THE SYMPHONY CHORUS
The Southwest Florida Symphony Chorus is a fully auditioned, 100+ voice group
representing Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties. Rich and resonant, the Chorus, under
the direction of Joseph Caulkins, has earned a reputation for energetic performances
and innovative programming.
These talented and dedicated volunteers present over 15 performances each season,
ranging from classical choral/orchestral works to pops selections and choral music.
They present a major choral work each season for the Classical Series, perform at
the annual Holiday Pops concert, and present their own Stained Glass Concert
Series. In addition, they are also involved in the community, performing for the
annual Easter Sunrise Service, Community Prayer Breakfast, and other events.
Since their inception in 1962, the Symphony Chorus has performed over 60 major
choral works for orchestra and chorus, and toured five European countries.
To watch a video clip of the Symphony Chorus' recent Tour of Europe CLICK HERE
Welcome Letter from Maestro Caulkins
Helpful links:
A helpful tool for learning the Brahms and other major pieces
The Seal Lullaby
Animal Crackers
CHAMBER CHORUS
The Chamber Chorus is a highly select ensemble from within the Symphony Chorus,
which prepares especially challenging and intricate choral music for the Symphony
Chamber, Stained Glass and Classical Series.
Chamber Chorus Auditions & Schedule
We have several open spots in Chamber Chorus for both tenors and basses this year. Sorry ladies - no spots currently open.
Auditions will be held before rehearsal Monday, September 29. Please contact Tonya Player to sign up.
Monday night we will hand out a short excerpt for you to prepare, then for the audition, you will sing it in a quartet with the section leaders. Ask your section leader for more detail or questions.
The first rehearsal for Chamber Chorus will be October 5 at 6:00 PM.
CHORUS AUDITIONS
The Symphony Chorus is an auditioned chorus and open to members 15 and older.
Rehearsals are Monday evenings, September through May. Auditions take place in
August and September. Auditions are by appointment only. For additional
information or 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 ninth season, Caulkins' inspiring leadership
has propelled the choruses to a new level.
CHARLES HEARD
ACCOMPANIST AND ASSISTANT CHORAL DIRECTOR
Highly talented and multi faceted, Charles Heard has served as the piano
accompanist or the past nine 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.
