About the Repertory Singers
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of organization is the Southern Oregon Repertory Singers?
The Repertory Singers is a 40 plus voice choral organization based in Ashland, Oregon, under the direction of Dr. Paul French. This 501 C3 nonprofit organization is committed to the performance and cultivation of choral music and to the education of young singers in the art of choral singing.
What is the purpose of your organization?
The Repertory Singers purpose is to promote the choral arts through performance, the commissioning of new music, and an educational outreach program.
Who is the target audience?
Our audience is comprised of choral enthusiasts and music lovers who make their home in or near the greater Rogue Valley.
What is your primary service?
We perform an annual subscription season consisting of four concert. Each performance is heard by an average of 600 audience members with the "Mozart Birthday Bash" and "Songs of Shakespeare" attracting even a larger audience. These concerts are performed in the Recital Hall on the campus of Southern Oregon University, area churches, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's Elizabethan Theatre.
What are four unique benefits of your services?
- A commitment to excellence that has earned the ensemble a prominent place among the leading choral ensembles on the west coast.
- Unique programs balancing commissioned and seldom-heard works with the finest works of the choral canon.
- A choral education outreach program designed to assist our public schools in educating the next generation of music lovers and performers.
- A strong relationship with many of the area's leading cultural institutions: The Rogue Valley Symphony, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and the Southern Oregon University.
What is your history?
Since 1986, the Repertory Singers have performed a yearly concert series and for the last sixteen years has been under the direction of Dr. Paul French, Director of Choral and Vocal Studies and Chair of the Department of Music at Southern Oregon University. A volunteer Board of Directors governs this group. Their focus is to promote the organization and to raise funds that are vital to its operation.
How can I sing in the group?
Participation is by audition only and you must contact the Musical Director to schedule an audition. You are required to sing two pieces of your choosing and to demonstrate your sight-reading and musical skills.
How can I get involved?
There is always plenty of work to be done. The group relies on volunteers to man the Board, assist with hospitality at concerts and receptions, clerical work, assistance with mailing brochures and reminder cards. If you are interested in helping the group, visit our Support page for more information, or contact any singer or Board member and they will be glad to help you get involved.
Do you have any CDs for sale?
We have two CDs that can be purchased. In 2007, we introduced our latest CD, "On the Trail of Beauty" comprised of songs the group has commissioned from Craig Kingsbury, a Portland-based composer. We also have a Christmas CD titled "In Times of Softest Snow".
What kind of music do you sing?
The music we sing would be considered classical but that does not mean we only sing songs written by the old masters. In fact, at a recent concert, only one song in the program was written by someone that was not still living. It is our goal to perform the very best music we can find while always making certain that our concerts are entertaining.