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Proudly providing
financial support since 1999
for
The Rockbridge Choral Society
and
The Rockbridge Youth Chorale
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September 2015 Vol. 3
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FRIENDS OF THE
ROCKBRIDGE
CHORAL SOCIETY
e NEWSLETTER
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Founders: The creation of the Rockbridge Chorus and Orchestra, supported by William F. McCorkle, Charlene Jarrett, Gordon Williams, and Charles Harer. (
News-Gazette photo)
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Rockbridge Choral Society Celebrates its
40
th
Anniversary Season!
Forty years ago, September 1975, the Rockbridge Chorus began its first performance season. On Sunday, April 24, 2016, the Rockbridge Choral Society (RCS) will celebrate that inaugural season by again performing Felix Mendelssohn's oratorio,
Elijah,
the first full length choral masterwork performed by the Rockbridge Chorus and Orchestra on December 12, 1976. The 59 member chorus was directed by Gordon Spice and was accompanied for that performance by the Rockbridge Orchestra, led by Rob Stewart. This season, with the continuing support of our donors, the chorus is excited to once again offer this great work along with our talented professional soloists and orchestra players. There are many new faces and voices, but our motivations are the same - the production of great choral music for our community.
We hope
you, your friends, and families will join us in celebrating our 40
th
anniversary!
For a detailed history of the beginning of the Rockbridge Chorus, aka, the RCS, click here.
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Our Donors Step Up!
In May, 2015, the Friends' board of directors voted to establish an endowed
CONCERT MASTER'S CHAIR
in honor of Evelyn P. McCorkle, long-time member and supporter of the RCS, and mother of our artistic director, William McCorkle. The cost to endow this important orchestra position is $20,000. Since May, our donors have stepped up with a total of $11,000 toward that goal! The Friends would like to thank each and every donor who is making this endowed chair possible, and we hope to reach the finish line in time for the
Elijah
performance in April, 2016.
As you consider your charitable giving plans as the end of the tax year approaches, please continue to keep the work of the Friends in mind as we support all of the choral groups which come under our wing. We know that you all know an old singer, a young singer, player - current and future- who will need our financial support to keep choral music alive and well in our vibrant, local community. To find out how you can make a contribution, please go to our website,
www.rcs.org. Make your donation in any amount by October 31, and your gift will be acknowledged in our 2015/2016 performance programs! We cannot say enough how much we appreciate your support on behalf of our mission!
 Well done!
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Welcome New Board Members!
The Friends of the Rockbridge Choral Society welcomes four new members to its board of directors. When we next meet in early October, the Friends board is grateful to have
Jane Birzenieks,
Carlton Brinkley,
Maria Nava, and
Jennie Sikes joining its ranks. Maria Nava is an educator and the mother of two young singers, Sammy and Gabi, who are members of the Rockbridge Youth Chorale. Jennie relocated to Lexington in 2014. She and her husband Bill both joined the RCS. Jennie brings her experience as a tax attorney with specialization in non-profit organizations to the board. Jane Birzenieks has been a singer for over 50 years, moved to Lexington 12 years ago, and continues to support choral music with her talents. Carlton Brinkley is a retired public school educator, has served as accompanist for the VMI Glee Club, is active with his church choir, substitutes as organist for local churches and is an original and ongoing member of the RCS and the Rockbridge Chamber Singers. Welcome all!
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Rockbridge Youth Chorale - New Singing Opportunities for 2015/2016
The Rockbridge Youth Chorale is expanding and changing for the 2015/2016 season! Lacy Lynch, youth chorale director, will steer three groups this year. The youth chorale, RYC- 3
rd
and Up choir will again be led by Lacy. We also welcome Lori Parker, new director of our K-2 choir. New this season, an auditioned vocal ensemble for middle and high school singers is planned and will focus on more challenging choral literature and
a cappella
singing
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On December 5, the RYC and the RCS will present a combined concert for the holiday season.
The Friends is excited that these two groups will be coming together for a rare opportunity to
make choral music together for the annual Christmas concert!
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Rockbridge Chamber Singers Kick Off the
2015/2016 Season
with November Lights
Rehearsals have already begun for the Rockbridge Chamber Singers' concert on Sunday November 8, 2015. The Chamber Singers are pleased to offer music by the Renaissance English master, Thomas Morley; the early 20th
century phenomenon, Edward Elgar; Britain's celebrated new composer, Paul Mealor (yes, think Will and Kate's wedding here); Britain's incomparable John Tavener; Gerald Finzi; and the young, widely acclaimed Norwegian born, Ola Gjeilo. Please join this small ensemble of dedicated singers as they share this lovely music presented in the waning afternoon light as fall recedes toward the Christmas season and a new year.
Kevin Remington Photo
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2015-2016 RCS/ RYC Season Performance Dates to Remember
Sunday, November 8, 3:00 p.m.
Rockbridge Chamber Singers
November Lights Lexington Presbyterian Church
Saturday, December 5, 7:30 p.m.
RCS/ RYC Holiday Concert Lexington Presbyterian Church
Community Caroling begins at 7:15
Sunday, April 24, 7:00 p.m.
RCS with Orchestra and Soloists
Mendelssohn:
Elijah
Wilson Hall, W&L
RYC Spring Concert, TBA
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