Choral Arts Society of Utah

Days of '47 2009 A Smashing Success!

2009-07-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

posted by Anita

Our choir, The Choral Arts Society of Utah is lucky enough to have the privilege of performing once a year in Abravanel Hall.

Performing a concert there is always a thrill. It is an amazing concert hall and the home of the Utah Symphony Orchestra. Several years ago, when Sterling changed it to two nights, I was concerned because of the 300 mile round trip drive. Not only for two nights performing, but for the mandatory two rehearsals that week as well. But I made my peace, found a place to stay overnight, with one of my daughters in the area, and enjoyed myself.

Sterling, our conductor, is very talented at picking out the songs, arranging for a good mix of guest performers and making up a very wonderful program that seems to reach every member of the audience and choir in many different levels.

This year we sang to a practically packed house two nights in a row. We had several guest performers, Joshua Creek, Joseph Paur, Jessica Poulson, Jenny Simmons and Dave Beecher.

Joshua Creek is, in their words, "a unique blend of country-esque music and inspirational lyrics of faith." Their harmony is beautiful, and they have a fun sense of humor to add to the mix. Not normally a fan of country music, I really enjoyed their sound and their lyrics. My favorite song was Flying to Freedom. We got to sing along with them in two of their numbers. They orchestrated and arranged it for SATB. It has a John Denver feel to the song, and has me singing it over and over in my head.

Joseph Paur is best known for his role in the Feature Films for Families musical Rigoletto. His classically trained voice is perfect for the part, and he reprised two of the songs from the movie in the concert.

Singing with Joseph was Jessica Poulson. Jessica sang beautifully in a solo, then a duet with Joseph. Jessica is Sterling's daughter, and you couldn't have seen a prouder look on his face as he directed the orchestra accompaniment.

Another highlight was when two of our choir members sang solos. It was so fun to see them standing up there and sounding so perfect. Jenny Simmons and Dave Beecher sang the solos from Showboat in a medley. Jenny's perfect soprano voice carried us all away, back to that era. And Dave Beecher's wonderful low bass was perfect for Old Man River.

Donny Gilbert wrote a piece especially for this concert, entitled Celebration '47. His work is always amazing, he is a genius.

The main reason I joined the Choral Arts Society of Utah, was to sing in a four part choir, and because of our weekly practices, I am singing all the time. The music Sterling picks is always beautiful and uplifting. The opportunities we have been given because we are members of this choir are beyond anything I had ever dreamed of.

Saturday's performance went off perfectly. There were no mistakes, well except a tiny part where I totally forgot how my part sounded and I just mouthed it. shhh don't tell Sterling.

The audiences were amazing. They really make a difference. It is such a thrill to look out and see their faces smiling back, hands clapping to the music and responding to us. We end up playing off each other. The more enthused they are, the more responsive we become. I found myself surprised at the intermission and end of each program, thinking, "Already?" The only downer is handing in that music. I sort of want to keep it near me and go over the words again as I sing to myself.

At the end of every single concert, I say to myself, "That was the BEST concert I have EVER been in, there is NO WAY Sterling can top this!" But he does. I am just so thrilled to be a part of it.

Thank you Sterling. You are amazing.

~a

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

A Memorial Day to remember
[A picture of the “Kneeling Ceremony” and some extracts are taken from an article in the West Valley Journal By Caroline Kingsley, May 21, 2009]

At rehearsal on 19 May 2009, sixty-five members of the Choral Arts Society of Utah committed to attend the Memorial Day concert. The actual number performing numbered seventy-two, (72) in formal dress attire. The day was sunny and perfect for the ceremonies. An Apache helicopter made a landing and another made a “fly-by” in the midst of a prayer. There was a large crowd present and a number of children who drew a comment from National
Guard Major General Brian Tarbet regarding “a generation once removed.” There was an impressive “Kneeling Ceremony” as a part of the observance. (See picture below taken from last year.)

