Greetings from the Artistic Director
Dear Chorale Friends,
I am pleased that you are here to enjoy our tribute to Veterans. This concert is designed to express our respect, our admiration, and our gratitude to those who have served.
We are so happy to collaborate tonight with Rocket City Bones, and I am grateful to Patrick Sullivan for engaging his ensemble to share the stage with the Chorale. Many thanks for others who have made this concert possible, for those who have honored their loved ones with tributes in the program, and especially for your presence and outpouring support.
The Huntsville Master Chorale’s 2023-2024 season promises to be an audience pleaser. Our Under the Mistletoe Christmas Concerts will feature familiar carols for all to enjoy. We are asking our audience to bring a non-perishable food item as your ticket for the concerts. Our goal this season is to give back to the community and this allows you to be included in this collaboration. All the items collected will be given to the North Alabama Food Bank.
Continuing with our traditional Mosaic of Love, this year we will be bringing the south to the north. Come and enjoy a Mardi Gras party filled with New Orleans’ music. Mark your calendars for our only fundraising event on February 10 at Stone Center on Campus 805. Beads, parades, and fun!!! Laissez les bons temps rouler.
I have always wanted to do a program about journeys and travels that create such fond memories. Songs of Travel concerts will feature lyrics and melodies that take us on these journeys. Plan to join us for these spring concerts May 3 and 5.
To conclude our season Dr. Pearl Shangkuan will be our guest clinician for our Third Huntsville Choral Festival. Dr. Shangkuan is the President Elect of the premiere organization for choral directors in our country, the American Choral Directors Association. The Festival Concert will be June 1 here at Trinity United Methodist Church. We hope you can return to this lovely venue for the concert.
Thanks again for your presence and support.
Enjoy the concert!
Dr. Patricia Ramírez Hacker
Please stand as you are able for the presentation of the colors and the singing of our National Anthem.
The Star Spangled Banner
Arr. Jay Rouse
Good evening, The Huntsville Master Chorale would like to welcome you to this special concert to honor our Veterans. Few groups deserve our recognition, respect, and gratitude more than the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. military. This Veterans Day we would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to veterans and their families for serving selflessly and courageously to protect our country.
For those veterans who have served the United States Army
For those veterans who have served the United States Navy
For those veterans who have served the United States Marine Corps
For those veterans who have served the United States Air Force
For those veterans who have served the United States Space Force
In 1893, a 33-year-old English professor Katharine Lee Bates was inspired by the beauty of our country during her train trip to Colorado Springs. The beauty and majestic views of the great plains and Pike’s Peak were her inspiration for the lyrics to America the Beautiful. Later Samuel A. Ward composed the hymn tune to fit the text. This song has become one of the most popular American patriotic songs
America the Beautiful
Bates/Ward Arr. Marvin Gaspard
Battle Hymn of the Republic is another popular American patriotic song written by Julia Ward Howe during the American Civil War. Howe adapted her song from the popular soldiers’ song "John Brown's Body." The tune came from a much older folk hymn called "Say, Brothers will you Meet Us", also known as "Glory Hallelujah", which was popular in revivalist camp meetings in the late 1700s.
In 1890, George Kimball wrote his account of how his “Tiger” Battalion of the Massachusetts militia worked out this song to be the song of his battalion. When Julia heard the song she adapted her words to this familiar melody and it was published in 1892.
Enjoy America the Beautiful and the popular arrangement of Battle Hymn of the Republic performed by the Chorale and the Rocket City Bones.
We invite the audience to join the Chorale in singing the last chorus of the Battle Hymn of the Republic.
Battle Hymn of the Republic
Arr. John Stafford Smith / Jay Rouse
Marc Simons, Isaac Pullen, tenors
Tim Miller, Morgan Qualls, basses
Audience (last chorus)
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on!
Rocket City Bones Ensemble
Rocket City Bones, initially Tennessee Valley Trombones, has been a cornerstone of North Alabama's musical community since 2014, fostering a network of skilled trombonists and enriching the local arts scene. Our evolution led to a rebrand in 2021, reflecting our rocketing ambition and deep ties to the region's heritage. As Rocket City Bones, we have embraced a mission of performance and partnership, gracing venues such as the Orion Amphitheater and the University of Alabama Huntsville, and enhancing events from local churches to sports arenas. We're proud to contribute our bold brass sounds to other ensembles, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of our arts community. Looking ahead, we're excited to continue blending tradition with innovation, celebrating the robust tones of the trombone, and connecting with audiences in every note we play.
Flags Of Freedom
John Philip Sousa / Arr. Joseph Ervine
Selections From Band of Brothers
Michael Kamen/Arr. Daniel Dotson
Spanish Waterwheel
Arr. Tommy Pederson
76 Trombones
Arr. Tommy Pederson
American Patrol
F.W. Meacham/Arr. Jörg Vollerthun
Impression of a Parade
Arr. Mike Sute
The music for the next song by the Chorale is known as Jupiter’s Theme and is a popular British song performed at many royal events.
