Magic of Manatee singing group names new director

It was a big moment for me, as I had been selected by my school, Minisink Valley, to be its representative to the All-County Chorus event being held at Highland Falls High School in Orange County, New York.

I should have known, though, the day wasn't going to be all roses.

After we took a lunch break in town, I missed the bus back to the school because I was shooting the best pinball game of my life. I had to hitchhike.

Then, once there, we began our afternoon session and I noticed a mother of a singer go up to the chorus leader, Mr. DeWitt, who was from my school. She told Mr. DeWitt that I was so horrible, it was throwing her son off.

All righty then.

It was a lesson for me that we all have different takes on singing talent, or lack of. Are Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young and Stevie Nicks good singers? You might find some different opinions.

If any of them listened to the mothers of friends they threw off key, they might never have become superstars.

However, it can be tricky to tell someone who thinks he is Luciano Pavarotti that he is hitting sour notes.

So when I met Lakewood Ranch's Janice Wagner, who this month has been named the music director of the Magic of Manatee Sweet Adelines, I asked how she handles an amateur member who might be hitting a few clunkers.

Understand that the 25 women who are part of the Magic of Manatee mostly perform for the love of it, and not because they plan to cut a record (sorry, a phrase from my generation). However, while they might be amateurs, most have a background in music or singing, and have, or have been, fairly accomplished.

If you have heard them, you know they are, well, terrific. It is Wagner's job to keep them that way, or even take them up a notch.

This is, however, a group that hopes more women from the community will join. Perhaps that includes someone who sounds great singing in the shower, but struggles a bit on stage.

How would you tell someone who is performing out of pure love, they need to improve a little?

These women sing at churches, schools, community events, and assistant living facilities, besides their concerts. They bring joy wherever they go.

Would you tell someone in a church choir to tone it down?

"Most of these women have a background with Sweet Adelines and have been doing it for five years to 50 years," Wagner said. "Some of the women are in their 80s, and they keep up just fine.

"So it is all about how you approach it, and I approach it in a positive way. You don't want to be overly critical. Usually I direct any comments to the whole group. Most people catch on. You have to be gentle."

Wagner said she has found the members of Magic of Manatee to be very open to suggestions.

"These women want to get better," she said. "It is universally so. They are looking for a leader."

Wagner, who has sung for Sweet Adelines (a national organization) for more than 25 years, wants to fill that role.

"This group is so awesome," Wagner said. "You don't need a piano, you don't need anything, but your voice. These women make a beautiful sound, and it is so uplifting. Once you hear them, you will fall in love."

Photo by Jay Heater

That's not to say Wagner won't work with weaknesses and turn them into strengths.

"I am here to teach them an interpretation of the music, and to improve their sound," she said. "They have an idea about the craft and what it should sound like. Then I use the same techniques for someone who is 60 that I would use for middle schoolers. It's about tone production, and that comes from the diaphragm. A lot of people are chest breathers, and all you see move when they sing is their chest. You have to teach them to breathe deep into their body. The diaphragm supports the sound.

"You might not know you have that big voice inside you until someone shows you how to find it."

Wagner said most people have the ability to sing well.

"My brother says he can't sing, but he is a wonderful singer," she said. "Even people who say they can't sing, … you can teach them. I love teaching technique."

She hopes women from the community who have thought about singing in a group will come to a Magic of Manatee practice session to see if it is a good fit for them. The group meets once a week, on Tuesdays, from 7-9 p.m. at the Redeemer Lutheran Church at 6311 3rd Ave. W,, Bradenton.

"These women are very welcoming," Wagner said. "They are the most enjoyable group of women I have worked with, ever. If somebody new comes, they can sit and watch, or they can just get going."

She hopes those who have thought about singing in a group will make the move.

"Singing releases endorphins, and gives you a natural high," she said. "It makes you feel energized, and makes you feel uplifted. Anyone who loves to sing is welcome. Come experience what we have to offer."

Wagner, who holds a bachelor of arts in vocal music from Bowling Green University, moved to Florida from Indiana in 2005. She has taught music for more than 25 years to K-12 students in Ohio, Indiana and Florida. 

She has performed with the Pride of Toledo Chorus and the Spirit of Detroit Chorus and has directed chorus groups as well. In Fort Wayne, Indiana, she directed the Summit City Men’s Barbershop Chorus group for four years.

Beginning with the new school year, she will direct the chorus at Carlos E. Haile Middle School, which had reintroduced the program for grades 6-8. She has taught music at Haile for seven years.

"Those students are like sponges," she said. "They take in all the things you can teach them. They are going to be better singers. It makes a person more well-rounded."

With Magic of Manatee, she even finds herself singing with the group.

"I will help out here and there," she said with a smile. "I have remembered how much I love singing."