Sterling’s Comments:
Thanks again for your participation in another great performance. The Memorial Day Concert was a huge success. I just want to say thank to all of you who gave up time with your families to be there. Thanks to Lin Neff and John Woodbury for getting the chair situation resolved. Thanks to Jackie for sitting on a speaker to play the piano. I am just glad the speaker wasn't plugged in :)

Thanks to those who helped in any way with the event. You're all wonderful and very dedicated, and I am so honored to be your conductor.

Extracts from an article in the West Valley Journal By Caroline Kingsley, 5-21-2009:

The celebration promises to be one of the biggest Memorial Day events in the state, with KSL’s Doug Wright emceeing, the Choral Arts Society of Utah singing and a flyover by the National Guard. The event will pay tribute to America’s fallen heroes, including the three Utahans who lost their lives in the last year. Rabbi Benny Zippel, Army Chaplain Bryce Holbrook and Pastor France Davis will give prayers. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), National Guard Major General Brian Tarbet, Army Major General Peter Cooke and Rick Folkerson, Army Reserve Ambassador to the State of Utah, will be keynote speakers. Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon is also expected to attend. The Choral Arts Society of Utah, an 80-member choir directed by Channel 2 Senior Meteorologist Sterling Poulson, will perform The National Anthem, “God Bless America” and “From Sea to Shining Sea” as well as “Amazing Grace” with the Utah Pipe Band. There will also be an unveiling of the new National Guard Apache helicopter memorial, which recently was constructed in honor of the two Apache helicopter pilots, Chief Warrant Officer Clayton Barnes and Chief Warrant Officer James Linder, who died on Aug. 20, 2007 in an Apache helicopter crash during a routine training mission near Eagle Mountain. The event will start at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, May 25 at the Military Services. [Note: everything went as publicized in this article.]

“Gold” and “Blue” Star Mothers
From the information department: When Army Major General Peter Cooke referred to “Gold” and “Blue” Star Mothers, there was the undercurrent in the Choir, asking the difference between the two. The website Wikopedia provides this answer:
Shortly after World War I the Gold Star Mothers Club was formed in the United States to provide support for mothers that lost sons or daughters in the war. The name came from the custom of families of servicemen hanging a banner called a Service Flag in the window of their homes. The Service Flag had a star for each family member in the military. A blue star represented living servicemen, and a gold star represented those who had lost their lives.

Armed Forces Day, Murray Park

2009-05-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Armed Forces Day, Murray Park

Armed Forced Day in Murray Park is an annual event and the community packs the outdoor amphitheater to standing room only each year. To the delight of the crowd, the military handed out popsicles during the program.

The choir is thrilled each year to join with the 23rd Army Band in the performance.

This year several people retiring from the Armed Forces were honored, including Peter Cook from Ft. Douglas and the beloved commander of the 23rd Army Band, J. Michael Cottam, as well.

The mayor of Murray, Dan Snarr was there and spoke. Sterling Poulson did a great job as the Master of Ceremonies. Those who have served in the military, past and present were honored and asked to stand as their theme was sung in a rousing rendition of Armed Forced Salute.

The choir sang and the Band played patriotic songs. After dark a fireworks display was enjoyed by all.

Comments from Sterling regarding the performance:
“Thank again to all of you for another great performance. I was thrilled that we had 88 singers on the stage. Your quality of performance continues to get better and better, and you were a smash hit Saturday night. . .
. . .It turned out to be a fabulous event, and we are on for next year!”

A Synergetic Concert

2009-04-19T20:12:00.000-07:00

Noun 1. Synergy - the working together of two or more things to produce an effect greater than the sum of their individual effects.

