Notes from our director:

The Spring Concert will celebrate America’s 250th and feature Patriotic musical selections connected to the American Revolution in some way.  We will feature music sung by colonial soldiers, written by Founding Fathers and composed by signers of the Declaration of Independence. Many recognized titles and works will be included along with a few ‘new’ tunes, sure to garner approval from concert goers of all ages.

I am very much looking forward to exploring the roots of our country’s musical past. The truth is that they did not find much in the way of large-scale choral things outside of the church and the settings for sacred music. We’ve got several of those pieces up for the season. When it comes to entertainment, the theater was definitely not fully developed in this new country. Back in Britain and in other countries, you could find operas and oratorios and other stage shows, but here in America, the practice hadn’t caught on yet. Folk music was strong, with story telling and other art songs that could be sung in parlors or small gatherings, but the larger choral gatherings are still on the horizon. Work songs are certainly in play, hence the pirate tunes.

As we sing, I think we will begin to see how the world of 1776 was shaped by strong forces that remain players in today’s world. While we may not see eye to eye with what the people thought back then, it will be interesting to bring those themes and songs to light again. History buffs may want to keep their phones on hand for all
sorts of deep dives into the characters and the content of our tour through America’s revolutionary times.