The original text was written by Sir Cecil Spring-Rice, a British diplomat who also served in WWI and knew what it meant to love and serve his homeland.
The arranger, American Randall Stroope, wrote the second and third stanzas in dedication to his father who was a prisoner of war and walked the Bataan Death March in WWII.
So the text transcends cultural and national boundaries!
People throughout history have cherished their ties of blood, language and culture, and fought to protect these values. May we continue to value our heritage and the “homeland” which is preserved to this day.
Homeland
Gustav Holst, Arr. Z Randall Stroope
I vow to you, my country, all earthly things above,
Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love:
The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test,
That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best.
The love that never falters, the love that pays the price.
The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.
Though the road has bends and turns,
And my spirit suffers,
Humans fail, systems fail, shadows fall.
But the ruts run deep,
Cut by the blood of faces above,
And voices now silent,
But the message loud is heard:
“Homeland, homeland,
Renew your youth, restore your soul!”
Homeland, the country that I love, hold out your arms to me.
I strive for you, and give you the best I hope to be.
May your wisdom be your armour, your compassion be your sword;
May your strength be forged with mercy, your courage lives restore.
Homeland, the country that I love, forever reign supreme:
And when time stands stills, my homeland, may heaven hold your dream.
My homeland, be my dream, my hope. Homeland!
The work Solas (Solace) by composer David N. Childs was commissioned in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the World War One Armistice of 1918.
The piece was based on the poems written by English Poet and Veteran of WWI Robert Graves and Charles Hamilton Sorley. Robert Graves developed an early reputation as a war poet and was one of the first to write realistic poems about the experience of frontline conflict.
Solas (Solace)
David Childs
Commemorating the Centenary of the World War One Armistice of 1918.
Azia Shabazz, soprano
Kyrie eleison (Lord have mercy.)
What, then, was war?
No mere discord of flags,
But an infection of the common sky
That sagged, ominously upon the earth,
Even when the season was the earliest in May.
Down pressed the sky and we, oppressed, thrust out
Boastful tongue, clenched fist and valiant yard.
Natural infirmities were out of mode, for death was young again:
Patron alone of healthy dying, premature fate-spasm.
Lux aeterna luceat eis Domine. (Let perpetual light shine upon them, O Lord.)
When it is peace, we may view again with new won eyes
Each other’s truer form and wonder, and wonder, and wonder.
Grown more loving kind and warm
We’ll grasp firm hands and laugh at the old pain.
When it is peace.
Dona nobis pacem. (Rest in peace.)
As we close tonight’s program, I cannot thank you enough for coming to our concert and supporting choral music in Huntsville. We would like to thank those who contributed and added names to our program of their loved ones who served for our country.
Thank you to all our sponsors. PEI Ling Charitable Foundation, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Mercedes Benz, Arts Huntsville, the City of Huntsville, and the Alabama Council of the Arts. Your donations help us to continue providing beautiful music and building that sense of community so important today.
We would like to end this concert in a festive way saluting all saints who strive for peace and justice in our country. Please sing with us on the last verse of When the Saints Go Marching In.
When the Saints Go Marching In
Arr. John Rutter
Audience (last chorus)
Oh, when the saints go marching in,
Oh, when the saints go marching in:
Oh, Lord, I want to be in that number,
Oh, when the saints go marching in.
Huntsville Master Chorale Roster
Dr. Patricia Ramírez Hacker, Artistic Director
Stacy Owens, Assistant Conductor
Sharon Keffer, Accompanist
Soprano I: Shana Acray, Kay Campbell, Rebecca England, Catherine Hoop, Kristina Howard, Patricia Kennedy, Diana Scheidker, Jennifer Post
Soprano II: Angela Arnold, Morgan Cure, Elaine Hamner, Serena Neely, Stacy Owens*+, Azia Shabazz, Sarah Tendick, Maria Waahlen
Alto I: Amelia Adams, Sherry Boyer, Rebecca Caine, Stacey Kelley, Linda McAllister, Sarah Shifrin*
Alto II: Donna Clark, Ashley Godbee, Alex Hall, Jessica Martin, Elsie Peterson
Tenor I: David Jones*, Jeanne McKenzie, Rosemarie Juergensen, Marc Simons
Tenor II: Dennis Clements*, Isaac Pullen, Greg Wright
Bass I: Trey Cornelius, George Fletcher, Tim Miller, Bob Phelps, Johan Waahlen
Bass II: Bill Love, Larry Kahn, Morgan Qualls