The Interfaith Music Festival held at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Sunday, April 19, 2009 was a marvelous experience. Janice Maughn did an excellent job in organizing this event under the direction of the Sandy City Arts Council. There was a spirit of harmony and accord among the participants. One might wish that with all the divergent doctrines and some acrimonious associations, more such occasions would occur. More good will and peace would result from focusing on our common good—harmony is a beautiful thing both in music and relations. The different styles, selections, and presentation of the eight Choirs provided a rich experience for all. It was reported that Jerold Ottley was present in the overflow audience. Mr. Ottley was music director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from 1974 to 1999. Sterling reported that not only was he was there but also came up after the concert with great praise for the entire evening.

The Choral Arts Society was well represented for our two numbers: Seeds Grow to Plants, (John Rutter) and From Sea to Shining Sea, (arr. By Maurice Whitney). The number of participants numbered seventy-nine, (79). Sterling Poulson seemed to draw extra effort from the Choir while Lois Manning worked her “magic” on the keyboard.

The Choral groups participating included: St. James Episcopal Church, The Choir “L’Chaim,” Chorus of Sandy City, Community of Grace Presbyterian Church, Crescent South Stake L.D.S. Church, Hilltop Chancel Choir, and The Choral Arts Society of Utah. Sterling directed the Combined Choirs in two powerful and concluding numbers: Festival Piece on “Saint Anne” (Eugene Butler) and Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (Mack Wilberg). It is my opinion that each Choir member came away feeling that our performance was on a par with dare I say, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir!

Bluegrass Mass

2009-03-27T17:22:00.000-07:00

The Choral Arts Society of Utah, under the direction of Music Director, Sterling S. Poulson,
Presents a Utah Premiere Performance of
“The World Beloved: A Blue Grass Mass”
Friday, March 27, 2009 at 8:00 P.M.
Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, 138 W. 300 S., Salt Lake City, UT

FREE Concert -- tickets are required
Send self-addressed, stamped envelope to CASU, P.O. Box 2623, Salt Lake City, UT 84110

Featuring: The Choral Arts Society of Utah, Sterling Poulson, Music Director
Talented Blue Grass Musicians from around the State Michael Imperiale, Assistant Music Director Donny Gilbert, Associate Music Director
Performing: The World Beloved: A Blue Grass Mass, along with favorites from Rutter, Jenkins, Welch, and Foster.

***
There is Bluegrass Music, deeply rooted in the settlement of America, and there is a Mass, religious music, originating in the Roman Catholic Church. So can the two forms of music be combined and performed? The Choral Arts Society of Utah under the baton of Sterling S. Poulson, Music Director and Conductor, will take the stage at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center to perform a new work entitled The World Beloved (A Bluegrass Mass) by Composer, Carol Barnett . The Choral will be accompanied by Utah Musicians Rich Dixon, Guitar, Theresa Ellis, Fiddle; Nate Keller, Banjo; Lars Yorgason, Bass Fiddle; and Mike Ross on the Mandolin will combine their fantastic talents for this one-night only performance. Soprano Marilynn Ricks-Bair, Alto Rebecca Davies, and Tenor, Michael Ricks will perform with the choir.

The World Beloved (A Bluegrass Mass) will bring new harmonies and familiar bluegrass sounds to the listener and add an entirely new dimension to the traditional Mass. To round out an evening of great choral music, the choir will perform additional choral selections by Cyril Jenkins, John Rutter, and a choral adaptation by the Late Dr. Jay Welch, In God’s Own Time.

The versatility of the Choir and Directors was tested with this performance and by consensus of opinion, passed with flying colors! The “Rose” was filled with over 375 enthusiastic supporters. Some comments from performers and audience are noted as well as “tag lines” from David Burger of The Salt Lake Tribune.
First, from Sterling:
Wow!!!!!!!
What a fantastic concert you performed last night at the Rose.
I want to congratulate you on the fine musicianship, hard work, great attitude and superb final performance.
The hard work paid off. You were all there, Mentally and Artistically. I saw you having fun (with a few looks of sheer terror) and you finally felt the music as it was intended. The measures disappeared and the music came from your heart and soul!!!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!! You DID IT!!!!!

