Chorus of East Providence Wows Seniors and Helps College Dreams Come True

The Chorus of East Providence lent a hand and a number of voices Tuesday to the summer program, a slate of events aimed at helping bring thoughtful programming to the larger community under the stewardship of . The free event was held at the and featured a range of songs from both Disney films and Broadway productions.

The non-audition group (open to all who wish to explore their love of singing) performed before a crowd of 175 people inside the senior center's main hall. According to the group's president, Maureen Conroy, the event and partnership with the library was exactly what the chorus was looking for in an effort to spread the word about what it does.

"So many people don't know that East Providence has a chorus," said Conroy, who is also a founding member of the group. "I think that by being part of the library's lineup, if you will, it helps bring what we love to do to a wider audience."

The chorus is a non-profit organization that has many concerts throughout the year. Presently, they are preparing for their holiday show, which will be performed during the first weekend in December.

After the concert ended, local Barbara Thurston remained seated in the front row, glowing from the experience of watching the chorus perform.

"It's always great to hear songs that mean something to you, and it's even better to hear them sung by people you know," Thurston said, referencing her friendships with several of the performers. "They played a lot of songs that I remember. Having sang in choruses myself, I think they did a wonderful job."

As if great music sung by local talent was not uplifting enough, the evening took on an inspirational tone when recent graduate Victoria Giroux was awarded a $2,000 college scholarship. Giroux was presented with the scholarship by the chorus earlier in the night on behalf of a scholarship organization.

The venue in which Giroux received her scholarship was more than appropriate, as she plans to double major in music performance and accounting at the University of Rhode Island this fall.

"In high school, I would always take whatever music class I could get my hands on," Giroux said. "I'm really excited to be continuing with music in college, and this money will help me do so."

Giroux plans to commute to college and says that the $2,000 scholarship has made the difference in her ability to pursue a college education.

"If it wasn't for this, I wouldn't have been able to afford to go," she said. "I am beyond grateful. There are no words."

The spirit of new beginnings was not only found in the young person realizing their collegiate dream, but also in those who realized their dreams later in life. Choir member Andy Duehring joined the group three years ago when he was 74 years old. A now retired reporter with the Providence Journal, Duehring says his participation in the chorus has made a big difference in his life.

"This has just been fantastic," Deuhring said, who sings bass. "I'm very glad I did this."

Though his involvement with the Chorus of East Providence marks his first venture into group singing, Deuhring is no stranger to the craft itself. He was a soloist for many years, but says he enjoys the challenges that come with singing in an ensemble.

"I was known as a crooner, long ago," he said, laughing. "It's harder to sing in a choral group, though. As a soloist, you can go where your heart wants you to. Meeting all of the harmonies is demanding, but it's worth it."

For more information on the Chorus of East Providence, visit their website.