Community Chorus welcomes new conductor

MAT-SU — Over the course of the past four decades, Mat-Su Community Chorus has experienced the evolutionary process. Having its beginnings in the Valley during the 1970s as a community choir, then partnered with Mat-Su Community College in the 1980s, to incorporating in 2009 to become its current status as a nonprofit organization, the Chorus has encountered many changes. Accompanying these changes are audiences, chorus members and conductors.

This season, Mat-Su Community Chorus welcomes Megan Webb, a former member, talented singer and musician, to conduct our concert season. Many of you may know her and of her multi-musical facets. If you have heard her perform, you know how she always delights and captivates her audiences.

Megan is originally from Soldotna, but spent her college career at the University of Nevada Reno earning her bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Upon graduating, Megan returned to Alaska to begin her teaching career at Finger Lake Elementary School in Palmer, and then at Houston High School. She is currently teaching band at Begich Middle School in Anchorage.

Megan’s past ties to the Valley and her love of music has drawn her back to conduct our chorus.

“I am super happy to be with the group,” she said.

If you appreciate choral music, then you are likely to see Megan perform with various musical groups in Anchorage and here in the Valley. She is a member with and frequent soloist for the Alaska Chamber Singers, and in the past, a member/soloist for the Mat-Su Concert Band, Mat-Su Community Chorus and Cantora Arctica. In her spare time, she enjoys studying opera and musical theater. You may have seen her this summer performing at various venues and music festivals with several local bands, including The Back Acres, The Cyclone Rangers and Stuck in Reverse.

I have been a member of Mat-Su Community Chorus since 2008, a mere four years, and am honored to be singing with this very talented and diverse group. There are, in fact, a few original chorus members and longtime choral music followers who could describe the chorus’ history more accurately than I. However, I am certain this choir has always presented itself in a professional and entertaining fashion.

Conductors and music directors may have come and gone, but elements of their talent and love for choral music have assisted the group to augment and develop into an accomplished musical instrument. Each chorus member is a volunteer, giving time, money and effort to bring you — the community — the gift of song. Having served on the board of directors for the past three years, I wish to express my appreciation for your very valued support of the chorus.

The first concert of the 2012-13 season, “Songs for the Season,” a Christmas concert, is at 4 p.m., Dec. 16 at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer.

You will also find the chorus caroling at community events such as the Dorothy G. Page Museum’s Christmas Celebration on at Palmer’s Colony Christmas. We also perform an annual spring concert in April.

We are sincerely honored and thrilled to have Megan as our conductor and music director.

Come join us in song as we continue our free concert series, welcome Megan and ring in the Yule.