OUR STORY
CLEARLAKES CHORALE
In 1982, a community chorus was formed in Wolfeboro, NH, by three area residents, whose intent was to attract people interested in performing serious choral music. The following Fall, the group was named Clearlakes Chorale and membership steadily grew. Our mixed chorus is presently comprised of 60 members from the greater Wolfeboro area.
Clearlakes Chorale became incorporated in 1984, and is a 501 (c)(3) tax–exempt charitable organization. We share a passion for a wide variety of music, both sacred and secular, from many eras.
Often appearing with full orchestra, Clearlakes Chorale performs many large scale works, such as Handel’s oratorio Messiah and Masses of Bach, Mozart, and Stravinsky. Small ensembles from within the chorale sing more intimately-scaled works, including motets of Josquin, Tallis, and Byrd. Under our Conductor Andy Campbell’s baton, Clearlakes Chorale has enjoyed collaboration with the Village Players, Brewster Academy (on two Gilbert and Sullivan operettas), and Mirror Lake Community Church. In celebration of the chorale’s 25th anniversary year, Clearlakes Chorale commissioned two works, a composition from our very own Andy Campbell and another from celebrated Boston composer, Daniel Pinkham.
As a not-for-profit organization, the businesses and individuals who support is through their donations are especially important to us. With this financial support, Clearlakes Chorale is able to provide excellent choral music with our community.
Clearlakes Chorale welcomes anyone interested in choral singing to apply for membership. If you are interested in joining the Chorale, new members are accepted at the beginning of each "semester," in September and January. Interested singers are welcome to check us out during our first practice of each chorale semester. Programs range from popular secular music to more challenging sacred and period pieces. All levels of musical experience are welcome. The chorale does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation/identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
MEET OUR TEAM
ANDY CAMPBELL
Conductor & composer Andy Campbell has dedicated the largest part of his career to helping bridge the chasm between early music & modern audiences. He has done extensive research into English choral music of the Tudor period, focusing on the music of 16th-century composer Thomas Tallis. Highlights of Andy's recordings of this period include the music of William Cornysh for Norton Anthology of Western Music & Tallis' grand motet Salve Intemerata, for which he created a new performing edition.
Andy began his musical training at an early age & had professional engagements as a singer, pianist, & church organist by high school. He holds a bachelor's degree in composition & theory from the University of Lowell & two master's degrees in choral conducting from the Yale School of Music, where he was the recipient of the Phillip Nelson Prize, the Marshall Bartholomew Scholarship, & the Charles Ives Scholarship, all for excellence in chorale conducting. Andy studied conducting at Yale with Marguerite Brooks, Fenno Heath, & Earl Brown. While at Yale, Andy served as conductor of the Yale University Battell Chapel Choir, a 24-voice professional choir, & assistant conductor for the Yale Glee Club & Yale Camerata.
Before coming to Brewster Academy in 1993, Andy served as Director of Chorale Music at the Santa Barbara Conservatory of Music and Arts, the Cate School, & the Vocal Institute of the University of California at Santa Barbara. In the summer of 2002, he served on the voice faculty of the Heifetz International Music Institute, which was in residence at Brewster. He directs a wide range of choral music & has appeared in concert with his choirs throughout the United States & Great Britain.
For several years, Brewster students have sung under Andy's baton in both Clearlakes Chorale & HOWL, which was formed in the fall of 1999 with an eye toward creating a new all-student chorus at Brewster. In HOWL's first year, this new chorus won a silver medal at the 2000 New York Music Festival, & in April 2003, HOWL performed Francis Poulenc's Gloria in NEW York City's Carnegie Hall with John Rutter conducting.
Recent compositions include The Child, a three-movement work for chorus & orchestra, commissioned by Clearlakes Chorale, & a Gloria for chorus & orchestra, a large-scale composition commissioned by St. Katherine Drexel Parish in Alton, NH, & premiered there on July 25, 2015, on the occasion of the church's tenth anniversary.
HOLLY SIMONS
Holly graduated in 1974 from Gordon College in Wenham, MA, with a degree in Music Education & Piano Performance. She deeply enjoyed studying under organists Dr. Rice Nutting, Henry Lowe, & pianists Helen Morgan (NECM) & Fred Broer.
Holly discovered her passion for sacred music at the age of 15 & has consistently served as Minister of Music in many churches throughout the decades. She is currently delighted to serve All Saints Episcopal Church in Wolfeboro, NH, & treasures this church community, especially the dedicated choir members.
A longtime piano & vocal coach, Holly currently trains students of all ages in her “Music For Life” studio at All Saints Community Church.
Holly also loves playing and singing for a variety of events, including weddings, memorial services, nursing homes, private parties, school & community musicals, & of course, groups like the tremendous Clearlakes Chorale. Holly's other passions include biking, hiking, reading, swimming, & most of all, spending time with hubby Ralph, their three adult children (& spouses) & five amazing grandchildren.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President - Ian Whitmore
Vice President - Mike Lymburner
Treasurer - Charles Wilson
Secretary - Laura Cooper
Director at Large - Laura June Raymond
Past President (non-voting member) - Gina Finocchiaro
CONTACT CLEARLAKES CHORALE NH
PO Box 223
Wolfeboro, NH 03894