11/26/2019 – Words don’t quite suffice but I will try !

My Dear Choristers,

Great gift was given to me, the audience and to each other on Sunday afternoon starting at 4 o’clock!  What sweeter music definitely was an appropriate title for our fall concert. I have often talked about the rehearsal process and it’s timing. It is a very delicate balance from being over rehearsed or under rehearsed. Obviously the goal is to peek during the performance and that is exactly what you all did! The audience was enthralled as was I. Many times I was on the verge of tears but had to keep it under control. Having the children with us in the last pieces brought such joy and the words of both selections captured the moment and the purpose of life.

A special congratulations to Shisa and John, to Julie and Cindy, to our soloists Ryan, Barron, Katie and Jocelyn, Raina and Emily, David on the organ and the beautiful solo during Look at the World. The OCS members were sublime and so wonderful to work with. And of course the entire afternoon was made possible by the hard work of Wayne, Blair, Rob, and all those who offered to help set up and clean up. It is a huge undertaking and We are so blessed to have the team that we have. And a special thank you to Melissa for coordinating the ticket sales, the ads and everything else administrative. And a huge thank you to Lexi for once again producing a beautiful program and all those who have donated to our fall appeal and placed ads. And of course a heartfelt thank you for your tireless preparation and dedication so that what was produced from the stage was truly moving and inspirational to all those lucky enough to be in the audience. Thank you for all the beautiful notes that I have received and as always, I treasure them and learn from them.

And Those working hard to capture our special moments are to be thanked profusely! Mark Van Nostrand, Tracey Grumbach and Laura Farmer are working hard to take our story out into the world. Having the full-page articles in both the Aegis and the Delta star was A thrill for all of us and a keepsake to put in our archives. I am sure you are going to want a copy of the professionally rendered DVD which should be available in two weeks. Please contact Melissa for ordering and pick up will be there at Bethel.

Quick reminder, please return borrowed Serenade to Music. Again, Donna rocks in keeping us all together music wise!!!

And a huge thank you to Cris Martin and your board of directors who do so much behind the scenes. They are looking for folks who may be interested in serving on a committee/board. It is a wonderful group of people and a great way for you to get more involved and give back. Would love to have you share your skills with us! Board members do not have to be singing members so if you have a spouse who you think would be an asset to the organization, please discuss it with them.

I will certainly keep in touch over the holidays and I do hope you enjoy the extra time you will have for all the excitement that goes with the season. It will be strange not to have rehearsal tonight, the first Tuesday before Thanksgiving I have had off for many a year. Please reach out to former classmates, friends, folks that you know are involved in singing to consider joining us for the spring semester. It is going to be another exciting journey.

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart and look forward to seeing you in the new year!

Gratefully,
Marty