Matthew Smircich, bass

Before joining Georgetown Chorale in 2017, my only prior choral experience was six years spent in various school choirs. The joy of singing is lifelong, and I’m thankful musical opportunities persist in what is and continues to be a welcoming and encouraging group. The Chorale’s leadership, specifically Director Richard’s skill and patient guidance, allows the group to tackle music with ambitious enthusiasm, even in these turbulent times. As part of the Chorale, I hope we can continue to engage, through performance, the community both near and far, in the times to come.

Penny Smith, soprano

I’m a long hauler! Just shy of twenty years. What keeps me going? Excellent musicianship and quality music; celebrating the joy of singing with good friends and colleagues; opportunities for growth such as sight singing classes and voice coaching; giving back to the community through our concerts and fund raising activities for charitable organizations; and, participating in chorale social activities and events. We have been blessed with the best of the best in leadership and musical talent. This has been an especially challenging year with the pandemic. Thanks to those who not only kept us going but helped us to grow and excel in difficult times.

Arlene Holen, tenor

I did not know what to expect as a new member of the Georgetown Chorale in 2020-21, a year of online music. It turned out to be extraordinary. Richard's superb musicianship and creativity, the group's enthusiasm and warmth, and the unusual technical abilities of the leadership provided a great choral experience. Rehearsals were on Zoom and Jamulus, with the President, David Flaxman, patiently getting us over rough spots. We swallowed our pride, got better at recording ourselves and presented two online concerts. An informal Madrigals group brightened Saturdays. Sight-singing classes were a big bonus. I hope we can sing in person next year, at least partially, but in any case I look forward to another year of choral music with GC!

Rita Zener, alto

Pre-pandemic the high Point of my week was the Sunday choir rehearsal and then the singing in church. Pandemic came, and a fellow choir member mentioned that Georgetown Chorale was starting up in September on zoom. I signed up right away and have blissfully sung to my computer all year. Richard’s gentle leadership, and Andrew’s special classes have helped me immensely to improve my singing. Our technical genius, David Flaxman, has a majority of us now singing together on Jamulus. It is a privilege and an honor to be singing with the Georgetown Chorale.