MCMURTRIE RETURNS AS DIRECTOR OF MCC SINGERS

Madisonville, Ky. Founding director, Jim McMurtrie, will be returning as director of the Madisonville Community College (MCC) Singers for the 2015-2016 season. The choir began in 1998 as an outreach of the college and the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts. Under McMurtrie s leadership, the MCC Singers performed with esteemed musicians such as Jimmy Walker, the Raleigh Ringers, Boston Brass, and have had the honor of having an original composition, Earth Song, commissioned for them. The choir also performed at the September 18, 1999, inauguration of the Founding President of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Special gratitude is extended to Dr. Bill and Angela Thomas for their work with the choir over the past several years. Previous directors include Alice Chaney and MCC Professor of Music Dr. Sara Adams.

Glema Mahr Center for the Arts Director Brad Downall shared, Bill Thomas did a wonderful job leading the choir the last few years and we wish him well in his future endeavors. When I learned that Jim was returning to lead the choir once again, it made perfect sense.

When asked to return as director, McMurtrie stated, I am honored that I was invited to be the director of the Madisonville Community College Singers. President Judy Rhoads and the college administration want the MCC Singers to be an outreach arm for the college, thus becoming ambassadors through music. In talking with singers and musicians in the community, they are excited about being ambassadors for the college while having a fun and productive musical experience. McMurtrie is a member of the American Choral Directors Association.

Susan Heaton will be this season s accompanist. The first rehearsal will be Tuesday, September 2, from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the John H. Gray Building (1st floor across from the MCC Bookstore) located on MCC s North Campus (2000 College Drive, Madisonville).

Membership is open to all church choir members, high school choir members, and those who just like to sing and want a weekly musical experience. McMurtrie encourages everyone interested in participating in the 2015-2016 season to attend the September 2 rehearsal.

For additional information about the MCC Singers, call Jim McMurtrie at (270) 871-1477.