We hear it every year: “Northern Choral Society is the beginning of Advent and the Christmas Season for so many people in our community.” After our fun, albeit challenging, rehearsals, we are blessed to share our gifts of song with those who treasure the moments that make Christmastime so special. I asked my best friend and biggest cheerleader to tell me his favorite Christmas song which lead to our theme this year. Many of you know my husband, John. He can be seen in the background making sure I have everything I need in order to make our group successful. John’s family is very tight-knit and they treasure tradition. John also appreciates beautiful music. I think these are the main reasons"This Christmastide" by Donald Fraser is his favorite Christmas song. Our themes this year follow the verses of the piece.
The NCS Board tries to keep our group welcoming and affordable. But, as you know, there are costs that come with staging a large-scale concert. If you’d like to off-set some of these costs by donating one of the new pieces, please reach out to Sara via text, phone, or email. The pieces are listed below. Carl and I are very excited to start rehearsals soon! RECRUIT - PLEASE ask your friends to try singing with NCS. Many people who are perfectly capable just need a little encouragement and self confidence. Make them feel welcome and comfortable because we have strong singers that will be returning to help our new singers feel confident. Know any kids? Ask them to sing with Marietta! Maybe their parents will join us too! This year the singer fee is a free-will donation. FUNDRAISE - This organization runs on donations and fundraisers. Please be ready to help in some way; everyone is welcome to obtain sponsorships through local businesses. They will love seeing their names splashed in our program. If you have other ideas to help fund our organization, please reach out to me or any member of the Board. I would like to get a few new pieces (see program on back), so if you would like to contribute to those, please let me know ASAP. Thank you! PLAN - Rehearsals start September 29 at 2:00pm at First Presbyterian Church. Our Children’s Choir will be directed by Marietta Kitto and will start rehearsals on October 13th from 2:00-3:15pm. Singers can be in grades 2-8. We need faithful attendance from everyone involved. I understand that some things are out of our control, but please plan ahead now to put NCS rehearsal as a priority in your calendar. (See the schedule on the back of this letter.) If you have any questions or issues about this, please contact me and we will figure it out. It is important that we have your voice.
Yours in music,
Sara Gleason, Director of Northern Choral Society Schedule: September 29~2:00 ~ rehearsal ~ First Presbyterian Church (registration begins at 1:00)
October 6 ~2:00 ~ rehearsal ~ First Presbyterian Church
October 13 ~2:00 ~ rehearsal ~ First Presbyterian Church
***Children’s Choir - 2:00 - 3:15, weekly
October 20 ~12:30 (ONNY concert) ~ rehearsal ~ First Presbyterian Church
October 27 ~2:00 ~ rehearsal ~ First Presbyterian Church
November 3 ~2:00 ~ rehearsal ~ First Presbyterian Church
November 10 ~2:00 ~ rehearsal ~ First Presbyterian Church
November 17 ~2:00 ~ rehearsal ~ Asbury United Methodist Church
November 24 ~2:00 ~ rehearsal ~ Asbury United Methodist Church
December 1 ~2:00 ~ rehearsal ~ Asbury United Methodist Church
December 6 ~ about 6:00 ~ Dress Rehearsal ~ Asbury United Methodist Church
December 7 ~Concert at 3:00 ~ Choir call at 2:00 ~Asbury United Methodist Church
December 8 ~Concert at 3:00 ~ Choir call at 2:00 ~Asbury United Methodist Church Board Members
Beth Andres
Linda Barney
Jason Comet
David Elmer
Kevin Kitto
Sue Rudes
John Waterhouse
Sarah Wheaton
Francis Winters Our program is as follows.
Pieces with *** are new and need donations for purchase.
O Come, All Ye Faithful arr. Wilcocks (with Congregation)
Gloria in excelsis Deo - Wilberg, Mack
***Once in Royal David's City - Funderbunk, Duane
For Unto Us A Child Is Born - Handel
And the Glory of the Lord - Handel
Christmas Daybreak - Convery, Robert
In the Bleak Midwinter
One Gift - Rudolph, Glenn
***Simple Gifts - Murphy, Ryan
***How Can I Keep From Singing - Tomlin, Chris
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day - Sirett, Mark
The First Nowell - Wilberg, Mack (with Congregation)
***When in Our Music God is Glorified - Hopson, Hal
Christmas Day - Holst, Gustav
This Christmastide - Fraser, Donald
Hark, the Herald Angels Sing! (with Congregation)
All participants on our singer mailing list receive a letter which outlines the program of the concert, gives specific rehearsal dates and details, and outlines attendance policies. This letter will be mailed in August. Feel free to print it and share! Also, please like us on Facebook
If you would like to be on this mailing list, send a letter to “Northern Choral Society, Inc,” PO Box 842, Watertown NY 13601. Include your name, home address, home phone or cell phone number, and email address.
