WE HAVE PERSEVERED! I am so proud of all of the musicians involved in this organization. Last year’s concert was an amazing success. I am excited to start another season with you all and I’m sending a huge THANK YOU to our NCS Board of Directors, everyone at Asbury UMC and First Presbyterian Church, as well as Carl, Janna, Marietta, Jenny, and YOU! We are still going strong because of your musicianship and dedication! Now, onto 2023! Our theme this year comes from my thoughts of struggle. It seems like life goes on in days and nights. We have so many bright times like we have beautiful days. Then we go through dark periods that seem difficult. Life can throw curveballs and we feel alone in the dark. Even then, God is still at work. On Christmas Eve, Mary and Joseph struggled. They might have felt scared and alone. But just as always, God was there and in the dark of night He brought us new light, our Morning.
1. 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.
2. 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!
3. PLAN Rehearsals start September 24 at 2:00pm (Registration starts at 1pm) at First Presbyterian Church. Our Children’s Choir will be directed by the marvelous Marietta Kitto and will also start rehearsals on September 24 from 2:30-3:30pm. 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 315-771-3556
September 24~2:00 ~ rehearsal ~ First Presbyterian Church (registration begins at 1:00) ***Children’s Choir - 2:30-3:30, weekly October 1 ~2:00 ~ rehearsal ~ First Presbyterian Church October 8 ~2:00 ~ rehearsal ~ First Presbyterian Church October 15 ~2:00 ~ rehearsal ~ First Presbyterian Church October 22 ~2:00 ~ rehearsal ~ First Presbyterian Church October 29 ~12:30 ~ rehearsal (due to ONNY Concert) ~ First Presbyterian Church November 5 ~2:00 ~ rehearsal ~ First Presbyterian Church November 12 ~2:00 ~ rehearsal ~ First Presbyterian/Asbury United Methodist Church (TBA) November 19 ~2:00 ~ rehearsal ~ Asbury United Methodist Church November 26 ~2:00 ~ rehearsal ~ Asbury United Methodist Church December 1 ~ about 6:00 ~ Dress Rehearsal ~ Asbury United Methodist Church December 2 ~Concert at 3:00 ~ Choir call at 2:00 ~Asbury United Methodist Church December 3 ~Concert at 3:00 ~ Choir call at 2:00 ~Asbury United Methodist Church
Board Members Kim Collins Jason Comet David Elmer Gail Goings Jean Lee- Mosier Kevin Kitto John Waterhouse 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 ***Gabriel's Message arr. Alonso Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella arr. Helvey ***God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (a cappella) arr. Pentatonix Candlelight Carol by Rutter with Youth Choir ~Youth Choir sings their program here ~ Silent Night with Congregation ***There is Faint Music (Treble Voices Only) by Dan Forrest Midnight Clear by Giardiniere O Holy Night arr. Clausen ***An Advent Acclamation by Stacey Nordmeyer with handbell choir ***The Hands that First Held Mary's Child byDan Forrest ~ RIVER RINGERS will play their program here ~ Great Light arr. Martin/Angerman Let Everything That Hath Breath by Ames I Heard the Bells arr. Sirett ***Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow arr. Leavitt I Saw Three Ships arr. Wilberg Joy to the World 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.
