THE ASSOCIATION THE DEVELOPMENT OF VOCAL ARTISTRY AND NEIGHBORHOOD

ADVANCE has trained community residents to participate in its professional musical performances since 1989. In 2002, ADVANCE’s opera producing arm, MORE Opera, began preparing a community opera chorus to perform with professional opera artists, trained by recognized arts educators and experts in opera and performance.

The training program allows participants to explore the transformative world of opera through professional level experiences in rehearsal and performance, to develop musicianship, learn about vocal technique, repertoire, and style. The chorus rehearses each week prior to performance. The singers practice in a calm and engaging rehearsal environment, and extra rehearsal time is provided to non-readers and others who may need additional preparation. All participants are fully rehearsed and prepared for performance by prominent opera professionals in chorus rehearsals and individual coaching to participants who are new to opera.

Participation is open to anyone who loves to sing, regardless of previous opera or choral experience and has an interest in or curiosity about opera, and the desire to work together to achieve excellence in performing grand opera. The chorus is comprised of approximately 50 singers from diverse backgrounds, including music students, emerging artists, theater performers, and community members of different ages, disciplines and ethnic and racial backgrounds. New participants are accepted with each opera project by an audition that consists of the singer’s choice of song in any style or language, vocalization to determine voice type, and a short conversation about background and interest in opera. Generally, all who audition are accepted into the chorus. Participants audition only once for the chorus, but may be asked to audition again for consideration for small roles or special ensembles.

ADVANCE is a proven quantity with over 25 years experience producing high caliber educational programming with classical themes for students from Pre-K to 12 through partnerships with schools, community centers, churches, arts organizations, and the City of New York. Whether private or group vocal lessons, a full-scale opera production featuring a children’s chorus, or culturally responsive educational programs on patriotism, spirituals, etc., the dynamic ADVANCE team of professional musicians provides outreach to meet the musical needs of children and youth who have limited exposure to the arts. All children’s programs culminate in live performance in which the students actively participate.