CLEARLAKES CHORALE HISTORY.

Written by Bruce McCracken with help from many others. Published May 7, 2024 Corrections and additions are welcome.

 

In the spring of 1982, Bruce McCracken, the founder of what was to become Clearlakes Chorale, inspired by a letter to the Granite State News lamenting the fact that there were no public singing groups in Wolfeboro, picked up a spiral notebook and began calling people he knew. Do you like to sing? Would you like to be in a singing group? Do you know someone who could direct and accompany such a group? Thus about 40 people gathered in the music room of Kingswood Regional High School under the direction of Ted Hewitt. Betty Hewitt was accompanist. Membership decreased to about 15 by the end of the season. Rehearsals were held in the Music Room of Kingswood Regional High School. Upon the resignation of Ted and Betty Hewitt in June, 1982, Carol Bly, Bruce McCracken, and Virgil Griffin met to set the future course of the group. Since it attracted people from all over this part of the state and even Maine, where clear lakes are a common feature, Clearlakes Chorale was chosen as the name of the group. Virgil Griffin became the director of Clearlakes in the Fall of 1982. Under his leadership the chorale informally sang a wide variety of music in many venues throughout the Lakes Region and performed more formal winter and spring “concerts”. Membership began to increase.

 

1982 - 1983: Bruce McCracken was the unofficial head of the Chorale. Virgil Griffin was the director. Cathy Marker was the accompanist. The Chorale rehearsed in the music room of the High School and continued to perform informally around the Lakes Region

 

1983 - 1984: Bruce McCracken continued as unofficial head of the group. Virgil Griffin was the director. Cathy Marker was the accompanist. Clearlakes Chorale continued to rehearse and sing informally in Wolfeboro and around the Lakes Region; almost anywhere that they would have an audience.

 

1984 - 1985: Jean Rowley was elected the Chorale’s first official president. Virgil Griffin was the director. Under Rowley’s leadership by-laws were written and Clearlakes Chorale became incorporated, ensuring it would be self perpetuating. Cathy Marker was the accompanist. In December the Chorale sang its first paid engagement: Christmas carols at the Mill Falls Marketplace in Meredith. The Chorale also participated in First Night in Concord. The Chorale continued singing informal concerts in the area. Rehearsals were in the music room of Kingswood Regional High School.

 

1985 - 1986: Jean Rowley was President. Sue Long was the director. Cathy Marker was the accompanist. The winter concert was the first formal Christmas concert which was held at the First Congregational Church in Wolfeboro. Barbara Jackson and Carol Bense were soloists. Rehearsals were in the music room of Kingswood Regional High School. The spring concert included a wide variety of songs including sacred, spiritual, musical and, popular. Cathy Marker composed, “Coming Home”, which she performed on the piano. The concert was held at the First Congregational Church in Wolfeboro. Rehearsals were in the music room of Kingswood Regional High School.

 

1986 -1987: Officers were: President: Becky Swaffield, Vice President: Peter Oaks, Treasurer: Corky Mork. Secretary: Beverly Goodrich. Sue Long was the director. The winter concert included a variety of Christmas songs. The First Congregational Church of Wolfeboro handbell choir provided pre-concert music. Donna McBurney performed a handbell solo and Cathy Marker a piano solo. Instrumentalists were Cathy Marker, Becky Swaffield, Bill Swaffield, Corky Mork, and Ginny Hahn. The spring concert featured Randall Thompson’s “Frostiana,” a musical enhancement of Robert Frost poems followed by a variety of songs. Admission was one dollar. Membership grew to more than 40.

 

1987-1988: Officers were: President: Peter Oaks, Vice President: Stephanie Marsh, Treasurer: Rosemary Flynn. Secretary: Gwen Bierweiler. Donald Gedney was director. Cathy Marker was the accompanist. The Winter concert featured Christmas carols and seasonal songs. The handbell choir of the First Congregational Church, Wolfeboro opened the second part of the concert. The winter concert was held at All Saints Episcopal Church. Rehearsals were held in the music room of Kingswood Regional Middle School. The spring concert was an eclectic program including a spiritual, madrigal, hymn, Chopin nocturne, and Broadway music. Robin MacDonald, Peter Oakes, and Judy Warner were soloists. An ensemble composed of Carol Bense, Rosemary Flynn, Candy Sharp, Lisa Simons, Dan Charlton, Wayne Gehman, Spencer Jackson, and Peter Oakes sang When the Red, Red, Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin’ Along . Donna McBurney and Katie Roark performed a handbell duet accompanied by Wayne Gehman. The Spring 1988 concert was at All Saints Episcopal Church. Rehearsals were held in the music room of Kingswood Regional Middle School.

