Special to The Windham Eagle
Just the mention of Windham Chamber Singers brings smiles to the faces of thousands of people around the Lakes Region. For two generations, they have brought joy to the local community. Performing under Dr. Richard Nickerson’s leadership, this group has been the pride of Windham and Raymond and is celebrating its 38th anniversary this year. Now that Dr. Nickerson has announced his retirement at the end of this school year, we have one more opportunity to support him and the choir.
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| The Windham Chamber Singers, under the direction of Dr. Richard Nickerson, will perform in concert at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4 at the North Windham Union Church, 723 Roosevelt Trail in Windham. The concert launches the final spring tour for the group under Nickerson, who is retiring at the end of the school year in June. FILE PHOTO |
Dr Nick, as he is affectionately known, has impacted literally thousands of high school students over the years. Some of his students in the early years have since had children who have grown-up to become Chamber Singers, and each year many of the Chamber Singers alumni return to sing with the choir at the annual American Family Holiday concert.
The Windham Chamber Singers is an auditioned 40-voice mixed choir from Windham High School with a distinguished history of international recognition, including winning the Prize of Vienna. The ensemble has been featured on NBC Nightly News, NPR, CBS This Morning, and The Today Show, and has performed for two U.S. Presidents at the White House. Over the years they have collaborated in concert with numerous notable artists, such as Kenny Rogers, Noel Paul Stookey, Josh Groban and one of the choir’s favorites, Norm Lewis. They have recorded five CDs, and their annual American Family Holiday concerts sell out every year.
The choir is preparing for its annual tour, where they perform at other schools, nursing homes, and a variety of community concerts. The tour this year includes five days in northern Maine and New Brunswick.
Some of the group’s leaders shared their thoughts about the upcoming tour.
“The WCS tour is a unique experience that allows the ensemble to bond and create everlasting memories, to share their love for music with people of all ages, a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Rowan Cummings, Windham Chamber Singers President.
Corey Brackett, the Chamber Singers Vice President said, “Tours have always been one of the best things about the Windham Chamber Singers. This last year will always be significant as it marks the end of chapter and the start of a new one, for not only the seniors of this group but now for Dr. Nick too. It has been an honor to have been in this group and to be able to share the experience of the final year.”
And their beloved director Dr. Nickerson shared some thoughts about his final pre-tour concert as well.
“Touring is always a highlight of our year, but this one will be incredibly emotional. We are excited to return to the North Windham Union Church because of the support that we feel from the audience” Nickerson said.
The Chamber Singers have performed at North Windham Union Church many times over the past 30-plus years.
Dawn Sample, Choir Director at the church said, “We are honored to host this talented choir again this year. Rick Nickerson was formerly the Minister of Music in this church for 10 years, and our church family holds him, and the Windham Chamber Singers close to our hearts.”
Admission is by donation with general seating. The proceeds from this concert will help cover the cost of the tour and also support two of the Windham Chamber Singers’ favorite charities, the Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors program and the RSU 14 Backpack Program.
The doors open at 1:30 p.m. before the 2 p.m. concert. FMI: windhamchambersingers.com
Don’t miss the Windham Chamber Singers on April 4 to enjoy some wonderful music and help support our community. The church will likely be full, so plan to come early. <
“The WCS tour is a unique experience that allows the ensemble to bond and create everlasting memories, to share their love for music with people of all ages, a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Rowan Cummings, Windham Chamber Singers President.
Corey Brackett, the Chamber Singers Vice President said, “Tours have always been one of the best things about the Windham Chamber Singers. This last year will always be significant as it marks the end of chapter and the start of a new one, for not only the seniors of this group but now for Dr. Nick too. It has been an honor to have been in this group and to be able to share the experience of the final year.”
And their beloved director Dr. Nickerson shared some thoughts about his final pre-tour concert as well.
“Touring is always a highlight of our year, but this one will be incredibly emotional. We are excited to return to the North Windham Union Church because of the support that we feel from the audience” Nickerson said.
The Chamber Singers have performed at North Windham Union Church many times over the past 30-plus years.
Dawn Sample, Choir Director at the church said, “We are honored to host this talented choir again this year. Rick Nickerson was formerly the Minister of Music in this church for 10 years, and our church family holds him, and the Windham Chamber Singers close to our hearts.”
Admission is by donation with general seating. The proceeds from this concert will help cover the cost of the tour and also support two of the Windham Chamber Singers’ favorite charities, the Windham Neighbors Helping Neighbors program and the RSU 14 Backpack Program.
The doors open at 1:30 p.m. before the 2 p.m. concert. FMI: windhamchambersingers.com
Don’t miss the Windham Chamber Singers on April 4 to enjoy some wonderful music and help support our community. The church will likely be full, so plan to come early. <
