A brief history of the Randolph Singers
2007-05-16 13:20:55 - Back
In 1968 the Randolph PTA needed to raise some money and decided to do so through the production of a Broadway show. Three co-chairs were appointed to run this affair and they enlisted H. Walton Alderfer, a retired choral director, to lead the performance. For its inaugural presentation the leadership team selected Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance" and performed it in a then much neglected Chandler Auditorium. Subsequent performances the following two years stemmed from this initial success and were performed at the John N. Murray auditorium of Randolph Union High School, and during this period, the troupe assumed the name, The Randolph Singers.
The Chandler Auditorium of the Late 60's and early 70's was in the condition of nearly all Vermont's spectacular concert halls - tough shape. And it was the Randolph Singers, upon moving their annual performances back to Chandler starting in 1971 that spearheaded the revitalization of this important area resource. In fact, not only did the Randolph Singers' performances illustrate the need to refurbish the long-neglected hall, they donated the lion's share of their production profits to the cause.
Although the Singers started out with a focus on musical theater they shortly thereafter began to increase their focus on choral music. During their forty-year history they have performed over seventy concerts in Randolph and beyond. Hundreds of individuals have had the opportunity to both perform and learn about music and theater through these programs and thousands of attendees young and old have enjoyed the concerts. The Singers have performed joint concerts with school groups of all ages and shared the stage with other area community and professional ensembles. The Singers have lent their talents to the performance of major choral works with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, the Vermont Philharmonic Orchestra, and the New Hampshire Festival Orchestra along with performing concerts with orchestras raised by the chorus itself.
As with any organization of such long standing the mission of the Randolph Singers has adapted to the evolution of the group itself, its community as a whole, and the large demographic shifts happening across the state of Vermont itself. Nevertheless, the core values of the organization have remained consistent: to provide an opportunity of any individual who has a love of singing to find both their voice, and a opportunity to share and develop that talent. No auditions are required, nor are any particular musical achievements, only a love of music and singing. This has provided the membership the opportunity for personal enjoyment and improvement of music and performance. Now, in its forth decade, the Singers is enriching the lives of yet another generation of musicians from across Central Vermont and providing new and exciting music to the Randolph community.
