Patricia Cole is the JT Community Chorus’ new director!
The Jefferson Arts Committee is pleased to announce that Patricia E. Cole of West Milford has accepted the position of Chorus Director for the Jefferson Township Community Chorus. Ms. Cole holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Montclair State University and just recently retired as a vocal music, classroom music, and theater arts teacher at Lincoln Park Middle School with 28 years of vocal music teaching experience.
In 1992, Ms. Cole was presented with the New Jersey Governor’s Teacher of the Year Award; and in 2000, she was presented with the Cardillo Award as Middle School Music Teacher of the Year.
For over seven years, Ms. Cole directed the Harmony Singers, a 50-voice community chorus in Wayne, NJ where she planned and prepared for two concerts each year from 1988 to 1995.
Her theatrical experience includes serving as musical director for the 4th Wall Musical Theatre, Inc. in Bloomfield, NJ from 1999 to 2002 for the productions of Godspell and Is There Life After High School? From 1980 to 1995, Ms. Cole held the dual positions of director/musical director for the Barn Theater in Montville, NJ for several of their musical productions including Side by Side by Sondheim, HMS Pinafore, and the Sound of Music.
The Jefferson Township Community Chorus was formed in February of 2001 by the Jefferson Arts Committee to provide an opportunity to individuals who love to sing, are looking for a venue to sing with others, enjoy the challenge of learning new musical arrangements, and want to entertain the public. This year, following a successful spring concert at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church and a performance at Jefferson Township Day XXII with interim director Margaret Brandell at the helm accompanied by Janet Breckenridge, the Chorus took a well-deserved summer hiatus.
However, they will resume rehearsals under the direction of Ms. Cole and Assistant Director/Accompanist Margaret Brandell preparing for their winter/Christmas concert in December. Their first rehearsal will be held in the Jefferson Township Middle School Music Room on Tuesday, September 9 from 7:30 to 9 pm and subsequent rehearsals will continue through November. The
Christmas concert is tentatively planned for December 7 at Our Lady Star of the Sea R.C. Church in Lake Hopatcong.
The Jefferson Arts Committee and its Community Chorus welcome Pat Cole, and all former members and any high school student through adult aged individuals interested in joining the chorus are welcome and encouraged to attend the first rehearsal or any subsequent rehearsal. No previous experience or audition is required to be a part of the Jefferson Township Community Chorus, and members need not be Jefferson Township residents to join. Annual dues apply.
Information about the Jefferson Arts Committee and the Community Chorus can be accessed by logging on to www.jeffersonarts.org or e-mailing at artscommittee@jeffersonarts.org