Region II, Westchester, NY. March 20, Eileen Laurence of the First Presbyterian Church in Katonah was host and coordinator of “Creating and Maintaining Children’s Choirs.” Fifteen choral directors from Westchester, New York City and Connecticut shared their rehearsal techniques, pitfalls, and successes. Among topics stressed was the importance of support from family, house of worship, and community. Continuing participation for males during and after their vocal change, how to introduce part-singing, learning to be flexible in today’s atmosphere of over-scheduled children, and other relevant topics were enthusiastically discussed by presenters and the attendees. To conclude the program, the Candlewood Children’s Choir from Danbury, Conn., under the direction of Dan Coffman, performed selections from their upcoming spring concert. The reception held following the program was organized by Judith Abel. Pictured are (front row) Eileen Laurence, Vincent Edwards, John Lettieri, Karen Longwell, Abi Gray, Terry Flanagan; (middle row) John King, Lana Kollath, Maureen Kelly; (back row) John Cecconi, Dan Coffman, David Graf, and Janine Wallour-Thwaite. - Alice Avouris

aspublished inThe American Organist, June, 2011.

Last updated: June 3, 2011