Students aspire to be members of talented and community-adored Windham Chamber Singers

By Lorraine Glowczak

Within two hours after tickets officially went on sale this past Monday, Oct. 3, the American Family Holiday Concert sold more than 1,000 tickets. This popular annual holiday tradition, locally referred to as AmFam, is performed every year by the Windham Chamber Singers (WCS) and draws in audiences from all over the state and beyond. This highly motivated group of vocalists will again provide two performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Windham High School (WHS) auditorium. Kim Block will host the event, and special guest performers will include Susie Pepper, Daniel Strange, and Ashley Liberty.

The Windham Chamber Singers will once again perform
their popular American Family Holiday Concert on
Saturday, Dec. 3 and tickets are now on sale for that event.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

The WCS are known for winning the Prize of Vienna at the 25th International Youth and Musical Festival in Austria in 1996, as well as being highlighted on national and public television and having performed at major venues, including Carnegie Hall and the White House. As a result, the singers have not only inspired adults with their musical finesse but have motivated youth to be a member of a group known for more than just their ability to harmonize. Many of the current WCS have long waited for the opportunity to perform, along with famous musicians such as Noel Paul Stookey (of Peter, Paul, and Mary) and Dougie MacLean, and to perform once again to sold-out performances of AmFam. A few students share why they dreamed of being a part of such an inspiring group of individuals.

WHS Sophomore Bella Bragdon is a second-year member of the WCS. She had yearned to be a member since she was 7 years old when she was in Windham Primary School (WPS) and was a member of former WPS music teacher Nancy Cash-Cobb’s chorus.

“When the WCS came to sing with us, I knew I wanted to be a part of their group,” she said. “Throughout my childhood, I heard stories about the WCS tour, AmFam, day-to-day rehearsals, and how much fun it is. So, when I signed up to audition in the spring of my eighth-grade year, I wanted to be a part of something normal. The pandemic had taken so much away, and I didn’t want it to take away this too. I was struggling with my mental health and just wanted to have a safe place, free of judgment where I could be myself.”

When Bragdon got the opportunity to audition, she said she was very nervous and didn’t think she would make it. But Bragdon is very happy to have been selected.

Senior Sophie Koutalakis, WCS’ Wardrobe Manager for this season, has been a member of all four high school years. She knew she wanted to try out for the group when she was a student at Windham Middle School (WMS) and saw their performance at a WMS assembly.

“Auditioning had been in the back of my mind at the start of middle school when I was a student there but seeing the Chamber Singers perform ‘Ready for The Storm’ by Dougie MacLean solidified my decision,” Koutalakis said. “I was absolutely blown away, and I knew I wanted to be a part of the group ever since.”

In addition to watching that first performance, there were many other reasons why she longed to be a part of this musical ensemble.

“I am passionate about music, and I knew that being a part of the Windham Chamber Singers would help me work on my music skills while being surrounded by a group of talented, like-minded peers,” she said. “I loved the performance opportunities that come with being a Windham Chamber Singer, and two of my role models were former members. Janelle LoScuito, who I take voice lessons from and is a Chamber Singer alumnus, along with Tony-nominated Robyn Hurder, who I look up to a lot.”
Annaelle Kirezi is a WHS senior, and it is her first year as a WCS member. She was impressed with the WCS skills as performers and knew she wanted the chance to be a part of the energy they exude on the stage.

“The one thing I have discovered is that I am fully myself with this group,” Kirezi said. “I enjoy singing so many good songs with fellow chamber singers, and I especially love when Dr. Nickerson [Director] introduces a piece of music that we all know and like. It’s really fun to see the excitement on

the faces of others, and that makes the experience even more meaningful to me.”

Entering its 35th year, WCS Director Dr. Richard Nickerson, who founded the current group in 1988, shares Kierezi’s excitement.

“It is so inspiring to work with these amazing students and share in their enthusiasm,” he said. “As we get ready for AmFam, we are committed to enjoy the process of preparation as much as the performances. Every layer provides a unique opportunity for learning.”

The WCS will go on their spring tour throughout New England from April 12 to 16, 2023. Not only is it the experience of performance in and travel to other locations that students enjoy, but it is the life-long bonds that are created among its members.

