The Origin and History of the Livingston County Chorale
On November 12, 1990, a steering committee met with Dr. Marilyn S. Jones to discuss her dream of forming a new choir for singers in Livingston County, with general goals of serving the musical needs of local singers interested in high quality choral music and enriching the lives of county residents. Plans were made to determine the level of interest by having a "get-acquainted rehearsal" on March 25, 1991. The appearance of over 100 enthusiastic singers indicated the need for some further action. Voice placement interviews were set for April, taking place in Brighton, Hartland, Howell, and Pinckney. A total of 102 singers vied for positions in the group, and over 50 were invited to participate in what was to become the Livingston County Chorale.
Many members of the community gave invaluable time, ideas, publicity, and organizational skills to set up a viable enterprise including a Board of Directors, by-laws, budget, incorporation, and tax exempt status. The Board, led by president Earl Downing, met regularly to prepare for the Chorale's initial season. Chorale founder Dr. Marilyn S. Jones was appointed as the first Artistic Director and began rehearsals in mid-September of 1991, with debut concerts presented in December at Brighton and Howell churches.
- 1991 Get-acquainted rehearsal with over 100 singers. Fifty singers were invited to participate in the newly-formed Livingston County Chorale, Dr. Marilyn S. Jones, Founding Artistic Director. First Christmas concerts in Livingston County Memorial Donation program established
- 1992 Spring and Christmas concerts
- 1993 Performed with Ann Arbor Summer Symphony Sponsored first Church Music Symposium
Performed with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Received Livingston Arts Council Award (also 1996) - 1994-95 Combined concert with Windsor Classic Chorale
Sang with Detroit Symphony, Kathie Lee Gifford
Spring Concert with Livingston County Concert Band, Brighton and Howell High School Choirs - 1996 Chorale Ensemble selected from Chorale membership Performances with Detroit Symphony/Neemi Jarvi Cabaret concert "Broadway Comes to Brighton"1997 Spring concert with guest conductor Brazeal Dennard, joined by Hartland and Pinckney High School Choirs
Established vocal scholarship competition - 1998 Formed Women's Chorus, Patti Marshall-Doane, Director Cabaret Concert "Come to the Cabaret"
- 1999 "Double Celebration" with Southfield Madrigal Chorale 2000 Cabaret Concert" 100 Years of Broadway"
- 2001 Tenth Anniversary Concert "A Choral Fantasy" Women's Chorus concert and auction
Children's Choir formed, Elizabeth Patterson, Director - 2002 Children's Choir Director, Kelli Falls
"Ladies First" selected from Women's Chorus
Women's Chorus performs with U of M Women's Glee Club Cabaret Concert "Cabaret Americana" - 2003 Chorale Collage at Brighton Center for Performing Arts Chorale partners with Midland Camerata for two concerts Women's Chorus fall concert, "Our Favorite Things"
- 2004 Women's Chorus and Measure for Measure concert Children's Choir with Battle Creek Children's Choir Chorale Cabaret Concert "Music from the Movies"
- 2005 Women's Chorus presented its first Musical Revue. Women's Chorus per formed together with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Measure for Measure.
- 2006 The Chorale collaborated with the Carolyn Mawby Choir in joint concerts. Women's Chorus performed benefit concert with Measure for Measure.
- 2007 The Chorale and Children's Choir performed "Carmina Burana" with percussion and duo-piano accompaniment, soloists and community singers.
Chorale Cabaret Concerts: 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006
Mission Statement
Founded in 1991, the Livingston County Chorale has established as its mission:
- • to enrich the lives of area residents through varied, enjoyable choral performances
• to fulfill the musical needs of singers interested in high quality choral music
• to provide educational and outreach opportunities in vocal music
• to provide an opportunity for the community to support cultural activities