On September 3 I began my 13th year as Director of the Jackson, MI CHORALE and I love the 100 people who come every week to rehearsal just because they love to sing. They come from all walks of life and all ages. Their diversity is one of their qualities that make them so wonderful. This year will also be the 65th year for the Chorale! I was an Assistant Director when I was in college and my parents
sang in the Chorale.
In these last several years we have sung many songs composed or arranged by Dan Forrest and really enjoy his music. First we sang some of his Christmas Carol arrangements. My two favorites are—
O Come, All Ye Faithful
SATB ( also available SSAA and TTBB)
Arranged for piano duet and optional string quartet
Beckenhorst Press CU 1011
The First Noel
SATB (also available SSA and TTB)
Arranged for piano/organ accompaniment/full orchestration
Beckenhorst Press BP1859
The final modulation and crescendo bring tears to my eyes every time I conduct it!
One of the lovely ladies in the alto section of the Chorale is Laurie Connin, our own Mel Larimer’s daughter. Mel conducted the choir at the Congregational Church in Traverse City and every year they sponsor concerts in his memory. They also enjoy the music of Dan Forrest and sang his Jubilate Deo. They invited Dan Forrest to come to Traverse City and he was able to come! While there, he visited the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes and was so impressed with its natural beauty. They also commissioned him to write a Christmas Carol arrangement in Mel Larimer’s memory and he chose the Huron Carol. Part of the carol contains some Huron language. It is for SATB Choir and piano plus optional string quartet or orchestration and also a Beckenhorst publication (BP 2164). It is dedicated to a Michigan Choral giant, Mel Larimer.
We have programmed it on our Christmas Concert this year and I’ll let you know if I have a new favorite!
