Classic Choral Society lays aside Beethoven for ‘Just Plain Folk' music

Blooming Grove - The Orange County Classic Choral Society will put aside Beethoven and Haydn to celebrates the richness of American music during two performances in September. The first performance of the program, "Just Plain Folk," will be on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 4 p.m. at the United Church of Christ, Route 94 and Old Dominion Road, Blooming Grove. An encore performance will be presented on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 142 Stage Road, Monroe. "Just Plain Folk" focuses on American folk songs: African American spirituals (such as "Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel?" and "Follow the Drinking Gourd"); songs from Appalachia ("The Water is Wide" and "Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair"); and songs which are American by adoption ("Danny Boy" and "Barbara Allen.") The program also celebrates the art of the American arranger, including Aaron Copland, Rene Clausen and Darmon Meader. The 57 singers presenting this program represent 22 different communities. Artistic director is Janiece Kohler, who is also the minister of music at the First Presbyterian Church in Washingtonville and organist at the Blooming Grove United Church of Christ. Featured in this concert are guest artists: Gail Johnson, piano; Gordon Shacklett, piano; Leigh Myers, clarinet; Barbara Reineke, french horn; Elana Myers, cello; and Sharon Sloat, trumpet. Local members of Classic Choral Society include: Ellen Devlin, Ava Stedge, Carol Kellman, Allan Switzer, Bob Pollsen, Linda Snyder, Maureen Kalmbach, Kim-Robert Bremer, Al Bull and Arline Rodstrom. No tickets are necessary, and all performances are free of charge. A free will offering will be collected. For further information, call 928-6462 or 783-6030, e-mail to classicchoral@frontiernet.net, or visit the Web site at www.classicchoralsociety.org.