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Greetings and welcome to the twenty-eighth season of the Fairfield County Children's Choir! We are looking forward to welcoming our new and returning choristers very soon! We have put together an exciting schedule of performances and events, and we hope that we will be able to return to our usual format for all of them. See below for our season calendar and other exciting information.
Looking back on last season, one might call it the “road to normal.” After the 2020 - 2021 season, which was completely online, we started rehearsing in September 2021 with two choirs on Zoom and two in-person, with six feet of distancing and masks, as well as an altered schedule. By October we were all rehearsing at Fairfield Woods Middle School. At our Winter Concert we featured each of our choirs in four separate in-person concerts. For our Broadway Concert, we divided the entire FCCC into three equal parts and performed three concerts, each with the same program but a different cast. Each of these formats had benefits and drawbacks, but they represented a huge improvement over the previous year.
At our Spring Concert on May 21 at Carnegie Hall, we returned to the usual FCCC format featuring all choirs individually and concluding with a combined finale. Performing our chosen repertoire in that famous hall was pure joy! I would like to send a big ‘shout out’ to our choristers, alumni, guest musicians and staff who performed exceedingly well! However, we must keep in mind that a number of our choristers and families were not able to attend due to Covid-related issues.
We ended our season with the Chamber Singers literally experiencing the “road to normal” with our first tour in three years, to Washington, D.C. It was wonderful for our choristers to have four performances, great sight-seeing and the camaraderie that results from spending lots of time together. AND, nobody contracted Covid on the tour or after returning home (as far as I know)! See below for details of the trip!
This year we plan to have our traditional Winter, Broadway and Spring Concerts at the Klein Auditorium. We have contingency plans if necessary, but we hope that the prediction that “Covid will be more like the common cold” will come to fruition.
On behalf of the FCCC staff and Board of Directors, I extend my sincerest thanks to all who supported us in so many ways through our rehearsals, concerts and other activities.
Jon Noyes
Music Director & Founder
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Chorister Profiles - 2022/2023 Seniors!
We have an outstanding group of twenty-five seniors in the FCCC this year, our largest group ever, including thirteen who have been with us since fourth grade! It is always interesting to learn about them, their favorite songs and 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: Anika Amann
Age: 16
School: Brien McMahon High School
Town: Norwalk
Favorite FCCC Song: Veni Emmanuel, Biebl Ave Maria, Bridge Over Troubled Water
Throughout eight whirlwind years in FCCC, I have had the opportunity to go on various trips with the Chamber Singers, sing angelic baroque pieces alongside powerful gospel songs, and even contribute my own lyrics to a new composition, Breaking Dawn, which debuted at Carnegie Hall. It has been an absolute pleasure to enjoy not just these momentous occasions, but each rehearsal spent making music with some of the most talented and inspirational people I know. To have been able to learn from Mr. Noyes and the other conductors, as well as my incredibly talented peers, has been an experience unlike any other. I truly appreciate all that FCCC has done for me, and all of the opportunities I have had which would have been impossible without this choir. Upon reflection, I can definitely say that I’ve had fun being awesome. Thank you to everyone at FCCC- I look forward to this year!
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Name: Zoe Eldredge
Age: 17
School: Fairfield Ludlowe High School
Town: Fairfield
Favorite FCCC Song: Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Go Where I Send Thee, and Sing Me to Heaven
I have been singing since I learned to talk and I have been in love with music since day one. FCCC has been a place where I have been able to grow so much as a singer, and for that I am forever grateful. I didn’t join the choir in 4th grade because I was too scared about singing in front of other people. I thought to be in the choir I would have to do solos, which terrified me at the time. Once I actually joined I began to build up my confidence, so much so that I am now singing as the lead in a musical. I credit Mr. Noyes for teaching me most of the music skills I possess today. Without being in this choir and learning from it, I don’t think I would have been able to achieve the other accomplishments I have made outside of the choir. Sadly, I didn’t join the Chamber Singers until my junior year, but even with little time in the group it has been an amazing experience. I have loved being in this choir and I am going to miss Monday and Wednesday night rehearsals when I go off to college.
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Name: Natalia Godo
Age: 16
School: Fairfield Ludlowe High School
Town: Fairfield
Favorite FCCC Song: Go Where I Send Thee
I will be completing my 9th year in FCCC at the end of my senior year. I cannot believe how fast it has gone by and I am beyond grateful as to how FCCC shaped my life. Being in this choir helped me keep my passion for music alive and it's just so great to be surrounded with people who share that same passion for music. I will never forget the amazing opportunities I have had with this choir including singing at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. FCCC will always hold a special place in my heart and I cannot wait to come back and visit once I am off to college.
