The Coshocton Community Choir, founded by and conducted by Charles R. Snyder is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this season. A celebration concert will be held on Sunday, April 24, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at Coshocton High School's McKinley Auditorium. Here's a look back at the early years of the choir - the second decade.
In the early 1980s, the choir commissioned artist Suzanne Smailes Clark to design their logo, and suggested St. Andrew’s cross. "Her classic adaptation was simple and elegant, and proclaimed our purpose and mission: to worship God through song," shared Snyder.
The growing Choir needed more organization, and the first officers were elected: Donna Dolick, president; Dave Bown, vice-president; Kathy Rockey, secretary; Becky Lerch, treasurer; Lizzie Horst, librarian; and Judy Pingle and Sharon Sutton, publicity. Other officers chosen were Jan Kinder, Patty Thompson, Jim Bundy, and Ed Duling, section leaders; Roger Foster, properties manager; Cherie Snyder, robe manager; and Ann Leppla and Tom Rockey, publicity committee. Helen Wright continued as accompanist.
"In February, 1982, we sponsored Paul Christiansen’s Concordia Choir in concert at McKinley Auditorium," recalled Snyder. "The community’s welcome was enthusiastic, and the impact on the Community Choir was immediate: the sound of our choir reflected what they had heard, and more people auditioned to join us!"
That summer, the Choir was invited to join the Coshocton County Community Band for a summer concert on the Courtsquare. The tradition would continue for eight years.
In the fall, conductor Snyder spent seven weeks studying with Dr. Christiansen at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. "To attract more listeners, Dr. Christiansen suggested we move our concerts from churches to public auditoriums and sell tickets," said Snyder. "While we were skeptical, we decided to try. We planned two performances at the Triple Lock Theatre. The concerts were sold out!"
The first financial drive was successful. The Choir took its first road trip, and sang their Christmas concert at Trinity United Methodist Church in Mt. Gilead.
Dickie Rohrer was welcomed as accompanist in 1983, and the Choir’s Christmas concert attracted 800 listeners. "Lee Bown became our choir manager in 1984, and her ideas and enthusiasm were contagious!," said Snyder. "Ron Little was appointed assistant conductor that fall."
Robes, risers, and a choir shell were made possible in 1984, thanks to a grant from the Coshocton Foundation, and gifts from Ed and Frances Montgomery, and Seward and Edith Schooler.
In April, 1985, choir friend, attorney Harold E. Hunt, filed the papers for their non-profitincorporation status. In the fall of 1985, the Choir had its first auditions, as nearly 100 singers expressed interest in singing. With Lee Bown on board, the Choir had its first organized Annual Fund drive. They also sang for the Ohio Choral Directors Association’s fall at Salt Fork. In December the Choir offered Christmas concerts at 3:00 and 7:30 p.m., and the audience grew to 1,100.
In February of 1986, the Concordia Choir was in Coshocton for two days. The morning after the concert, Dr. Christiansen worked with the massed choir (300 high school and adult singers), and critiqued performances by the Coshocton High School Choir and a Community Choir ensemble. Afterwards, he led his choir in several spirituals. Spirits were high!
"For our 15th anniversary that year, we had a concert at the Coshocton Presbyterian Church, singing the first half in the multi-colored church choir robes, and changing into our new robes for the second half," shared Snyder.
Later that year, the Choir and the Southeastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra (SEOSO) performed in Coshocton, and Snyder conducted the combined ensembles. The Choir also sang an a cappella concert in the glorious acoustic of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Somerset.
The Choir had its first Christmas festival concert in 1987, with narration, a painted backdrop, and an instrumental ensemble for 1,350 listeners. In the spring, they performed again with the SEOSO, now conducted by Dr. John Kolpitcke.
The first Coshocton Children’s Choir made its debut in 1988. The 33 singers wowed the audience! The Choir’s first Bachert scholarships were presented to two graduates in the spring.
Thomas E. Havelka was appointed assistant conductor that fall, and the Choir took its Christmas concert to St. John’s Lutheran Church, and sang to a full house.
The Choir sponsored a concert by The American Boychoir, preceded by an assembly for 1,100 area third and fourth graders. The result: 7th and 8th graders lobbied to have two more years in the Children’s Choir!
If you are a choir alumni and haven't yet received information about the 50th Anniversary Celebration, call the choir's office at 740-623-0554. Find more information about the Coshocton Community Choir, at www.CoshoctonCommunityChoir.org.