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14 | THE COLONY NEWS | JULY 2021 | COMMITTEE NEWS By Ron Gentile, 894-6907 Genteel Voices is an 18-member musical ensemble, comprised of 16 singers, a pianist and a percussionist. They are probably best known for their "Music and the Movies" programs. Formed in May 2008, the singers and drummer were volunteers from The Colony Chorus who wished to sing year-round and perform original songs and choral arrangements by Ron Gentile. Also in May 2008, two Colony matchmakers arranged that Ron and Linda Christensen should meet, and it followed that Linda's considerable organist/pianist skills were added to the ensemble. Initially our programs had patriotic, Christmas or other holiday themes (e.g., Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day), but by 2009, in collaboration with Tom Trollan, we began our series on Music and the Movies. Tom had already been conducting a twice-monthly movie night in which he screened classic films and introduced them in the manner of Turner Classic Films on TV. Our collaboration included Tom's introduction of brief clips from six to eight classic films, followed by iconic songs from those films, arranged by Ron for and performed live by Genteel Voices. In January 2020, Genteel Voices performed their twentieth Music and the Movies program with the technical assistance of Diane Frisbee, without whom these programs would be impossible. That program, our second "Celebration of Dance," also featured a live performance by The Colony's own Rockerettes. In total, our repertoire of songs was approaching 200 before the pandemic shut everything down. Genteel Voices is currently rehearsing for its twenty-first Music and the Movies program, which will feature Steven Spielberg/John Williams collaborations on E.T., Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Schindler's List, Close Encounters and Home Alone, pandemic rules permitting. History Of Genteel Voices, A Colony Original By Rita Nastri, 698-8640 My friend just told me the craziest story today. She was told that when construction of The Colony began on this very site, the bulldozers, earthmovers, etc., dug up hundreds, not just a few, but hundreds of old cars. Has anyone heard anything about that? If you have heard of this and can confirm it, or if you have heard other interesting tales or stories about The Colony, please share them with our committee. I received a history of the Genteel Voices from Ron Gentile. He was the first to offer his story to the Outreach to History committee. I invite all our committees to submit a history of your group. This could show the growth of the community as needs evolved. From Social to Sunshine to Dancers to Chorus, etc., have you, as a member of any of our myriad groups, ever asked yourself how and why did we evolve to what we are today? If we put this information together, we can show the amazing growth of The Colony as the number of residents increased. If you have a history that you want to submit, please email it to ritaanastri@gmail.com. The Outreach to History Committee has had our first in- person meeting and have come up with some interesting ideas. We would love to have you join us. You don't need any special skills, and you would be amazed at how much you can contribute. Please call me! OUTREACH TO HISTORY OUTREACH TO HISTORY