HISTORY OF the ALAMANCE CHORALE

The roots of Alamance Chorale began in 1974 when a group of area singers were brought together to present quality sacred and secular music to the community.

The founder and first director was Elizabeth Wood, then music director for the Bethany Presbyterian Church. From 1975 – 1978, under the direction of Dr. Walter Westafer of Elon College, the first officers were elected, by-laws established, and the name was changed from The Alamance Choral Society to The Alamance Chorale. Since its inception, the Chorale has grown in number and in community recognition. The group is performing our 50th consecutive season, presenting 2 or 3 major concerts a year. The group specializes in sacred and classical music, but also sings selections from Broadway musicals, choruses from famous operas, traditional folk songs, madrigals, and much more. Participants are not required to audition. Currently there are approximately 70 singers in the Chorale. The artistic director is Arleen Widerman, a life-long Burlington native who has been involved in the musical life of the community for years. Our accompanist is Nancy McMillan. Members of the chorale have participated in concerts at Lincoln Center in 2015, Carnegie Hall in 2018 and Southwark Cathedral, London in 2023.

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Arleen Widerman (arleenwiderman@gmail.com) is a life-long Burlington native and has been involved in the musical life of the community for most of her life. She received her bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Elon College (now University) and her master’s in Vocal Pedagogy and Music Education from UNC-Greensboro. She retired in 2017 from the Alamance Burlington School System after working for more than 30 years in elementary and high school music education. She has also worked as Minister of Music, first at Hocutt Memorial Baptist Church as a student and then at First Reformed United Church of Christ.

Arleen’s first experience with Alamance Chorale was in 1975 as a college student, and she has been singing with the group since that time when family and work duties allowed. She is enjoying her eighth season with the chorale as Artistic Director.
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Pat Kincheloe is the accompanist for the Chorale this spring. She has enjoyed singing as an alto in the Chorale for several years. She also served as assistant accompanist in fall 2024. Pat is originally from Illinois, where she began accompanying for her church and high school choir. She also loves to play for theater musicals, soloists, and other choral groups. She majored in music at Wheaton College and moved to NC in 1983. She is currently the pianist at her church, Grace Bible Fellowship, and the bookkeeper at Signature Flooring in Mebane.

Email: alamancechorale1974@gmail.com