Two Performances This Fall!!

Dear Singers,

Greetings All!  This message goes out to all chorus members who sang with us in December 2018 (pre-Covid) and December 2021/Spring 2022. We are holding auditions for new members on September 27, and I am hoping that all of you receiving this news will also be back with the group this fall.  There will be no restrictions regarding vaccinations, boosters, or masks. If anyone wants to wear a mask in rehearsal, that’s OK with me. The first rehearsal is October 4, 7-9 pm at Christ Reformed UCC.

We will have two performances this fall and Christmas. Mark your calendars for October 8 and December 9-10! On Saturday, October 8, time TBA, we will sing a short program for the Berkeley Arts Council Arts Exposition at the Martinsburg Roundhouse. This program will include nine popular songs that we will put together in our first rehearsal, some or all of which you have sung before. The Expo event is designed to highlight visual arts in Berkeley County with exhibits and demonstrations, but also includes entertainment by a few local performing groups.

On December 10 we will celebrate our tenth anniversary with a special concert. We will collaborate with the Charles Washington Symphony Orchestra from Charles Town conducted by Camilo Pérez-Mejía. The orchestra was founded the same year, 2012, as the BCC. Both groups will perform separately for about thirty minutes, then we will combine to perform “A Feast of Carols” by Randol Alan Bass. This piece is a spectacular 16-minute work including six well-known Christmas songs. Dress rehearsal is December 9. The concert venue will be Calvary United Methodist Church.

When we begin each season, I assume every singer will return unless I am notified otherwise. So, if you’re on board, I’ll see you on October 4. If you are not able to join us then, or dropping your membership altogether, please let me know by phone or email reply. Make sure you reserve the dates above. I’m excited and grateful to celebrate 10 Years of our “Singing Social Network”! See you soon!

Up and Coming Auditions

Auditions for the BCC will be Tuesday, September 27th, 7-9 pm, at Christ Reformed United Church of Christ, 117 E. Burke Street in Martinsburg.  

Auditions include vocalizing for vocal range and quality, and tonal memory exercises.  Music reading ability is strongly preferred, not required.  A prepared solo is optional.

Singers must schedule a ten-minute audition time by email to jpoland47@gmail.com or call 540-431-8422.

New Board of Directors

The General Meeting of the Berk,eley Community Chorus (BCC) was held on May 24th at 7:00 p.m. At this meeting those interested in volunteering for one of the several positions were nominated. The election of the officers completed with all positions filled. Everyone was pleased with the outcome.

8th Annual Spring Concert

The 8th Annual Spring concert was performed at the Apollo Civic Theatre on May 21, 2022.

Berkeley Community Chorus Achieves 501(c)(3) Status

BCC is now a recognized LLC and 501(c)(3)! Although the Covid19 Pandemic put a damper on our regularly scheduled programming, we did not let that get us down. Our Executive Committee members set a goal to achieve non-profit status, and they were successful. If you would like more information, please contact us via Facebook or email. 

Berkeley Community Chorus Holiday Concert 2021
The Berkeley Community Chorus Holiday Concert was held on December 11, 7:30 pm, at Westview Baptist Church in Martinsburg, WV. In accordance with the policy of the county school performances, masks were required for attendees. The chorus enjoyed its ninth season of providing beautiful choral music in Berkeley County, and is a social and musical opportunity for singers in the Eastern Panhandle.

Spring Concert 2021

Due to the Covid19 Pandemic, Berkeley Community Chorus’ Spring Concert was cancelled.  

BCC Donates to Musselman Middle School Show Choir

The members of Berkeley Community Chorus, with the donations received at our 2018 Spring Concert, agreed to give $350 to Spectrum Show Choir at Musselman Middle School. We want to show our utmost appreciation to choir director, Miss Shayla Brown, and the students that assisted us during the concert.

BCC Makes Donation to Apollo Civic Theatre

Thanks to our generous audience at our 2017 Holiday Concert, BCC was able to donate $200 to the Apollo Civic Theatre, accepted by Mr. Michael Noll, ACT Board Officer President . We want to thank Mr. Noll for allowing BCC to use the Apollo for the concert. It is a lovely venue with history that runs deep. 

BCC Makes Donation to Martinsburg High School
BCC was able to donate $250 to the Music Department at Martinsburg High School with the donations received at the 2017 Spring Concert. Chorus Director, Dr. Jeff Poland presented a check to Kaitlyn Schramm, MHS Choral Director. Thank you to attendees for contributing to a wonderful cause. As BCC continues to grow, we hope to donate more in the future. Thanks again to MHS for allowing us to use their facilities for our concert.

BCC Makes Donations to Berkeley County Humane Society & CCAP: Loaves and Fishes!

Thanks to the generous donors at our 2016 Holiday Concert, BCC was able to donate $200 each to BCHC and Loaves and Fishes.  Chorus Director, Dr. Jeff Poland, and Board President, Rick Morris, presented checks to Brandi Bowers, manager of BCHC, and Phil Steptoe, Board President of Loaves and Fishes. This is the first year that BCC has made a donation to local charitable organizations with money received from a performance.  

We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our mission and background.  We would love to have you audition to join us for the next concert season.  Please consider supporting us by attending a performance or making a donation.  Any questions?  Feel free to contact us for more information!