By Marjorie-Sarah Atkinson
Staff Writer

The Simmons College Concert Choir was established in 1902 as a glee club, and later became the Simmons College Chorale, which grew to 60-75 members under director Robert Gronquist. The chorale performed with MIT students as well as groups from other colleges, with some of its members even touring in Europe.

By the fall of 2006, membership had dwindled nearly to the point of nonexistence. During that semester, the group of eight singers, joined by a new choir director, grew doubled its numbers by the spring of 2007. That same year, the chorale changed its name to the Simmons College Concert Choir.

After that, the choir enjoyed a dramatic increase in numbers, with over 25 members attending weekly rehearsals at one time. Membership has decreased to around 13 core students this semester, with many having graduated or who have conflicting commitments.

Having been a choir member since fall of first year, this writer highly recommends attending a rehearsal and giving the choir a try.  All that is required is an enthusiasm for music and the ability to carry a tune.

The director, English professor Danica Buckley, teaches music reading for those who may not be familiar with that aspect of music, and is always available for extra help if even just one of the members needs any kind of instruction or review.

The accompanist, talented and renowned pianist Rasa Vitkauskaite, assists with rehearsals and will often practice pieces with either the sopranos or altos as they need it.

The choir’s repertoire consists of a book of school-centered anthems “Simmons Songs” mostly written by alumnae in 1922, along with baroque and Romantic era pieces as well as occasional arrangements of selections from musicals and pop/rock songs.

The choir hosts many different activities throughout each semester, like bake sales, movie nights, rearranging the choir library, and the occasional impromptu concert.  They perform in the talent showcase on Family and Friends Weekend, and host one main concert near the end of each semester.

Come to the Trustman Art Gallery on the fourth floor of the Main College Building from 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays to check the choir out!