Thanks to Jackie for keeping us on pitch, thanks to Pastor Mike for a fine job conducting and saving us on the Sanctus.

Thanks to Marilynn, Michael and Rebecca for a great job with the solos.

Thanks to our fantastic musicians who stepped up to the plate and carried us over Jordan.

Thanks to Karen Parker who was still there at 10:30 mopping the stage after the risers were picked up, and who did a fantastic job of producing the show. She did the lights and coordinated everything else.

Thanks for the men who helped take down the chairs and risers.

I hope you enjoyed the experience. This is what it is all about. Stretching your talent and enjoying the experience of a great performance.

I hope you can relax a bit this weekend, I know Danette and I will. I love her for her great support and encouragement before every concert.

See you Tuesday. We are getting ready now for the Interfaith Music Festival, Armed Forces and Memorial Day. I will update the web this weekend with any further details.

Don’t forget, the member login is CASU (password) adagio

Warmest Regards and Thanks
Sterling

Comments from our Fiddle player. [Theresa Ellis]

Thanks Sterling!
Thanks for the opportunity to perform with such a wonderful choir! I loved being onstage in the midst of the voices, even as I was singing (while not playing on your first pieces) only from my heart. Very rich sounding choir, a great experience for me. Thank you for the experience to be able to play one of the first pieces of this kind with the Bluegrass flavor. It was an honor that you had me be there as a part of it.

I really appreciated the opportunity, and hope our paths will cross again
sometime soon!

Sincerely,
Theresa Ellis

Phil’s personal side note: Rich Dixon, our Guitarist often works out at the Lehi Legacy Center at the same time I do but he never mentioned his participation. I was surprised to see him at our rehearsal and performance!

Finally, David Burger of The Salt Lake Tribune:

Add bluegrass and Mass, and see what you come up with
Date: March 21, 2009

The first hit for the father of bluegrass, Bill Monroe, was "What Would You Give in Exchange For Your Soul?"

So it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that the blending of bluegrass and choral Mass music is making a debut. Here in Utah, no less, where music fans seek out the twang of banjo tunes, as well as our rich abundance of classical concerts.

Right at that melodic intersection comes the Choral Arts Society of Utah's...
Author: David Burger The Salt Lake Tribune

Our Dear Director

2009-01-20T17:20:00.000-08:00

If Sterling were writing this history, he would not include the following because he would consider it as “self-serving” and unrelated to the Choir. I, on the other hand can be objective in including this account as a former United StatesAir Force enlisted person myself. Over Sterling’s protest, his wife Danette announced that Sterling had just been promoted to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant at our choir rehearsal on January 20, 2009. In order for the reader to appreciate what it takes to attain this rank, some of the criteria are listed below:
Promotion to Senior Master Sergeant (E-8) is the most difficult enlisted promotion to attain in the Air Force. It is the first enlisted grade to which results of a central promotion board are the primary factor in selection for promotion. Usually, less than three percent of eligible Master Sergeants are selected for promotion to Senior Master Sergeant in most years. Candidates typically have vast technical and leadership experience gained from a broad variety of assignments at both line and staff functions throughout their careers. Additionally, the successful candidate will typically have at a minimum completed an associate's or bachelor's degree in their Air Force specialty as well as the Senior Non-commissioned Officer Correspondence Course and have had their latest performance report endorsed by a senior rater, usually a Colonel or Brigadier General. Well done Sterling!

