MILL CREEK — He came here from Manhattan. He wants to make music in Mill Creek.
Sean Berg said he has noticed there isn’t much going on musically for adults outside the city’s churches. That’s why he is organizing a community choir.
“There’s nothing like this here,” he said. “There has to be people in this community who would enjoy it.”
Berg, 42, is a tour operator for bands, choirs and orchestras. He books performances and makes tour plans for musical groups across the country through his business, Sechrist Travel.
He left New York in February because his wife, Tina, took a new job in the area and has family nearby.
“It’s different for us because the trees are taller than the buildings,” he said. “You just can’t compare. It’s nice and exciting in a different way.”
Berg previously taught high school music in Iowa. He has also led community choirs in New York, New Jersey and North Carolina. He earned his master’s degree in choral conducting from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina.
“I really grew to have a big love and appreciation for the adult community choir,” he said. “In this setting, you’re looking for volunteer singers who want to be there.”
Now he’s looking for 20 to 50 singers of all voice types. He hopes to hold auditions for adults Aug. 27 and 28. He also hopes to find a pianist to accompany the choir.
Berg is working to secure a permanent rehearsal space with a piano.
He plans to hold two-hour, weekly practice sessions on Monday or Tuesday evenings.
He envisions the choir having two seasons and a summer break. He expects the first season to run from September to December to allow time to prepare for a holiday concert. Berg plans to start the spring season in late January and end it with another performance in late April or early May. He hopes to find local venues for the concerts.
“That’s going to go a long way in being the Mill Creek Chorale,” he said. “It makes a big impact on the community.”
In addition to singing, Berg said, the choir would be available to help with volunteer service projects and local events.
Amy Nile: 425-339-3192; anile@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @AmyNileReports.
Join in
If you’re interested, contact Sean Berg at 425-948-7714 or email him at millcreekchorale@gmail.com.
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