Tuning Up For Their Premiere

The room buzzed with nervous excitement as performers scrambled around, pinpointing their place on stage and in the music.

With less than two weeks left until their premiere concert, the Carrollwood Cultural Center Chorus and Band have several elements in their show they must practice.

It's the job of chorus director Mary Ann Scialdo and band director Helen Michaelson to bring the two groups together for the concert. Both musical groups are made up of community volunteers. Some have years of musical experience and some are just learning through this experience.

"I told Mary Ann that I couldn't read music and she told me that all I needed was a song in my heart," said Terry LaRosa. "I've learned so much from her and this experience."

Michaelson said the band is mostly made up of past musicians who wanted to get back to performing music. The band members range in age from 15 to 92.

"Most of them love music and just wanted a chance to perform again," Michaelson said. "This is a way to do that while meeting some great people."

After 30 years, Judith Reese decided to grab her flute and begin playing again for the community band.

"I saw the ad and knew I wanted the challenge again," she said. "We have such a diverse group of people with different experiences in music."

The groups have practiced weekly since forming in September. Scialdo reminds her singers to feel the music and project with passion. Meanwhile, Michaelson helps her musicians play as a unit and set the pace for the chorus.

The groups recently held a practice concert at Village Presbyterian Church, but their inaugural concert will be 4 p.m. Saturday.

The concert will feature a collection of holiday favorites such as "Christmas on Broadway" and "A Hebrew Prayer."

"We'll also have an audience participation portion, so it should be great fun for everyone," Michaelson said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Carrollwood Cultural Center Winter Concert

WHERE: Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road

WHEN: 4 p.m. Saturday

COST: $5 per person