+Assistant Conductor
*Section Leader
Huntsville Master Chorale Board of Directors
Linda McAllister - President
Bob Phelps - Vice President
Bill Love - Secretary
Elaine Hamner - Treasurer
Patricia Hacker - Artistic Director
Members at Large: Sherry Boyer, Rebecca Caine, Donna Clark, Jodie Clements, Morgan Cure, Alex Hall, Jessica Martin, Jeanne McKenzie, Sarah Shifrin
Rocket City Bones Ensemble
Patrick Sullivan, Artistic Director
Tenor Trombonists: Don Boywer, Daniel Dotson, Christine Hayes, Jeff Lawrence, Joe Martin, Nathan Daniel, Savannah Flores, Robert Slamp
Bass Trombonists: Patrick C. Sullivan, Joseph Ervine
Contrabass Trombonist: Patrick C. Sullivan
Master of Ceremonies
John Mason, President of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
University of Alabama-Huntsville
Huntsville High School Space Force JROTC
Lauren Daggitt
Marleigh Etheridge
L. Mooney
Grace Oberg
Elena Mattler
First Presbyterian Church Troop 70
Youth Leader: Senior Patrol Leader Rayne Newton
Adult Leader in Charge: Scoutmaster Kenneth Newton
Honoring Our Veterans
Colonel Howard C. Alexander, US Army - Honored by Susan Alexander
Sergeant Daniel Royce Boyer, US Army - Honored by Sherry Boyer
CW5 James M. Baswell (Ret), US Army - Honored by Rebecca Caine
Gregg Caine, US Navy - Honored by David Caine
Staff Sergeant Russell Caine, US Army - Honored by David Caine
1SG William Caine, US Army Colonel - Honored by David & Rebecca Caine
1st Lieutenant Tom Campbell, US Air Force - Honored by Kay Campbell
Lieutenant Commander T. Leo Castle, USMC - WWII - Honored by Sherry Boyer
Captain Jerome Cimino, US Army - Honored by David Caine
Arthur Clements, US Army - WWII - Honored by Dennis and Jodie Clements
David Clements, US Army - Honored by Dennis and Jodie Clements
Master Sergeant David Coker, USMC - Honored by Claudia Coker
Captain Richard Confer, US Army - Honored by Bill Confer
Captain Glenn Deffke, US Army - Honored by Susan Alexander
1st Lieutenant Joseph P. DeFranco, Army - Honored by Donna DeFranco Clark
Lt. Colonel Joseph J. DeFranco, USMC - Honored by Donna DeFranco Clark
Sergeant George Fletcher, US Army - Honored by Angela Arnold
Ensign Michael Giordano, US Navy - Honored by David Caine
Major General George F. Hamner Sr., US Army - Honored by Richard Hamner
PSGT John A. Hamner, Army - KIA South Vietnam - Honored by Richard Hamner
Colonel (Ret.) Richard Hamner, US Army - Honored by Elaine Hamner
Brigadier General Ronald Helms, US Air Force - Honored by Susan Alexander
Captain James G. Holland, US Army - David Caine
Pete Hunter - Air Force Honored by David & Rebecca Caine
Charles Johnson, US Navy - Honored by David & Rebecca Caine
Captain Benson Jones, USMC - Honored by Angela Arnold
PO2 Russ Kuykendall, US Navy - Honored by David Caine
Captain Winfred McCartney, US Army - Honored by Susan Alexander
Colonel Arthur R. Miller, US Air Force - Honored by Cecilia A. Miller
AOC (AW/SW) Ret. Michael J. Mock, US Navy - Honored by David & Rebecca Caine
John Franklin Neely, US Army, Korean War - Honored by Serena Neely
Thomas Pfalzer - Honored by Margaret Pfalzer
Commander (Ret.) Earl Hewitt Pearce, US Navy - Honored by Rebecca Caine
E5 Tim Pearsall, US Army - Honored by David Caine
Yeoman 2nd Class, Cynthia Powell, US Navy - Honored by Ramona Banks
Major Leon Price, US Army - Honored by David Caine
Colonel Bryan Read, US Army - Honored by David Caine
Captain Tony Richardson, US Army - Honored by Redstone Village
Major (Ret.) David L. Richardson, US Army - Honored Redstone Village
Robert Rose, US Navy WWII - Honored by Serena Neely
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Bob Senn - Honored by Redstone Village
Staff Sergeant Marcos Servin, USMC - Honored by Patricia Hacker
John Sharratt - Honored by Stephanie Sharratt
Lieutenant Colonel Scott Shifrin, US Army - Honored by Sarah Shifrin
Craig Shinnefield - Honored by Margaret Pfalzer
Captain Ralph A. Shuey, US Air Force - Honored by Basye Holland-Shuey
Colonel (Ret.) Ronald Sikes - Honored by Redstone Village
Petty Officer Second Class Brett Singleton, US Navy - Honored by Linda McAllister
Senior Airman Naida Singleton, US Air Force - Honored by Linda McAllister
Chief Petty Officer Stites Waller, US Navy - Honored by Elaine Hamner
Senior Airman Lynn Tieman, US Air Force - Honored by David & Rebecca Caine
Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Tomlin, US Air Force - Honored by Sarah Shifrin
James Walker, WWII, US Army - Honored by Linda McAllister
Senior Airman Andrew Williams, US Air Force - Honored by David & Rebecca Caine
Corporal Chris Williams, USMC - Honored by David & Rebecca Caine
Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Verdier, US Army - Honored by Linda Spalla
Captain Paul Zorovich, US Air Force - Honored by Redstone Village
R.C. Reville - Honoring All Veterans