 

1988-1989: Officers were: President: Stefanie Marsh, Vice President: Marcia Barton, Treasurer: Spencer Jackson. Secretary: Sandra Troendle. Donald Gedney was the director. Cathy Marker/Lloyd Gonya were the accompanists. Soloists included Marcia Barton, Robin MacDonald, Bruce McCracken, and Harrison Moore, with Glenn DePine and Wayne Gehman on trumpets and Don Brooks and Phil Mork on trombone. The winter concert was held at Kingswood Regional High School. Rehearsals were held in the music room of Kingswood Regional Middle School. The program included a combination of sacred and secular songs. Soloists were Macia Barton, Donald Gedney, Robin MacDonald, Judi Warner, and Peter Oakes. The Guest percussionist was Bill Swaffield. Program advertising was begun for the first time. Clearlakes performed three 1989 spring concerts: at Geneva Point in Moultonboro, at Moultonborough Academy, and at Kingswood Regional High School.

 

1989 -1990: President: Stephanie Marsh, Vice President: Marcia Barton, Treasurer: Spencer Jackson. Secretary: Sandra Troendle, Donald Gedney was the director. Lloyd Gonyea and Cathy Marker were the accompanists. The winter concert combined the efforts of The Wolfeboro Village Band (Sandra Wentworth, director), Clearlakes Chorale and The Clearlakes Ensemble (Marcia Barton, Carol Bense, Gretta Smith, Sandra Troendle, Rosemary Archtander, Milton Argeriou, Alan McBruney, Harrison Moore Paul Kuehn, Donna McBurney, Judi Ouelette, Jean Rowley, Dan Charlton, Corky Mork, and Peter Oakes), both directed by Donald Gedney. Accompanist was Lloyd Gonya. Cathy Marker was guest accompanist. The concert featured 23 carols and seasonal songs. Rehearsals were held in the music room of Kingswood Regional Middle School. In the spring of 1990 Clearlakes participated in the Gilman Concert Series performing at the Alton Central School. Donald Gedney directed and Lloyd Gonya accompanied. No One’s Perfect was directed by concertmaster Peter Oakes.

 

1990 - 1991: President: Judi Ouellette, Vice President: Jim McMaster, Treasurer: Spencer Jackson. Secretary: Donna McBurney. Scott Lounsbury, a music educator at Gilford Middle School, was the director who began a seven year service. Under his leadership, the Chorale increased in numbers and rose to an even higher level of musicianship. Lloyd Gonya was the accompanist. The winter concert consisted of the Christmas Cantata by Daniel Pinkham and a variety of seasonal songs. The audience was invited to sing along to five Christmas carols. During the 1990-1991 season Clearlakes Chorale performed in Moultonboro, Gilford, Meredith, and Wolfeboro as well as in nursing homes and hospitals. Rehearsals were held in the music room of Kingswood Regional Middle School.

 

1991 - 1992: Jim McMaster was President. Vice President: Diane Ducret, Treasurer: Jim Hulm. Secretary: Donna McBurney. Scott Lounsbury was the director. Cathy Marker was the accompanist. Clearlakes Chorale continued to perform full concerts in towns around the Lakes Region, including Franklin, Moultonboro, and Wolfeboro. For the winter concert a variety of sacred and secular pieces were performed under the headings: Originals and Arrangements from Modern Britain, From New England, of Early and Late, The Continent, Old and New Chestnuts (Roasting on an Open Fire?), and Dessert (the Christmas Sing-a-Long). Rehearsals were at Kingswood Regional Middle School. The spring 1992 concert included songs under the headings: An EclecticAssortment of Sacred and Secular Music and Old Friends including Broadway hits. Scott Lounsbury directed and Cathy Marker accompanied. Rehearsals were held at Kingswood Regional Middle School and Wolfeboro performances  were at All Saints Episopal Church. Clearlakes Chorale was selected to participate with 14 other choral groups in a nationally distributed recording of patriotic songs entitled Sounds of America.
 

1992 - 1993: Diane Ducret was President. Vice President: Marcia Barton, Treasurer: Jim Hulm. Secretary: Donna McBurney. Scott Lounsbury was the director. Cathy Marker was the accompanist. The year saw Clearlakes giving a series of fall “mini-concerts” in and around the Lakes Region to introduce others to the Chorale. Dr. Robert Russell, Choral Director for the University of Southern Maine gave a vocal clinic during one of the fall rehearsals. The winter concert featured traditional Christmas music. Under the headings Classics...Old and New and “Classics” , New and even Newer”. The concert concluded with the Carol Sing-a-Long. Soloists were Rosemary Lounsbury, Marcia Barton, Diane Guerriere, Patricia Eischen, and Carol Bense. Rehearsals were in the choir room of All Saints Epsicopal Church. The Spring 1993 concert featured American composers including Aaron Copeland, Randall Thompson, Cole Porter, Rodgers   and Hammerstein and others. Scott Lounsbury directed and Cathy Marker accompanied.
 

1993 - 1994: Marcia Barton was President. Vice President: Carol Light, Treasurer: Jim Hulm. Secretary: Rosemary Lounsbury. Scott Lounsbury was the director. Cathy Marker was the accompanist. Rehearsals and concerts were held at All Saints Episcopal Church. The winter concert included fifteen Christmas carols and seasonal songs followed by the traditional sing-a-long. Soloists were Marcia Barton, Collin Drinjak, Wayne Gehman, Jim Hulm, Rosemary Lounsbury, Paula Kuehn, Carol Light, Peter Oakes, and Candy Sharp. The 1994 spring concert included classic music as well as music from the
“Golden Age of Broadway” and Twentiana; songs from the Roaring Twenties. Soloists were Patricia Eischen, Carol Bense, Susan Caesar, Lori Chapdelaine, and Carol Light.

