Dormant for the past two years, the Masterworks Chorale is newly alive and kicking, thanks to Cornejo, who was recently recruited from a directorial choir position in Vancouver Island, Canada.

The chorale used to be a popular West Valley program involving many students and community members. But when the longtime director of the chorale stepped down to retire two years ago, no one was available to fill in, and so the singing stopped. "The college never had any full intention of letting the program go—it was just a timing issue," says Cornejo. "They did advertise the position, but none of the candidates were qualified."

Cornejo was looking to move from his job in a secondary school and jumped at the chance to work for West Valley when he saw their advertisement posted on a website for careers in education.

"I thought teaching at the college level would be great, and I was extremely happy to move back to Northern California," says the Gilroy native, who has been living in Canada for several years. "I love this whole area."

The Masterworks Chorale has a rich history dating back several decades. During its heyday, audiences were quite large for a community college choir, and the group toured throughout the United States and occasionally Europe. Often the group held concerts with orchestral accompaniment, which is something Cornejo hopes to revive.

Presently there are plans to hold two public concerts. For the first show, held in December, Cornejo wants to enlist either a brass and organ section or include harp playing.

The second concert is slated for spring. Cornejo plans to include a chamber orchestra—preferably West Valley's own—to perform masterworks from significant composers.

Cornejo has extensive experience in teaching, directing and performing with choir groups. He received his bachelor's degree in composition and conducting from the University of British Columbia and a master's degree from Central Washington University in choral conducting and vocal pedagogy. He has worked as a director for multiple chamber groups, such as the Simon Fraser University Choir, and has performed with both the Montreal Symphony Choir and the Vancouver Cantana Singers.

Hoping to utilize his broad range of experience to jumpstart the program, Cornejo is outwardly enthusiastic about the new year and avid about getting the word out. "We are up and running," Cornejo says with a smile. "Look no further—we are definitely back."

All ages are welcome and encouraged to join. Cornejo has previously led chorales with an age range of 20 to 60 and finds it works well. "Having that difference is nice because you get the youthful energy mixed with experience and wisdom," says Cornejo. "That blending is the joy of being in a musical group."

Beginning this week, the choir will meet Tuesdays, 6 to 9 p.m., in the fine arts department building at the West Valley campus. There are no auditions, and even though Cornejo believes prior experience is helpful, it is not required.

For enrollment information, visit www.westvalley.edu. For program information, call 408.741.2464.