“Being in the Windham Chamber Singers means having a group of people I trust, people who will always encourage one another,” Koutalakis said. “I have so many fun memories from being in this group, but my favorite one so far is when we performed for the Providence Bruins. Not only did I perform in front of a huge crowd, but we got to watch the game afterward, and it was so fun seeing all my friends get so involved with the game. Tour as a whole is such a fun time because we were able to sing in new places as well as solidify our bond.”

Bragdon agreed and said, “I’m thankful every day that I was selected to be among such an amazing group of people. I will be forever grateful.”

For more information or to purchase tickets for the WCS’ American Family Holiday Concert, go to their website at www.windhamchambersingers.com/.

“But hurry, the tickets are running out fast,” Nickerson said. <

Windham Chamber Singers return to live concerts with ‘An American Family Holiday’

The Windham Chamber Singers will perform 'An American
Family Holiday' with shows at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at
Windham HigH School. Tickets are available online at
www.windhamchambersingers.com SUBMITTED PHOTO
   

By Elizabeth Richards

The Windham Chamber Singers are approaching An American Family Holiday (AmFam), their first live concert in two years, with both excitement and a bit of anxiety.

Director of Choral Activities Dr. Richard Nickerson said that preparing for a live concert feels somewhat surreal. “I haven’t really allowed myself to get excited,” he said.  “I’m expecting disappointment, because that’s really what we’ve had in the last two years.”

As it gets closer, he said, the group is beginning to feel more excited and confident that it will, indeed, happen.  “At the same time, we also realize that we’re one outbreak away from having to shut down,” he said.

Members of the Chamber Singers echoed Nickerson’s sentiments when speaking about the upcoming concert.

Vice President Alice Morrison said this year feels very different than previous live concerts.  “We can’t really allow ourselves to get very excited about it because it could go away at any moment,” she said.

Senior Will Searway, stage manager, has experienced two live AmFam concerts as well as a tour.  But this year, he said, he isn’t really feeling anything.  “It doesn’t feel like AmFam is coming,” he said. “But  I know once it’s here, I’ll love it more than ever. It’s just hard to be festive when there’s so much disappointment all the time,” he added.  Still, he said, he’s being optimistic.  “I love this group, and I love what I do, so it’s going to be great regardless.”

Amy Cropper, assistant conductor, said that they thought that by senior year everything would be back to how it used to be.  Still, she said “Regardless of how many limitations we have to put on what our performances are, I know that we will make the best of it,” she said.

The biggest difference this year, Nickerson said, is that both performers and audience members will need to be masked.  Although the programming choices he made may not be as adventurous as in the past, he added, creating the same family event and warm feelings is what is most important for him.  

Another challenge is the potential for last minute quarantine policy requirements that will change the dynamic of the group. “Someone could get a call after dress rehearsal that says they can’t participate,” Nickerson said.

“In an ensemble like ours it’s pretty devastating when we’re missing even one member because each voice really contributes to the sound,” said Secretary Maddie Hancock.  “It’s a little bit nerve wracking to know that someone could be called out on quarantine, and we’ll be performing with a whole new dynamic different from one we’ve ever rehearsed.”

Despite the challenges, the group is excited to be together again and perform for a live audience.  President Lucy Hatch said she is very excited for AmFam, but it’s also a little overwhelming.

Many group members have never done a live AmFam concert, and those who have were very young, Hatch said.  “Jumping into this leadership role is kind of a lot sometimes, but I couldn’t be more excited to make memories with this group.  I love the people, I love what we’re doing, and the connections we’re making that we haven’t been able to make for so long.”

Hancock was a freshman in the 2019-2020 school year.  While participating virtually last year was fun, she said, it wasn’t the same.  “We’re all super close as a group,” she said, “so not only am I excited to experience this I’m excited to experience it with everyone.”

Morrison said, “I know AmFam brings a lot of people joy, not just us. It’s very exciting to be back together and give that joy to people who have been missing it like we have been missing it.”

Cropper said that performance is as much about the audience as the performers. “Not having an audience to receive it while we were away was really difficult,” she said, and sometimes didn’t even really feel like performing. 

Being back with the “cast” of AmFam is also exciting, Hatch said.  There are those who return every year to be a part of the concert, becoming an important part of the memories the group has made together.  “It’s really comforting to know that we’ll be back with them on stage,” Hatch said.

This year the special guest is Chelsea Williams, a former member of the Chamber Singers and 2008 WHS graduate.  Daniel Strange will be the accompanist, and Kim Block will serve as the host.

Making memories is why AmFam was created in the first place, Nickerson said.  This year, as always, the show will include some surprises, including “an epic opening that we’re really excited about,” Nickerson said.

