Nonpro t
BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
The Montgomery County Choral Society started in 1972 as a “rag-tag” group of church choir singers, the society’s Assistant Director Craig Stephan said. A small band of eight or nine people wanted the opportunity to sing more classical material and do something di erent outside the church. So, he said they looked to Director Kathryn Gutekunst to help recruit new members and create a new sound. Slowly, over the years, Stephan said the small “rag- tag” group transformed into something great. About the program Now, the Choral Society is celebrating its 52nd year with more than 40 members from all over Montgomery County. “It’s just a group of people who are passionate about singing and want to produce quality per- formances that you really can’t nd in the Greater Conroe area,” said Christina Lee, president of the MCCS board. The group practices at the First Baptist Church in Conroe every Monday and performs at First Methodist Conroe. The Choral Society performs three to four concerts a year with performances in the spring, fall and winter. The group’s next performance will be a holiday concert Dec. 8 at First Methodist Conroe, 4308 W. Davis St., starting at 7 p.m. This year, Stephan said MCCS is adding a few new changes to the organization, including hosting guest directors throughout the season and a new nale event, a cabaret-style show in June. The show will focus less on the large choir and more on soloists, duets and small ensembles, Stephan said. “We are constantly looking at di erent ways to gure out who our current demographic is and how to expand that demographic,” he said. “This is a way we are hoping to introduce the Choral Society to the demographics that don’t usually listen to that style of music.” Get involved MCCS is a nonpro t organization funded through ticket sales, fundraising events and donations. The organization also gives a portion of proceeds back to the community through two annual high school scholarships. To get involved with the MCCS, community members can assist with fundraising events, Montgomery County Choral Society celebrates 52nd year in community
The Montgomery County Choral Society practices at the First Baptist Church in Conroe every Monday.
PHOTOS BY CASSANDRA JENKINS COMMUNITY IMPACT
Guest director Jim Kritikos, standing, directs a choir practice at First Baptist Church Conroe.
A variety of residents from Montgomery County participate in the Montgomery County Choral Society.
volunteer for concert performances or become a sponsor. MCCS o ers various sponsorship tiers for individuals, businesses and organizations. “If people want to sing with us, that’s great, but if they want to come and also help us raise money, help us do fundraisers or just help us determine which amazing high school kid get[s] awarded for scholarships, we are always looking for good people to come and join us and be a part of that,” Stephan said.
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4308 W. Davis St., Conroe (performances) www.mcchoral.org
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