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 15^th annual concert at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center in April, 2011.

 

 

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

R. Bruce MacGregor, is now in his 23rd year as the Charlotte Chorale's founding director.  He is a native of New York where he earned his BS Degree from Syracuse University and an MA from Ithaca College, both in Music Education. Two weeks after graduation, Bruce enlisted in the Marine Corps and served for two years. He married his sweetheart, Caroline, during that time.

After his military discharge, Bruce taught music in the Public School System for 11 years. Two aspects of his career, which he enjoyed most, were serving for 15 years as an adjudicator for the New York School Music Association and directing the College Choir of Broome Community College for 20 years.  He also directed numerous church and other choirs as well.

Other highlights in Bruce's professional career include conducting an all male chorus of 200 voices at the 1964 World's Fair in New York; studying under the instruction of famed choral director, Robert Shaw; directing the IBM Men's Glee Club in Binghamton, NY; and, in 1984, initiating the Triple Cities' Welsh Chorale. 

Most recently, Bruce has been the guest conductor for the High School Honors Chorus of Lee County and has helped promote better music education in the Charlotte County School System at both the elementary and high school levels. 

Accompanist 
   


Angela Marker Navarro, a native of Farmington, Pa. and a twenty year resident of Charlotte County, has performed both vocally and intrumentally with the Ch0rale in the past.  Currently an elementry school music teacher fro the Charlotte County Public Schools on the Peace River Campus.  Angela holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from The College of Wooster and a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University.  Angela has been a music director for the Charlotte Players and has been piano accompanist for Cul-Cen Productions, the Charlotte Players, and a variety of churches and school groups. 

      2011 - 2012  Board of Directors

President                                   Laurel Webber 
President Emeritus                  Dolores Smith
Vice President                          Dick Vercruysee
Treasurer                                  Marilyn Counter 
Recording Secretary              
Corresponding Secretary        Ellen Vercruysee 
Chorale Representative           Bill Caime
Artistic Director                        Bruce MacGregor
Executive Director                   Lee Stein
Members-at-large                   Ellen Childs
                                                    Bob Gravatt 
                                                    Dave Johnson
                                                    Penny Laver            
                  Operations Council

Chairman                          Dick Vercruysse                     
Artistic Director               Bruce MacGregor 
Executive Director          Lee Stein
President Emeritus         Dolores Smith 
Librarian                           Yvonne Urban
Tickets                               Joyce Caime
Publicity                            Juanita Pawlisch
Wardrobe                          Ginny Bowden

Section Leader Soprano        Ellen Childs & Connie Diller
Section Leader Alto               Darlene Gravatt 
Section Leader Tenor            Charlie Johnson
Section Leader Bass              Jim Bowden

 

 

941-204-0033

941-204-0033

 

941-204-0033

 

 

Member:

Arts and Humanities Council of Charlotte County

Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce

Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce