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The Towne Singers present 'Hear America Sing!'


CHAMBERSBURG - The Towne Singers of Chambersburg will pay tribute to Memorial Day with “Hear America Sing!” a concert featuring the music of America over the past century, at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 28, at the Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St., Chambersburg.

The choir will begin the evening with one of America’s earliest composers, William Billings, and his setting of the “Lord’s Prayer.”  Traveling through the decades, the music of Stephen Foster, Irving Berlin and George Gershwin, among others, will be performed.  Also included are a few spirituals and gospel songs, an important strand in the fabric of American music, as well as  patriotic songs and jazz tunes from the '20s, '30s, and '40s.

The Cumberland Valley School of Music Jazz Quartet will be the guest artists for the evening. Playing both as a solo group and joining with the singers, they will contribute instrumental renditions of some favorites from the past. The quartet includes Andrew Sussman, piano; Tim Gotwald, saxophone, Herman Hopple, bass; and Sam Hepfer, drums.

Since their first concert in 1970, The Towne Singers have been providing quality musical programs in south-central Pennsylvania. Founded by Jane and Chuck Butler, the group began as an ensemble of eight singers. Over the last five decades the group has grown to the current ensemble of 30 members. The singers are a diverse group of individuals representing a variety of ages and professions who share a love of music. The training and experience is strongly reflected in the wide variety of musical styles presented in performance.  The desire for professional growth, fellowship, community service and the joy of making good music define the spirit of The Towne Singers.

The Towne Singers are conducted by Dr. Blaine Shover and accompanied by Valerie Merriman. Shover is on the music faculty at Shippensburg University where he served as director of the SU Concert Choir and Madrigal Singers for morethan 40 years and continues in his role as artistic director for the Summer Symphony Series at the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center. Merriman is a member of the piano faculty at the Cumberland Valley School of Music where she has taught for 24 years. She is well known in the area as an accompanist and for her work with various theater groups.

Tickets prices for the concert are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under and may be purchased by calling the Capitol Theatre Box Office at 717-263-0202