The 2009 ESU Spring Choral Concert

The Department of Music of East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* in East Stroudsburg, PA held their Spring Choral Concert on Wednesday April 22nd featuring their A Cappella Ensemble and their Concert Choir which were both directed by Prof. James Maroney*. The program began with a performance by the A Cappella Ensemble and was followed by the Concert Choir which consists of students, members of the ESU* Faculty, and Community Members who love this form of music.

Prior to attending the concert, I’ve received some information which left me feeling rather low in spirit. Several of the selections by the A Cappella Ensemble were very slow and beautifully arranged to the extent I was nearly moved to a tear. However, my archaic machismo forbade me from allowing them to flow. Still, this experience helped me to realize how music (as well as all the arts) can help one become in touch with their feelings and gain the knowledge one is not alone as the very fact they’re expressed means someone else has them as well or else they could never be present in the work.

Later, The Concert Choir performance included some amusing pieces from “A Menagerie of Songs” by Carolyn Jennings. One piece in particular entitled, “Whale (Aqua Blue)” brought a smile to my heart. A good portion of the performance also included some choruses from some famous Opera whose familiar and haunting melodies complimented the entire evening. It was good to be reminded how the arts can change and enhance us.

Among those lending their voices to the evening were Arline M. Smeltz*, Brian Foley*, Dr. Otis French*, David Larrabee*, Stephanie Pintha*, and Timothy Oesterle*. A sizable audience attended the event who frequently showed their appreciation for the wonderful performance. Among those audience members who experienced the music were Anna Busteed* and Professor Betsy Buzzelli-Clarke*.

The concert was held in The Cecilia S. Cohen Recital Hall in The Fine and Performing Arts Center on the Campus of ESU*. Please Explore The ESU* Website for more information. You’ll find more Photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Music 2009 Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.