Choral Union’s vocal efforts produce a joyful noise

When listening to Purdue University Fort Wayne’s Choral Union, it’s impossible not to allow a finger or toe to tap while nodding in time to the tune. After all, the performers’ heads are often bobbing as they sing, with necks rolling and sometimes arms and hips swaying.

They are fully enjoying their vocal efforts, and their energy and joy are infectious as they produce layers of sound building to beautiful artistry. They may not be able to smile as they enunciate, but their eyes and attitudes sure do.

Their work is also extremely good. A community choir, the Choral Union started around 30 years ago and has been rebuilding in recent years after the pandemic restricted their efforts. After seeing the numbers whittled to 18, there are now more than 50 singing sensations who take part in four concerts each year.

But the 90-minute Monday night practices are worth sitting in on as co-directors William Sauerland, assistant professor of music and director of choral studies, and Jonathan Busarow, executive artistic director of the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir, with fantastic help from pianist Geoffrey North, meld to make sure everyone is having fun and improves. The leaders often make fun of themselves or tell “inside choir” jokes to keep the attitudes light.

During a recent practice, Sauerland asked his singers to imagine they were pursing their lips through a donut hole to produce the desired sound. After moving to the conducting lead, Busarow said he hadn’t conducted all day, so he had lots of energy—and the choir was going to get it. The members embodying all ages, creeds, and genders laughed in anticipation. Many have been participating for years, and there’s a comfort with their musical skills and the conductors.

“There’s a trust in us to help them, but there are also ideas that they bring to the table,” Busarow said. “There are some musical things that they are offering to us.”

Such as trusting they are capable of singing challenging works. They may not start out hitting all the notes; Sauerland often encourages them to fail during the run-throughs, pitching his “Wroudy” formula of “wrong, plus loud, plus a “y” for fun.” If no one is self-conscious, they can simply have fun singing, which is a great place for any teacher to start.

“The ensemble sounds very good,” Sauerland said before the March 18 rehearsal. “I tell them all the time, `You sound way better than you should after practicing only once a week.’”

Most are members of other choirs as well, and 85% are community members, including 25% who are PFW graduates. Some are directing school choirs during the day and aren’t ready to give up their own vocal development.

“I wouldn’t survive without it,” said Corwin Daniels, B.A. ’22, the choir director at Snider High School. “You spend the whole week pouring out and leading others to the watering hole that it’s so special on Monday nights to be poured into and make music. I tell my kids I’m a much better teacher on Tuesdays.”

His wife, Jaelyn Daniels, B.A.  ’22, is on the faculty at South Side High School this semester working with its choir.

“It’s glorious,” she said. “There’s a lot of it I take back to the school, and it’s also kind of a little piece of just humanity and music.”

Her participation also allows the Choral Union to serve as an example to her students, as she sometimes shares videos of performances.

“Wow, you did that music?” Daniels said her students would ask. She tells them, “You can, too, if you continue to work at it and learn music.”

As Busarow and Sauerland both say, everyone who participates in the choir is fed by it, and the sounds and emotion feed each other. Few are tired at the end of practice, and it’s not unusual for circles of conversation to continue in the hallway afterward so members can hold onto a little of the experience.

“The group keeps growing because more people want to come and be a part of it,” Busarow said. “There’s still room for more.”

There are no auditions, and no one is turned away, though it helps to be able to read music or be willing to learn how. Many newcomers reach out after hearing how much fun their friends are having.

The union’s next public performance is Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, 300 E. Wayne St. Admission is $8.