(COVINGTON, La.) — St. Paul’s School has added a new club for anyone to join: the Mens’ Choir, set up by moderator Gail Adams, who plans to instruct students on a variety of new, fun, and upbeat songs.

“They will be learning and performing a variety of styles from classical, jazz, pop, and a capella group arrangements,” said Adams.

Adams said that most Catholic schools have a choir, so it is good for St. Paul’s to have this new option for students.

“Many have said they would like to see a formal choral program at St. Paul’s where students can participate in the events offered specifically for choral singing,” Adams said.

There will not be tryouts, because everyone is welcome to join, says Adams, who believes everyone has something they can add to the choir.

“Right now, until we have our choir room ready, we are meeting in the chapel every Thursday before school at 7:15 and at lunch,” Adams said.

The group is in the beginning stages but has high hopes for the years to come. The group is also looking for opportunities to perform at campus events and beyond.

“The choir isn’t going to sing at St. Paul’s events that already have music, but maybe for other occasions where there is a need for some choral music,” Adams said. “They would also like to sing for special events in the community like Covington’s Three Rivers Art Festival and the National Anthem for professional sports games.”

According to Adams, the group also hopes to sing for the Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA) Solo and Ensemble Festivals, District and All State Honor Choirs, the American Choir Directors Association (ACDA) All State Honor Choirs, Carnegie Hall Honor Choir, and more.

“This group’s goal is to add to St. Paul’s wonderful musical ensembles,” said Adams.

Adams’ son, pre-freshman Andrew Aceves, was her inspiration for starting the choir. According to Adams, Aceves wanted to sing in a traditional choir like his friends at other schools. She felt that, with her musical teaching certification, it was something she could do to be involved at St. Paul’s.

“I hope to help any student who would like to get a choir scholarship at their chosen college. Most colleges offer money to sing in their choir, and you don’t have to be a music major, but you do have to prepare to audition,” said Adams. “It’s a simple audition if you know what to study. Also, there are singing jobs in the community for character parties and as church cantors.”

Adams holds advanced degrees in music and was the vocal director for a musical at Mandeville High School and two shows at Playmakers Theatre. She also assisted with the Children’s Choir for the New Orleans Opera production of “Noah’s Flood” and was the choir director on five children’s music CDs.

As a vocal coach, her students have sung the National Anthem at Zephyrs and Voodoo Football games and have performed at Carnegie Hall and the New Orleans Opera, as well as been accepted into music programs at NYU, Elon, DePaul, LSU, Loyola University, USM, Tulane, and ULL.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Men’s Choir should email Gail Adams at gailadams2000@yahoo.com.