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West Atlanta/Douglas Choral Society
The West Atlanta/Douglas Choral Society (WADCS), Inc. has a long history of memorable and distinguished performances and community service. The 2009–2010 Concert Season is a celebration and affirmation of their third decade and twenty third (23rd) concert season, and makes WADCS the longest and largest serving choral in West Atlanta.
The West Atlanta/Douglas Choral Society (WADCS), Inc. is a non-profit/tax-exempt organization under the direction of Artistic Director and Conductor Waverly Rainey and the Board of Directors. WADCS is comprised of singers who were chosen by audition to be a part of this prestigious group; a group that has musically attained a very high level of professionalism. Though the WADCS organization is performance oriented, ministry is a very important aspect of its life. Through the gift of music, many West Atlanta children, youth and adults have been influenced and educated in a positive way; and through this process of time, a family and team have developed.
Each year WADCS is projected to perform in two concerts; periodically including works for chorus and orchestra, as well as responding to high profile invitations. Concert programming generally includes a variety of audience favorites consisting of sacred and secular seasonal repertoire (Classical, contemporary, Broadway musical, and spiritual anthems to solos, etc.). Their scheduled concerts include “The Christmas Concert” and “The Easter Spring Concert”. High profile invitations have included, the annual Penny McHenry Hydrangea Festival in Douglasville, The Gavranovic Christmas Reception, the Lighting of the Rich’s Great Tree, Chateau Elan, and others. They are also slated to perform at the opening of the Paulding County Airport.
Many renowned artists, on a variety of levels, have seen the value of the Chorale’s efforts, and have shared their talents and gifts during their performances. WADCS has hosted numerous guest artists including The United States Army Ground Forces Concert Band, both the Georgia and Atlanta Boy Choir, Amy Little (Atlanta Opera Soloist), The Georgia Regional Girls Choir, Hector Olivera (Internationally Acclaimed Concert Organist), The Philadelphia Brass, Leah Smith (Flautist), Andrew Otwell (Violinist), William Callaway (WADCS Charter Accompanist), and many others.
As the Artistic Director and Conductor, Waverly Rainey has extensive experience in music, which led him to several leadership positions in many professional music organizations, including the chorale. He holds a Masters Degree in Church Music with an emphasis in voice and conducting from Scarritt College in Nashville and graduated from Pfeiffer College in his home state in North Carolina. Mr. Rainey sang under Mr. Robert Shaw with both the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus and Aspen School of Music in Colorado. He has completed both domestic and international tours and wrote the theme song for the "International Year of Disabled Persons" through the United Nations. This conductor has also served the Governor and state by completing a three year term on the music panel for the Georgia Council for the Arts.
Mr. Rainey sings annually with The Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service Choir, performed at the Duke University Children’s Classic Show with Jeff Foxworthy, and at the memorial service for Coretta Scott King. He presently teaches voice, guitar, piano, conducting and theory privately in Douglasville.
The West Atlanta/Douglas Choral Society is thankful for the many people that have made this chorale successful – the general membership, leadership, support personnel, special guest artists (both vocal and instrumental), patrons and the audience. It is each person that has contributed to the longevity and success of the chorale, and it is this foundation they stand on to envision new dreams for their organization.
The West Atlanta/Douglas Choral Society will be holding their second performance of the season, “The Easter Spring Concert” on March 23, 2010 at 8pm at the Douglas County High School Performing Arts Hall. Tickets ($10) are available through chorale members, at the Krogers in Douglasville or at the door, if available.
If you are interested in joining this prestigious group, auditions for the new 2010-2011 season will start in the spring and continue through late summer. Visit WADCS.org or contact WADCS Secretary Jane Freeman at 770-846-2269 or Waverly Rainey at 770-920-1662 for more information.