April 2012 Presentation "America the Beautiful"
Valdosta Daily Times - Rant & Rave Section - April 25, 2012
"Bravo to the Valdosta Choral Guild! I attended a few different concerts this past weekend and yours was by far the best performance! Keep up the good work!"
Dr. Mario D Bartoletti - Valdosta, GA
Hello Grant!,
What a well conceived and stirringly presented choral concert. There was so much thought and subtlety in the program – not just in the selections themselves, but also in the order of their presentation. The overall message of a shared American heritage and unity as citizens of this diversified nation were so appropriate at this juncture, i.e. an election year during critical times.
The honor guard and National Anthem struck a note for us all as Americans, and as patriots. Then, the inspired “Give Me Your Tired”, by Irving Berlin (a Russian Jew) reminded everyone of America’s immigrant status. The “Eternal Father” was a hymn of brotherhood. Then, the serious introduction of the concert shifted to sprightly Broadway show tunes, wrapped nostalgically in Berlin’s reminder that this is the land we love and we should stand beside her. How apropos!
The tribute to the armed forces again demonstrated unity in the military services – the women and men who protect us all. The variety of American folk songs once more emphasized a shared heritage that stretches back to the founding fathers. The “piece de resistance”; however, was seeing all of those Southern Georgians singing the Battle Hymn of the Republic – and hopefully imbibing deeply of the poetic lyrics which stress a sense of moral commitment, neither North or South, liberal nor conservative, but all of us joined together – come what may.
So, good friend, I lift my hat to a most inspired concert. Some may feel I have interpreted more into it than intended. I don’t think so!
Sincerely,
Dr. Mario D Bartoletti,
2011 Christmas Carol Competition winner
What a well conceived and stirringly presented choral concert. There was so much thought and subtlety in the program – not just in the selections themselves, but also in the order of their presentation. The overall message of a shared American heritage and unity as citizens of this diversified nation were so appropriate at this juncture, i.e. an election year during critical times.
The honor guard and National Anthem struck a note for us all as Americans, and as patriots. Then, the inspired “Give Me Your Tired”, by Irving Berlin (a Russian Jew) reminded everyone of America’s immigrant status. The “Eternal Father” was a hymn of brotherhood. Then, the serious introduction of the concert shifted to sprightly Broadway show tunes, wrapped nostalgically in Berlin’s reminder that this is the land we love and we should stand beside her. How apropos!
The tribute to the armed forces again demonstrated unity in the military services – the women and men who protect us all. The variety of American folk songs once more emphasized a shared heritage that stretches back to the founding fathers. The “piece de resistance”; however, was seeing all of those Southern Georgians singing the Battle Hymn of the Republic – and hopefully imbibing deeply of the poetic lyrics which stress a sense of moral commitment, neither North or South, liberal nor conservative, but all of us joined together – come what may.
So, good friend, I lift my hat to a most inspired concert. Some may feel I have interpreted more into it than intended. I don’t think so!
Sincerely,
Dr. Mario D Bartoletti,
2011 Christmas Carol Competition winner
Hal Carter - Hahira, GA
Thank you so much for the opportunity to hear the wonderful patriotic performance of the Valdosta Choral Guild.
We sang most of those songs every morning in my grade school class in the mountains of Kentucky. When I was 17 and a student at Morehead State College, I would stop by the student union to hear Kate Smith sing. In many of those programs, she sang “God Bless America”. Thanks so much for the trips down memory lane.
All the members of your group seemed to enjoy themselves so much. If you would send me an application, I would like to become a patron.
We sang most of those songs every morning in my grade school class in the mountains of Kentucky. When I was 17 and a student at Morehead State College, I would stop by the student union to hear Kate Smith sing. In many of those programs, she sang “God Bless America”. Thanks so much for the trips down memory lane.
All the members of your group seemed to enjoy themselves so much. If you would send me an application, I would like to become a patron.
Justin Anderson - Valdosta, GA
"I loved hearing you in the choral guild performance. It gave me chill bumps."
Samantha Russ - Valdosta, GA
I was invited to listen to the amazing performance of this group when it performed its tribute to American. While enjoying the beautiful melodies that were performed I was also able to watch a special friend of mine. Ms. Bobbie Michelle Dixon. I have the pleasure of knowing her from Walgreen’s, the place where I am employed. Her performance was beautiful and her charisma is contagious. During this performance she smiled and truly sang her heart out. It was very enjoyable to watch her sing and watch the group sing. It was a pleasure watching and I look forward to seeing more performances.
Mrs. Shizengiggles - Adel, GA
Did you get a look at that young stud playing the keyboard???? Yowza, Yowza!!!