Whether you are the best singer in the shower or think you’re ready for the next American Idol, the Mission College Community Choir would like to welcome you to join them. This choir is open to singers at all levels and backgrounds.
There is no audition to join; all that’s required is being ready to learn how you can increase your ability and joy by singing.
Enrollment is open now and whether you are already a student on the Sylmar campus or a member of the community, the door is open for you to join.
Those who’ve taken the choir class at Los Angeles Mission College in Sylmar are literally singing the praises of their professor, Dr. Joshua Wentz.
“It is such a blessing to have such an accomplished and supportive teacher,” said Rebecca Waldholm. “He knows how to bring out the best in each student, even if you’re in a shell. He doesn’t just talk [at us], he nurtures and builds confidence.”
Wentz is a Grammy-nominated professor, an accomplished conductor and is also the founder and artistic director of Mission Opera, based in Santa Clarita.
Wadholm, who described herself as a senior, “old enough to be grandmother to the other students in the class,” said Wentz helped to make her feel welcome and comfortable.
“He didn’t just open the door; he held my hand and walked me through the door,” she said. Originally from the Philippines, Wadholm had previous experience singing and is now retired – the Mission College Community Choir for her has been “a blessing.”
“I was very excited to read that the class was open to the community,” said Wadholm. “Once he learned I liked spiritual music, he opened another door for me to also sing in his church choir.” Wadholm sang in her church choir years ago before coming to the U.S.
Those who take the class also find themselves performing on campus and on various stages in the community.
Javier Antonio Pusabas Gonzalez said that watching how Wentz works has inspired him and has set him on his own career path to become a choir teacher.
“By watching Professor Wentz, I saw him balance discipline with humor and it showed me how students learn best when they feel respected and encouraged,” said Gonzalez.
He continues to volunteer with the Mission College Community Choir, although he has graduated and is now a student at CSUN working towards his goal.
He also learned how beneficial it was for Wentz to be so inclusive and have diversity in the choir.
“Opening up the choir to the community, we heard everyone’s stories and made friends with people of all ages and backgrounds.
“I also learned how important it is to create opportunities for every student, because there were also a lot of opportunities that came up in the choir beyond just performing in concerts and getting over stage fright.”
Gonzalez said Wentz organized field trips to see opera and watch the taping of popular television singing competitions. “The field trips also gave us opportunities to learn and bond.”
Gonzalez learned that by being given the opportunity to work together as ensembles, they helped each other as a team and developed listening skills. “We were also given chances to sing individually with solos, and it built a lot of confidence,” explained Gonzalez.
“You don’t have to be a great singer to join,” said Wadholm of the choir. “Dr. Wentz is so supportive and positive – no matter how different we all sound at the beginning. Some of us are beginners, some have experience as singers and others don’t – but by the end of the semester, we sound pretty good together and we can harmonize. He brings us together and we blend. We become a choir family.”
“This choir is about building community through music,” says Dr. Wentz. “Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just starting out, you’ll find a place here.”
If you would like to sign up for the choir, you can register now by first applying for admission to the college and then registering for Music 501 (College Choir). It’s only 1 unit of lab and meets for 16 weeks, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3:30-5 p.m. in person at LAMC Sylmar in the Arts, Media and Performance building in room 115. The cost is only $46 for one unit for CA residents.
For more information, email Dr. Joshua Wentz: wentzj@laccd.edu.