Chorus members share long legacy; Group to perform spring concert.

Byline: Bonnie Russell

NORTHBORO - During a recent rehearsal for the spring concert by the Northboro Community Chorus, open mouths, smiling faces, swaying bodies and tapping feet testify to the fact that the assembled company enjoys making music together.

One man, however, frowns slightly and bellows, "Together! Together!"

Anthony J. Volpe, who directs the group, signals the voices back into action for another try at "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen."

This is only one number in the long repertoire of songs that must pass muster with Mr. Volpe before the group holds its spring concert at 3:15 p.m. May 10 at Algonquin Regional High School.

The enthusiastic singers will blend their alto, soprano, tenor and bass voices in a range of songs, including "O Sole Mio," "Carolina Moon," "Les Bicyclettes De Belsize," and "Let Me Entertain You," all accompanied by pianist David L. Rose of Shrewsbury.

The lively four-part harmony and the songs that have stood the test of time are what make the performance special, according to Tom Lowe, president of the chorus.

"The songs have been around for a long time because they are good music," he said.

All of the chorus members share not only an appreciation for the music they make but also for the legacy of past members of the group and others in the community. They often dedicate their performances to someone's memory, said chorus member Mary Sullivan.

"We are dedicating this concert in memory of Dennis Wrenn, the former chairman of the fine and performing arts department at Algonquin Regional High School, who died while in Greece on a concert tour with the Algonquin jazz band," she said.

The 50-member chorus gave its debut concert in the spring of 1972.

Janet Flood has been with the chorus from the beginning, a distinction she shares with Mr. Volpe.

"Tony and I are the only original members left, but many others have been here for more than 20 years. This is our 37th year. The chorus sprung from an adult-education class in music at Algonquin. Tony was the instructor. I was not in the class. I already knew how to sing. I took furniture refinishing," Mrs. Flood said with a chuckle.

Mrs. Flood attributes the group's success not only to the shared interest in music, but also to a strong sense of camaraderie fostered by the time the group members spend together, not only rehearsing for the two concerts they perform each year - the spring concert and a holiday season concert - but gathering to celebrate special occasions or just going out for coffee.

Dedication is required as they rehearse every Tuesday for much of the year. Rehearsals for the holiday season concert start in September. The chorus then reunites in January to begin rehearsals for the spring concert.

"We are dedicated not only to singing and music but to each other," Mr. Lowe said.

The chorus always welcomes new members. Men and women older than high school age may join. No auditions are required. Dues are $10 per year, with a registration fee of $10.

The group receives grants from the Northboro, Marlboro, Shrewsbury and Southboro cultural councils, which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Mrs. Sullivan said.

Members come from Berlin, Framingham, Holden, Hudson, Leominster, Marlboro, Medway, Milford, Millis, Natick, Northboro, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southboro, Sterling, Westboro and Worcester.

Tickets for the spring concert are $5 and can be purchased in advance by calling Mrs. Sullivan at [phone]; tickets will also be available at the door. The proceeds are used for scholarships for area students, and to cover the cost of music.

Organizers are hoping for a good turnout.

"We always put on a good show," Mr. Lowe said.

ART: PHOTOS

PHOTOG: T&G Staff Photos/STEVE LANAVA

CUTLINE: (1) Members of the Northboro Community Chorus rehearse for their upcoming spring concert. (2) Members of the Northboro Community Chorus rehearse at Algonquin Regional High School for their upcoming concert. (3) Chorus members Mary Sullivan, left, of Northboro and Janet Iacovelli of Milford concentrate on hitting the right notes during rehearsal. (4) At left, Georgianna Zorzi, left, of Milford and Gail Schuler of Northboro give it their all. Above, pianist David Rose, left, and chorus director Anthony Volpe strive for perfection. (5) Pianist David Rose, left, and chorus director Anthony Volpe strive for perfection.