 

1994 - 1995: Carol Light was President. Vice President: Julie Hunt, Treasurer: Edith Hall. Secretary: Rosemary Lounsbury. Scott Lounsbury was the director. Cathy Marker was the accompanist. The winter concert included some winter songs along with the traditional Christmas fare. Notable was the singing of four choruses from Handel's Messiah. Again the Chorale rehearsed and performed at All Saints Episcobal Church
under the direction of Scott Lounsbury and accompanied by Cathy Marker. No record foundof the spring session yet.
 

1995 - 1996: Michael Wilkes was President. Vice President: Jennifer Caldwell Treasurer: Julie Hunt. Secretary: Linda Williams. Scott Lounsbury was the director. Cathy Marker was the accompanist. For the winter concert, the Chorale sang under the direction of Scott Lounsbury with Cathy Marker accompanist. Fifteen carols and songs were performed from a range of eras. Soloists were Marcia Barton, Carol Bense, Pete Caesar,, and Carol Light. The concert concluded with an extended carol sing-a-long. The 1995 spring concert included music from the “Classical World”, African-American spirituals, songs from New York City’s stages and tunes from the Magic Kingdom of Walt Disney. All Saints Church once again provided rehearsal and
performance space.
 

1996 - 1997: Michael Wilkes was president. Vice President: Jennifer Caldwell, Treasurer: Julie Hunt. Secretary: Linda Williams. Scott Lounsbury was the director. Cathy Marker was the accompanist. The winter concert offered a departure from previous concerts with emphasis on a much longer work: Handel’s Messiah. Excerpts were taken mostly from the Christmas part with a few from the Easter part. The second part of the concert featured a few Christmas songs. Soloists performing with the chorus were: David Riel, Denise Doran, Diane Guerriere, Paul Lang, Carol Bense, Marcia Barton, Amy Kimball, and Janet Patterson. To accommodate a large audience, the concert was held in the Kingswood Regional High School auditorium. The concert was directed by Scott Lounsbury who had served Clearlakes Chorale faithfully for seven years and accompanied by Cathy Marker and the Lakes  Music Festival Chamber Orchestra. Rehearsal space was made available by All Saints Episcopal Church. The Spring concert began with J.S Bach’s Gottes Zeit ist die Allerbeste Zeit sung by the Clearlakes Chamber Singers; Dan Charlton, Bob Cluett, Pat Eischen, WayneGehman, Barbara Jackson, Paula Kuehn, Suzie McCarthy, Bruce McCracken, BobSchneider, Hilary Smith, and Paul Winkler. Other included works were by Barber and
Diemer. The Faure Requiem, which was dedicated to the late Don Gedney; directorfrom 1986-1990, finished the program.

 

Andy Campbell assumed the Clearlakes Chorale directorship and Cathy Marker continued to accompany along with a concert guest orchestra comprised of Bo Li, Kate Kayaian, Vicky Myers, Brian Gardell, Doug Norris,John Tyson, Miyuki Tsurutani, Larry Blaine, Augusto Dalazar, Nikola Babic, Laza Scriggins, Will Hurd, and Isaac Levine.. Rehearsals were held at the Latter Day Saints Chapel of Wolfeboro.
 

1997 - 1998: John Sandeen was president. Vice President: John Peterson, Treasurer: Dean Richardson. Secretary: Linda Williams. Andy Campbell was the director. Sandy Wentworth was the accompanist. The season began with the traditional Christmas concert followed closely by the chorale’s participation in First Night Wolfeboro 1998.  Both events were held at All Saints Episcopal Church. The first part of the program included A Ceremony of Carols, eight songs sung by the Winnipesaukee Youth Chorale under the direction of Kit Peterson and accompanied by Amy Jones. The second part was; A trio of Carols from Britain, Three Songs of Winter, and five Good Old Fashioned Carols. Soloists included Hilary Smith, Katie Thornton, Laurie Southworth, and Janet Patterson. Instrumentalists were Emily Halpern Lewis, Sandy Wentworth, Fred Bender, Christopher Norse,, and Hilary Smith. The Chorale continued the tradition of singing carols at the Mill falls Marketplace in Meredith. The 1998 spring concert began with Cathy Marker on organ playing Ralph Waughn Wiliams’ Rhosymedre. The remaining concert consisted of short pieces under the headings: Songs from the Wood, In the Cheerful Spring, Sacred and Profane, and Four Songs of Randall Thompson. Rehearsals were held at the Latter Day SaintsChapel in Wolfeboro and concerts were held at All Saints Episcopal Church. On May 16th Clearlakes Chorale participated in a Pemigewasset Choral Society’s 25th anniversary celebration in Plymouth. Several choruses from around the state were invited to sing that day.
 

