'A highly competitive and huge honor'

Members of Jubilate, the youth choir of the Hudson Valley based at Christ Church in Warwick, participated last Saturday, Jan. 25, in the Diocesan Chorister Festival at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City

“To be selected to perform at this festival,” said Lisa Laico, a member of the Steering Committee of Jubilate, “is highly competitive and a huge honor.”

She explained that the festival is a full-day event that gathers youth choirs from around the Episcopal Diocese of New York, comprised of Manhattan, Staten Island, the Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan counties, for a day of tours, workshops and rehearsals at the largest cathedral in the world.

The day culminated in a Festival Evensong performed in the Great Choir of the Cathedral by the combined choirs.

Jubilate is directed by Dr. David Crone with assistance from Steven Wing and Choir Manager Maureen Burt, all accomplished musicians and music educators.

Although the choir was originally formed in 2006 at Christ Church, it is an inclusive program that welcomes musically talented youth from all area school districts and all faith traditions.

The choir draws its membership from throughout Orange County, offering vocal training and performance opportunities for youth with a passion and a talent for music.

Jubilate is now composed of about 60 choristers, Grade 5 and up.

Raw musical talent, a passion to learn and a family’s willingness to commit to the rehearsal and performance schedules are the criteria considered during auditions to be held in June and September this year.

For more information, consult jubilatewarwick.com.

- Roger Gavan

# # #

PIC: (Provided)