Choral Society seeks new director

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Jack Evans

EMC Entertainment -Belleville - The Belleville Choral Society is seeking a new director in the wake of the resignation recently of Susan Richardson.

Ms. Richardson's resignation came after the choir had concluded a highly successful pre-Christmas concert and just before choir members were planning to start rehearsals for its traditional spring concert.

Ms. Richardson, who has been active in the society for close to 40 years and has served as music director since 1996, cited ongoing health issues as her reason in her letter to the society executive.

David Cape, new president of the society, said he is preparing a letter on behalf of the choir to Ms. Richardson confirming that her resignation has been accepted with both deep regret and sorrow by all members, plus heartfelt gratitude for her many years of faithful and inspired service.

Meanwhile, the 60-voice community choir continues to look for a qualified replacement.

Expressions of interest are invited to: < bellevillechoralsociety@gmail.com>.CVs as pdf attachments are welcome, Cape noted.

They can also be dropped at St. Thomas Anglican Church, attention Belleville Choral Society.

The choir now numbers approximately 60 voices, including about 15 men in the bass and tenor sections. Two years ago, it celebrated its 50th anniversary of performance in Belleville.

As of the start of this year, the society's home has moved to St. Thomas Anglican from Bridge Street United Church, where it had been for some years. That is where regular Monday evening rehearsals will resume when a new director is found, said Cape.

In appreciation for Ms. Richardson's services, the society's board of directors has also voted to change the name of its scholarship for a music-career student. The $1,000 scholarship is normally awarded annually to one or more deserving students showing high achievement in music and intentions of going on to post-secondary music studies. Started as the Henk Binnema Memorial Scholarship and presented over many years, the society's executive committee has voted to call it the Susan Richardson Music Scholarship.

Applications will soon be available for students at all secondary schools in the counties of Prince Edward and Hastings. Applications also require a letter of commendation and support from a pertinent music educator. The deadline for applications has been adjusted this year to February 29. They can be left at St. Thomas Church or e-mailed to < bellevillechoralsociety@gmail.com>.