1998 - 1999: John Sandeen was president. Vice President: John Peterson, Treasurer: Dean Richardson. Secretary: Linda Williams. Andy Campbell was the director. Cathy Marker was the accompanist. The December concert began with Carols of the Americas, a selection of nine American carols after which the Chorale sang Antonio Vivaldi”s Gloria. Soloists were Patricia Eischen, Kathryn Peterson, and Marcia Schneider The traditional carol sing with the audience concluded the program. The concert was dedicated to the late Elaine Bullard, a loyal supporter of Clearlakes
Chorale. Spring concert featured Opera and Operetta choruses. The first part included ten choruses from Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore. The second part included opera choruses by Mozart, Purcell, Handel, Wagner, Verdi, Puccini, and Bizet. Soloists included Erin Doyan, Pat Eischen, and Barbara Jackson. Andy Campbell directed and Cathy Marker accompanied. The Chorale also served as a pit chorus for the joint Village Players, Brewster Academy, and Clearlakes Chorale production of H.M.S. Pinafore. Rehearsals were held at the Latter Day Saints Chapel of Wolfeboro and concerts were held at All Saints Episcopal Church.
 

1999 - 2000: John Sandeen was president. Vice President: John Sandeen, Treasurer: Headley White. Secretary: Susan Brown. Andy Campbell was the director. Cathy Marker was the accompanist.. The season began with the December concert with the first part featuring three Renaissance settings of Ave Maria followed by polychoral motets of Gabrielle and concluding with Renaissance motets by Costtely, Praetorious, and Morley. Accompaniment, in part, was by a double brass quintet. The second part included five carols from “Jolly Old England" and a Christmas Cantata by Daniel Pinkham. The concert concluded with the traditional carol sing with the audience. The spring concert featured works of J.S. Bach including the Kyrie and Gloria
from Missa of 1773 and Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major parts 1,2,3. Eight shorter Back pieces rounded out the program. Soloists were Pat Eischen, Barbara Jackson, Martin Kelly, Gretchen Klaubert, Laura Southworth, and Don Wilkinson. Andy Campbell directed and Cathy Marker accompanied. The Chorale was accompanied by a 25 piece orchestra. Rehearsals were held at Brewster Academy of Wolfeboro and concerts were held at Kingswood Regional High School and the Immaculate Conception Church in Portsmouth.
 

2000 - 2001: Fred Bender was president. Vice president: John Peterson, Treasurer: Headley White. Dianne Monahan. Andy Campbell was the director. Diana Kirkpatrick was the accompanist. The first part of the winter concert titled, “Home for the Holidays”, included earlier era popular Christmas songs with Jim Butka o n piano, John Hunter on bass, and Ken Clark on drums. The second part were more recently composed pieces including A Charlie Brown Christmas, Let it snow, Jingle Bells and All that Jazz, and more. The audience participated in the traditional carol sing at the end of the concert. The spring concert was a joint effort between Clearlakes Chorale and The Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra. First the orchestra performed Mozart’s Symphony #35 K385 conducted by Benjamin Greene followed by the Chorale singing a number of classical pieces accompanied by Dianna Kirkpatrick. The second part of the concert featured both groups performing Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus and Missa Brevis in D, K194. Soloists were Kit Peterson, Erin Doyon, Starr Hope, Marcia Schneider, Frances Lipe, Bob Schneider, and Scott Apgar. Andy Campbell conducted. Rehearsals were held at All Saints Episcopal Church, and Brewster Academy. The concert was held at Kingswood Regional High School
 

2001 - 2002: Bruce McCracken was president. Vice President: Barbara Jackson, Treasurer: Headley White, Secretary: Dianne Monahan. Andy Campbell was the director. Diana Kirkpatrick was the accompanist. The season began in December with the Chorale singing “Noel!, A French Christmas”, including Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit pour Noel” followed by eleven Christmas songs and carols. Rehearsals were held at Brewster Academy. Concerts were held at All Saints Episcopal Church and the Chorale also sang at the Festival of Trees at the Wright Museum in Wolfeboro. The spring concert sang a concert titled, In the “Romantik Mood” including a combination of German part songs, and familiar American tunes from the Golden Age of Broadway and the Screen. Andy Campbell conducted and Diana Kirkpatrick accompanied. Rehearsals were held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, All Saints Episcopal Church, and Brewster Academy.

2002 - 2003: Bruce McCracken was president. Vice President: Barbara Jackson, Treasurer: Headley White. Secretary: Dianne Monahan, Andy Campbell was the director. Diana Kirkpatrick was the accompanist. The December concert featured Poulenc’s Gloria followed by a variety of carols including Longfellow’s Carol, The Infant King, Jesus Child Come!, We are off to Bethlehem, Judah Lulajze, Jezuniu, and others. Jenny Cooper sang the soprano solo  in the Gloria. A carol sing-along concluded the concert. The spring concert consisted of Motets, Madrigals and a Stravinsky Mass, Rehearsals were held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, All Saints Episcopal Church, and Brewster Academy. The performances were at All Saints Church in Wolfeboro.
 

