Big Sing Grand Concert The massed chorus for a Big Sing is huge and the sound is incredible. This picture is from the Big Sing held in Eau Claire, Wisc., in 2008. The Staples Area Men From the audience’s perspective, the sight itself is an awesome experience. A 300-voice massed choir tends to have that kind of an effect. Then, a hush settles over the crowd as the conductor approaches the podium. Facing the choir he raises his arms in a cue for attention. As the concert officially begins, a tremendous sound fills the room. Such a situation has to be experienced first hand…description is defied.

Each year, a Midwest community fortunate enough to have and support a men’s chorus, hosts what has become an annual tradition for men’s choral singing enthusiasts. Known as the “Big Sing,” the tradition is sponsored by the Associated Male Choruses of America (AMCA) -Upper Midwest District. AMCA male choruses from throughout the Midwest district gather for two days of singing, choral workshops, special performances and to renew old friendships.

At the event’s conclusion, a grand finale concert is held. All choirs in attendance join together as a mass chorus, creating an overwhelming listening experience. That finale concert culminates a weekend requiring months - even years - of advance planning and preparation.

The Staples Area Men’s Chorus has been named host choir for this year’s “Big Sing” Convention. It will be held at Staples Motley High School and Cragun’s Resort and Conference Center. During the convention, to be held April 16-18, 11 AMCA male choruses will be participating from Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota.

Being selected as host site for the “Big Sing” doesn’t happen overnight according to Mike Gold, general chairman for the event. “A chorus wanting to host the convention has to put in a bid five years ahead of time,” he explained. “The last year we hosted a ‘Big Sing’ Convention was in 1985 in Wadena. The convention was a great success in every way except one. The choruses had to travel inordinate distances in order to secure housing. We had choruses staying from Alexandria to Park Rapids, and from Brainerd to Detroit Lakes.”

Because of the artistic and financial success of the 1985 convention, the powers that be in the AMCA wanted to find a way for Staples to host another convention.

“We have so much musical talent and leadership in our chorus,” said Stan Carlson, director of the Staples Area Men’s Chorus. “We have half a dozen music teachers in the group as well as expertise in technology, photography, graphics, finances, stagecraft, group management, promotion and a myriad of other skills and capabilities.”

What was needed was 250 hotel rooms in close proximity to a receptive audience for the host choir’s choral music.

Gold came up the idea of hosting the convention activities and smaller concerts at Cragun’s Resort and Conference Center on Gull Lake near Brainerd and the grand finale concert in the gymnasium of Staples Motley High School.

“It’s an idea that has generated a ground swell of enthusiasm from the AMCA choruses,” said Gold. “The ‘Big Sing’ Convention has never been hosted at a facility where all of the choruses can be housed under one roof. It’s turning out to be a landmark event. The only downside is that we don’t have quite as many seats to sell as we did in 1985. My fear is that we will end up turning people away.”

Gold might have a point there. Ticket sales have been brisk and most of the main floor seating has been sold out. At this point good seats are still available in the balcony.

The “Big Sing” schedule of activities will get underway Friday evening, April 16, with all of the choirs singing before a panel of judges.

The clinicians are Michael Smith of Concordia College, Bryan Johnson of Aitkin High School, Brian Stubbs from Brainerd High School and Matt Culloton, director of the Singers, one the best professional choirs in the Twin Cities.

Culloton will also be on hand at the concert Saturday to conduct the massed chorus in his composition “Let the Music Rise,” a piece commissioned by the Staples Area Men’s Chorus.

Saturday begins with massed and solo chorus rehearsals and moves into a convention format after lunch. There has been an incredible amount of behind-thescenes work involved. Sessions will be offered in vocal technique, the art of accompanying, composing and arranging music for male voices, sustaining a vision for a choral group, new technology for music groups, attracting singers and a reading session of new music written for male choirs.

There will also be a performance by a guest choir, the Central Minnesota Boy’s Choir.

“This is a special concert for singers in male choirs,” said Carlson. “After singing in male choirs the guys realize how much joy and richness music-making has brought into their lives and there is a special feeling for the realization that these boys are on the same road to lives filled with the joy of singing and that the art form they love will continue into the next generation.”

Concluding the 2010 “Big Sing” Convention, will be the Grand Concert Saturday beginning at 7:30 p.m. Performing will be select individual male choruses, including the Staples group, as well as the mass chorus extravaganza. The finale concert is open to the public and Gold is hopeful that people from throughout the area will take the time to attend this large-scale musical event.

“The raw power of 300 male voices singing together is absolutely amazing.” Carlson said. “The first time I heard, it I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. It was over thirty five years ago and it still gives me a chill just to think about it. I think that’s what people who have never had the chance to hear that kind of music before should experience. It’s great. People are just going to be ‘wowed’!”

Reserved seat tickets are available online at staplesmen.tix.com. They are also available through the Centennial Auditorium Box Office at 218-894-5416 or 800-213- 6877.

The project is made possible with financial assistance from the Five Wings Arts Council and the Minnesota State Legislature.