CHILDREN’S CHORUS
The Southwest Florida Symphony Children’s Chorus is the area’s premier children’s
chorus and is a truly special opportunity for our youth. Emphasis is placed on good
vocal production, dynamic and rhythmic unity, and personal growth and confidence
building. The Children’s Chorus performs with the Southwest Florida Symphony
Orchestra for the annual Holiday Pops Concert, the Stained Glass Concert Series
and throughout the community.
This talented group was invited to sing at the Children in Harmony Choral Festival
in Orlando the spring of 2007. Now in its 14th year, the festival draws the finest
children’s choruses from across the nation. The children were a part of the
350-voice Children in Harmony Chorus at Walt Disney World Resort and were
under the direction of Conductor and Artistic Director Dr. Barbara Tagg where they performed the world premier of Jim Papoulis’ Everybody Has a Reason.
Sponsored by Fort Myers Toyota Scion
CHORUS AUDITIONS
The Symphony Children’s Chorus is an auditioned chorus. This Chorus is
open to children 9 -14 years of age and rehearses Tuesday evenings,
September – May. Auditions take place in August and mid-season.
Auditions are by appointment only. To schedule an audition, call the
Symphony office at 418-0996 or e-mail us at info@swflso.org.
ASSOCIATE CONDUCTOR & DIRECTOR OF CHORUSES
Boundless energy, passionate conducting, and an engaging personality describe
Joseph Caulkins. Celebrating his seventh season, Caulkin’s inspiring leadership
has ushered the choruses to a new level.
CHILDREN'S CHORUS DIRECTOR
Recently chosen to lead the Children’s Chorus for the 2007-08 Season, Truesdale
is an experienced and knowledgeable director, musician and teacher.
She currently is in her 16th year as a music teacher at Canterbury School in
Fort Myers. Truesdale also serves as Alto Section Leader of the Symphony
Chorus, with whom she has performed for eight seasons.
With a degree in music education, Ms. Truesdale has an extensive background
in both choral and instrumental music and presents workshops throughout the
country. In addition to her musical expertise, she holds an MS in Reading and
Language Development. She works with students, parents and teachers using
music as a tool toward phonemic awareness, reading comprehension and fluency.
Ms. Truesdale loves to travel, most recently spending the summer exploring the
music and culture of Ireland. When she's home, she enjoys playing with her
cat and two bunnies, reading, knitting and crocheting, brushing up on her electric
bass and the occasional skydive.
CHARLES HEARD
ACCOMPANIST AND ASSISTANT CHORAL DIRECTOR
Highly talented and multi faceted, Charles Heard has served as the piano
accompanist or the past five seasons. Having worked forty years as a teacher
and administrator in Michigan, Heard’s evenings and weekends were filled with
a vast variety of musical pursuits.
Heard trained the Rackham Symphony Choir (Detroit Symphony) and was the
director of the Dearborn Choral Arts Society and the Seaway Chorale and
Orchestra. As a pianist and vocal coach, Heard worked many summers at the
National Music Camp, Interlochen, Michigan. He also was involved with the
Michigan Opera Theater program where he worked with Jesse Norman and
Ashley Putnam. He served as the Director of Music and organist at St.
Paul American Lutheran Church in Dearborn, Michigan for 23 years.