2003 - 2004: Bruce McCracken was president. Vice President: John Sims, Treasurer: Headley White, Secretary: ?. Andy Campbell was the director. Diana Kirkpatrick was the accompanist. The winter concert included 37 choruses, solos and recitatives from Handel’s Messiah. Rehearsals were held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In the spring Clearlakes Chorale Joined the Village Players and Brewster Academy in a production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s, Pirates of Penzance. Some Clearlakes Chorale members were in the cast and others formed a pit chorus.
 

2004 - 2005: Bruce McCracken was president. Andy Campbell was the director. Vice President: John Simms, Treasurer: Headley White, Secretary: Linda Matchett. Diana Kirkpatrick was the accompanist. The program opened with a semi-chorus drawn from the Chorale who sang Wexford Carol, Out of Your Sleep, Gloria in Excelsis followed by an organ solo by Dianna Kirkpatrick. Then Epistle Sonatas by Mozart were performed
by Chris Nourse and Bozena O’Brien on violin and Douglas Kendal on cello. Haydn’s: Kleineorgelmasse, Glenna Heath-Roberts solo, rounded out the first part of the concert. Eight carols and songs were sung in the second part followed by the carol sing-along. Rehearsals were held at Brewster Academy The 2005 spring concert included Beethoven’s Mass in C with Anne Bullitt, David Campbell, and Kit Peterson, soloists, Britten’s “Rejoice in the Lamb”, Mozart’s “Laudate Dominum” and Hayden’s” The Heavens are Telling”, songs performed by a chamber choir; Soloist was Ben Sigler followed by five songs by the full chorus including, Ode to Spring, composed by Chorale member, Barry Lockard. The concerts were held at All
Saints Episcobal Church and The Wakefield Opera House.
 

2005 - 2006: Bruce McCracken was president. Andy Campbell was the director. Vice President: John Simms, Treasurer: Headley White, Secretary: Linda Matchett. Diana Kirkpatrick was the accompanist. The December concert began titled: Weihnachten: a German Christmas included J.S Bach: Uns ist ein Kind geboren, Buxtehude: Das neugebor’ne Kindelein and other favorite Christmas music from Germany and Austria. Soloists were Paul Winkler, Robert Shockley, and Anne Bullitt. The second half of the concert opened with three carols sung by the Wolfeboro Youth Chorus directed by Andy Campbell. Afterwards the Chorale sang a set of popular German Christmas carols. The audience was invited to sing along with any that were printed in the program.The Chorale was accompanied by a nine piece orchestra including Diana Kirkpatrick on organ and harpsichord. Rehearsals were held at Brewster Academy. Performances were at All Saints Episcopal Church. The spring concert was a celebration of Mozart’s 250th birthday. Among other pieces sung were: Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, Ave Verum Corpus, Missa Brevis in D Major, Regina Coeli, Voyager’s Chorus from Idomeneo, Priest’ Chorus from The Magic Flute, and Jubilate. Soloists were Jane Cormier, Allison Messier, Anne Bullitt, Suzie McCarthy, Kit Peterson, Barbara Itchkavitch, Fran Lipe, Barry Lockard, Linda Matchett, Robert Shockley, Pete Caesar, Derek Fletcher, Wes Matchett, and Eric Reusche. Joining the Chorale were The Brewster Academy Chamber Orchestra and Brewster’s Howl. Performances were at Brewster’s performing arts center, now known as Anderson Hall. Andy Campell conducted and Dianna Kirkpatrick accompanied.
 

2006 - 2007: Bruce McCracken was president. Andy Campbell was the director. Vice President: John Simms, Treasurer: Headley White, Secretary: Linda Matchett. Diana Kirkpatrick was the accompanist.. The December concert called, “A Radiant Christmas” consisting of twelve short pieces by J.S. Bach including Bach’s, Magnificat and a “10 carols form Victorian England. Rehearsals were held at Brewster Academy. Soloists were:sop. Jane Cormier, sop. Chelsea Basler, ten. Ryan Turner, bass Thomas Jones. Spring brought Clearlakes Chorale’s 25th anniversary concert, “Twenty Five Years of Great Choral Music'' including pieces that Clearlakes had performed in earlier years. Scott Lounsbury, a faithful former Clearlakes Chorale director, returned to direct one of the pieces. The first part of the concert consisted of ten choruses mostly from great 18th and 19th century composers. The second part of the concert featured music from the 20th and 21st centuries. Highlights were two Clearlakes Chorale commissioned pieces that Daniel Pinkham composed specifically for the Chorale. Reflecting the Chorale’s mountain and lakeside location, they were titled, The Mountains Stood in Haze and Nature Praises God. The Chorale had looked forward to his attendance when the Chorale premiered his pieces but, sadly, he passed away before the performance date. Upon the Board’s insistence Andy Campbell also composed three Clearlakes Chorale commissioned pieces: O Burning Mountain, The Lord to Me a Shepherd Is, and Laughing Song. Rehearsals were held at Brewster Academy The concert was held in Anderson Hall.
 

