The GTCC was established in 1980 by a small group of Tiverton singers. Professional help later came from chorus member John Travers and Dr. Kermit Dewey, who volunteered time and talents as Director and Accompanist. The chorus was originally an ecumenical group from the local church choirs, and the intent was to perform two major concerts a year.
After two years of continuing growth and expansion, it was decided to branch out and lend support to a varied number of worthy causes in the greater Tiverton area.
In 1984 Ann Parke of Little Compton was chosen as the new music director and stayed in that position for 15 years. During her tenure the group changed the location of rehearsals from the Tiverton Middle School to Amicable Church and chose officers which were elected at an annual meeting.
Following Ann’s retirement there were two short term directorships, and in 2000, the group welcomed Jonathan Babbit as music director. However, Jono’s need to divide his leadership time with the group while directing three other choral groups and choirs became too demanding and this led to his resignation. He was replaced in 2003 with the current music director, Beth Armstrong of Bristol.
The group’s membership currently stands at approximately 65 singers, coming from such communities as Little Compton, Westport, Portsmouth, Bristol, Warren, Barrington, and of course Tiverton. GTCC still performs two major concerts per year, although usually they are performed at more than one location.
Greater Tiverton Community Chorus The Summer Chorus
Begun in 1995, the Summer Chorus of Little Compton and Westport was directed for seven years by Rosamond Wadsworth of Little Compton and accompanied by Helen Whipple. In the summer of 2004, the leadership was transferred to Beth Armstrong, director of the Greater Tiverton Community Chorus. At that time, the GTCC board of directors voted to include the Summer Chorus in its overall program offerings, although membership in the two groups is still separate, while overlapping.
The Summer Chorus rehearses in Little Compton at St. Andrews By the Sea Church, from early June to mid-August, and presents two or three concerts to area audiences in Little Compton, Westport, and Bristol. Membership is open to anyone who can attend rehearsals, without audition.
Rehearsals for the Summer Chorus are held on Monday evenings from 7:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
