Greetings and welcome to the twenty-seventh season of the Fairfield County Children's Choir! This will be the third season, full or partial, that has been impacted by Covid 19. The resilience of our choristers and staff has allowed us to continue our mission, “to provide a musical experience which is challenging, rewarding and enjoyable.” Also, as I mentioned in April, we were even able to experience many ‘silver linings’ such as the development of individual vocal skills, part-singing independence, stage presence and music reading skills. We also really enjoyed the numerous vocal solos and student compositions that were shared.
Just a few weeks ago we were looking forward to resuming our normal operations (rehearsals and concerts) in September. As you all know, the situation has been changing. Our Fall reopening plans are included below. We will need to move forward with flexibility and resilience! At this time, we are planning for in-person concerts, especially our Spring Concert which is scheduled to take place at Carnegie Hall on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 7:00 PM!!
I have often written here about the importance of the repertoire we perform in the FCCC. I recently heard the Keynote Speech by Anton Armstrong at the American Choral Directors Association 2021 Conference, in which he quoted the eminent choral conductor, Helen Kemp: "We are imprinting musical memories for the soul and a lifetime." Armstrong goes on to say, “We are responsible for what we put into their hearts, minds and souls. When we sing together we delve into the souls of each singer. We feel connected and part of a community.” Music is food for the soul!
Throughout this and past newsletters we have included the words of our choristers to share how they feel when they sing. Collective effervescence is a term coined in the early 20th century by the sociologist Emile Durkheim to describe “the sense of energy and harmony people feel when they come together in a group around a shared purpose” (Adam Grant, NY Times, July 11, 2021). This is a perfect description of what we feel in the FCCC when we make music together!! Grant continues, “Collective effervescence happens when joie de vivre spreads through a group. And during this pandemic, it’s been largely absent from our lives. Joy shared is joy sustained.”
Our goal is to get back to what we love: singing great repertoire together in harmony! Our Mission Statement includes this quote from Plato, “Musical training is a more potent instrument than any other, because rhythm and melody find their way into the inward places of the soul.” Here’s hoping for much joy and “collective effervescence” filling our souls this year!
Jon Noyes
Music Director & Founder
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Chorister Profiles - 2021/2022 Seniors!
We have an outstanding group of sixteen seniors in the FCCC this year, including six who have been with us since fourth grade! It is always interesting to learn about them, their favorite songs and to hear their thoughts about the choir. Below is the first group of profiles for this season. Congratulations to these talented singers!
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Name: Carli Jean Caraluzzi
Age: 17
School: Joel Barlow High School
Town: Redding
Favorite FCCC Song: Sing Me to Heaven, Total Praise, Nigra Sum, Ave Maria (Holst)
I joined FCCC in 7th grade. Being from outside of Fairfield I was extremely nervous about knowing virtually no one in choir (except for the one friend who I joined with). I clearly remember hearing the seniors talk about how FCCC is a family during my first rehearsal, and 5 years later I can confidently say that they were telling the truth. I’ve never felt more comfortable being myself than I do in choir, and the amount of support that everyone shares with each other is unmatched. I have met not only some of the most talented musicians I have ever worked with in FCCC, but also the kindest friends.
Choir has also allowed me to have the most exceptional musical experiences. There is such a high level of dedication and musicianship from everyone that I have not found anywhere else. Whether it be singing with Eric Jacobsen and the Greater Bridgeport Symphony, having the experience of singing at Carnegie Hall, or going on tour with Chamber Singers, the experiences I have had performing with FCCC mean so much to me. I have become an exponentially better musician from working with Mr. Noyes and learning from singing with so many talented people every week.
In college I plan on majoring in music education, and I have FCCC and Mr. Noyes to thank for inspiring me to want to share even a fraction of what I have learned in choir with others. Monday and Wednesday nights have been the highlight of my week for the past 5 years, and I am going to miss choir tremendously when I am in college.
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Name: Audrey Mbwa-Mboma
Age: 17
School: Weston High School
Town: Weston
Favorite FCCC Song: Total Praise and Bridge Over Troubled Water
I have not been a member of FCCC for very long - I joined my freshman year of high school - and it quickly became such an influential force in my life. I was very upset when I realized I would not be able to participate in choir at school when I entered high school, and FCCC came right in and replaced what I was missing. The level of musicianship has been both challenging and exciting, and it has brought me so much joy to be a member of this wonderful group. I only wish that I had found it sooner! I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities that Mr. Noyes has given me as a member of this choir, like doing a solo with the Greater Bridgeport Symphony, having solos at the Broadway Concerts, and in the wonderful video we made last year of us singing Bridge Over Troubled Water. I have had the most amazing experience at FCCC, and I have met the most amazing people. I’m sad to know I will be leaving at the end of this year, and I cannot wait to make this year count, and to be back to in-person rehearsals!
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Name: Sophia Festini
Age: 17
School: Fairfield Ludlowe High School
Town: Fairfield
Favorite FCCC Song: Sing Me to Heaven
I remember joining the choir in 4th grade and being so excited I made it in. Music has been an extremely significant part of my life and if it wasn’t for me joining FCCC that may not be the case. Being surrounded with all the talent in the choir inspired me to want to sing more and would always lift my mood. This choir has not only taught me how to sing but has taught me about friendship, hard work, and responsibility. Being part of this for the majority of my childhood has affected who I am today in a positive way and will have a special place in my heart for the rest of my life. Thank you, Mr. Noyes for believing in me when I was just a small 8-year old and changing my life in these past 9 years.
