Under the direction of Dr. Carol Nicholeris, professor of music at BSU, the Bridgewater State University Alumni Chamber Choir performed a 25th Anniversary Celebration Spring Concert at the Central Square Congregational Church in Bridgewater. The group performed a selection of songs representing a wide selection of styles and traditions.
The 22-member choir includes both alumni of BSU and residents of the community.
At the conclusion of the two-hour program, two members of the BSU community were honored. Dr. Jacob Liberles, professor emeritus of music, who founded the choir in 1989; and Carol (Tarchara) Perkins, ’85, who served as the first president of the choir, were welcomed as “guests of honor” by Arthur Sharpe, ’78, the group’s current president.
Fred W. Clark, ’83, executive vice president and vice president for external affairs at BSU, spoke at the conclusion of the concert and said, “I join all those present and our alumni everywhere around the world and all of the community members who are part of this very special organization in expressing my heartiest thanks to Jake Liberles and Carol Perkins for having the vision, the energy and the determination to create this outstanding group of highly talented singers a quarter century ago.”
Mr. Clark then joined Mr. Sharpe in presenting gifts to Dr. Liberles and Ms. Perkins in recognition of their work in establishing the choir. He also praised Dr. Nicholeris, who became director of the choir in 2000.
In his introduction to the concert, Mr. Sharpe said,”Our goal is to perform high quality choral music. Although many of the faces have changed over 25 years, the choir has remained true to its roots as an organization composed of BSU alumni and community members singing together.”
The musicians for the performance include several alumni, as well as local residents: Gabrielle Heath, ’09, was the pianist; Nicole Demarais, ‘14, percussionist; David Clemons was another percussionist: Megan Polk, ‘16, performed on the violin; Chris Davis, clarinet; and Jim Donnelly played guitar. (Story and photos by David K. Wilson, ’71, University News)
