Austin has several city-wide choral groups that can be enjoyed either by those who love participating or those who prefer listening. One of these groups is the Austin Civic Chorus, directed by Dr. David Stevens. The Civic Chorus was founded 30 years ago with 32 singers. Today it has 140 members, almost all of whom are amateurs. Singers are selected by audition, and those in this group usually have considerable choral singing experience. A new ensemble has been formed for people with less experience. More on that later.

Each season the Civic Chorus presents three formal concerts of major choral/orchestral works. Beginning in the spring of 1995, each concert is performed on two consecutive nights, with a combined audience of up to 1100 listeners from throughout the Central Texas area. It was necessary to go to two performances because there is no performance venue available that will hold this large an audience on one night. This is a problem that is being voiced more and more and which the city of Austin truly needs to address.

In addition to the formal concerts, the Civic Chorus also offers the "Sing-It-Yourself" Messiah, which this year is on December 17 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 8134 Mesa Drive. I can testify from personal experience that this event is tremendously enjoyable. The entire work is sung by all. There is an orchestra, professional soloists, members of the Civic Chorus, and US. Bring your own score, if you have one, or borrow one at the performance. This concert is expected to sell out, so get your tickets soon - $8.00. Two days later, the Chorus will sing with the Austin Symphony for the annual free Family Holiday concert. Though there is no fee, you do need a ticket, and they are going fast.

A special pilot program has begun in the Austin middle schools. In partnership with the Austin Handel-Haydn Society, which David Stevens also directs, vocal quartets are going into the middle schools to expose that age group to quality vocal music. Choral education in the Austin schools needs all the help and support it can get.

The leaders of the Civic Chorus found that there were more people wanting to sing in public choruses than there was room for. The performance venues available are not only limited in audience seating, but also cannot handle a chorus larger than 140 voices. So this fall Ms Lanier Bayliss was asked to organize a new ensemble. This group provides opportunity for singers with little or no experience but with a love of singing with a group that meets their needs. It also provides an opportunity to sing music of different types, music that the large oratorio-type choruses are not really suited to sing. This group already has over 50 members and will be giving their first concert in February. Both the Civic Chorus and the new group rehearse on Monday evenings at St. David's Episcopal Church downtown. If you would like information about auditioning for either group call Executive Director Melissa Eddy at 451-8863. For tickets to any performances, call 499-8497.

This column will appear approximately monthly and will attempt to cover the classical music scene in Austin. I have been waiting for a magnificent inspiration for a title for the column. So far my wait is in vain. If you have a truly brilliant idea for a title, please send it to me at carol@awpi.com.