History
The Charlotte Chorale was founded in 1989 as an offshoot of the Charlotte County Adult and Community Chorus. The Charlotte Chorale came into being as a result of a need in the community for dedicated and gifted vocal musicians, capable of presenting quality choral literature for entertainment and cultural enlightenment. R. Bruce MacGregor formed the Chorale with 29 talented individuals which consisted of 28 very capable singers and Betty Ogle as their accomplished accompanist. The first rehearsals were held in January 1989. Since then, the Charlotte Chorale has expanded its repertoire to include many classic and symphonic choral pieces as well as a broad selection of contemporary music including show tunes, spirituals and devotional works. The Chorale has also committed itself to augmenting musical education experiences available to music students within the county schools.
With the continuing cooperation of the music faculty of the school system, talented students are assisted through scholarships from the Chorale as well as offered exciting performance opportunities in concert with the well-trained voices of the Chorale. Each of the Chorale concerts this season will feature students from Charlotte Public Schools. The Charlotte Chorale also provided funds to support the Charlotte County Elementary Honor Chorus 17th annual concert at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center Punta Gorda.
The Charlotte Chorale welcomes talented individuals to its ranks, so if you feel you can contribute to the musical growth of our community and enjoy performing challenging music, please contact our Executive Director, Lee Stein, at 941-204-0033 for more information.
Artistic Director
William Dederer’s resume includes a 41 year career in music. He received his masters and doctoral degrees from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He served as a Professor of Music for 13 years at the State College of New York in Fredonia before becoming Dean and later Vice President for Academic Affairs at The Boston Conservatory for 16 years, followed by serving as the Dean of the Conservatory of Music at Capital University in Columbus, OH. In addition, William has performed solo and ensemble work on trumpet with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony, Chicago Ballet and numerous other organizations throughout his career. He has also directed choirs for 20 years including most recently the Red Rock Chorale in Sedona, AZ from 2008-2010. Dr. Dederer will become Artistic Director upon the retirement of the Chorale’s Founding Artistic Director R. Bruce MacGregor after the 2012-13 season.
Accompanist
Dolores Smith
Dolores or Dolly attended Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam. She taught private piano lessons and was an organist and choir director in Connecticut before moving to Florida in 2004. She joined the Charlotte Chorale and was a singing member for 5 years, during which time she not only sang alto solos, but also served for three years as the president of the Chorale. She also directs and accompanies the Sunshine Express, a group of summer residents of the Charlotte Chorale who perform at various venues during the Chorale's off season.
For the past two years Dolores has been the accompanist for the North Port Chorale as well as the Soundsations, North Port's Show Chorus. In addition, Dolores is a member of the 2-piano group of Charlotte County, director of the chorus at Heritage Oak Park, and director of the Cherub Choir at the 1st United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda where she is also the primary accompanist for the Chancel Choir. Dolores is the mother of two adult sons and grandmother of three. She lives in Port Charlotte.
2013 - 2014 Board of Directors
President Laurel Webber
President Emeritus Dolores Smith
Vice President Peg Grimm
Treasurer Marilyn Counter
Recording Secretary Roberta Tommasino
Corresponding Secretary Ellen Childs
Chorale Representative Bill Caime
Artistic Director William Dederer
Executive Director Lee Stein
Members-at-large Robert Gravatt
Dave Johnson
Penny Laver
Tom Thrasher
Operations Council
Vice President-Chairman Peg Grimm
President Laurel Webber
Artistic Director William Dederer
Executive Director Lee Stein
President Emeritus Dolores Smith
Librarian Yvonne Urban
Tickets Joyce Caime
Publicity Jean Finks
Wardrobe Ginny Bowden
Section Leader Soprano Sonja Rozier
Section Leader Alto Darlene Gravatt
Section Leader Tenor Charlie Johnson
Section Leader Bass Jim Bowden
The Charlotte Chorale has named founding artistic director, R. Bruce MacGregor, Conductor Emeritus.
Member:
Arts and Humanities Council of Charlotte County
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce
