Choral group featuring Rapp singers has new name, director
The newly renamed Valley Chorale of Front Royal — formerly The Front Royal Oratorio Society, the area’s longest-standing choral group that includes singers from Sperryville, Washington, Amissville and Flint Hill — is raising the curtain on not only a new name but on new artistic leadership, too.
To kick off its 2019-2020 season, the chorus proudly welcomes Dr. Ryan Keebaugh as Choral Director — its first new conductor in 25 years.
On being selected to his new position, Keebaugh told the Rappahannock News: “I am honored to have been selected as conductor of the Valley Chorale. The ensemble has been known for their passion, excitement, and love for choral music and I am thrilled to be a part of this organization. I look forward to every opportunity to build musical relationships with the ensemble as well long-lasting connections with the local community.”
Keebaugh, a resident of Stephens City, is a Shenandoah Valley native who grew up with music in his heart. He now will be sharing that passion and artistic leadership with the Valley Chorale's 45-plus singers and the group's large audience.
What's more, the Chorale is broadening its repertoire to include a wide spectrum of musical traditions, including recent work by contemporary composers. While the group will continue to perform classical works, under Keebaugh's leadership it will explore new genres certain to have broad appeal with "something for everyone."
Keebaugh, selected following a rigorous competitive recruitment, brings to the position 20 years of conducting experience as an educator, musician and conductor. In addition to serving as Director of Choral Activities for Clarke County Schools and Minister of Music at Grace United Methodist Church in Middletown, Keebaugh is an active composer, arranger and wellknown choral clinician throughout the region.
David Freese, Board President of the Valley Chorale of Front Royal, beamed, “We are absolutely thrilled to be under Ryan's baton. His enthusiasm and positive energy are infectious. We look forward to our 2019-2020 season being full of new directions, new types of music, and welcoming lots of new singers. It's going to be great fun.”
This year, the group’s yuletide concert (performed the first weekend in December) is titled “Home for Christmas,” centered on the theme of Christmas at home — wherever “home” may be — as well as Christmas spent with loved ones, and Christmas as a touchstone for shared faith within family.
“We welcome singers ages 15 and up,” Freese continued. “There is no formal audition process, but each singer is voice-tested so that the conductor is familiar with his or her voice and the ability to match pitch. All you need to bring is a pencil, a positive attitude, and willingness to work hard to make great music.” If you have a song in your heart, then you can join the Valley Chorale of Front Royal for its exciting inaugural year under Keebaugh's energetic new leadership. Rehearsals begin Monday, September 9 at 7 p.m. at Front Royal United Methodist Chirch. nd More
Interested singers may contact the group through email (FrontRoyalSings@yahoo.com) or by calling 540635-4842. A “meet-and-greet” will be held on Monday, August 19 at the Blue Ridge Arts Council (305 E. Main Street, Front Royal) for interested new singers.