Community Chorus Testimonials

Judie Englander

Judie Englander of South Strafford, Vermont, has participated in and enjoyed both UVMC choruses: the Juneberry Community Chorus and Community Chorus at UVMC, which started in 2023.

“Juneberry and UVMC Community Chorus are alike in the most important ways. Patricia Norton and Annie Arrington are both warm, welcoming, and talented directors. They have a way of making each participant feel special, and that whatever we bring to the group is exactly what is needed,” Englander said. “We are encouraged to test our ‘singing wings’ without fear of judgment. We are invited to do homework if we feel it will boost our confidence. Overall, acceptance is a key ingredient in both choruses.”

What does Judie like best the UVMC Community Chorus? “Mainly it’s the joy that singing together brings,” she said. “In addition, the overall atmosphere of UVMC and its staff is one of inclusiveness and warmth. You never feel like a stranger.”

Tina Foster

Tina Foster of Post Mills, Vermont, has been with UVMC’s choruses since 2017, first the Juneberry Community Chorus then the Community Chorus at UVMC.

“The things I love about the Community Chorus: community, meeting new people, Annie’s incredible enthusiasm, supportive group, and singing! Especially as someone who spent much of her life convinced she couldn’t,” said Foster.

She encourages others to join. “There is nothing like singing in a group that’s having fun to lift your spirits. I sometimes arrive tired and grumpy after work, but I always leave happy and feeling good about the world,” she said. “Join to learn and improve your skills. Join to be exposed to different types of music. Join to spend time with a truly wonderful group of people, most of whom I would never have met without the chorus.”

Christine Hoskin

Why did Christine Hoskin join the UVMC Community Chorus?

“The Community Chorus provides an opportunity to sing and rehearse music on a regular basis; gives me a chance to improve my singing through skilled direction; and offers a comfortable, fun, social setting to get me out of the house on a weekly basis,” the Etna, New Hampshire, resident said.

Hoskin, who starts her second year with the chorus in September 2024, recommends the experience to singers of all levels.

“If someone is looking for an opportunity to sing and be part of a friendly, encouraging group of musicians of all levels, the UVMC Community Chorus might be a good fit for them,” Hoskin said. “The pressure is low-level, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the challenges of the music are a good learning opportunity.”

More Voices

“The ability to be vulnerable in a group of people means there’s established trust. That’s a remarkable thing and I definitely see it with the Community Chorus — a real sense of trust, compassion, and caring. Thank you so much for creating this intentional space and experience.”

“I joined the Community Chorus last winter because my sister died in the fall. She had a beautiful, strong alto voice and sang in many choirs and choruses over the years. My other sister and I sang to her as she was preparing to leave the material world and, afterward, I had such a desire to start singing again. That was when I found UVMC’s Community Chorus. My sister is always with me, but never more than when I’m singing. Your composition music sums up how she felt about music and how I do, too.”

“The Community Chorus helps us to not just sing the right notes, but to really feel the music and ourselves in it. What a gift.”

“I love the Community Chorus. I love all the music, and I love singing with Annie and Will.”

“I very much appreciate the generous spirit of the Community Chorus. I find it empowering to be part of a group where support is encouraged for everyone, regardless of who you are, and not to be taken for granted.”

“The Community Chorus is such a special joy. It is such a lift in my life.”

“Please accept my sincere gratitude for all Annie and Will did during the year to make Community Chorus the wonderful success it is. The kindness, energy, skill, and encouragement to all have created a beautiful community of singers.”

“When Juneberry disbanded it was hard to believe we would be able to find another incredible choral director who had the ability to bring out the best in every singer…and then we found Annie (or Annie found us). She leads us with such joy, patience, and incredible skill. It is such a delight to be part of the amazing alchemy that is choral singing!”