Choose Marshall Chamber Welcomes the Marshall Choral Society as a New Chamber Member
The Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA)/Choose Marshall held a ribbon cutting to welcome and congratulate the Marshall Choral Society as a new chamber member.
Pictured First Row Left to Right: Patty Williams, Business Development Manager, Choose Marshall and MCS Board Member; Chamber Ambassador Dora Presecan, Spartan Podiatry; MCS Members, Candi Putnam, Barb Hefner, Shirley Knaack, and MCS Board Member Martha Dobbins; MAEDA Board Member Jack Reed, Sturgis Bank; MCS Board Member Mary Jo Byrne. Second Row Left to Right: MCS Members, David Benner, Nancy Binkowski, Kathy Needam Fitzpatrick, Morgan Seeman, Diane Troyer, Sue Muster, Nancy Southerland, Douglas Gilbertson, and MCS Board Member Jeff Karns.
The Marshall Choral Society (MCS) is a non-profit organization that brings together singers of all experience levels to perform a variety of choral music. The choir is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the Marshall community through choral music and welcomes singers of all experience levels and ages to perform a wide variety of repertoire throughout the year. The choir brings a wealth of talent and passion to Marshall’s vibrant artistic community.
MCS Board President Martha Dobbins stated, “The choral society firmly believes in the power of music to enrich lives, build community, and foster cultural exchange. Through our diverse repertoire and outreach initiative, we strive to serve the broader community of Marshall and beyond.” The newly formed choral society is under the direction of Dr. Larua Gilbertson, who has taught music in the Marshall Public Schools for 15 years. Choral member, Candi Putnam, commented, “We are so fortunate to have Gilbertson as our Artistic Director. She brings a top-notch level of professionalism and talent to our group and is our lifeblood.”
Marshall Choral Society’s first concert was held in December 2023 and received a standing ovation from a sold-out audience of over 300 people. The First Presbyterian Church of Marshall has generously made its facilities available to MCS to use for limited office space, rehearsals, and concerts. However, MCS is not affiliated with the First Presbyterian Church or any other organization. MCS plans to hold two major concerts a year, one in May and one in December. There is currently a core group of approximately 40 singers. New members are welcome to apply at any time, and youth are especially encouraged to join and grow their interest in choral music. Two-hour rehearsals are held weekly and begin about 12 weeks prior to each concert.
The Marshall Choral Society aims to expand its reach and collaborate with surrounding communities. Dobbins added, “We are delighted to join the Choose Marshall Chamber. Our inclusion in the chamber aligns with the chamber’s dedication of fostering partnerships that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. We are honored to become members and to contribute to the flourishing cultural landscape of Marshall. We feel the choir brings value to our community by providing performance opportunities and enriching lives through music.”
The Marshall Choral Society’s next concert, “Seasons of Love,” will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Marshall on Sunday, May 19th at 5:00pm. Tickets are $20 and available for purchase at the following Marshall locations: Hemmingsen Drug Store, New Story Community Books and Southern Michigan Bank & Trust. MCS is financially dependent on grants and donations from the public. It has already received generous support from Choose Marshall, Ford, Marshall Community Foundation, and the Marshall Rotary Foundations. To learn more, join, purchase tickets and/or donate visit marshallchoralsociety.com or call 269.781.5161.
The Choose Marshall Chamber serves as a catalyst for business growth and community development in the Marshall area with a focus on promoting economic vitality, advocating for local businesses, and fostering a supportive business environment. The Chamber offers a variety of programs and services to support its members, including networking events, grant funding and educational workshops. For more information about Choose Marshall Chamber services, call 269-781-5163 or visit choosemarshall.com.