Singing is one of the greatest joys of being human. Improved health, better social connections and reduced stress are just a few documented benefits of raising our voices in song.
Nobody knows this better than the members of the Franklin County Community Chorus, who will present its annual holiday concert on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 3-5 p.m., at the Greenfield High School auditorium.
The chorus was formed in 2013 by Paul J. Calcari upon his retirement as music director at Greenfield High School. The 60-plus members come from Greenfield and surrounding towns. Many sang under Calcari’s direction when he worked at the high school.
As the singers are gearing up for the big show, six members of the chorus took time to share with Sounds Local what being a member of the Franklin County Community Chorus means to them.
This group is of varying ages and backgrounds, with some having previous experience singing in a chorus and others having never previously sung a note in public. (The chorus does not require previous singing experience and does not require an audition to join.)
Some were inspired to join the chorus after attending one of their concerts, others were introduced by friends, and some were seasoned singers who wanted to be part of a chorus once again. But it was a love of singing that ultimately brought them all together.
And when it came to describing their experience in the chorus, the one word that came up over and over was “welcoming.”
“The sense of care and community in this choir is unparalleled, especially being composed of locals from all over western Mass.,” said Tristan Richter of Easthampton, who had extensive experience in chorus singing before joining this group. “I feel like I have people around me who take interest in me and my life. The age variety here is incredible, as a 25-year-old singing with those well into the second half of their lives, and everywhere in-between. It’s something very few have the pleasure of experiencing.”
Richter’s fellow singers agree that the sense of connection they have gained was a massive plus in their participation.
“I find singing in the Franklin County Community Chorus to be a bright and uplifting experience and a great way to connect with others,” said Julia Johnson of Greenfield. “We hear so much about loneliness being a nationwide problem. Being in the FCC Chorus staves off any loneliness as I look forward to Sunday evenings when we rehearse at the Grange for a couple of hours.”
Julia Dempsey of Warwick agreed.
“What a fun and rewarding way to spend Sunday evenings,” she said.
The chorus members also each appreciate what director Calcari brings to the chorus, agreeing that he is able to help them deliver their best performances while still making for a fun experience. Julia Johnson described the director as a “welcoming and friendly man who is a skilled, patient and inspiring leader.”
“Paul brings a balance of friendly humor and attentiveness to the music and choral sound,” said Brooke Steinhauser of Greenfield.
“I am enjoying the music and Paul’s passion and instruction. I feel that with Paul’s direction, I’ve become a better singer,” said Esther Freni of South Deerfield.
Susan Fitzgerald, who joined the chorus after moving to Greenfield from Portland, Oregon, has great respect for the way the Franklin County Community Chorus operates.
“It’s wonderful to come into a new community and find such a thriving choral scene,” she said. “Franklin County has several choral options, and it really speaks to the outstanding direction under Paul Calcari that so many singers are in their second generation with this group.”
The holiday show, which has become a tradition for many, will feature traditional carols, seasonal songs, hymns and popular favorites. Pianist Timothy H. Rogers will be on hand to accompany the chorus. For several selections, he will be joined by musicians from the chorus and community, adding rhythm, percussion, strings and winds.
“We touch on a wide array of music that both tickles my admiration of complex pieces, as well as allows me to appreciate the more simple and familiar tunes we know and love,” said Richter. “It allows anyone of any background, whether musical or not, to find a place where their voice can be heard. I plan on joining many more seasons with this chorus, and hope my words may inspire anyone to check us out!”
If you are interested in joining the no-audition chorus for the spring season, contact pcalcari@gmail.com.
Perhaps Steinhauser summed it up best: “There’s nothing like making music with your community.”
Tickets for the Community Chorus concert are $15 for adults, and $10 for seniors and children under 12. Cash, check or Venmo accepted. Doors open at 2 p.m.
Holiday music at JingleFest
Holiday music will fill the air on Saturday, Dec. 6 when JingleFest, presented by the Greenfield Recreation Department, takes over downtown Greenfield. The festivities will kick off with various seasonal activities starting on Friday, Dec. 5, and will continue throughout the day on Saturday. Music will play a significant role in the celebration on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with performances scheduled at three locations: the corner of Miles Street, Court Square and the Second Congregational Church.
There will be traditional carols, instrumental pieces and more when artists like the Snapdragons, Música Franklin, The Connecticut River Choir, the Pioneer Valley Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Connecticut River Flute Choir, and so many more come together to spread their holiday cheer.
To view the entire schedule, visit greenfieldrecreation.com/jinglefest.html
Ren Faire Night: Yuletide Edition at Floodwater Brewing Company
There will be a Ren Faire Night at Floodwater Brewing Company in Shelburne Falls on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. This event will be a special Yuletide celebration.
For those not familiar with Ren Faire (Renaissance Faire), it is a celebration of medieval times. Enjoy live music provided by the Ye Olde Merry Tavern Band, featuring a talented trio: Alex Korolov from Cantiga and Trio Mundo on lute, viola da gamba, flute and recorder; Dan Grip on bass and guitar; and Colleen Stanton on violin and nyckelharpa. Grip and Stanton have also worked with Renaissance Faire band Empty Hats.
Stanton of the Hilltown Ham Hocks, who is presenting the event, said that Ye Olde Merry Tavern Band will be mixing in holiday music with Ren Faire standards.
Prepare for an evening filled with merriment, as a Mummers’ troupe will help enhance the festive atmosphere. Costumes are strongly encouraged, so feel free to come dressed as pirates, fairies or any character from the Renaissance era!
Sheryl Hunter is a freelance writer who resides in Easthampton. Her work has appeared in various regional and national publications. She can be reached at Soundslocal@yahoo.com.