any chorus member or at the door.
For more information about Westborough Community Chorus, the upcoming shows or information on scholarships, visit our website at www.westboroughchorus.com.
