Groups provide locals with the opportunity to make connections, art, to help others and more-and we’re highlighting local groups throughout 2023! We are starting off with the Queen Anne’s Chorale- a local choir that performs a wide variety of music. I had the chance to talk to Bob Huntington to learn how he got involved, dealing with COVID, upcoming concerts and more!
What is your background? How did you become head of the chorale?
I actually started out as an instrumentalist-taught at junior highschool, band and orchestra. I was asked to conduct church choir-and eventually choir music won out… I moved from Glen Burnie to Easton and I was very active in the ACDA (American Choral Directors Association). One of the members of that group had a connection to the Queen Anne’s Chorale-and now I’ve been with them for 20 years!
How big is the group?
We have about 40 members-prior to COVID we were in the 60’s.
Any memories that stand out?
We survived COVID which is a big deal. Performing arts took a huge hit because of Covid. We were very fortunate to receive a rather significant relief grant from the Maryland State Arts Council which really helped… Singing spreads germs more than talking does…We had to rehearse on zoom and it was very difficult. What we learned to do was put out a radio broadcast that would play recorded and archived materials, this really helped us practice…
Do you do auditions? How often do you all meet?
We are a non-audition group-anyone is welcome to come. There is a small subset called Select Ensemble who do a couple additional pieces and extra rehearsals-and they are audition only…we have all ranges of people, even people who don’t read music when they join. We had two new people who came in who thought they were sopranos but they were actually altos…it’s a really solid hard working group. We rehearse every Monday from 7-9 at Centreville United Methodist Church.
Do you all have any concerts coming up?
We are performing a mix of spirituals and gospel songs for our spring concert. It will be April 22nd at 7 and April 23rd at 3 and will feature classics like “All Night, All Day”, “When the Saints Go Marching In”, “Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit”, “The Storm Is Passing Over”.
Anything else you wanted me to know about your group?
We couldn’t do what we do without your Accompanist- Julia Morris-Myers. She does great work and I like to give her some praise whenever I get the chance.
If you are interested in learning more or joining the Chorale you can go to their website at https://qachorale.org/. Make sure to mark your calendars on the 22nd at 23rd at 3 and 7 PM for their ‘Feel the Spirit’ concert Centreville United Methodist Church.