Auburn singer and violinist aims to create jazz chorus

AUBURN – Worries disappear. So do arrogance and pride.

During those moments when she sings – when the melody absorbs her – Susan Krongold becomes all about the song.

It’s humbling.

“You let the music be what you’re communicating,” said Krongold, 55. “You’re not thinking of yourself.”

It’s a perspective that’s taken all of her 55 years to find. Now she wants to share it.

Krongold hopes to create the area’s first jazz chorus, gathering between 10 and 35 local women for a song list that will reinterpret works from musicians as varied as J.S. Bach and Thelonious Monk.

Tryouts for the all-female group – so defined “cause I’m a female singer,” Krongold said – will be low-key, asking women to sing a song, any song.

“Come in and sing something that you sing in the shower,” she said, classical, pop, country or whatever.

“I believe there is beautiful music everywhere,” she said.

Originally from Philadelphia, Krongold studied at Hartford’s Hartt School and joined several orchestras. Though she sang informally, the violin dominated her professional work.

“That’s what they do in America,” she said. “They decide, ‘You’re a violinist and that’s what you’re about.'”

She broke out of the one-instrument-per-musician mode during 10 years in Spain with an ex-husband. By the time she settled in Maine in 1998, voice was her instrument of choice.

“When I’m not singing, I’m depressed,” she said. That’s why she plans to name the group, “Gotta Sing.”

Not that she plans to give up the violin. She teaches both violin and voice at her rural Auburn home, which she hopes to turn into an artistic hub.

Krongold is renovating space connected to her house into a rehearsal hall. Eventually, she hopes to turn her barn into a performance venue.

Her hope is to have several artists renting the spaces.

Among the artists would be members of “Gotta Sing.”

Those who make the group will also be asked to pay, she said. She figures each woman chosen will be charged $80 for 10 weeks, she said.

Women interested in auditioning for the group may reach Krongold by e-mail at jazzaria@adelphia.net, or by phone at 782-4674.

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