Sharen R. Olsen

2008-12-24T17:18:00.000-08:00

Sharen R. Olson 1948 ~ 2008 Sharen Roskelley Olson returned to her Heavenly Father early Christmas Eve, 2008 after struggling with health problems for the past two years. Born December 2, 1948 in Logan, Utah, daughter of Doris Rhodes and LaRay Thurston Roskelley. She met and married her eternal companion, Roger Taggart Olson, in the Logan Temple; he preceded her in death. Sharen was many things to many people. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Sharen and Roger recently served an LDS service mission in Salt Lake City where she loved missionary work and those she served, considering her service in the church her greatest joy. She served selflessly, diligently and willingly over many years with a smile on her face. One of Sharen's outstanding talents she shared and enjoyed was music. She performed with her twin sister, Karen Brooks, in the Utah Choral Arts Society for many years and had the opportunity to share her talents worldwide. Some of Sharen's favorite things were warm summer afternoons, reading a good book and playing kick ball with her grandkids. Survived by her sons: Kirk (Teresa) Olson and Darren (Qwinette) Olson; eight grandchildren: Mindi, Krysteen, Taylor, Skyler, Aspen, Karsyn, Amber and Brynne; sisters: Annette (Cleon) Chambers, Karen (Mike) Brooks, Nelda (Eugene) Roskelley. Preceded in death husband, Roger; parents; sister, Maureen Collier; brother, Eugene Roskelley. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. "Mom, we love you always ...until we meet again." Funeral services will be held Monday, 11:00 a.m. at the West Valley Stake Center, 3963 South Peachwood Drive (3480 West). Viewings will be held Sunday, 5-7 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and Monday the church, 9:30-10:45 a.m. Interment, Lewiston Cemetery.

West Valley Symphony

2008-12-06T17:17:00.000-08:00

6 December 2008
A West Valley Symphony benefit at Granger High School Auditorium at 8:00 p.m. featuring a program similar to the Holiday Pops except Mr. George Dyer did not participate. Once again, Dave Beecher performed “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” with distinction. The Symphony added several numbers including a World Premiere Trepak (from the Nutcracker Ballet). A brass quintet performed Ding Dong Merrily on High and I saw Three Ships. Traditional Christmas music including Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson, Farandole by Georges Bizet and All is Well arranged by Ronn Huff were Symphony “show pieces.” The ticket sales for this event were “soft” with a “light” crowd in attendance. No report was made of the final benefit to the West Valley Symphony.

Chistmas Concert, Cottonwood High

2008-11-29T17:15:00.000-08:00

Saturday, 29 November 2008

The Annual KUTV Holiday Pops Concert Benefiting the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program at Cottonwood High School. This year's KUTV 2News Holiday Pops Concert featured the Choral Arts Society of Utah, under the baton of Sterling S. Poulson, and the West Valley Symphony, Donny Gilbert, Conductor, with special guest, Internationally-acclaimed tenor, George Dyer. A highlight came from our own bass Choir member Dave Beecher singing, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Dave’s rendition drew admiration from an appreciative audience, the Choir, and even Mr. Dyer. Sterling reported a generous contribution to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree benefit this year. [Insert dollar amount if not confidential or privileged information.] One humorous incident occurred in ticket sales. Jeff Beck retrieved two ticket stubs when a couple accidentally used their $49.00 Miss Saigon tickets! The ticket-taker at the door accepted them without question. Jeff was able to trace them and restore their tickets to them.

Wednesday November 25, 2008

2008-11-25T17:13:00.000-08:00

We met at the Smith’s Market parking lot at 33rd South in Salt Lake City for a TV “spot” promoting our Holiday Pops Concert at Cottonwood High School on 11-29-08. I estimate approximately sixty choir members present for the “nippy” morning “shoot.“

