A choral cornucopia

6/6/2003
BY STEVEN CORNELIUS
BLADE MUSIC CRITIC

A little bit of everything will be on the menu Sunday night when the 24-member Clarence Smith Community Chorus finishes its season with a concert program titled “Mosaics.”

“It's a cornucopia of things musical,” says Smith.

The focus is on jazz and Broadway. Songs range from Duke Ellington's “I Got it Bad (And That Ain't Good) to “Hey, Big Spender” from the musical Sweet Charity.

Also featured will be 21-year-old Minya Smith. She will dance to Christina Aguilera's “Walk Away” and has choreographed Gershwin's “I Got Rhythm” for the entire chorus.

Clarence Smith, who directs the Human Resource Service in the Toledo Public Schools, founded his chorus 26 years ago. He

“That is always fulfilling. There is something wonderful in moving an individual or group from one level up to the next. For many of these singers, their training has come almost entirely through this ensemble.

“This is a terrific group of people to work with. It is a lot of work, of course, but we always have fun. There is so much talent to be showcased,” he says.

The chorus will be accompanied by a jazz quartet with Smith on keyboards.

The Clarence Smith Community Chorus will present Mosaics, a concert of blues, jazz, Broadway tunes, and more at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Wyndham Hotel, 2 Seagate. Advance tickets are $12 for adults and $9 for seniors and students. Tickets at the door are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. To order advance tickets or for more information: 419-244-1929.