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
