The Civic Choir
The Civic Chorale (formerly known as the Johnson City Civic Chorale) was formed in 1973 by Robert and Jane LaPella. They began the group so that adult singers would have an opportunity to perform serious choral music and contribute to the cultural environment of the area.
The Civic Chorale has been led by Robert La Pella (1973–1993), Douglas Grove-DeJarnett (1993–1997), David Hendricksen (1998-2016) and Rodney Caldwell (2016-present). The Chorale is supported by two accompanists, Lisa Adkins Runner (piano) and David C. Runner (organ).
Caldwell serves as the director of choral studies and coordinator of vocal studies at Mars Hill University, where he conducts The Mars Hill University Choir, Chamber Singers and Women’s Ensemble. Prior to his appointment at Mars Hill, Caldwell taught at Georgia Southern University and at Susquehanna University. Most recently, Caldwell was in a professional position as conductor-in-residence for MidAmerica Productions in New York.
Caldwell earned a B.A. in Music Education from Luther College, and his M.M. and D.M.A in Conducting from The University of Arizona. He has studied conducting with Weston Noble, Maurice Skones, Kenneth Jennings, Thomas Hilbish and Jerry McCoy. Choirs under Dr. Caldwell’s direction have performed for the American Choral Directors Association, the National Association for Music Education and for the Choristers Guild.
His choirs have also been heard in some of the most recognized venues in the world (including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Spivey Hall, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and the Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano in Vatican City). Caldwell has held several leadership positions in NAFME and ACDA at the state, regional and national levels, and is also a frequent guest conductor and clinician, having conducted over 50 honor choirs throughout the United States and Europe.
In addition to being recognized for excellent choral sound, dedicated and competent singers, and constant musical improvement, the chorale provides an environment for camaraderie and enjoyment among members during rehearsals and performances. Singers strive to learn and perform musically challenging choral literature, from Gregorian chant and early Renaissance motets through regional and world premieres of recently-composed works.
“As a volunteer choir, we come together as musicians to work and create something beautiful and meaningful every week and ultimately share our work with our community. Singing and striving together also creates lovely friendships. We are a true community choir and work to support each other in and outside of rehearsals and performances,” says Katie Murphy, past president of The Civic Chorale.
Rehearsals take place every Thursday evening from 7-9 p.m. at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church in Johnson City, Tennessee. An additional dress rehearsal is usually scheduled during the week of performances. All singers are expected to participate in a minimum number of rehearsals for each concert. Membership consists entirely of volunteers and there is an air of fun and fellowship, but their primary focus during rehearsal is preparation of the music with an intent to perform at our potential.
Prospective members should contact Caldwell at caldwell@ptd.net, to schedule an appointment for audition. Auditions are 10-15 minutes and consist of two principal elements. Candidates sing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” in a variety of keys, and without accompaniment, to establish range, and assess intonation and tone quality. Candidates demonstrate basic musical skill/knowledge through sight reading and notational exercises. ?
“The Civic Chorale is always looking for voices to add. If you are interested in joining us at any point during our season, please contact us to set up an audition We look forward to hearing from you,” Murphy says.
The Chorale performs at St. John’s Episcopal in Johnson City, Tennessee, in the fall, spring and at Christmas. Its next concert is Dec. 9 at 7:30 pm. For more information, visit www.thecivicchorale.org or follow them on Facebook.
