Kearsarge Chorale presents An American Songbag: A Celebration of Our Folksong Heritage on Sunday, November 16, at 3 PM in the Sawyer Center Theater at the Sawyer Fine and Performing Arts Center at Colby-Sawyer College. The 60-singer ensemble, accompanied by a brass quintet and pianist, will perform choral and instrumental folk music by America composers including Daniel Kallman, William Dawson, Gwyneth Walker, and Aaron Copeland. Concert seating is by general admission, with a suggested donation of $10.

An American Songbag is the first performance by the Kearsarge Chorale since an autonomous agreement was signed last spring between Colby-Sawyer and the Chorale. Created to enhance the college’s music curriculum and provide a permanent performance venue for the Chorale, the agreement has expanded opportunities for student musicians and for area residents. Under the terms of the agreement, Colby-Sawyer students are eligible to audition for membership in the Chorale and receive academic credit and recognition as Kearsarge Chorale Honors Vocalists.

Founded in 2009, the non-profit Chorale is comprised of volunteer regional musicians performing under the artistic direction of David L. Almond. Almond has extensive experience as a teacher, lecturer, baritone soloist, accompanist, conductor, and composer. He is an associate of the American Guild of Organists, and he is Worship Music Committee Resource Person for the New Hampshire Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. Through his role as the Chorale’s artistic director, Almond also serves as adjunct professor at the college.

Colby-Sawyer students, faculty, staff, and the local community are invited to audition by appointment beginning on Monday, January 19, 2015. Accepted singers will perform at the ensemble’s April 26, 2015 concert Songs of Spring. To schedule an interview or for more information about the Kearsarge Chorale, contact Director Almond at David.Almond@Colby-Sawyer.edu or 526-3787.