ELK RIVER, MN — The same Elk River Area School Board that reacted with shock and horror to reports this summer of the dismal state of the district’s band and music program is now poised to do something about it. Vocal and instrumental educators from across the school district laid out a plan on Dec. […]

By Annalee Allen The City and Port of Oakland Chorus was founded in 1940 by a city employee, Elsie Giani, who served as the group’s chairwoman until her retirement in 1983. Giani, at nearly 97 years of age, still enthusiastically supports the choir, even performing a solo at a recent concert. Giani and the 26-member […]

By Arline A. Fleming NARRAGANSETT, RI – Joyful and triumphant, they come to sing. College kids, community residents, clients of the Adeline LaPlante Center in Wakefield, they come together in harmony, like a shining star on a dark South County night. For almost 30 Decembers, the blended singers have brought tidings of comfort and joy […]

by Naomi Dunning, Chester Chronicle TATTENHALL, UK — A Tattenhall woman has conducted her way to a coveted position within the Hallé Orchestra. Frances Cooke, of Tattenhall Road, has been appointed associate choral conductor with the Hallé. The 54-year-old has spent the past decade working extensively with the Hallé Choir and says she was delighted […]

By Susan Shinn You’d think a 23-year-old might be intimidated about directing a choir that’s 100 years old. There’s a lot to be said for youthful enthusiasm. Matt Newton, a 2010 graduate of Catawba, took the reins of the Salisbury-Rowan Choral Society this summer. The society is a century old this year. Newton graduated from […]

‘One of those jewels’ Music professor Paul Warren Allen could be moved to tears by the beautiful sounds created by students in his choir at North Central College. “I remember one Christmas, he was conducting the choir singing Handel’s ‘Messiah.’ The truth of the words gripped him and he had … tears running down his […]