GCCC is as much a community as it is a group of singers.
by Jill Forman
They enter the room gradually, a group of 80-90 everyday men and women, and take their places in a U-shaped arrangements of seats. Their leader steps on a podium, a few announcements, some preliminary chords from the pianist, they open their mouths to sing, and they are transformed.
The Gold Coast Concert Chorus’ holiday concert is soon; they have been working on this program since the Monday after Labor Day. It is sounding good, and every singer is beaming with the joy of making music. Artistic Director Elizabeth Helms looks pleased.
Starting its 31st season, the GCCC is as much a community as it is a group of singers. Three members, Sylvia, Carol and Mary have been singing since its beginning; Mary has never missed a concert. The group has traveled to Italy, France, Great Britain, Eastern Europe…and Carnegie Hall, twice!
Rehearsal is well under way; they are running through everything tonight. Next week they rehearse in the actual venue with the bluegrass musicians. There are corrections, reminders, “Let’s try it this way…” Lots of teasing and laughter. Jessica the accompanist, who is a choral director herself, chimes in with ideas. It is a collaborative effort.
The affection and respect the director and singers feel for each other is apparent. “The talent in this room is amazing,” says Helms, bragging about two of her professionals who have arranged music for the group. And the members: “We can sing anything with the proper director,” says Rose. “She keeps us challenged musically,” from Scott. “We have a great conductor,” says Dave.
Members are reminded about posture and proper breathing. “Singing is healthy,” they tell me; their heartbeats will sync up and endorphins kick in. Ivan, 85 years old, says the chorus “Keeps me singing, it’s good for the brain and body.”
“We support each other.” Helms talks about last year when the concert was scheduled the week of the Thomas Fire and they had to decide what to do. They went ahead with it; even singers who had lost everything took part, though they had to go out and buy the proper clothes. ”So happy to be doing something positive. It makes everything better being together.”
Singers are clear as to why they participate. “I love to sing,” from Dave and numerous others. “I was always told I couldn’t sing, but I can here,” says Donna.
At the end of rehearsal Helms, a no-nonsense woman who is not effusive, takes a deep breath, smiles broadly, and says, “My friends…you are ready.”
GCCC does three concerts a year: a holiday concert in December, a classical show in March or April, and a pop performance in June. They would like more singers, especially tenors and basses. The male to female ratio is about 1:4. They rehearse every Monday at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center. To register to sing with them, check their website at www.goldcoastchorus.org.
Gold Coast Concert Chorus Schedule
A Down Home Bluegrass Christmas with the Tom Corbett Band
Friday, December 7 at 8 p.m. Saturday, December 8 at 2:00 p.m.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3290 Loma Vista Road, Ventura
[email protected] (805)616-7269
