Madrigal reunion part of this year’s PJC Homecoming
Published or Revised November 06, 2006
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Some of the committee members helping plan the Madrigal Reunion are, from the left, Patricia Fowzer, Ray Karrer, Patsy Elliott and Ken Cannon.
One of the highlights of the upcoming Paris Junior College homecoming this year will be a reunion of the members of the Madrigal Singers that were so popular under the direction of the late Charles Stephens.
All members of the Madrigals are being sought to come together for a magical evening of reminiscing with the Stephens family members, wife Carolyn, son Kurt, and daughter Amy. There are big plans for reprising some of the favorite music of the group, and time has been set aside for visiting as well as a buffet supper.
This exciting event begins on Friday evening, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. in the Henry P. Mayer Music Building. In fact, these still very talented singers will have opportunities to perform during the homecoming festivities.
First, they will sing a patriotic selection at the annual college patriotic observance for Veteran's Day on Saturday morning, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. in front of the student center. Later that day, they will perform their chosen two favorite selections from Stephen's era and sing these at the noon awards luncheon in the PJC Ballroom. The current vocal director at the college, Patricia Fowzer, will direct both of these performances.
Along with making music and renewing friendships, the members plan to honor Charles Stephens with the establishment of an endowed scholarship in his name. They hope to raise $5,000 to make this scholarship a reality.
Because so many people in the area benefited from hearing the beautiful music created by the PJC madrigals, these former members are encouraging community members to make donations as well to this worthy remembrance.
They hope that many will consider being a part of helping future students participate in a music program that Charles was so instrumental in building and a music program that still thrives today in bringing wonderful music to many different area venues.
If you would like to make a donation or if you know of a former madrigal that might need information about this event, please contact jrobertson@parisjc.edu, or call Johnye Robertson or Jenna Ormsbee at 903.737.4320. Additional contact persons include the reunion committee members Ken Cannon, Patsy Elliot, Paul Denney, Ray Karrer, Carolyn Karrer, and Dr. Gary Ballard.
