The IN UNISON chorus increased its membership to 140 members this year, following four rounds of auditions at Powell Symphony Hall in St. Louis. Nineteen new members were added and, for the first time, IN UNISON has a waiting list of vocal talent to add if needed throughout the year.
“We had a great turnout this year for auditions,” said Erica Schmitt, project manager of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. “The majority of chorus members participate in their church choirs and other community choruses.”
Their repertoire includes classical music, gospel, spirituals and other choral music.
Some have formally studied vocal music and others have not, but all will tune into the direction of Robert Ray of IN UNISON as they perform to full audiences three times a year, including two at Powell Symphony Hall and one at a selected IN UNISON Program church in the community.
Gospel diva CeCe Winans is the scheduled featured guest artist for the gospel Christmas concert, December 18-19. IN UNISON also performs during Black History Month, Saturday February 21, 2009.
Dr. André Thomas, director of choral activities and professor of choral music education at Florida State University will guest conduct the second half of the community concert in April 26, 2009 at Union Memorial United Methodist Church in St. Louis.
Faithful responses to offender reentry
Missouri School of Religion is sponsoring the conference “Opening Gates, Opening Hearts: Faithful responses to offender reentry” on Saturday, September 6 at First Christian Church, 327 East Capitol Ave. in Jefferson City. Registration is $35 and includes lunch, registration packet and CD from Koinonia House Ministries. Attendance at this event will qualify for annual VIC in service training.
The keynote will be provided by Manny Mills, executive director of Koinonia House National Ministries, Wheaton, IL, with sessions on topics such as Prison Ministries 101 and Partnering with Dept. of Corrections and Probation and Parole.
For information, contact Krystal Jacobs at the Missouri School of Religion at
573-635-1187 or krystalmsr@earthlink.net.
Tent revival
Solomon’s Temple Church is hosting a tent revival August 24 to September 7, featuring Bishop James E. Holloway Sr. and special guests. The theme is “We are committed to reaching the lost.”
Solomon’s Temple Church is located at 5569 Page in St. Louis. Email Solomons@i1.net, visit www.solomonostemplechurch.org or call 314-361-4460 for more information.