2007-2008: Lynn Hinchee was president. Andy Campbell was the director, Vice President: Ellie Snell, Treasurer: Headley White, Secretary: Linda Matchett. Nancy Farris was the accompanist. Clearlakes Chorale along with the The Bristol Chamber Orchestra from the Boston area performed Handel’s Messiah sung by area for the December concert. Nancy Farris accompanied the orchestra during the concert. Soloists were Chelsea Basler, Allison Messier, Matthew Anderson, and Thomas Jones. The concert was held at St. Katherine Drexel Church. The spring 2008 concert was cancelled.
 

2008-2009: Jim O’Rourke was president. Andy Campbell was the director for the winter concert, Toby Twining guest conductor for the spring concert. Nancy Farris was the accompanist. Vice President: Ellie Snell, Treasurer: Headley White, Secretary: Linda Matchett.  Clearlakes Chorale presented an ”IChristmas in Italy”. The first part included Corelli’s Concerto Grosso in G minor and Vivaldi’s Gloria. The second part featured Italian Christmas carols. Soloists were Maria Ferrante, Chelsea Basler, Emily Marvosh, and Andy Campbell. The orchestra consisted of musicians from the Boston area and
Nancy Farris on harpsichord. The concert was performed at St. Katharine Drexel Church. In the spring Clearlakes presented, “In the Beginning”- American Choral works on Creation, Spring, and Love under the direction of guest conductor, Toby Twining. Works by Aaron Copland, Amy Beach, Virgil Thompson, Stephen Foster, George Gershwin, Edward MacDowell, and William billings were sung. Soloists were Pamel Dellal, Michelle Dodge, Andy Campbell, and John Spring. The concert was at All Saints Episcopal Church.
 

2009 - 2010: Blair Moffett was president. Andy Campbell was the Director, Vice President: Linda Matchett, Treasurer: Headley White, Secretary: Denise Doran. Nancy Farris was the accompanist. Clearlakes Chorale presented “What Sweeter Music - an English Christmas for its December concert. The program included Andy Campbell's A Tangle of English Carols and Three Ancient Christmas Carols arranged by Campbell, Fantasia on Greensleeves by Ralph Vaughn Williams, Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, plus 12 Christmas Carols. Susan Consoli and Michelle Dodge were soloists.  Singers were accompanied by a twenty piece orchestra. The concert was held at St. Katharine Drexel church. In the spring Clearlakes presented: “England, Sacred and Profane”. Twenty-one English sacred and secular songs spanning the centuries were performed. In addition to the full chorus, women’s chorus and men’s choruses sang several pieces each. Seth Austin (guitar), Gary Hodges (cello) and Nancy Farris (piano, organ) accompanied. The concert was held at St. Katharine Drexel Church;.
 

2010 - 2011: Blair Moffett was president. Andy Campbell was the director., Vice president: Anne Bullit, Secretary: Denise Doran. Nancy Farris was the accompanist. The concert, “Puccini and the Paradise Tree”, in December included Puccini’s Messa diGloria plus a variety of carols from England, France, Russia, Poland, and Spain. Andy Campbell arranged The Angels have opened the Heavenly Gate, a La Medianoche,Spanish Lullaby, Spanish  Carol and O Sanctissima. Soloists were Chelsea Basler, Allison Messier, John Irvin, and Adrian Smith. An orchestra of musicians from around the Boston area accompanied. The spring concert was titled: "A Red, Red Rose” featuring songs of love and romance from ballads, folk tunes, musicals, and madrigals. Instrumentalists were clarinetists Sang Eon Yoon, Kang Lim, Candice Graham, and pianist Cathy Marker. Andy Campbell arranged, "Everything's Coming Up Roses”. Both concerts were held at St. Katharine Drexel Church.
 

2011 - 2012: Blair Moffett was president. Andy Campbell was the director, Vice President: Anne Bullitt, Treasurer: Denise Doran, Secretary: Gina Finocchiaro. Nancy Farris was the accompanist. Handel’s Messiah was performed. 54 Songs, recitatives, duets, and choruses were included. Soloists were Chelsea Basler, Desiree Maira, Brendan Daly, and Adrian Smith. An orchestra of musicians from around the Boston area accompanied. For the spring concert the Chorale sang Haydn’s The Creation. Andy Campbell conducted. Nancy Farris accompanied.
 

2012 - 2013: Blair Moffett was president. Andy Campbell was the director, Vice President: Anne Bullitt, Treasurer: Denise Doran, Secretary: Gina Finocchiaro. Nancy Farris was the accompanist. For the December concert the Chorale performed Bach’s, Magnificat in D Major, The Child, composed by Andy Campbell, and nine traditional  English carols. Soloists were Evangelia Leontis, Chelsea Basler, Allison Messier, Brendan Daly, and Adrian Smith. A special thanks was given to Barry Lockard for permitting Clearlakes to use his harpsichord. Remembrance and thanks were given to the late Dan Salzgeber for his recording of many of the Chorale concerts. The spring concert, “Feel the Spirit” began with 12 songs by a variety ofcomposers including: Samuel Barber, Andy Campbell, Charles Ives, Eric Whitacre, Daniel Gawthrop, Aaron Copland. After the intermission the audience was treated to John Rutter’s Feel the Spirit. Solist was Allison Messier. The orchestra members were Candice Graham (clarinet), Richard Ward ( horn), Christopher Norse (viola), John Hunter(bass), Mike Walsh (percussion), Nancy Farris (piano and keyboard and Holly Simons (second pianist). Both concerts were held at St. Katharine Drexel church.
 