“We are so excited to be back,” Nickerson said.  “I know I speak for [the students] when I say that if we had the choice between doing another virtual concert and doing a live concert with the restrictions we have, we’ll take the live concert any day.”

An American Family Holiday will be performed with shows at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4. The concert often sells out, so purchasing tickets in advance is advised.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.windhamchambersingers.com.  <

Music with a Mission features Kelly Caufield in concert Saturday, Aug. 1

Kelly Caufield will perform
Judy Garland classics virtually
on Saturday, Aug. 1. The live
stream will be available
for 48 hours. SUBMITTED
PHOTO

Singer Kelly Caufield along with pianist Camille Saucier will perform a Judy Garland tribute show at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1 as part of the North Windham Union Church’s Music with a Mission series. 

Best known for her seven previous summer appearances with Broadway and Beyond, Kelly Caufield is a seasoned Maine singer and voice teacher. Thrilled to be back solo this year, she brings you a night of Judy Garland classics from the stage and screen! It will be a free concert (donations encouraged), delivered directly to your living room. 

The concert will be broadcast on YouTube and will be available one-time only on Saturday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m.  A link to the concert will be posted to our website Mwamconcerts.com and the church’s FaceBook page.  If you can’t join them Saturday night, the stream will be free for 48 hours.

The Music of Judy Garland is a selection of songs from Kelly’s one-woman cabaret that she performed many years ago at dozens of venues while on tour in Maine and New Hampshire. Kelly and her pianist, Camille, will engage the audience with their renditions of the songs that Judy made famous. There will be selections from the movies, the musicals and all the mayhem in between. Sprinkled with anecdotes about the famous performer, Kelly’s passion for this music will shine through and take you on a journey back in time.

The Music with a Mission concert series is sponsored by the North Windham Union Church, which donates a portion of the proceeds to area non-profits.  Now in its eighth season, Music with a Mission has provided more than $69,000 for mission support to the church and other community organizations.  Kelly Caufield will once again support Special Olympics Maine with the community proceeds from this concert.

The concert is free, but donations are gladly accepted with a suggested minimum contribution of $10 per person. Donations may be made before, during or after the concert either on-line at mwamconcerts.com or by mailing a check to Music with a Mission c/o NWUC 723 Roosevelt Trail, Windham, ME 04062.

For more information please call 892-6142 or email MWAMconcerts@gmail.com.

RAA to host inaugural artist scholarship fundraiser

Devon and David Young

By Lorraine Glowczak

The Raymond Arts Alliance (RAA) is hosting its inaugural artist scholarship fundraising concert on Saturday, September 7 at 1 p.m. at 163 Raymond Hill Road. The purpose of the concert is to raise funds to support local artists in need.

The concept was inspired by the aspirations of David Young, a local singer/songwriter, Raymond resident and 2017 graduate of Windham High School (WHS). David has performed in clubs for several years and has developed a strong local following. He studied guitar for a year at the University of Southern Maine and now will be moving to Nashville in the first week of November. 

The RAA hopes to donate part of the proceeds raised from this event to help with his move and start his new life, while also seeding a fund to assist others in the future.  David, along with his brother, Devon - a drummer who is a 2019 WHS graduate, is also moving to Nashville and will be performing with David.

Mary-Therese Duffy, RAA Chair, stated that the scholarship program is in the early stages and that the organization hopes to collect enough funds to support all artist and ages.

“For some, perhaps many, it is very challenging to claim the word artist for one’s self, particularly in the beginning. There are numerous cultural barriers to artists fully immersing into their ideas and vision, from simply being recognized in youth to being supported in explorations as young adults,” Duffy said. “Art is not considered a serious contribution to society and to that way of thinking, not a valued pursuit.  Many artists internalize this and believe they shouldn’t or can’t pursue what they truly love; and often, artists don’t know what that is even.  That is only because of the nature of artistic expression itself:  it is a calling, amorphous, often intuitive, looking nothing like a chosen path, never mind a clear one.  This can lead to self-doubt, second guessing, and always putting one’s

artistic process on the back burner.  Connecting to successful artists, having a mentor and the freedom to explore is critical to artistic development.  Few things adequately reflect and express the soul (if you will) of a culture than the arts, and they need to be supported at as many levels as possible.  They are an oxygen, a mirror, a compass and sometimes prophetic; a very needed element within our human collective, indeed.”

