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Concert to salute America

Stafford Regional Choral Society celebrates the American experience through folk music, spirituals, show tunes and patriotic works.

Date published: 7/10/2002

By LEE WOOLF

HAS YOUR SUMMER already slipped into a dull routine? Humidity. Heat. Sunburn. Mosquito bites. Did I mention the humidity?

Looking for relief?

Something different?

How about a cool event at air-conditioned Colonial Forge High School that's sure to get your toes tapping and put a song in you heart?

And it's free.

I'm talking about "An American Tapestry." That's the theme of a presentation by the Stafford Regional Choral Society at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.

"As the title suggests, we'll feature accessible American music," said Kevin French, a singer with the society and a member of its board of directors.

"It will be mostly light, fun music, with some spirituals. All the selections will feature American composers or music about America."

About 50 choral society members will take part in the concert, accompanied by an instrumental ensemble of about 15 local musicians. In addition, a new ensemble of about 16 to 20 society members--chosen by audition--will make its debut on Saturday.

Barbara Perry, who teaches chorus at Colonial Forge, is the society's director. She makes the musical selections for the group's concerts in what she describes as a give-and-take process with other board members.

She said Saturday's performance will include several themes within the context of "An American Tapestry."

The concert will open with "The Star-Spangled Banner."

"Next will be a selection of folk songs, spirituals and a medley of three Disney songs as kind of a tribute to an American icon," said Perry. "Then, we'll have a Broadway set, followed by an American opera set."

Perry said the next selection, called "Prospice," was written by Northern Virginia composer David Schear and has never been performed before. She described it as "nontraditional, with very interesting harmonies and rhythms."

Next, will be a patriot set that will begin with a medley of songs by Irving Berlin with instrumental arrangements by Stafford resident Tony Murtha.

And then the chorus will conclude with a tribute to the armed forces by singing the hymns for each branch of the U.S. military.

"We ask the men and women from each military branch to stand and be recognized during their hymn," French said. "It's all very inspiring."

There is no admission charge, but the nonprofit group will welcome donations to its scholarship fund.

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Date published: 7/10/2002