Two local teen apprentices to sing with choir

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May 11, 2012

Two local teen apprentices to sing with choir

By Jake Palmateer Staff Writer The Daily Star Fri May 11, 2012, 10:15 AM EDT

A choral apprenticeship program in its 19th year is tuning up for its marquee performance this weekend.

The Catskill Choral Society Dox Apprenticeship Program is designed to give high school juniors and seniors a chance to sing with the Catskill Choral Society in a major production.

The two students participating this year are Delaware Academy junior Diman Sengupta and Unatego Central School junior William Leichty. They will join the Catskill Choral Society for its presentation of Handel's "Messiah" tonight and Saturday at the First United Methodist Church in Oneonta.

In addition to practicing and performing with the Catskill Choral Society, the group provides free private vocal lessons to the students, apprenticeship program Chairwoman Peg Twasutyn said.

"We underwrite the costs for that," she said.

Sengupta studied with Johanna Arnold; Leichty studied with Cindy Donaldson.

Working with professional vocal teachers and the choral group helps prepare students for further experiences in music, Twasutyn said.

"It really gives them an extra edge," Twasutyn said.

Twasutyn said Sengupta and Leichty are the 105th and 106th area high school students to have participated in the program.

"It's a real treat to have them with us," she said.

The apprenticeship program is named after former Hartwick College Choral Director Thurston Dox, who also served as the Catskill Choral Society's director for many years.

"He was very interested in music education for youngsters," Twasutyn said. "He was just an influential figure in choral music in the area. When he passed away, we founded this musical program in his honor."

Both apprentices said they are looking forward to the performances this weekend and that the experience with the group was worthwhile.

"It's been fun," Sengupta, 16, said.

Sengupta and Leichty said one of the biggest differences was working with one long piece of music, rather than several songs from different styles.

"I'm very excited," Leichty, 17, said.

"Messiah" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. today and 4 p.m. Saturday. Tickets for adults are $17 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets for seniors are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Student tickets are $10.

Auditions for next year will be June 10. For more information, contact Twasutyn at twasutynp@yahoo.com or 432-6695.