Members: Angela Salcedo (staff),
Courtney King (Chair), Ginger Kousen (Treasurer & Recording Secretary),
Marge Clay, Beth Flynn, Linda Fraleigh, Rosemary Richter, Lois Vinci,
Norma Vaughn, John Kidwell
Our year began with a very successful
Choir Camp August 23-26, 2009. Choristers from the Cantate and Cantabile
Choirs, as well as chaperones attended camp this year at the Singing
Hills Christian Center in Plainfield, New Hampshire - a total of 32
participants. Thanks again were extended to Brian Fisher for driving Big
Blue. Thanks also to Angela Salcedo, Peggy Hartman, Charlene Dann, Jenny
Giguere, Katherine Jalbert, Amy Thompson Jones, Courtney King, and
Judith Pederson for providing a safe and truly rewarding camp experience
for our choristers.
Our Board helped out at Homecoming
Sunday by providing manpower and balloons for this fun and festive
occasion, while registering the many choristers for the musical year.
Our attention then turned to the Music in the Meetinghouse series. We
provided publicity, ushers, and a reception with hosts for the Uncommon
Time (October 3), The Elm City Girl’s Choir (November 14), The
Worthington Trio (February 6), Brian Jones, Organist (March 20), and The
Earl MacDonald Six (May 22) concerts. In addition, the Board hosted the
Pipescreams concert presented by the Hartford Chapter of the American
Guild of Organists (October 30), assisted with the Annual Festival
Service of Lessons & Carols (December 13), and assisted with the Glory
In Springtime production featuring The Vivaldi "Gloria" and a Secular
Program of May and Springtime pieces performed by the Cantate, Cantabile
and Chancel Choirs (April 30). In addition, the Board assisted with the
hosting duties to provide choir receptions for the Chancel and Adult
Handbell Choirs on Thanksgiving Sunday, Christmas Sunday, Palm Sunday
and Easter. The Cantate and Cantabile choirs enjoyed a trip to Boston to
sing festive holiday songs at Faneuil Hall (December 5).
The Music Board was again solely
responsible for the annual "Cookie Walk" on Decemeber 5. The fair
included a Holiday Bazaar with the sale of fresh Christmas wreaths, pet
"cookie" wreaths, handmade kitchen towels, as well as other holiday
items. Proceeds from those sales and the hundreds of cookies sold
provided just over $2200.00 for the special needs of the music programs
at First Church. In addition, the Board participated in a Munson’s candy
fundraiser to help defray the costs of attending Choir Camp and raised
just under $500.00.
The Board plans to award two $1000.00
music scholarships after applications and auditions are completed. The
winners will be chosen and notified by the end of May.
The Board will again participate in
Music Celebration Sunday on May 16, helping Angela to pass out awards to
choir members. We continue to be fortunate and are very grateful to have
Susan Falotico as Director of the Adult Handbell Choir, Peggy Hartman as
Director of the Cherub Choir and the Mallets, and Angela Salcedo,
Director of Music Minstries. Angela oversees all of the music programs
and choirs at First Church, organizes and runs choir camp, directs the
Caroler, Cantate, Cantabile, and Chancel Choirs, including the Quartet.
Angela continues to play the organ and piano during worship services as
well as other occasions.
Respectfully submitted, Courtney King,
Chair