Huntsman Cancer Ground-breaking

2008-10-31T17:10:00.000-07:00

31 October 2008
The Choral Arts Society of Utah participated in a significant groundbreaking ceremony for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Many government, civic, and church leaders were present while we sang three inspirational numbers: From Sea to Shining Sea, The Impossible Dream, and You'll Never Walk Alone. I estimate that there were over fifty Choral Arts Society of Utah members and a dozen Utah Chamber Artists in the mutual choir. Jon M. Huntsman complimented our Director, Sterling Poulson for not only the music but also being involved in the logistics of setting up risers and chairs. Upon the conclusion of the ceremonies, I was stepping off the risers as President Henry B. Eyring walked by; he thrust out his hand and as he shook mine said, "Thank you for the beautiful music." There was considerable media coverage; a video and article appears on ksl.com. Cancer affects us all in some very personal ways. If there is a hope in statistics, the number of deaths attributed to cancer is lower this year than last. I applauded a comment from Jon M. Huntsman: "We must end cancer," he said, adding he'd like to see "this beautiful hospital" turned into a classy Ritz-Carlton hotel when the disease has been vanquished. As important as the doctors and researchers are to the process of curing cancer, though, the greatest tool, he said, "is hope." I could not agree more!

* 7,760 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in Utah this year.
* 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women have a risk of developing cancer in their lifetime.
* Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the U.S.
* 565,650 Americans will die of cancer this year, more than 1,500 a day.
Source: Huntsman Cancer Institute

Jackie's Birthday

2008-10-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

21 October 2008
Preparations for our Huntsman and Holiday Pops Concerts went forward in this rehearsal. Sterling played the perfect joke on our pianist Jackie; he alerted the choir that it is her birthday and to sing “Happy Birthday” to her to whatever tune she plays on the piano. When she arrived, Jackie began to play the spirited Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas for our first rehearsal number. Jackie looked startled and confused when no one seemed to be singing the lyrics correctly then she burst out laughing when she realized that her “birthday song” is the lyrics!

Imagine, Hits of the Sixties~17 Oct 2008

2008-10-17T17:05:00.000-07:00

The performance of "Imagine, Hits of the Sixties” at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center at 8:00 pm was a “Hit” by all accounts. This Free Concert was at a five hundred, (500) maximum seating capacity for the event. Selected comments from Board Members and attendees are appropriate to include here:

Hi Sterling,
I just wanted to thank you for the fun concert last Friday. I brought my kids and I wanted to tell you the funny part. They weren't sure they were going to like going, but they really liked it and recognized some of the songs from movies.
The next day they asked me to help them sing the song we all sang together. I asked them which song. They said, "The Hey Dude Song" They have been singing it ever since and I'm not going to tell them it's Hey Jude! LOL They are boys that are 6 and 8 years old.
I was a member of the choir for a couple of years, but had to quit due to schedules with my children. My mom got the tickets for us, I think from you, so I wanted to thank you for the fun night.

Thanks,
Mindy
***

As many of you know, I sing with a group in Salt Lake City called the Choral Arts Society of Utah. The director, Sterling Poulson is one of the weathermen on Channel 2. But more importantly, he is an unbelievable showman. When I first started singing with this group I was reluctant to invite folks to our concerts, because we never seemed "quite ready" to perform. However, the performances would always go well anyway, so I soon relaxed abit, started living with a little more "faith" and got some of my family and friends to our concerts, and I found they always enjoyed them. They may have not been "technically perfect concerts", but they sure were entertaining and they had fun. Usually a concert with other choirs I have sung with would have a few familiar songs in the performance for the audience to relate to, but not with CASU. Usually about 80% of our numbers are stuff you can at least hum along with. Butttttttttttttt last nights concert was different and a whole new level. It was all Beatles, beach boys and other songs of the 60's. Most of the audience knew every song, and all the words along with the music. And Sterling had them singing along and clapping rhythm to many of the songs. On our final song he had a little choir practice with the audience before we performed the song, to "teach them" their section of the song. The whole night was just a blast. The choir had fun, the audience had fun, and fortunately the place was full, there might have been 10 empty seats in the concert hall. It was one of those concerts where we had to learn a ton of songs to get ready, but it was sure a delight to perform. I tried to prepare Linda for the concert, but what I was telling her just seemed a bit unbelievable, however, when she got there she found out I really wasn't kidding, and then she was sorry that she did not bring our grand daughter that was staying with us for the weekend. She is a Sr. in Hi School and would have loved the concert. Anyway, we did it and it went well. And for one more time, Sterling out did himself again. Gene

***
Last night our Choir performed our 'Hits of the Sixty's concert, Imagine in the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center in downtown Salt Lake. We had 11 songs, including Aquarius, Happy Together, Beatles Medley, Association Medley featuring Cherish, Beach Boys, Feelin' Groovy, and a quadruple quartet singing Barbara Ann, Big Girls Don't cry, In My life and a soloist singing a Mama Cass, Dream a Little Dream of Me. Sailor video taped the program. It sounds amazing. I will try to put at least one song somewhere here on the blog.

