Northside Festival Singers
Don Brainerd, Music Director and Conductor
Marge Pietsch, Pianist and Accompanist
The Northside Festival Singers is a member group of the William Baker Choral Foundation, dedicated to the pursuit of excellence and the joy of singing a wide variety of choral music. Performing sacred & secular music by American composers, the Northside Festival Singers will feature new composers, choral jazz, and music of the stage and screen. Time will be spent each rehearsal working on our vocal production technique, our understanding of the music from both the musical and textual perspectives, and our ability to express the profound truth of the music to our audiences.
Repertoire: 
The 2009-2010 repertoire will include works by new Amber Waves composers Elisabeth Ross and Terry and Judy O’Grady as well as works by Rick Bartlett, Alice Parker, Emma Lou Diemer, and others in our fall concert. The winter will bring jazz and stage standards by Johnny Mercer, George and Ira Gershwin, and Cole Porter, along with arrangements by the vocal jazz group, New York Voices and a tune straight from Bogie himself.
Rehearsals and Concerts: The rehearsal and concert home for the Northside Festival Singers is Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy Street, easily accessible from GA 400 using either the Old Milton Parkway or Haynes Bridge exits. Rehearsal time is Monday, 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
The Director: Don Brainerd, baritone, studied voice with Dr. Oral Moses, Karen Parks, and Joe Geyer. He has recently sung the solos in Eine deustch Requiem by Brahms, Great Mass in C minor by Mozart, and Beethoven’s Symphony no.9 in D minor. He studied choral conducting with Don Craig at Western Connecticut State University and Dr. Leslie Blackwell at Kennesaw State University. His current projects include directing the Northside Festival Singers, teaching voice and theatre arts in his private studio; serving as vocal coach for the William Baker Festival Singers in Atlanta; working as Editor-in-Chief for Amber Waves Music Publishing; and he continues to compose, having recently finished several choral works as well as a new musical. His goal, when teaching or performing is summed up in this quote: “It is not enough to mimic or recreate life, one must impart the profound truth found in the art.” Tadashi Suzuki
The Accompanist: Margi Pietsch brings a rich and varied background in musical theatre and piano performance and accompaniment to the Northside Festival Singers. Having studied piano performance at Millersville University in Pennsylvania, Margi has worked as a teacher, accompanist, performer, and composer. She has one CD out and is preparing to record her second. Margi continues to compose, work as a vocal coach, and bring a love of life to all she meets.
AUDITION PROCESS
The audition for the Northside Festival Singers is a thorough evaluation of both voice and musical skill. It should be noted that members at the end of their first year will audition again for continuation, and all members will audition every third year. If you are interested in auditioning please contact us here or call 404.909.8357.
Membership Policies Brochure
Upon scheduling the audition, the candidate will receive a copy of the Festival Singers’ “Membership Policies” via email. The candidate is responsible to read these materials thoroughly. In the audition interview, the candidate will have an opportunity to ask any questions about the organization or the commitments of membership.
Basic Musicianship Test
Candidates will be asked to complete a simple, written test on basic musical terms, note names and elementary rhythms.
Prepared Solo
Candidates are asked to perform a simple solo that can be presented a cappella. The song may be a hymn, art song, aria, oratorio/opera selection, or folk song. The song should be simple, chosen to demonstrate the lyric quality of the voice and essential musical skill.
Sightreading
Candidates will be asked to perform a simple melody and a simple rhythm pattern at sight.
Tonal Memory
Candidates will be asked to repeat pitches played on the piano in simple five note patterns.
TO SCHEDULE AN AUDITION
