For freshman member Merrin Lazyan, singing has always been a passion. A member of her high school a cappella group and performer in an assortment of musical productions, Lazyan says she has found her niche at Tufts with the Chamber Singers.
The singers, a diverse group of about 20 students, rehearse regularly with Jim John, the director of choral activities and a lecturer in the Department of Music. The intensity of the group's bi-weekly meetings demonstrates each individual's level of dedication. Practices last approximately two hours and are arduous, but, as described by one member, "highly satisfying." During practice, the group works on its repertoire of classical songs from the likes of composers such as Debussy and Josquin.
In recent years, the group has been striving to increase its mark on campus. While the student music scene has long been dominated by a cappella groups, the Chamber Singers present an eclectic array of music performed both in English and in foreign languages, exposing their audiences to classical traditions.
"People don't see our music as something they can relate to," said junior Tamra Spector, who has sung with the Chamber Singers since her freshman year. "We've been trying to get people to come and see us more...now that we've gotten out into the community, we've gotten a lot more gigs."
The Chamber Singers have performed on campus numerous times over the past year. With concerts during Parents' Weekend, joint shows with the Tufts Flute Ensemble and individual performances in Alumnae Lounge, the group has had ample opportunity to demonstrate its skills. Spector also organized a fundraiser during which merchants in Porter Square paid the group to sing Christmas carols.
Such concerts have been in preparation for the group's central performance of the year: a spring break tour to Sicily. The trip, which was arranged by John and funded in part by the music department and members' fundraising efforts, includes a multitude of performances at various churches and in a variety of ceremonies in Sicily.
The Chamber Singers began a touring tradition last year when the group traveled to Italy. According to Spector, touring provides the group with opportunities to see Europe and get the Tufts name out to the international community.
"It's such a great experience," she said. "We're a close-knit group, we do a lot of bonding...singing in St. Peter's Basilica was amazing."
This year's ten-day visit is seen by both the students and John as a chance to take advantage of the Italian culture, to spend time as a coherent group and to display the singers' vocal skills to a foreign audience.
For those who haven't had the chance to enjoy the Chamber Singers' classical sounds, the group is hosting a concert this Sunday afternoon at a local church as a pre-tour celebration. The event will highlight key pieces and old favorites while functioning as a preview of its journey.
The group has also scheduled a final, end-of-year performance for the evening of April 25 in Alumnae Lounge. While this may be the last show for the group's seniors, for freshmen such as Lazyan, the Chamber Singers will continue to be a weekly "highlight."
"We're a young group," said Spector, citing that there are currently only five upperclassmen. "It's been kind of nice to have new people...we used to have sort of a lazy lackluster dynamic. Now we're more serious and I think that comes across with our sound."
The Tufts Chamber Singers will perform at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, 35 Bowdoin Street in Boston, this Sunday at 3 p.m.