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Name: Jessica Yu
Age: 17
School: Fairfield Ludlowe High School
Town: Fairfield
Favorite FCCC Song: Bridge Over Troubled Water, One Voice, Clear Water
I moved to Fairfield when I was in fourth grade. In the two years I had Mr. Noyes as a music teacher, I heard of FCCC. I didn’t really know anyone at the time so I didn’t join but later on I had quite a few friends in FCCC so I gave it a try. It was one of the best decisions I made because it is a great, accepting community where you can share your passion for music with others. During the pandemic, when FCCC opened up the solo project, I saw how everyone was accepting and there was absolutely no judgement; that is one thing I love about this choir. It was one of the places I felt I could be myself. I have seen the friendships and bonds that have come out of this choir and it is one that will last a lifetime. The one thing I do regret is not joining earlier when I had the chance. In the 5 years that I'm with FCCC, I grew as a musician and singer. I'll also be performing at Carnegie Hall for my final year here and that is amazing! I will always be grateful for joining this choir. These experiences and memories will never be forgotten! Thank you, Mr. Noyes and all the conductors and staff at FCCC!
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Name: Flor A. Huerta
Age: 17
School: Bassick High School
Town: Bridgeport
Favorite FCCC Song: Bridge Over Troubled Water, One Voice, Clear Water and so so many more!!
I first joined FCCC my freshman year, and it was definitely one of the best decisions I've ever made. From my first Wednesday rehearsal to my last I will cherish all the memories I have made with amazing friends and conductors. Mrs. Sugrue-Tate and Mr. Noyes have played such a big role with my involvement in music and singing. These last four years have allowed me to grow as a person and a singer and I will never be able to thank FCCC enough!
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Name: Arav D’Souza
Age: 17
School: Fairfield Prep
Town: Fairfield
Favorite FCCC Song: Clear Water
This is just my third year with FCCC. Both my previous years have been affected by COVID, and unfortunately, I have spent more time with rehearsals on Zoom than in-person. While it has been far from ideal, because of the hard work put in by all the FCCC teachers, I have still managed to enjoy and look forward to rehearsals each week. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of such an amazing choir, and I cannot wait to be back in person and to sing with the choir again.
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Name: Sarah Maynard
Age: 17
School: Fairfield Ludlowe High School
Town: Fairfield
Favorite FCCC Song: Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor, Banana!, and Ocho Kandelikas
For the past six years I have excitedly awaited Wednesday nights and being able to sing in this wonderful community. I have always enjoyed singing, but FCCC truly made me passionate about singing as I have learned all the ins and outs of being a good musician. Thanks to this choir I will have the four components that make a good choral musician forever etched into my brain. I have such meaningful connections with many of my fellow choristers and our incredible conductors. It is hard for me to face the fact that this will be my last year performing alongside them. If I could, I would write a list of my favorite memories that I’ve made during my time here. But if I did, my chorister profile would be its own novel. My only regret is that I didn’t come across FCCC earlier because these past six years haven’t been enough! I cannot offer up enough thanks and praise to our conductors who have been with me on my musical journey and have taught me so much. I have so many passions I wish to pursue but singing will always carry a special place in my heart alongside this choir.
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The FCCC is looking forward to starting our rehearsals for the fall semester! However, the Covid-19 virus has evolved over the past months, leading us to consider various contingency plans. The attached memo includes our plans for a hybrid rehearsal model, including some in-person and some online learning. We will continue to monitor the changing Covid-19 situation and will adjust our model, perhaps month to month or even week to week, in accordance with health recommendations.
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Jon Noyes recently received two unexpected but connected memos within the span of a few hours. Read More
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I auditioned for the San Francisco Chorale which is directed by Robert Geary... he remembered us (FCCC) from the Golden Gate Festival and specifically mentioned that he loved our rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water! It must be like 10 years later at this point but just thought you would love to know that we left quite an impression :).
Plus, I think it gave me a leg up because he let me into the advanced group! I don't expect the level of excellence to be the same as FCCC (I hold you personally responsible for making me a choir snob) but I'm excited to be singing again! I can't even begin to tell you what an impact FCCC had on me, and I'm so unbelievably happy to see more kids getting the chance to participate. Read More
Hope all is well!
Hannah Olshansky
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Hi Jon,
... Last night I auditioned the delightful and accomplished Hannah Olshansky for my community choir. When I asked her about a previous experience we connected over FCCC and the fact that she had been to the Golden Gate Festival with you. Her solfege skills and vocal ability are still substantial even though she hasn't sung for a while as she is developing her career in aerospace. Congratulations on the fine training and artistry that you are instilling in young people, not to mention the artistry in the performance of your choirs. Read More
Bob Geary
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Fairfield County Children's Choir is a non-profit organization. Like us, you undoubtedly believe in the power of music to change young lives. We exist because of your generous donations, including these programs:
FCCC's Bridges Through Music: Our community engagement program covers tuition and expenses for under-served and underrepresented children of Fairfield County.
FCCC's Promise of Low Tuition and Financial Aid: We provide extraordinary music education to our children at a cost much lower than the national or state average for comparable choirs. For each of our 26 years, we have provided financial aid to all accepted students in need.
It is through your generous support that we will continue to excel and succeed. A contribution to FCCC is a tax-deductible investment in the future!
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MUSIC STAFF
Music Director & Founder - Jon Noyes
Chorale Conductor & Accompanist - Lisa Bettke
Concert Choir Conductor - Jacqueline Sugrue-Tait
Chorus Conductor - Ashley Zadravecz
Accompanist - Yuan Wang
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STAFF
Executive Director - Sarah Duff
General Manager - Barbara Peck
Assistant Choir Manager - Alicen Gachi
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