FSU's Spring Concerts Showcase Effects of Arts Sustainability

Instead of a “Focus Frostburg” article, I present an article with just as much importance in regards to sustainability. The viability of the Arts is an important part of, not only FSU and education, but the Appalachian community who have rich ties to the arts and music of our heritage.

On May 5, 2017, and May 7, 2017, the Frostburg State University Chorale and The FSU Chamber Singers joined The Cumberland Choral Society in two spectacular 90-minute concerts. They were led by Dr. James Reddan of Frostburg State University, accompanied by Dr. Joseph Yungen, and Judith Brown of the Cumberland Choral Society, accompanied by Laura Godfrey. In total, over 100 members of the three choirs sang in each concert. 

Unlike the many shows for these groups in the past, one piece of music, John Rutter’s Gloria, required the use of an organ. Because the music department does not have such a large instrument, the concert on Friday was moved to Frostburg United Methodist Church on Main Street in Frostburg. Most other years, concerts have been heard in Pealer Recital Hall at the Performing Arts Center on Frostburg’s campus. The concert on Sunday was performed at First Presbyterian Church in Cumberland, home of the Cumberland Choral Society.

At least one familiar face was in the crowd, Alexa Bashaw. Ms. Bashaw is a former member of the University Chorale who is currently interning in the public-school system. Bashaw stated that she attended because she “knew lots of people performing in it, and they were excited about the work they had put into it.” This sentiment of effort was echoed in the minds of those performing. Maddie Sibley and Danielle Garrett of the University Chorale both stressed that "I'll Ay Call in by Yon Town" was the most difficult piece to learn. Among the favorites, the "Alleluia" performed by the University Chorale and the "Gloria" performed by the entire ensemble topped the list between choir and audience members. 

Dr. James Reddan, the conductor for the Frostburg State University Chorale and Chamber Choir, is fairly new to Western Maryland and FSU. When asked about his choice to teach at FSU, he said that he "chose to come to FSU for a few reasons. First, I am a Maryland native and most of my family is here. After being away for 16 years I felt it was time to come back home. Second, it was time for a change where I was teaching before, in a good way. I was ready for a new challenge and to move up to a University level position after completing my doctorate. After interviewing at FSU I felt it was a place I could make a difference." While he has many duties as Assistant Professor of Music, he feels that "the real job a conductor is always to be a teacher. Besides choosing and programming music for performance, a conductor must teach. We must teach the notes, the history, the text, the language, communicate verbally and non-verbally. A conductor must be precise with what they want. A conductor organizes, inspires (hopefully), collaborates, and helps to lead their "team" to create something for the good of the many. We help the musicians to bring the written music to life for the world to enjoy communicating through gesture, sound, and silence."

Dr. Reddan also explained that the main difference between the Chamber Choir and the University Chorale is "the Chamber Singers are an auditioned ensemble. Both are open to all members of the college community. The other difference is that the Chamber Singers perform primarily a cappella music. The expectations musically are the same. Chamber is a smaller group of about 24 while Chorale is a large group for 50 to 60." Cumberland Choral Society is a community, member-based organization with a large group of 30 to 50 members. Many former members of FSU choirs go on to join the Cumberland Choral Society, most recently Mikayla Dodge, Zachary Dodge, and Katie Hendrix. A few members, like Desiree Witt and Laura Godfrey, are also music instructors in the Allegany County Public Schools. 

The choirs performed selections as separate groups and two choices as an ensemble. The University Chorale began their performance with “I’ll Ay Call in by Yon Town,” which featured the tenor section and “My Love’s in Germany,” featuring the alto section, both conducted by Dr. Reddan. These two pieces, part of a collection of “Three Scottish Folk Songs” arranged by Mack Wilberg, featured “piano four hands,” the use of two players on the same piano, by Dr. Joseph Yungen and Dr. Jay Dewire. Following these two songs, Pateley Bongiorni, a student conductor, lead “My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord” arranged by Moses Hogan. Although Dr. Reddan joked that her performance was half of her final exam, Ms. Bongiorni showed no fear as she conducted the choir, in the words of many of the choir members, as if it was her own. Dr. Reddan ended the Chorale’s set with “Alleluia” arranged by Paul Basler from the “Songs of Faith.”

For more information on the University Chorale

The FSU Chamber Singers began with “Cantate Domino” by Hans Leo Hassler, followed by the spiritual “Ain-a That Good News” by William L. Dawson, “Doluri,” the Georgian drum dance by Matchavariani, and “Die Onse Vader,” an Afrikaans setting of the Lord’s Prayer. They ended with “Miniyama Nayo” by Paul Rudoi. 

For more information about The Chamber Singers

The Cumberland Choral Society performed two selections by composer Dan Forrest, including “Alway Something Sings” and “Cantate Canticum Novum.” They concluded with “The Dream Isaiah Saw” by Glenn Rudolph, including organ, brass, and percussion. 

For more information about The Cumberland Choral Society

The ensemble of the three choirs then performed “The Storm Is Passing Over” by Maryland composer and arranger Dr. Barbara Baker and their final piece, John Rutter’s “Gloria” featuring Larry Allen on the organ, the FSU Brass Ensemble, FSU Percussion Ensemble and several soloists.

Photos courtesy of The Cumberland Choral Society. Videos courtesy of Lukas Hammerich.