New isle choir seeks kids and adults

The newly formed Hawaii Sacred Choir will feature children and adults singing together, said the Rev. Daniel J. Werning, founder and director of the nondenominational group.

Werning said, "There is no vocal sound like children singing pure high notes and adults singing the lower notes. … The choir will learn gorgeous, delightful or powerful choral pieces from many styles, from plainchant to familiar Christmas carols to modern works, sung in English, Latin, Spanish and French."

It will be modeled on choirs from King’s College in Cambridge, England, and the Sistine Chapel, said Werning, choirmaster and organist at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Kapahulu.

He and his wife, Terry Werning, also a longtime music teacher, are reviewing applications for auditions. The choir has openings for 20 to 24 children and 16 adults.

"We need to audition hundreds of voices by September," he said.

Call 220-6969 for appointments.

The choir is not affiliated with any church, even though rehearsals will be held at St. Mark’s on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., he said. A reasonable fee will be charged to be a member of the group. Scholarships for instruction are available.

The group’s first major concert will be at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa in Kalihi-Palama on Dec. 3.