2013 - 2014: Blair Moffett was president. Andy Campbell was the director, Vice President: Anne Bullitt, Treasurer: Denise Doran, Secretary: Gina Finocchiaro. Nancy Farris was the accompanist. The December concert theme was “Christmas in France”  featuring Saint-Saens Christmas Oratorio followed by nine French carols. The traditional carol sing concluded the concert. Soloists were Chelsea Basler, Stephanie Scarcella, Allison Messier, Brendan Daly, and Donald Wilkinson. An orchestra from around the Boston area accompanied. Nancy Farris was the organist. The spring 2014 concert titled, “Come Gentle Spring”, began with Pergolesi’s, Stabat Mater. Followed by shorter pieces by Haydn, Mozart, Bruckner, Faure, Beethoven, Dvorak, and others. Soloists were Dawn Anderson, Kim Hamel, Bob Shockley,, Blair Moffett, Anne Grady, Carol Morley, Julia Coughlin, Kit Peterson, Anne Bullitt, Barry Lockard, and Richard Hale. The chamber quintet accompanying included Elliot Markow, Deborah Markow, Chris Norse, Larry Veal, and John  Hunter. Nancy Farris was on piano and harpsichord. Both concerts were held at St. Katharine Drexel Church.
 

2014-2015: Blair Moffett was president. Andy Campbell was the director. Nancy Farris was the accompanist. The winter concert titled, “An Italian Christmas”, opened with Corelli’s Concerto Grosso in G minor, Op.6 No.8 followed by Vivaldi’s Gloria. Soloists were Chelsea Basler, Maria Ferrante, and Allison Messier. A sixteen piece orchestra from the Boston area accompanied. The second part consisted of eleven Italian Christmas carols. The spring concert featured Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms. Following intermission, Lutoslawki’s Variations on a Theme by Paganini for Two Pianos was
performed by Nancy Farris and Natalia Shevchuk. The remainder of the concert included Alice Parker's, Songstream, four Liebeslieder Polkas by P.D.Q. Bach, How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place by Brahms, and five short pieces by Purcell, Morley, Pitoni, Holst, and Farmer. Both concerts were held at St. Katharine Drexel Church. On July 25, 2015, Blair Moffett was president. Andy Campbell and Elizabeth McCrae were the directors. Nancy Farris was the  accompanist. Clearlakes Chorale performed Andy Campbell”s, Gloria, commissioned by Saint Katharine Drexel Church in Alton, New Hampshire in celebration of their tenth anniversary. Clearlakes Chorale was joined by the Saint Katharine Drexel Church Choir. The Gloria was preceded by eight
sacred pieces by Lani Smith, Wesley/Ford, Callahan, Telemann, Mozart, Campbell, J.S. Bach, and Brahms. Soloists were Molly Crookedacre, and Jenny Cooper. Lani Smith and Michelle Voss were organists. The orchestra was composed of Jennifer Keaton, Nancy Goldenhar, George Reagan, Rodger Ellsworth, Gary Hodges, Margaret Herlehy, Jim Boccia, Elliott Markow, Chris Norse, and John Hunter. Nancy Farris was pianist. Father Robert Cole delivered words of appreciation.
 

2015 - 2016: Gina Finocchiaro was president. Andy Campbell was the director, Vice President: Anne Bullitt, Treasurer: Denise Doran, Secretary: Donna Shockley. Nancy Farris was the accompanist. The winter concert: “And on Earth Peace” was held at Saint Katharine Drexel Church. Andy Campbell’s, St. Katharine Drexel Gloria, was performed followed by eight Christmas songs by El Viejo, Rutter, Walton, Gardner, Praetorious, Lauridsen, Warlock, and Campbell. Soloists were Molly Paige Crookedacre and Allison Messier. The orchestra consisted of Elliot Markow, Sue Ann Erb, Matt Green, Jessica Helie, Deborah Markow, Christopher Nourse, Gary Hodges, JenniferKeaton, Margaret Herlehy, Jim Boccia, Nancey Goldenhar, Beth Munn Griffi, and Nancy Farris. The spring concert began with Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus then featured Mozart’s Requiem and was held at First Congregational Church, Wolfeboro. Soloists were Chelsea Basler, Allison Messier, Stefan Michael Barner, and Adrian Smith. Susan Armstrong was organist.
 

