The spring 2011 concerts of the Greater Tiverton Community Chorus marked the culmination of 30 years of musical offerings by the Chorus.
The group was founded in 1980 by a group of Tiverton choral enthusiasts as an ecumenical choral group, drawing membership from several churches in Tiverton. John Travers and Dr. Kermit Dewey, both of Tiverton, volunteered their services as Director and Accompanist. Initial financial support from the Northeastern Petroleum Company provided singers with music and folders.
On December 14, 1980, the Chorus, initially called the Tiverton Community Chorus, gave its first concert, in the Central Baptist Church of Tiverton.
Following four years of able leadership by John Travers, Anne Parke of Little Compton became the second director,. During her 15 year tenure, the Chorus more than doubled in size, including members from much of Newport County and nearby Massachusetts communities. Practice sessions moved from the Tiverton Middle School to the current practice site, Amicable Church in Tiverton. During this time the group changed its name to the Greater Tiverton Community Chorus, to more accurately reflect its broader membership base. The Chorus also undertook increasingly challenging musical offerings, mixing classical choral works with lighter popular and seasonal fare
After Anne Parkes retirement, the relatively short tenure of two musical directors was occasioned by the birth of twins for Kimberly Kredich of Providence, and the overwhelming demands of conducting four choruses for Jonathan Babbit. In 2003 accomplished musician Beth Armstrong of Bristol, became our new director.
Community service has long been a hallmark of the Chorus. It has provided musical offerings for various organizations celebrations, and commencing in just its second year, has spearheaded a number of fund-raising efforts. Chorus concerts have raised funds for the liver transplant for a two-year-old boy, a special wheelchair for the son of a Chorus member, for the Wish Come True Foundation (for terminally ill children), for the Newport County Womens Resource Center (supporting battered women and their families), and Hospice Outreach. During its 2009/2010 season, the Chorus helped raise funds to supply new pianos for the Westport and Tiverton public schools, each of which had no operational piano for their respective music programs.
In 1999 the Rhode Island House of Representatives and the Governor of Rhode Island recognized the Chorus for its dedicated service in promoting Choral Music in our communities.
The Chorus is grateful to the Amicable Church for providing practice space since 1986, to the many churches that have hosted our performances, and for the generous financial support of countless individuals, businesses and organizations. This has helped the Chorus provide regional communities with 30 years of quality choral music. We look forward to another 30 years of musical offerings, and welcome all interested new singers to join us.
The Greater Tiverton Community Chorus generally sings from September to the first part of May. If you wish to sing during the summer months, you may wish to consider the Summer Chorus, based in Westport, MA. To learn more about the Summer Chorus go to www.summerchorus.org.
Following four years of able leadership by John Travers, Anne Parke of Little Compton became the second director,. During her 15 year tenure, the Chorus more than doubled in size, including members from much of Newport County and nearby Massachusetts communities. Practice sessions moved from the Tiverton Middle School to the current practice site, Amicable Church in Tiverton. During this time the group changed its name to the Greater Tiverton Community Chorus, to more accurately reflect its broader membership base. The Chorus also undertook increasingly challenging musical offerings, mixing classical choral works with lighter popular and seasonal fare
In 1999 the Rhode Island House of Representatives and the Governor of Rhode Island recognized the Chorus for its dedicated service in promoting Choral Music in our communities.