Whether you are already a contributor, have been a part of past audiences or are a potential future supporter, The Bagaduce Chorale wants to let you know that we are embarking on an exciting new beginning. In response to requests from many Chorale and audience members, we are planning to perform a series of works best presented with instrumental accompaniment including brass and/or string ensembles, and organ. We face additional challenges in this arena because of increased costs of organ transportation and rentals. With our own hard work, and with the support of professional instrumentalists, we will have the satisfaction of presenting these works to appreciative audience, coming as close to the full spectrum of composer intent as we may.

What does it take to make this happen? To bring the instrumentalists from as far as Bangor to Blue Hill - for one rehearsal and two performances - we we need $ 4,800, over and above our normal operating budget, to secure their services. This figure will allow us the best possible support for our choral efforts, as well as provide the rich textures of the pieces as they were intended by the artists who created them.

We also plan to expand our efforts to include an increased number of young singers, from the general public and from area high schools. With this kind of exciting programming, we will be able to attract the brightest young musicians.

Beyond the Chorale’s immediate need, we plan to establish an Endowment for the on-going support of this approach for years to come, assuring that the gift to us from the initiating work of Mary Cheyney Gould, now so competently and inspiringly carried along by Bronwyn Kortge, will be truly a gift that goes on giving. Future annual budgets, including new music, salaries and other fees are projected to be in the range of $ 23,000 to $ 25,000. Our membership fees, and proceeds from concerts, will cover only 60 % of that amount.

Accordingly, we have established a fund to accept donations for these two purposes. It is called “The Friends of the Bagaduce Chorale Fund”. We are asking you to make a tax-deductible financial commitment, large or small, to make this approach a reality on an on-going basis.

Please give our appeal your careful consideration and know that, when you do give or pledge, you will be helping not just to sustain, but to multiply the pleasures we all derive from the Chorale’s work. Send your check to our Treasurer, Kurt Stoll, PO Box 247, South Brooksville, ME 04617. You may stipulate whether you wish your gift to address short term expenses or the new endowment fund.

Thank you so much.

The Trustees:

Keith Hutchison (President); Richard Shute (Vice President); Paul McNulty (Secretary); Kurt Stoll (Treasurer); John Chapin; Gerry Freeman; Bronwyn Kortge (Director); Billie Lear; Sue Loomis; David Porter; Jennifer Ryan; Caroline Werth;
Marcia Chapman and Mary Cheney Gould (Founders)