David recorded his first song at the age of 14 entitled, “Assassination #16”, a song about Lincoln’s death. He also recorded an album with Devon in 2017. Although music has played a large role in his life, he didn’t always know that music would be the direction he would take. “I didn’t know music was what I wanted to do FOR SURE until maybe a year and a half ago. Dev and I decided about a year ago that we would chase our dreams,” David said.

When asked if he had advice for other aspiring musicians, he admitted that he is still very young himself and does not have much advice to give, but does offer this suggestion: “I will say that if you know what you want to do, chase it! For me, I’d rather struggle to achieve something that I love to do than do something I hate just for the money.”

Other performers for the inaugural scholarship concert will include special guests, Jani Cummings, Dos Canosos (Raul Freyre and Gary Wittner), and The Disclaimers.  The location is. This is an outdoor event, so please bring a folding chair. There is no cover charge, but since this is a benefit, donations are greatly appreciated.

Richard Nickerson Scholarship Concert showcases alumni talent By Elizabeth Richards

Despite snowy weather, the 20^th annual Richard Nickerson Scholarship Concert on Saturday, January 7 was a rousing success, with 13 acts featuring solos, duets or trios, and three numbers by the largest alumni chorus to date.

Not only was this the 20^th anniversary, but the excitement of Dr. Nickerson being recognized as one of 10 national finalists for the Music Educator Award made it a truly special evening.

Energy was high onstage, and the enthusiasm of the audience was apparent throughout the concert, with frequent comments on the talent of the performers overheard.

This anniversary concert drew one third of prior scholarship recipients to the stage, including the very first recipient, Dr. Elisabeth Marshall, who performed the solo in Mozart’s “Laudate Dominum” with the alumni chorus.

Master of ceremonies Kim McBride kept the concert flowing smoothly with witty commentary as she introduced each performer. The acts were well balanced between upbeat and ballads, serious and silly themes. Although performers select their own material the goal each year is to offer a variety of styles, according to producer Janelle LoSciuto. “We do try to balance it out so that there’s a little bit of something for everyone,” she said.

This year’s concert did just that. All of the performances were well done, particularly since some of the alumni no longer perform on a regular basis. Celli Spaulding showed off her considerable talents, which include songwriting, guitar and vocal performance, with a sorrowful original song titled “Hollow Love.” Two songs from the immensely popular “Hamilton” stood out, including a touching rendition of “Dear Theodosia” performed by Jameson McBride and Avery Topel, and a lively rap “My Shot” performed by Kevin MacKaye. Matthew Scala’s animated performance of Andrew Byrne’s “A Contemporary Musical Theater Song” accentuated the silly nature of the song and prompted laughter in the audience at the start of the show.

The alumni chorus had over two dozen participants this year. Listening to their performance, it was hard to believe that they came together for just one rehearsal prior to the day of the concert.

The sound they produced spoke to the talent of Windham High School music alumni and to Dr. Nickerson’s ability to bring a group together through his enthusiastic conducting. The group performed not only the Mozart piece, but a beautiful rendition of “Voyager’s Promise” and an upbeat, toe-tapping, hand-clapping version of “Aquarius (Let the Sunshine In).”

The Richard Nickerson Scholarship fund was started by parents of the Windham Chamber Singers in 1997 in appreciation of Dr. Richard Nickerson, director of choral activities at Windham High School. Each year, a $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who plans to pursue music in some way during his or her college experience. The Richard Nickerson Scholarship Committee has awarded nearly $20,000 in scholarships to 26 graduates, who all continue to be involved with music in their lives.

Putting together the concert was a task that started early this year. “I started in February, knowing it would be the 20^th anniversary, which we wanted to be really special,” LoSciuto said.

She began with an email to all alumni who had received the scholarship, which resulted in a great turnout of recipients. In September, she emailed other alumni to fill out the show, which she said ideally includes about 16 solos, duets or ensembles in addition to the alumni chorus.

Because it was a special year, the choral pieces were selected by Dr. Nickerson this time around.

“Everyone who came, and everyone who is not here, is pulling for him. They all know what an honor it is, and they understand 100 percent why he was selected,” LoSciuto said. The winner of the award will be announced in February.

LoSciuto would like to invite other members of the community to get involved in next year’s show by joining the scholarship committee. In addition, she said, “I want people to mark their calendar for next year. We are always the first Saturday in January. I want that place packed!”