1963. A time of great change and beginnings.
Robert "Bob" Miller, a teacher at
the California Youth Authority's Preston School, brought together a small
group of friends to sing Christmas carols for the community. From those
humble beginnings, grew an over 44-year tradition of music, style and
sophistication that continues to delight the heart of the Mother Lode.
Bob led the Choraliers for 32
years. He helped to forge the Amador Choralier Foundation, reaching out to
the community and the schools. Some other remarkable people had helped him
on his journey. Don Singer accompanied the group on keyboard for over 30
years. Jack Ireland's legacy with the Choraliers infused the Foundation with
the need to help the children of the community. Bob Knudsen and Don Conarroe,
also charter members, continued to bolster the Bass section until their
retirement in 2002 and 2001 respectively. Speaking of Basses, Irv Gidding,
another member from the beginning years, has been adding to the beat with
his string and electric bass, not to mention a lively trill on his trumpet.
He also still sings with the Men’s Chorus and directs the Women’s Chorus.
Bob always had his own style. One
thing he always insisted on was Memorization! Amador Choraliers is among a
unique and select few groups in that all concert material is memorized.
Bob Miller and Don Singer retired
from the group in 1994 turning over the reigns to a new group of musicians.
Yet, even then, it took four people to take over for Bob and two for Don!
Currently, the group is lead by
Darlene Williams and Karen Reed. Irv Gidding continues to provide the
instrumental bass and trumpet, as well as stepping in to direct some of the
specialty group numbers. Karen handles the accompanist duties and
occassionally a choralier member will step in to help with the piano.
Specialty groups include the Men's
and Women's Chorus, the A Capella Ensemble, and the Women's Barbershoppe
Quartet.
The Amador Choraliers are always looking for new members.
Contact us if you think you would like to join this prestigious group and
keep the tradition alive in Amador County!
