We are continuing to Change It Up!  

September is here again! As we prepare to welcome members back, we’re looking at an amazing 42nd Season but we can’t forget that last year’s was the start of new directions for GSCS. Our first year with our new director, Daniel Roihl, saw GSCS bringing to fruition the musical seeds planted by our previous directors. We sang of the seasons of love and the mysteries of night, mixing readings, more acapella and movement into the performances. Our audiences loved the change in format, styles and presentations.

The chorus was highly challenged and motivated by the repertoire’s variety as well. Our Chamber choir was re-established and we even did choreography! Dan brought something new to each rehearsal every week, even if it was just his known fondness for coffee; high consumption equaled a high energy rehearsal whereas a missed cup meant we laughed a lot as he commented on how he missed his caffeine rush! There is talk of installing a Keurig just for him during rehearsals!
The waves of change are still coming but they are gentling. We are looking to grow and add more members. And we’d love have more youth singers. Currently GSCS is working to establish a scholarship fund specifically to help offset that cost for those younger singers to join. Another change was that our long time pianist retired. This summer not only included our yard sale, second annual choral workshop and participating in the Rochester Recreation’s summer Concert on the Commons series, but also a search for a new accompanist. GSCS is pleased to welcome Philip Pampreen as our new 2016-2017 Season Accompanist. Philip, a home schooled 17 year old Dover, NH resident, is an excellent up and coming piano/organ player. A member of the The Young Organist Collaborative , he can be found performing throughout New England in addition to being his church’s music director. His musical knowledge and abilities will be great assets to GSCS as will his wicked sense of humor.
The 2015-2016 season will begin to shine this fall as we prepare a Veteran’s Tribute Concert for November 2016 and then, in May 2017, the complete work of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. As always, GSCS will be out and about with singing and fundraising activities such as Arts in Reach’s Tablescapes 2016 event October 8, the 4th Annual Greater Barrington Chamber of Commerce BINGO BASH on October 15, and our extremely popular GSCS Shop Til You Drop Craft Fair on November 5. Perhaps you might consider supporting our Matching Donation Scholarship Campaign or purchasing a program book sponsorship. No matter how you join us, as a singer, supporter or audience member, be sure to bookmark our website and Facebook page for dates and times of our events as we continue to change things up this season! We so look forward to meeting you and letting us tell you more about GSCS.
Our Veteran’s Day Tribute concerts will be on November 19 in Dover and November 20 in Rochester. So, until then, let the music inside of you sound out strong to make a difference in you and your community. In everything you do, make a Joyful Noise, because that’s how you’ll be heard!

Elizabeth Tonkins-Agea
President, Granite State Choral Society