New Choruses Spark Increased Participation - Darrell L. Truitt Commonwealth Singers, under the direction of Dr. Arthur Shearin, was begun this year to take the place of University Singers. The choir was a mixed group which was designed primarily to sing sacred literature and hymns. It also afforded students who were not involved in the music program the opportunity to sing. "Commonwealth is my first real experience with a choral group. I have enjoyed the opportunity to perform before audiences," said junior Stan Manning. Freshman member Kris Anderson said, "Because I am a piano major, I don't have a lot of time to devote to a chorus. But Commonwealth provided a good op- . portunity to be exposed to new types of mu-sic without spending a lot of time in rehearsals ." ~ Long after traditional male glee clubs had lost their popularity, a new Harding group came on the scene in an effort to revive those traditional harmonies. The all male Troubadours, directed by newcomer Dr. Arthur Shearin, made a grand entrance by representing Harding in the Christian College Choral Festival and becoming the first men's chorus ever to have attended the event. Composed of about 65 members, the group was designed to educate those interested in the older styles of music. The group was made up of men from A Cappella, Chorale and Commonwealth Singers and some faculty members. When asked the advantages of the group, Shearin said, "It allows the men to sing with members of other chorus groups - something the groups otherwise wouldn't be able to do." ~ M~ny musical works of the early church were written specifically for women's voices only. Because of the nature of the traditional Harding choruses, these works were rarely performed. Dr. Arthur Shearin, upon his arrival at Harding, created the new Bel Canto Singers, an all women's choir made up of members of A Cappella, Chorale, Commonwealth Singers and some faculty members. The noncredit group was designed not only to educate, but also to entertain local civic clubs, organizations and church groups. Senior music major Ronda Street commented, "I can really understand more about today's music with my increased knowledge of ancient music. An expanded understanding will help me teach later on." ~ Music groups/107
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