The Sight-Singing Fight Club is bringing choral music to A.J.’s Cafe every Wednesday night. 

 The new club, founded in October by Professor of Music Katherine Rick, consists of students from a subsection of the Chapel Choir known as the Choral Scholars. Every week, the club  meets in A.J.’s to sing Evensongs, choral songs that are commonly used in a church setting. 

“We needed a forum where the group could work on sheer sight-singing, being able to sing a piece of music that you’ve never seen or heard before,” Rick said. “It would have been too much to make it a requirement for the whole group, so we decided to make it an optional extra-curricular activity.” 

Junior Joseph Perez said his experience has included many opportunities for learning.

“We always try our best, but we inevitably make some mistakes — that’s a fundamental element of sight-reading,” Perez said. “You learn to keep going anyway, just as you would in performance.” 

Junior Ann Brooks said the club is not a strict ensemble but a collaboration of artists. Brooks said anyone is welcome to join.

“It is a casual environment where we can chat, laugh, and have fun singing together in such a way that it does not feel like a class,” Brooks said.

Perez said the small size of the club is an advantage.

“I like singing out, which is easy because it’s a small choral group, and I’m usually the only bass,” Perez said.

Rick said she hopes to do a weekly Evensong next semester. 

“I would love to get to the point where we could fluently read off things like Bach’s fugues on solfege,” Rick said.

Brooks said she looks forward to improving her musicianship by consistent sight-singing practice. 

“Sight-singing is an important skill for any musician,” Brooks said. “It improves overall musicianship and musical instincts, as well as your ability to be a great member of any ensemble.” 

Rick said the Sight Singing club should be a relaxing experience, which is why the club meets in a busy cafe. 

“I was looking for a place where students could grab a drink to sip while they sing, and A.J.’s fits the bill nicely,” Rick said.

Rick, Brooks, and Perez agreed singing in a crowded space can be challenging, but they persevere through the difficulties.

“This group is becoming the choral equivalent of the Navy Seals,” Rick said.