Early Music ensemble? (transplants, university, to live)

[Isaiah30:18]

Are there are any vocal ensembles/associations of Early Music in Nashville that sometimes make occasional forays into modern classical minimalism (Part, Tavener, et al)? I'm not referring to something already begun for university students exclusively, as I'm not a student anymore. This would be for a very serious set of musicians, vocalists. Naturally, the cities for this would be Boston, D.C., etc., so, that's thoroughly plain, and perhaps I don't wish to live there.

I was just wondering if there's even a small, tucked-away group (say, a handful or less) who wish to further appreciation for this type music and may be familiar with other styles, as well.

Any leads are quite appreciated!

[denawilliams]

My vocal coach, Renee Grant-Williams, directs a chorus like you are referring and she holds auditions every year. It's called Music City Community Chorus. However, it is volunteer-based, but definitely worth the time for the experience.

Music City Community Chorus

Renee is a genius. She was the founder and conductor of the San Francisco Community Chorus, yet she is also the vocal coach to the stars. There are very few people she hasn't worked with in country music, but she crosses all genres and has plenty of impressive clients in just about every area.

[Isaiah30:18]

Originally Posted by denawilliams

My vocal coach, Renee Grant-Williams, directs a chorus like you are referring and she holds auditions every year. It's called Music City Community Chorus. However, it is volunteer-based, but definitely worth the time for the experience.

Music City Community Chorus

Renee is a genius. She was the founder and conductor of the San Francisco Community Chorus, yet she is also the vocal coach to the stars. There are very few people she hasn't worked with in country music, but she crosses all genres and has plenty of impressive clients in just about every area.

That's a wonderful lead, thank you. As I have a boy tenor voice, would there be, do you think, an offshoot ensemble from this one? I should have added that. That's what I was looking for specifically. I've been looking specifically for a small, small group, a la Tallis Scholars and their size, yet, branching out into minimalist classics, like Arvo Part's 'Magnificat'. My years of choral singing professionally have come to this, for even in top choral groups out in Calif., Denver, Honolulu and MN, I have learned that soprani still "compete" preferentially, rather than listen to each other. Yes, alas, it's still the case in professional groups, even with all that training. In addition, I love the small ensembles, for then we can really "play" with all that lovely resonance we bounce off one another, esp. within stone acoustics. I definitely have a showcase [solo] gifting of the Lord's, similar to but less Baroque than Emma Kirby, if I may be so bold, but it was the Lord's idea after all. The meaning within my type voice always gets lost in groups larger than small ensembles (when there are 2 of each part), and that is simply because sopranos either compete with one another or they just have bigger voices, forgetting to blend, or they have godzilla vibratos. Seen from decades of observation. I'm not saying it about this group, you understand. However, I am looking for s.thing smaller. In groups like that singers collaboratively create the repertoire, as well.

BTW, I live out out-of-state and am considering relocating back after being away for quite a while. I know Nashville has transplants and maybe some from Baltimore, many from Boston I know and likely NYC. Some might be in MC3.