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Name: Oluwaseyi Garritano
Age: 17
School: Wilton High School
Town: Wilton, CT
Favorite FCCC Song: Revolting Children, from Matilda The Broadway Musical
I’ve been with FCCC since Fifth Grade. I’ve made some good friends and learned some valuable life lessons. I really enjoy singing and being part of the group. I can’t say enough great things about FCCC!
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Name: Danielle Curis
Age: 16
School: Fairfield Ludlowe High School
Town: Fairfield
Favorite FCCC Song: Go Where I Send Thee, Dome Epais, Wanting Memories
Music has always been a huge part of my life. I’m so glad I joined when I was in 5th grade, and I am truly grateful to everyone in FCCC for expanding my passion for music. It is amazing to see some of the younger kids in Chorus/Chorale, knowing I was there once too. I hope to be a role model for them this year, just like the other seniors were to me for many years. FCCC gave me many opportunities to improve my musical abilities, as well as taught me important life values, such as discipline and hard work. This will be my 6th year in FCCC, and I’m so excited to “have fun being awesome” with everyone in Chamber.
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Name: Margaret Carroll
Age: 17
School: Fairfield Ludlowe High School
Town: Fairfield
Favorite FCCC Song: Go Where I Send Thee, Total Praise, City Called Heaven
When I joined FCCC in 4th grade, I would’ve never thought that it would have made the impact on my life as it did. As a naïve 9-year-old, I walked into the FWMS band room missing my mom and looking around for my friends. A few months prior, Mr. Noyes had visited my music class to tell us about FCCC and I was captivated. “Wow, a cool choir!” I had thought. Flash forward eight or so years, I’m excited for yet another year with FCCC, FCYC and the Chamber Singers. The bonds you make in FCCC are different than any other: you bond over your love for music. Music brings more people together than anything else. I’ve made some of my closest friends in FCCC and I am so grateful to have gotten this amazing opportunity to join a choir that changed my life. If you asked me a few years ago whether or not I enjoyed choir, I would say “yes, but I don’t think I’m getting the most out of it.” And now that has changed. I have broken out of my shell and now think of FCCC as a second home. Congratulations to all the other seniors who have stuck out these eight years with me and those who haven’t but share the same passion for music as I do! And for those younger than me who are doubtful about their capabilities in this choir, I promise you that it is worth it to stick it out: your talent will be recognized.
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Name: Malia Catanesi
Age: 17
School: Fairfield Warde High School
Town: Fairfield
Favorite FCCC song: Will the Circle be Unbroken, Clear Water
Music has always been a big part of my life and joining FCCC in 7th grade helped me become even closer to it. Coming together and connecting with everyone in the FCCC community has been an amazing experience and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have met so many amazing people through FCCC and gained so much growth in my singing and technique. The opportunities and concerts in FCCC have created so many experiences and have helped me learn so much in my singing journey. I would have never thought that I would have such a great community surrounding me and great memories I would be able to look back on in the future. All of the conductors and people involved have made this choir such a memorable and supportive atmosphere I don't think I could find anywhere else. I am so grateful for the things I have learned and excited for what awaits me in the future.
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FCCC Chamber Singers Resume Touring! | |
The Chamber Singers undertook a tour of Washington, D.C. from June 29 to July 3. As you may know, the pandemic kept us from planned tours to France and Belgium in both 2020 and 2021. Touring has been a critically important aspect of the growth of the FCCC Chamber Singers program. The five goals of choir tours are: musical growth, performance opportunities, educational opportunities, social interaction and FUN! Previous tours have included Boston/Cape Cod/Martha’s Vineyard in 2019, California in 2018, Ireland in 2017, New Orleans in 2016, Colorado/Arizona in 2015, Washington, D.C. in 2014, Hawaii in 2013, California in 2012, Canada in 2011, Europe (Vienna, Salzburg & Prague) in 2010, New Orleans in 2009, Pennsylvania in 2008, England/Ireland in 2007, Canada in 2006, Hawaii in 2005, Boston in 2004, California in 2003, Burlington, VT in 2002, New Orleans in 2001, Boston/Plymouth in 2000, Canada in 1999 and Washington, D.C. in 1998.
Highlights of the 2022 tour included concerts in the National Cathedral and the Church of the Epiphany, performing the National Anthem at a Washington Nationals baseball game, visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, various Smithsonian Museums, the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, dinner at the Hard Rock Café and a pizza/pool party at the home of John and Susan Procopio in Old Town Alexandria (grandparents of Norah, a former chorister).
After recently experiencing the phenomenal acoustics of Carnegie Hall, we had an equally incredible experience while performing a 40-minute a cappella concert at the National Cathedral. The sound was crisp and clear, and the echo could be heard brilliantly ringing 301 feet up in the rafters.
