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14 | THE COLONY NEWS | APRIL 2023 | OUTREACH TO HISTORY As written by the late Ron Gentile What did the first years of The Colony have in common with the pandemic years of 2020-21? There were no live choral concerts. Until January 1992, that is, when 21 residents answered Helen Miller's call to form a chorus. Each member contributed $2 for music and a folder, and in March they performed a free concert. According to the historical record by Bob Schultz, the first Chorus Treasurer, they advertised free punch, coffee and cookies to attract an audience and were pleased to find the auditorium filled. This tradition continues after each concert. Why a cappella? Because the grand piano had no dolly and could not be moved. However, through a combination of fundraisers and donations, money became available to purchase more music, lumber to build risers (and volunteer builders), and a dolly to move the piano – all in time for a Christmas concert in December 1992. This free concert of international holiday songs featured Donna Bylun's beautiful accompaniment. Residents not only packed the Auditorium but attended a reception where many made contributions as a vote of confidence in their new Chorus. Membership increased to 28 by the Spring of 1993, to 48 by Christmas 1993, and to a high of 67 by 1995. Likewise, professionalism and sophistication of the music increased steadily over those years. Winter programs always included a mix of one or two Hanukkah songs, a few sacred pieces and secular favorites. Each program also featured soloists and small ensembles as well as audience participation. Spring concerts featured a similar variety. Show tunes, folk and pop songs, and patriotic songs were recurrent themes. Under the expert guidance of Director Helen Miller and accompanist Donna Bylun, the Chorus became a valued institution by and for The Colony. Their leadership continued through December 1995, by which time there were two dates for each program. Henry Walther became the second Director beginning with the Spring concert in 1996. Donna Bylun remained as accompanist, and together their expertise continued to attract 60-some singers for two concerts a year. Percussionist Rick Rahn was introduced in 2000 and the programs continued the tradition of exceptional variety in the music chosen. The next few years were a bit more challenging because the Chorus needed to go outside The Colony to recruit Directors and find some new accompanists. Five Directors served during this era, beginning with Marck McKay, who established the position of Assistant Director, appointing John Pennington to the post. John Pennington succeeded Marck McKay, who had the distinction of directing 80 Colony residents. Colony resident Hattie Hedrick was introduced as accompanist, and programs continued at a high sophistication level. Sheila Ryle, recruited from outside The Colony, continued these traditions with Hattie Hedrick as pianist for the next five programs. Then Hattie Hedrick stepped up to be Director, with Colony resident Loretta Woolner (piano) and Rick Rahn (drums) backing up the Chorus. This combination guided the Chorus through nine lovely programs from December 2007 to April 2012, until Hattie died, way too prematurely and unexpectedly on a trip to Europe. Notice, in all the aforementioned how many talented Colony residents have stepped up and not only solved personnel problems, but did so competently and professionally. Our Hidden Talents! Following Hattie's death, Carole Fielding was recruited from outside The Colony to direct the Chorus, and she brought Lynda Salina as accompanist. Under her leadership, the Chorus Board re-created the position of Assistant Director, nominating Ron Gentile to assume the relevant duties [which he maintained until his recent death]. When Carole Fielding suddenly moved out of state after the 2014 Christmas concert, the Chorus Board, under the leadership of Bonnie Graham, President, began a search for a new Director. Meanwhile, Assistant Director Ron Gentile was entrusted with planning and rehearsing for a Spring concert. Fortunately, the search concluded quickly with the appointment of Lorilee Bajema as Artistic Director. When Lorilee and Ron found themselves musically and professionally compatible, they teamed up to co-direct the Spring 2015 concert, along with Lynda Salina and Rick Rahn as accompanists. This team and the Chorus produced 10 programs under Lorilee's leadership and were rehearsing for Spring 2020 when the pandemic shut everything down. Most unfortunately, after two weeks of rehearsal for the long- awaited 2021 Christmas concert, Lorilee was involved in a major automobile accident, requiring multiple operations on her right leg. Ron Gentile stepped in to prepare the Chorus, and Lorilee returned in a wheelchair and leg cast, bravely conducting two successful programs to enthusiastic audiences. From The Past to The Future, the 21 founders of The Colony Chorus probably had many of the same goals and challenges as the current membership of about 50. They needed risers, they needed music and most importantly, they needed dedicated musicians. The early years were relatively informal, without by-laws and minutes of meetings. Under the leadership of President Bonnie Graham, by-laws have been written and the work of the Chorus has been divided into formal committees to coordinate the many facets of producing excellent entertainment for our more than 500 regular attendees at each of our Spring and Christmas concerts. The mission, however, remains as it always has been, now codified in their by-laws. The objectives of The Colony Chorus are "(1) to provide opportunities for Colony residents to experience and perform a wide variety of musical genres, styles, and specific pieces in a non- threatening environment; and (2) to perform this music in concerts each year for their own and for their fellow residents' enjoyment." Our founders should be proud of what they accomplished toward these goals as current members continue the quest. If you've enjoyed this article and those which have appeared on this page in the past, please consider joining the committee. We write articles, scan pictures into our archives and interview Founding Residents. Please call Rita Nastri, 698-8640, for more information. THE COLONY CHORUS, DISCOVERING HIDDEN TALENTS

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