2016 - 2017: Gina Finocchiaro was president. Andy Campbell was the director, Vice President: Carol Nupp, Treasurer: Denise Doran, Secretary: Donna Shockley The winter concert, “Puccini and the Paradise Tree”, was held at St. Katharine Drexel Church. The program began with Puccini’s Messa di Gloria. Followed by seven carols by Vaughn Williams, Poulenc, Pearsall, Campbell Holst, and a traditional Polish and a traditional Italian carol. Soloists were Chelsea Basler, Brendan Daly, Messier, and David Tinervia. The orchestra consisted of 20 musicians including Nancy Farris. The spring concert, “Dance On, Sing Praise!”, was held at The First Congregational Church of Wolfeboro. The concert began with twelve songs of praise including songs by Diemer, Fine, Ralph Vaughn Williams, Hassler, J.S. Bach, Schubert, Purcell, Holst, Copland, Goodall, and Gilbert & Sullivan. The program concluded with Britten’s, Rejoice in the Lamb. Soloists included Anne Grady, Anne Bullitt, Phyllis Shepard, and Richard Hale. 

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2017 - 2018: Gina Finocchiaro was president. Andy Campbell was the director, Vice President: Deb Kumpf, Treasurer: Julie Hunt, Secretary: Donna Shockley. Handel’s Messiah was presented for the winter concert. 38 songs, arias, ensemble pieces and choruses were performed. Soloists were Chelsea Basler-Aston, Allison Messier, Charles Blandy, and Don Wilkinson. The singers were accompanied by a 20 piece orchestra including Clearlake’s accompanist, Nancy Farris, on harpsichord. A tribute to the World War I era, “Over There”, was performed for the spring concert at the First Congregational Church in Wolfeboro. Nineteen songs were sung in remembrance of the events, places, and feelings of those who lived (and died) during that period.
 

2018 - 2019: Gina Finocchiaro was president. Andy Campbell was the director, Vice President: Deb Kumpf, Treasurer: Julie Hunt, Secretary: Laura Cooper. Accompanist was Nancy Farris. The winter concert, “What Sweeter Music” was performed at St. Katharine Drexel Church. Fifteen carols were presented along with Britten’s, Ceremony of Carols. The carols were a mix of traditional carols and works of Warlock, Holst, Mendelssohn, Rutter, and Clark; some arranged by Rutter, Willcox, and Andy Campbell. Soloists were Chelsea Basler-Aston and Evangelia Leontis. accompanied A fifteen piece orchestra including Clearlakes’s rehearsal accompanist, Nancy Farris, on piano
accompanied. The concert was in loving memory of Dianne Monahan and John Peterson. “This Shining Night” was presented as the spring concert at First Congregational Church, Wolfeboro. In addition to Randell's " Frostiana, which put to music texts by Robert Frost, the Chorale sang eight additional songs which mostly focused on nature themes composed by Agee, Hennagin, McDade, Stroope, Keen, Olson, Lauridsen, and Copeland.
 

2019 - 2020: Ian Whitmore was president. Andy Campbell was the director. Vice President: Ian Whitmore, Treasurer: Chuck Wilson, Secretary: Laura Cooper. Holly Simons was accompanist. St. Katharine Drexel Church was the venue for the winter concert, “Gloria”. The first part consisted of Gabrieli’s, O Magnum Mysterium and Hodie Christus Natus Est and Daniel Pinkham’s, Christmas Cantata. John Rutter’s, Gloria,was performed for the second part. The concert was accompanied by a thirteen piece orchestra and dedicated to Nancy Farris for her many years as accompanist. The spring concert was canceled due to the pandemic.
 

2020 - 2021: Rehearsals and concerts were not held due to the pandemic. Ian Whitmore was president.

 

2021 - 2022: Rehearsals and concerts were not held due to the pandemic. Ian Whitmore was president.
 

2022 - 2023: President - Ian Whitmore. There was no vice president, Treasurer - Chuck Wilson, Secretary - Laura Cooper.  Director -Andy Campbell.  a accompanist - Julie Carbone. The winter concert, “The Road Home”, was the result of the return of Clearlakes activity and was held at the First Congregational Church in Wolfeboro. Rehearsals were held there as well. An effort was made to reimagine the Chorale. Realizing the difficulty of restarting, the decision was made to sing shorter pieces to make the transition back easier on the singers. The position of artistic director was
opened up and interviews held. Andy Campbell was again chosen to be artistic director. Holly Simons was guest organist. The program consisted of Christmas songs and carols from around the world and across the years. Rehearsals and the concert for both Christmas and  Spring were at the First Congregational Church of Wolfeboro  The spring concert, “You’ve Got a Friend”, highlighted friendships with songs of many genres and times. Fifteen songs by composers ranging from Mozart to Carole King were sung. Andy Campell arranged a few of the songs. Julie Carbone accompanied one song on the oboe. 
 

2023 - 2024: President - Ian Whitmore, Vice president - Bruce McCracken, Treasurer:- Chuck Wilson, Secretary - Laura Cooper. Director - Andy Campbell and accompanist - Julie Carbone. The winter concert, “Noel Sing We Clear”, was the beginning of celebrating Clearlakes Chorale producing 40 years of beautiful music. Selections consisted of the “greatest hits” sung since the Chorale”s inception. Rehearsals and he concert were held at the First Congregational Church of Wolfeboro.. The spring concert continued celebrating the 40th season with a concert titled “It’s a Grand Night for Singing - Sharing our Love of Music With Our Local Communities”.  Rehearsals and concerts were held at the First Congregational Church of Wolfeboro.