Wednesday February 24, 2021
MEN OF THE DEEPS
SEEKING NEW MEMBERS
SINGERS WANTED – While COVID may have brought a halt to many things over
the past year, it certainly hasn’t dampened the spirits of North America’s only coal
miners chorus. The world-famous Men of the Deeps are still looking excitedly
towards their busy future and are hoping to audition new members for eventual
performances.
Men of the Deeps (MOTD) Conductor and Business Manager Stephen Muise said
this downtime can be used effectively to strengthen the choir, “Since Covid
stopped our regular schedule, we’re trying to make use of the time to enhance the
group by training some new voices. We want to be ready to get back to telling our
story through music and picking up our stalled projects when the time is right,”
says Muise. “We’ll be adhering to all Covid safety measures of course,” he added.
In 2019, the group had just finished a highly successful Christmas tour when they
were approached by another promoter for a southern Ontario tour in the Fall of
2020. Those plans along with the idea to take on another full CD project were
stopped because of the pandemic. The group has historically strived to replenish
its ranks periodically to ensure that our unique culture and history continue to be
shared and celebrated through music and storytelling.
The Men of the Deeps have not gathered together except for a few socially distant,
masked meetings and smaller sectional rehearsals since March of 2020.
“It’s been difficult on the choir the way it’s been difficult for everyone,” said Muise.
“These fellas are used to being around each other. They thrive on that feeling of
camaraderie. Covid cancelled that. So we’re trying to creep back, as safely as we
can, to some feeling of normal. It’s important for the choir’s voices and their overall
mental health. Training new members will be a good way to get us all back into it.
We’ll do what we can, as long as we can do it safely for everyone.”
The process of auditioning for the world-famous choir starts with submitting an
application, which is available for download on the MOTD website or from
members of the group’s executive. Once the application is approved by the
group, audition dates times and other details will be set with individuals.
Successful applicants will be invited to perform one song of their choice, in a safe,
socially-distanced environment. Anyone who meets the requirements is invited to
try out, even if they had tried out before.
Group President John MacLeod added, “All applicants should have at least 2 years
of experience in or around a coal mine. We are the only choir where the second
requirement is to be able to sing. The first is that you need to represent as a miner.”
QUICK FACTS
WHAT
Men of the Deeps choir accepting applications for new members
HOW TO APPLY
Download an application at menofthedeeps.com (under the CONTACT heading)
or
Call John MacLeod (Glace Bay) at 902.565.5297 or
Ernie Kliza (New Waterford) at 902.578.0559
REQUIREMENTS
Must have at least 2 years experience working in or around a coal mine.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Sunday, March 07, 2021
For information or interviews:
Olive Street Entertainment
902-862-8518
olivestreetentertainmentco@gmail.com