The quarterly meeting of the Front Range Choral Alliance was held on January 22, 2022. The meeting was coordinated by Wendy White. Also in attendance were Sean Ambrose (Cheyenne Chamber Singers), Larry Fenske and Paddy Shannon (Larimer Chorale), Stephen Lundeen (Laudamus), Amy Resseguie (Rocky Mountain Chamber Singers), Lanie Peltz (Windsor Chamber Chorale), and Kathy Illick (Loveland Choral Society.)
Wendy began the meeting by noting that it was heart-warming to see that all of the represented groups seemed to have survived the Covid pandemic and come out intact. We all agreed that that was pretty amazing and a tribute to the value of choral music.
We then went around the room and shared experiences of our various holiday concerts. Although our groups had different policies around masks and vaccinations, ranging from very strict to none at all, we all noted that our audiences were so grateful for live music again, there was very little push-back to any restrictions imposed. Similarly, most singers were willing to abide by what our organizations had determined were the requirements to sing. Some groups noted that singing while masked was not ideal and required additional amplification while others thought that it really wasn’t a bad experience at all. All of our groups are planning spring concerts and will continue to monitor the county regulations (at least in Larimer County) and make decisions about masks as time goes on. Most of us agreed that requiring vaccinations was very important and necessary to prevent our groups from spreading Covid. The bottom line: Singers want to sing and patrons want to hear live music, so most are willing to put up with whatever our groups decide is necessary.
Sean then mentioned that the Cheyenne Symphony is doing Brahm’s Requiem in the spring, and he asked that we invite any additional singers from our groups who would be able, interested, and willing to drive to Cheyenne to participate. The performance is Sunday, April 23, and Sean asked that we refer any interested singers to him so he can explain what would be required. The concert will also include the university choirs and the Cheyenne Chamber Singers. He is at sean.ambrose@icloud.com
Amy mentioned that RMCS is still looking for a new Artistic Director. They would like to complete this process in early February, so she asked that we forward names of any interested people to her at adresseguie@gmail.com.
Upcoming concerts:
- Larimer Chorale: May 3 and April 2
- Laudamus: April 29
- Rocky Mountain Chamber Singers: April 24 and 29
- Loveland Choral Society: April 29 & 30, May 1
- Windsor Chamber Choral: TBD
Next meeting: May 7, 9:30 to 11:30 at Shepardson Hall
Topics: Future plans, spring concerts
Kathy Illick
Recording secretary