November 26 update

November 26, 2008

Dear RHS Alumni,

Once again we are anticipating a great turnout for the Messiah Sing-In.   Last year, our inaugural year for the

North Jersey

sing-in, we had about 200 singers from all over the area, including representation from about 7 or 8 states.  Since then we have been able to make contact with even more alumni and other choral groups, encouraging them to attend.  We will have several additional conductors from the area, sharing their musical interpretation of the various choruses in the first and second section of the Messiah.  We are fortunate that John Girvin will again be our accompanist.

Our web site has not been adjusted yet to reflect all of the changes for this year.  All of the organizers involved in last year’s event have accepted other commitments in the interim, and have been limited in the time they are able to devote to the sing-in, including the maintenance of the web site www.NJMessiah.org  however, rest assured we are planning for the event, as time allows.  The specific important elements are:

·         The Sing-In will be held at the

Bethlehem Church on

Rt. 10 in Randolph,  Sat. Dec. 20th

·         7PM sharp start

·         6:15 suggested arrival time of participants

·         Piano and Organ accompanists

·         Student Soloists from area schools

·         Attractive attire (not formal)

·         Four-part Christmas Carol warm-ups

·         Doug Beavers will join the team as one of the conductors

·         Not essential to pre-register, however, highly encouraged.

·         $10 donation per singer

·         CD’s  will be made

·         Professional photographer

·         Name tags

·         Handel will be proud!

Last year Elaine Smith Stevenson volunteered to sponsor the “after-glow” at “the Barn” (the old Seafood Shack) and picked up the tab.  In fairness to her, I have asked her not to do it again, anticipating that, perhaps, a few alumni could make plans, either there again, or at someone’s home.  If someone wants to step up to the plate, be our guest.  Critical choice should be proximity to church to make travel easier.  That part of the evening last year was as much fun as the sing-in itself.  Steve Curtis has a link on the web site for photos from last year.

Let’s hope that the weather is more cooperative this year!  We will probably be sending a few more updates over the next few weeks.  In the meantime, I wish you all a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving. 

Bud Beavers

PS  There are so many alumni that the list had to be condensed into Groups so the internet provider did not recognize it as spam.  Therefore, your address list only shows a small percentage of the alumni contacts.  Take care!