A Glimpse at the First 25 Years

Most community choruses begin with a group of people who want to sing... and someone with the vision and ability to lead them. This organization is no exception.

In autumn of 1980, Victor Recondo shared his inspiration for a local choir-including children and adults-with a group of Frank Porter Graham Elementary School parents. Recondo, a distinguished pianist and educator who taught choral music at Graham and at Phillips Junior High, invited faculty members to join with students and parents in a Christmas concert. The event featured 90 adult choristers, along with the Phillips student chorus and 80 elementary school children. Music ran the gamut from Handel's Hallelujah Chorus to a medley from Showboat.

Thus began the history of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Community Chorus-later renamed Chapel Hill Community Chorus (CHCC). Early leadership came from Betsy Underwood, who served as president of the fledgling nonprofit organization, and a host of other singer-volunteers. The Jaycees and Jaycettes provided financial support, along with the Grassroots Arts Program of the State Arts Council.

Becoming part of the Community Schools Program, the chorus evolved into an adult, non-auditioned ensemble. The music grew more challenging and more classical, with the group performing twice a year at various locations in Chapel Hill. By Christmas 1982, the featured work was Gounod's Messe Solennelle; by spring 1985, the chorus was presenting the Brahms Requiem.

Victor Recondo continued as music director until 1987. Other long-term conductors were Jeffrey Johnson (1988-92) and Carl Stam (1992-2000). Dr. Sue Klausmeyer, the current director, took over in mid-2000, debuting with "The Joy of Christmas: Festival Music for Chorus, Brass and Harp."

Other participants have continued with the group through the decades. Former president and now CHCC historian Pat Brooks sang in the first concert. Don Clifford and Gene Bozymski have participated every year since joining the chorus in 1981. Marianne Kremer has served as accompanist since 1989.

Over the years, CHCC has been governed and operated by chorus members. They serve on the Board of Directors and take on other essential duties-from fundraising projects, to setting up risers for concerts, to organizing the celebration of the 25th anniversary. These volunteers, together with the musical directors they have engaged, have established the chorus as a vibrant local asset. CHCC has strong connections: with the University of North Carolina, public schools, businesses, churches and philanthropic sources, such as Strowd Roses Foundation and the Orange County Arts Council. "Giving back to the community" takes the form of two major concerts per season-in December and in May. In addition, CHCC now has a "lighter" singing and performance opportunity through its annual July concert. The choir participated in the 2001 Duke Chapel presentation of Mozart's Requiem- a musical collaboration by four area choruses, organized by Sue Klausmeyer, in response to the September 11th tragedy-and in the first-year 9/11 anniversary "Rolling Requiem" at Raleigh's Meymandi Hall. In October 2005, CHCC provided a 30-voice chamber choir to join with all the UNC choirs and orchestra in a performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in Memorial Hall.

A member of Chorus America, CHCC is approaching its second quarter-century with strength, vigor and purpose. The annual budget has grown to almost $70,000. With musical excellence now a regularly anticipated achievement, the chorus is embarking on even higher standards of programming and performance. Setting an optimal mix of approximately 130 voices, the Board approved in April 2005 procedures and requirements for the auditioning of new members.

Notwithstanding the changes and growth, the Chapel Hill Community Chorus's roots remain. It is an organization known for camaraderie and local connection. Governance, operation and much of the financial support still are provided by chorus members, who typically live within a half hour of downtown Chapel Hill. Concerts are still held at Chapel Hill venues, attracting audiences primarily from nearby sections of the Triangle. In short, just as in its founding days 25 years ago, CHCC is still the community... coming together in song.

-Carol Robbins