Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association: Choir Festival

2008

54th Annual Choir Festival

Photo courtesy of Paul Goldfinger

Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association

Ocean Grove, New Jersey

Sunday, July 13, 2008, 7:30 p.m.

in the Great Auditorium

Conductors invited for 2008

Jason Tramm, Director of Music

Lewis Daniels, Director Emeritus

Cindy Bell

Patrick Gardner

Noel Werner

Michael Sanflippo

Adam Waite

Gordon Turk, Auditorium Organist

The Festive Brass

Preparing to attend the Choir Festival

Click here to print choir festival flyer

Participants must provide their own musical scores. They are not made available at the festival. Also, singers planning to participate in the Festival will need to order the Music Packet to ensure that each singer has proper editions and the same pagination. There is no way around this, with our very limited rehearsal time.

For your convenience all the anthems are in stock at Young's Music Store 1 800 628-6204. Please click on choir festival flyer above for correct publishers and voicing. Other versions create confusion and inhibit performances.

It is essential that the anthems be learned thoroughly before attending the one combined rehearsal at 2 P.M. sharp. Since only ten minutes are allotted to prepare each anthem, there is not time to teach notes. Please give the conductors respectful attention by concentrating on making good music and avoiding distracting conversation.

In several areas, choirs join together to rehearse the festival music. Rehearsals of the Ocean Grove Auditorium Choir are open to everyone.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:

Friday, June 13- Auditorium 7:30pm Tuesday, July 1- Auditorium 7:30pm

Friday, June 20- Auditorium 7:30pm Tuesday, July 8- Auditorium 7:30pm

Friday, June 27- Auditorium 7:30pm Friday, July 11- Auditorium 7:30pm

Sunday, July 13- Auditorium 2:00pm Day of Festival

Approximately half the anthems will be learned at each rehearsal so all will be covered in two weeks. Attendence at several of the sessions will enhance musical confidence.

Ladies are requested to wear white dresses or white blouses and dark skirts. Gentlemen wear white shirts with dark ties and black pants.

A representative of each choral group is requested to complete the registration form LEGIBLY with as much information as possible to ensure recognition on the printed program. Choir registration deadline is JUNE 6, 2008. Individual singers are welcome but need not register. Click here to print registration form.

Each group planning to arrive by bus must notify the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting office by calling (732) 775-0035 so parking can be arranged.

Ocean Grove has many excellent restaurants but they are overwhelmed on the day of the festival because it is extremely difficult to obtain additional staff for just one day. Patience and practice of Christian grace often alleviate tense situations. Alternatives are the supper at St. Paul's Church or picnicing in the park or boardwalk.

Where else could you hear such thrilling sounds of a grand choir, instruments and huge pipe organ in a marvelous acoustical environment? Choir directors often tell of the increased commitment, enthusiasm and desire for musical excellence their choristers derive from this great festival experience.

Reserve the date now and invite your friends to join you in singing music that thrills your soul. There is no charge for registration or admission; however an offering will be received.

To avoid traffic congestion in the shore area, if approaching Ocean Grove from the south take the Garden State Parkway North to Exit 100 and Rt 33 East to the ocean front. From the west on I-195 (becomes Rt 138), use Rt 18 North to Rt 33 East to the ocean front. Turn left and head north on Ocean Avenue. Look for the white pavilion on the boardwalk, then look left to view the Great Auditorium.

Although parking may be a problem due to the size of the choir and popularity of the beach, streets south of Main Avenue and west of Central Avenue often are less congested.