We have been practicing since August. Some of us have had a wonderful time remembering the music of our youth. The other members of the choir, who hadn't been born then, still enjoyed the great music.

The house was sold out; the audience was amazing. We just had such a wonderful time. The audience was singing along and at one point I looked up to see the people in the balcony all with their cell phones lit up pointing towards us and waving back and forth to the beat of the music. I have never seen such an amazing audience. I don't think I have had so much fun at a concert, and that includes our Carnegie Hall performance and our trip to Austria; although those were amazing times too. This Choir has a way of giving us so many wonderful experiences. I don't believe I have had such fun as I have in the last 5 years belonging to this choir.

I have said it before, "that the concert we just put on was the best one ever", and I will probably say it again, but this one tops all. I don't know how we can ever top it, except to do another Sixty's concert next year with more great music. There was so much good music produced in that era we just touched a tip of the iceberg. The only regret is that the choir didn't memorize their music. In my old choir, we were required, and there were a bunch of OLDER ladies in that one. We had to do dances and stuff with our singing and we COULDN'T hold music. I think this choir is capable of memorizing, they just don't know it. But, WOW how we could have rocked if we hadn't been encumbered with those stupid folders. Mine basically stayed on the front page of the most current song, and sometimes I forgot to turn to the latest one we were singing, so I did have mine memorized.

Anyway, I have been humming the music for the last 6 weeks and last night we had to turn all that music in as we exited the stage.

Next week we practice for a groundbreaking for a new wing on the Huntsman Cancer Center, and after that we start on our Christmas Concert.

Have I mentioned before how much I LOVE being in this choir? – Anita

Imagine Gala 2008

2008-10-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

The Fall Gala “Imagine” was held on the 23rd floor of the Wells Fargo Building 299 S. Main St., Salt Lake City, UT. The theme centered upon the 60’s and attendees were encouraged to wear 60’s/70’s attire. The “bottom line” of the budget report submitted in the Board Meeting of 14 October 2008, showed a Net Profit of $6,327.38 as of 9 October 2008 with some additional residuals possible. This reflects an increase over the previous year’s event and in a more difficult economic environment so the results are pleasing.

American Fork's Music School

2008-09-23T12:11:00.000-07:00

A news announcement by Sterling Poulson, Music Director at rehearsals for the October 17, 2008 concert IMAGINE stunned choir members. The American Fork’s Music School “closed their doors” citing financial problems after financial backer Sentry Financial withdrew their support for the program. Caleb Chapman, who founded the school, was devastated by the news. The school is one of the largest music schools in the country and is the only school “partnered” with the prestigious Julliard School of Music. We were scheduled to perform together in the forthcoming concert. As Sterling pointed out, “The real losers are the kids!”

Annual Picnic

2008-08-19T16:46:00.000-07:00

Choir members were treated to a perfect day and wonderful picnic in the Salt Lake City Sugarhouse Park. Michael J. Imperiale, Assistant Conductor entertained with his lovely tenor renditions of a variety of popular tunes. There were other entertainers performing in this informal setting while choir members “mixed and mingled.” The inaugural performance of Lauren Hoyt and Ken Valejos, two new entertainers with family connections to our group, sang and played for us. At one point, Sterling Poulson, Music Director took Phil Wasden aside with the proposition of being Choir Historian. Phil accepted and later learned that the assignment would also place him on the Board of Directors.