By Daniela Ladesma

“Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So….” If you’ve been hearing these notes sung with piano accompaniment from the Zelman Center on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, it’s most likely because Cantamus has begun another year!

This year marks a significant milestone in Cantamus’s history. First, with a total of 48 members, it is the largest choir that Dr. Wolfe has ever directed in all his years of leading the program. Additionally, it is the first year that Dr. Wolfe made the decision to not hold the “traditional” audition where a student performs a solo onstage in the Zelman Center in front of the choir, but rather to just execute a range check.

When I sat down to discuss this with Dr. Wolfe, he explained to me that while he understands the benefits of having the audition, he had come up with an alternative that would serve as an ongoing investment for the year: part checks. “Part checks,” Dr. Wolfe explained, “will ensure the memorization of songs, and make students accountable for learning their music.” These part checks will be occurring every week and confirm that students have learned their repertoire and are able to sing the correct pitches and rhythms.

Junior Erin Guiney believes that “part checks are a great addition to Cantamus, and will increase the motivation that members have to do well.” Junior Nasrynn Chowdhury agrees, saying that “they will be an effective way to check that all Cantamus participants know their parts.” Ultimately, Cantamus requires great commitment from its members as they will be tackling difficult repertoire pieces this year, and Dr. Wolfe believes there is “a sense of high morale among the Cantamus community arising out of these part checks. Together, we hope to make some beautiful music this year as a choir.”

The first Cantamus concert will be a Performing Arts Fundraiser, taking place on Nov. 22. Good luck, Cantamus! Here’s to another great year!