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We enjoyed an extensive tour of the U.S. Capitol. | |  |
Dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe was great fun! | | |
Our seniors take a bow after their final concert.! | | |
Rehearsal in our hotel on the night before a big performance. | | |
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Here are some comments from the choristers.
Bridget Reddy (6th grade) said, “I loved spending time with all of the Chamber kids. They are all so nice and fun to be with! We really bonded together as a group and made great memories together. They have always been so welcoming to me and now I feel even closer to them. I loved touring all of the historic places and also shopping with friends in Georgetown. It was so much fun to hang out in the hotel too. I'll never forget singing the National Anthem at the Washington Nationals baseball game - standing on the big field and seeing ourselves on the huge jumbotron. We really sounded great and the fans were really complimentary, which felt great!”
Ella Giudice (8th grade) said, “My favorite memory from the trip was singing at the Church of Epiphany. The building was beautiful and the echoes were amazing! In my opinion that was our best concert on the trip because everyone was enthusiastic, and focused on producing the best sound possible. The concert left everyone on a high note and it was the perfect way to end the tour!
Lindsay Carozza (9th grade) wrote, “I really enjoyed singing at both the National Cathedral and the Church of the Epiphany. I also thought the Holocaust museum and the African American History museum were incredible experiences that I feel everyone should go see. My most favorite thing, though, was singing at the Nationals game and seeing the fireworks because I never thought I would have the chance to sing at a Nationals game! Overall, hanging out with everyone on the bus, at all of the wonderful dinners, and staying in a hotel room with some of my closest friends was super fun and I can’t wait to do it next year!”
Zoe Eldredge (11th grade) shared, “One of my favorite parts of the trip was going to the pool and just getting a chance to hang out and relax as a group. In general, throughout the whole trip I enjoyed getting to know everyone better and talking to people I hadn’t really talked to before.”
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Jon Noyes Memo To Choir Families | |
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This memo was sent to the choir families in June 2022.
Dear FCCC Parents, Alumni & Friends,
With our exciting Carnegie Hall experience now behind us, we have moved on to auditions, the Chamber Singers’ summer tour, and plans for next season. The FCCC Board of Directors met recently to discuss a task that we undertake every year: setting the tuition for the next season. However, the conversation evolved into what may be a major turning point in the future of the choir. The issues include, do we keep tuition as low as possible or do we raise it to cover our expenses? Would higher tuition cause the FCCC to become too exclusive and out of reach for some families? It was decided that we should share the details with you.
At the start of the discussion, some Board members suggested that we raise the tuition by as much as $50 per year. We are projecting a deficit of approximately $25,000 for the 2021 - 2022 season and we will need to generate more revenue.
One Board member did an analysis of the budget and determined, by dividing the annual expenses by the total number of choristers, that each chorister is receiving an average value of $1,015 ($304,458 divided by 300). Other children’s and youth choirs in Connecticut with similar quality programs have a tuition of over $1,200 per year, even at the beginning levels! One Board member’s granddaughter pays nearly $3,000 annually for her children’s choir in another state. Our tuition structure is below.
From the first year of the choir, we have made a concerted effort to be accessible to all families. In addition to relatively low tuition, we have a number of financial aid access programs to assure that all who wish to sing with us (and pass our audition) can have “a musical experience which is challenging, rewarding and enjoyable.”
But we cannot sustain such budget deficits for very long. The decision was made to make a good faith gesture and implement a tuition freeze for next year. We are asking all friends and families to donate to the choir on an annual basis. In addition, we especially need those who are able to consider making substantial gifts.
Over the past few years we have received four donations of between $5,000 and $10,000 from choir families. If we were to receive even five such donations annually, we would not need to increase tuition. The FCCC would remain accessible to all children for years to come! The alternative will be an increase in tuition and the possible exclusion of some of our choristers.
For twenty-seven years, the FCCC has been a place where children of all backgrounds learn from each other and make beautiful music together. Please help us to continue to provide this life-changing experience to our current members and all future young people who deserve the best that Connecticut has to offer!
Thank you!
Jon Noyes
FCCC Tuition 2022 - 2023
Chorus - $395
Chorale - $450
Concert Choir - $590
Chamber Singers - $700
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Fairfield County Children's Choir, a non-profit, is Connecticut's long-established leader in choral music education for young people. Your tax-deductible gift - $25, $100, $500, $1000 or more - will directly fund important programs and projects for the choir. | | |
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MUSIC STAFF
Music Director & Founder - Jon Noyes
Concert Choir Conductor - Jacqueline Sugrue-Tait
Chorale Conductor & Accompanist - Lisa Bettke
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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