Singing in The Library

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.

The Music Study Club of the Stroudsburgs brought together a sizable gathering of music lovers for their Come Sing with Us Program. The event was held at The Eastern Monroe Public Library in Stroudsburg, PA on Sunday November 13^th and offered those who attended an opportunity to experience some songs written around 1916 in Celebration of the PA Federation of Music Club (PMFC) Centennial of which the Club of the Stroudsburgs is a part of. Song books were handed out so the gathering could lend their voices to the songs that were to be presented throughout the afternoon.

The afternoon began with some opening statements which expressed a number of welcoming and appreciative sentiments to those who were present. These words were followed by an invitation to join in the singing of the US National Anthem titled, “The Star-Spangled Banner” whose lyrics come from a poem titled, “Defence of Fort M'Henry” written by Francis Scott Key with music from a popular British song written by John Stafford Smith titled, “To Anacreon in Heaven” (or “The Anacreontic Song”) and was made the national anthem by a congressional resolution on March 3^rd, 1931. This was followed by the singing of the song titled, “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” which was written during the American Civil War by the Irish-American band-leader Patrick Gilmore in 1863 under the pseudonym Louis Lambert for his sister Annie as she prayed for the safe return of her fiancé, Union Light Artillery Captain John O'Rourke, whom she married until 1875.

The event continued with some opening statements given by Linda Baumgardner whose voice students would perform a number of selections later in the program. This was followed by pianist Susan Stillo (who serves the club as its Recording Secretary) who issued an invitation to members of the audience to gather around the piano to sing. A number of the gathering did so and a number of songs from a bygone era found a new voice through those belonging to the participating audience members. Ms. Baumgardner returned after the singing in order to introduce Rafael Fernandez to the crowd who received a trophy in recognition of his musical talents.

It was after this ceremony did the remainder of Ms. Baumgardner's Voice Students share their talents in singing songs written by George M. Cohan, Victor Herbert, Jerome Kern, and others. The students were Brianna Merduri, Mary Wilke, Tabatha Berger, and Susan Stangland who were accompanied by pianist Priscilla Day (who serves the club as its Co-President and Federation Secretary). The delightful singing was followed by a talk given by Past President of the club, Susan Jordan, on her experience and the insights she gained through directing over 80 musical theater productions. The fascinating lecture was followed by some concluding words along with some cake and conversation in celebration of the PMFC) Centennial. It was a delicious way to end a wonderful afternoon of song. You’ll find more photographs taken during the concert in The Singing in The Library Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155464061488761.1073742036.91146283760&type=3.

Susan Moore Jordan moved from Oak Ridge, TN to the Pocono Mountains in PA in 1971 and soon began a career in music. In 1977, Ms. Jordan help established The Pocono Lively Arts who presented a number of family orientated concert series and musical theater productions. She has written several Novels relating to her experiences in music and theater including those in her Carousel Trilogy titled, “How I Grew Up,” “Eli’s Heart,” and “You Are My Song.” Ms. Jordan has recently published a novel titled, “More Fog, Please” which recounts her 31 years of directing Community and High School Musicals. You can learn more about Susan Moore Jordan by exploring her Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/sjordanauthor or her Website at www.susanmoorejordan.com.

The Music Study Club of the Stroudsburgs was established in 1912 as an organization seeking to perform music and to serve musicians throughout the community. In addition to the offers already mention, Ruth Ann Rumbold serves as the club's Co-President and Vice President while Brenda Rundle serves as the club's Treasurer. The club holds monthly programs October through May with the exception of January with most being free to the public. The programs include The Annual NFMC Festival and competitions as well as events presented in schools, churches, and community related venues. You can learn more about The Music Study Club of the Stroudsburgs, it’s programs, all it has to offer the community, and how to participate by exploring their Website at www.pfmc-music.org/clubStroudsburgs.html.

The Eastern Monroe Public Library (aka The Hughes Library) is located on N. 9^th Street (aka route 611) in Stroudsburg, PA. The Music Study Club of the Stroudsburgs' Come Sing with Us Program took place in the Library's Edinger Community Room. The Hughes Library is the main branch of the Monroe County, PA library system which includes their Pocono Township Branch in Tannersville, PA and their Smithfield’s Branch in Marshalls Creek, PA. The library offers access to numerous books, DVDs, Audio Recordings, and cultural programs free to the public. To learn more information about the library and all the institution has to offer the community, please explore their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/EasternMonroePublicLibrary?ref=ts&fref=ts or their Website at www.monroepl.org.