IRVINE : Chorale to Perform at Carnegie Hall

It took more than practice to land Jerry Coleman and 41 other Irvine Valley College singers a performance this weekend at Carnegie Hall.

It also took some luck.

Coleman, a 52-year-old Laguna Niguel insurance agent who has been singing for fun since childhood, decided on a whim to join the college’s chorale soon after moving to the area two years ago. A few months after he joined, the group was offered a gig at the famed New York City concert hall.

“I had no idea this would happen. It just came up,” said Coleman. “What a wonderful opportunity. How many people get to do this once in their lifetime?”

Members of the college chorale and women’s chorus credited their conductor, music professor Janice Wyma, with making Saturday’s performance possible.

Wyma, who performed earlier this year at Carnegie Hall, is well-known among musicians and music educators. Concert organizers approached her more than a year ago about having the college’s group perform in New York. They will join about 100 amateur singers from around the country to perform John Rutter’s “Requiem.”

“It’s such a famous place. In addition, it is a fabulous place to sing,” Wyma said. “It’s a beautiful concert hall, one of the finest anywhere. It’s a stage where the greatest musicians have performed.”

Wyma and concert participants stressed that the old adage--practice makes perfect--still holds true: They have been practicing regularly for the concert since February.

Most of the 42 participants will pay about $1,000 each for the trip. Through a series of fund-raisers, the group raised $5,000 for members who could not afford to pay the full price of the journey.

Wyma said that one of the most “musically rewarding” parts of the experience will be rehearsing with composer John Rutter, who is best known for his Christmas carol arrangements.

“They will be ready for rehearsals,” Wyma said of the group. “Then, Rutter will polish” their performance.

For Coleman, the days leading up to the trip have been filled with a mixture of anxiety and excitement. “I can’t wait,” he said. “I’ve always liked music. I like the sound.”

The Carnegie-bound group includes all ages. “We have everyone from high school students to senior citizens,” Wyma. “It represents the best of the community college (tradition) because this is a very inclusive group.”