Weekly Meeting News - 27August2012

     Guests included Jennifer Gibson and Andrew Nathan, owners of The Cooked Goose; Jean Rayner and Program Speakers Ryan Saunders and Andrew Howell, Executive Director and Music Director respectively of the Chorus of Westerly.

     Member present, 14, and Members absent, 8

     Reminder:  If you have not paid at least the first half of the 2012/2013 dues, please do so as soon as possible.  Invoices were sent either by mail or email during the first week of July.

     Events coming up will be found in the Calendar section of the website.

     Please note that a link to the Westerly Parent Academy website has been set up in the "Sponsor" section of the website to facilitate and promote this organization which will benefit so many families in our community.  This link gets you to the website for additional information and also to access the coming semester catalog of programs and online registration.

    Our previous week guest speaker, Erin O'Gara, sent an email requesting a couple of volunteers for the Westerly area's clients of Meals on Wheels.  Currently Meals on Wheels serves forty clients in our area.  Meals are delivered to the Westerly Senior Center and volunteers would pick them up there for delivery to the clients Monday through Friday.  If anyone has the time to volunteer as a regular drive or to be a substitute driver, should call 401.351.6700, ext 140.

   Celebrations:  Club Anniversary on 29 August for Roy Seitsinger 

   SPECIAL PRESENTATION  -  After dinner, President Cal asked Past President Bob Elmer to come forward to announce a special presentation and he then called on Jennifer Gibson and Andrew Nathan to stand up with him.  He said that it was time to show appreciation for all that they have done at The Cooked Goose for our organization  -  and asking Ryan Saunders to join them  - also for the Chorus of Westerly.  Bob noted that their donation of venue and food at our Scholarship/Charitable dinner allowed 100% of proceeds for use of our educational and charitable projects.

Two of Doug Rayner's beautifully handcrafted Cross Brace chairs, with specially engraved brass plaques by Nitgrelli's Jewelry, were presented to Jennifer and Andrew  - one from our Club and the other from the Chorus of Westerly.

PROGRAM  -  THE CHORUS OF WESTERLY 

   Ryan Saunders, Executive Director of The Chorus of Westerly, first thanked the Club for all that has been done over the years, especially during Summer Pops.  When asked about the "bucket brigade" collections, he said that it was successful with the highest amount donated, he believed because it was the first time that Pops' attendees heard how much it cost to put on this free event.  Many people made pledges and followed up with checks or online payments.  He said the response was very much appreciated.

   By way of introducing Andrew, he explained the process undertaken to search for a new Music Director after Maestro Kent's surprise retirement announcement at the Chorus annual meeting in June 2011.  A Search Committee was formed that included Chorus parents, Board members and others.  With applications received from all over North America, the group whittled down the applicants to ten who were asked to provide additional information including a video of themselves in action.  Out of this group came the three finalists who participated with the whole Chorus family in a special four day event in February.  Each of the finalists worked separately with the children, the adults and then both groups combined for a final "performance" to end each's special day.  Andrew was the last finalist and it was very evident to all at the end of this performance that Andrew at the spirit and energy to bring this 53-year-old organization forward and continue the legacy begun by Maestro Kent.

   Andrew addressed our membership by speaking of his beginning with the Chorus  -  with no music experience whatsoever, "encouraged" by his mother to become a Chorus Treble, attending Music Camp and becoming hooked, going to to college to get degrees in music education, organ performance and conducting  -  and now has fulfilled his dream to become the next Music Director of the Chorus of Westerly.

   He shared plans to start some new educational programs at the Hall this season beginning with a Children's Training Choir.  This program will teach new child singers music reading basics.  There will also be a literacy class for adults to help those less fluent in reading music and a voice class to help singers improve and protect their vocal instrument.

   He also shared information about the 54th Concert Season, especially the March 2013 concert which will feature music of American composers and a special commission dedicated to Maestro Kent.  This choral piece is being composed by Peter Niedmann who is also a former Chorus singer.

   In the works for 2014 is an European Tour, which would include Vienna, Budapest, Prague and possibly Munich.