Adult Choir – Syracuse Community Choir

Every Wednesday Nights @ 7 PM at Grace Episcopal Church, 819 Madison St, Syracuse

Please enter the church through the doors in the center of the building on the Madison Street side.
Early arrival is much appreciated. When you arrive, please don a name tag, fill out a registration form, sign in on the attendance sheets, and collect your music.
Newcomers will be welcomed and advised where to find these things.

We’re hoping to find people who are willing to help with some early volunteer needs. Can you lend a hand?

Choir Besties
We’ve started a program to welcome new singers into the choir and get them off to a good start. Each new singer will have a “choir bestie,” a buddy to introduce them to people, show them the ropes, answer their questions, and make sure they have what they need to be a happy and successful member.

If that’s something you’re willing to help with, please contact Tracy at tracyjoholmes@gmail.com or (315) 708-7077.

Setup / Cleanup Crews
At each rehearsal there are setup and cleanup tasks that need to be done, and many hands make light work.

If you’re willing to arrive by 6:30 to help with set up, please contact Shanah at ‭‭(315) 880-1796‬.
If you’re willing to help with cleanup and can stay until 9:15, please contact Tracy at tracyjoholmes@gmail.com or
(315) 708-7077.

SINGER EXPECTATIONS

MAKE YOUR SINGER PLEDGE

Wednesday, September 23 | Choir Update Meeting

This gathering will be a follow-up to the status meeting that was held on August 19th.

We’ll again report to the community about the state of the choir and preparations for the new season, check in with each other, and, of course, sing together.

DETAILS:
Location: Grace Church 819 Madison Street, Syracuse
Time: 7-8:30 PM

Meeting will not be available via Zoom, but it will be recorded.

Saturday, September 26 | Elder's Circle First Meet Up with Cake & Tea

The Choir is creating an Elders’ Circle to support and guide the choir as it moves into the next 40 years.

Elders are invited to the circle’s first gathering, Afternoon Tea and Cake to get acquainted as we learn and discuss how we can use our wisdom and resources to help each other and help the choir move into the next generation of leadership.

DETAILS:
Location: 601 Allen Street
Time: 4pm

For more information about circle or the tea, please contact Paul at 315-882-3050 or prbarfoo@gmail.com.

Sunday, September 27 | Westcott Street Cultural Fair

The Westcott Street Cultural Fair is an annual celebration of the diversity and uniqueness of the Westcott neighborhood through its culture, arts, food, organizations and activities for families and students.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please take a moment sign up to volunteer at our table for this September 27th event. Stop by our table to say hi, learn about us, and sing!

If you can help set up or take down our booth, or spend some time engaging visitors at the SCC table between noon and 6:00, please add your name to this sign-up sheet or contact Shanah at 315-880-1796 or shanahwllms@yahoo.com.

Wednesday, September 30 | Autumnal Equinox Singing Party

Join us for an Autumnal Equinox Singing Party to kick off the season. All are welcome for community singing and an open mic night.

DETAILS:
Location: Grace Church, 819 Madison Street, Syracuse
Time: 7-9 PM.

Wednesday, October 7 | Adult Choir Rehearsal Starts

Adult Choir begins with its first rehearsal. Rehearsals take place each Wednesday rehearsals unless otherwise noted.

Location: Grace Church, 819 Madison Street, Syracuse
Time: 7 PM – 9PM

Saturday, December 12| Full Choir Rehearsal

Our pre-concert, put-it-all-together, not-quite-final rehearsal will be held at Grace Church.

Location: Grace Church – 819 Madison Street, Syracuse
Time: 10 AM – noon

NOTE: Regular rehearsals for each of the choirs will still occur during the week following this rehearsal.

Saturday, December 19 | Winter Solstice concert: Sacred Circle

Winter Solstice concert: Sacred Circle will be held at
4 PM at University United Methodist Church at 1085 E Genesee St, Syracuse.

Meet the Adult Choir Creative Team

Colleen Kattau Colleen is a bilingual vocalist and songwriter. Her music expresses a loving, spirited presence, with a voice that soothes and haunts with its range and clarity. Music and activism infuse her music and she has performed at many social justice events, from celebrating the working folk of this country to “singing clear” for renewable energy. She recently won a songwriting award for her anthem I Will Rise at the Great Labor Arts Exchange, Silver Spring MD, and also recorded Woody Guthrie’s classic, Deportee. She has recorded seven albums and three successful benefit CDs for environmental & peace actions. Colleen believes in the transformative power of song to make a more just and peaceful world.

Laura Enslin, adult choir, syracuse community choir, creative team

Laura Enslin Soprano Laura Enslin is excited to work with the Syracuse Community Choir! She left a full-time academic career in 2016 to start a private studio called CNY Singing Garden (singinggarden.org). Laura attributes her success to many people she's taught and worked with over the years at Syracuse University (Department of Drama and Setnor School of Music); Nazareth College; and the Eastman School of Music, where she also earned a Master of Music in Voice. A lifelong learner, Laura expands her personal and professional horizons by studying yoga, sound healing, voice, vocal pedagogy and music of all genres. Currently, she is a student of the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (MMTCP). She earned a bachelor's degree in music from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Kevin Amamann, teen choir director, creative team

Kevin Ammann Kevin is a music educator with a passion for choral singing and composing. Kevin joined the Syracuse Community Choir for the winter concert season directing in the adult choir and leading the teen and young adult choir. Music and helping others are at the core of who Kevin is. He has taught in Utica, Syracuse, and Star Lake, both in public and private capacities. Kevin loves to compose and arrange music for choral ensembles. When not singing, other instruments Kevin enjoys playing include French horn, clarinet, and piano. Outside of music and teaching, Kevin enjoys reading, learning new skills, travel, and spending quality time with loved ones.

Barry Torries, 2026 summer creative team

Barry Torres Schola’s founding and present Music Director Barry Torres, for whom early music been a longstanding professional passion, served 25 years as Director of Music Ensembles at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, until his retirement in 2023. At St. Lawrence he taught singing and 16th Century performance practice in addition to directing the Laurentian Singers (St. Lawrence's 28-member select choir), the University Chorus, and the Gospel Choir and Band. As a singer and as a player of early wind instruments, Mr. Torres has appeared with the Orchestra of Northern New York, with NYS Baroque, and as a member of Sonare. His dedication to early music began at the Syracuse University School of Music, where he studied composition and music theory.

Malichi Simmons Malachi Simmons is a rising soulful vocalist, singer, and dancer based in Syracuse, New York. A prominent fixture on local stages, Malachi has captivated Central New York audiences with his smooth R&B vocals, intense energy, and compelling stage presence.He first gained widespread local recognition as a sophomore at PSLA at Fowler High School, delivering a powerful, televised performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" on CNYCentral. Beyond his vocal talents, Malachi is a highly versatile artist recognized for his choreography and dance skills, which have led to international collaborations. Whether performing live or working behind the scenes, Malachi remains deeply committed to enriching the CNY arts and music community. He co-leads our teen and young adult choir.