Introducing the Queen Anne's Chorale...

[The Chorale]
[Our Staff]
[Information]

THE QUEEN ANNE'S CHORALE, INC. is a private, non-profit corporation formed for the purpose of providing an opportunity for singers in Queen Anne's County, Maryland, and the surrounding area to learn and perform a variety of choral literature. A Board of Directors governs the organization, oversees its operations and secures volunteers as needed for concert presentations, receptions and fund-raising. The Chorale is supported by member contributions, subscriptions, donations, program advertising and grants from the Maryland State Arts Council, the Queen Anne's County Arts Council, and the United Way. The current annual budget is approximately $25,000. The repertoire of the adult division of the Chorale has ranged from Brahms Requiem to Polenc's Gloria, from folk songs to Broadway musicals.

The concert season extends from September to May with a goal of 3 to 5 concerts per season. There are some performances in the community, such as mini-concerts for organizations which support the Chorale or as part of an outreach effort to the community. The Chorale rehearses on Monday nights at the Centreville United Methodist Church at 608 Church Hill Road in Centreville, MD from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. In general, one rehearsal is held before each major concert at the concert venue.

The Chorale is composed of singers from the ages of sixteen to senior citizen, many of them retirees. In 2005, there were over 50 members although not all perform in every concert. Auditions are not required for acceptance into the organization. Each member is requested to make a contribution of $35 annually to help defray costs. The Chorale supplies each singer with a music folder and music for use during the season; folder and music are collected at the end of each season.

Uniform concert dress is required for performances:

MEN: Black tuxedo OR black suit with white shirt. Both should be worn with black bow tie, cummerbund, black socks, and black dress shoes.

WOMEN: Tailored, sophisticated long, black dress, one or two piece, no slacks. Dress should be opaque, not sheer, and have a modest neckline and long sleeves (no bare arms), banded, hemmed or cuffed but NOT lacy, flouncy or flared. Wear with black dress shoes, flat or low to medium heels, no spikes or chunks, and black hosiery. Earrings are fine but for the sake of uniformity and to minimize distraction for us and the audience, please omit large, chunky or noisy jewelry.

OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Robert Huntington, Artistic Director of the Queen Anne's Chorale Bob Huntington has been with the Queen Anne’s Chorale since 2003. Mr. Huntington brings to the Chorale a wealth of experience in choral conducting and music education. He is a magna cum laude graduate of Towson University and holds a Master’s of Music in Choral Conducting, with distinction, from Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Mr. Huntington has been Director of Music for the Calvary United Methodist Church in Annapolis since 1998 where he directs two choirs and oversees a large and active program. He also is on the Adjunct Faculty of Chesapeake College, Anne Arundel Community College, the Community College of Baltimore County and Towson University. Currently, Bob also presents the “Joy of Musical Discovery” program on a regular basis at various locations on the upper Eastern shore including Londonderry, Symphony Village and William Hill.

Cynthia Bidinotto-Slate , Accompanist for the Queen Anne's Chorale Cynthia Bidinotto-Slate is in her fifth year as Director of Music and Organist at Kent Island United Methodist Church, after having served twelve years in Annapolis at Eastport UMC. She is delighted to be accompanying the Queen Anne's Chorale again this season. She has accompanied the Arundel Vocal Arts Society for several years, teaches piano, and is active as a pianist for local school choruses, soloists, and instrumentalists. Ms. Slate received her Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance at UNC-Chapel Hill, where she also pursued graduate work with Marvin Blickenstaff.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Inspired to hear us? Watch for announcements of upcoming concerts in local papers or check out our concert schedule on this website.

Inspired to join us? Rehearsals for the Queen Anne's Chorale are held on Mondays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Centreville United Methodist Church, beginning with the first Monday after Labor Day and continuing through the spring, with a break over the Christmas Holidays. Although most folks join in September or January, new members are always welcome. We will have an "Open Rehearsal" for those interested in learning more on September 17, 2007 and January 14, 2008.

Need more information? Feel free to contact us at any time.

The Queen Anne's Chorale is funded in part by grants from the Maryland State Arts Council, the Queen Anne's Arts Council, and the United Way of Queen Anne's County, Inc.

Last modified 7/11/2007

www.qachorale.org