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This was yet another outstanding concert among what seems to be an infinite series of outstanding concerts. It was utterly eclectic, with the broadest possible range of style, including traditional ballads, the era of World War II, the protest songs of the 70’s, the mellow sounds of the 50’s, the spiritual, the aesthetic, and the country western. There was even a medley of television theme songs arranged by our own Terry Shaw. There were few that weren’t instantly recognized, and drew either cheers or moans.
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Amid all this were two of the most extraordinary and striking numbers ever performed by OCS, or indeed any other choral ensemble in the region. The first was Me and Bobby McGee -dynamic music performed by Shannon Rowan. The audience was absolutely awestruck. Rarely in a choral concert does a soloist receive a standing ovation. Shannon did, and no one was more deserving. The second was a very long, convoluted saga entitled American Pie. Soloists were Suzanne Grimm, Shannon Rowan, and Garn Turner. The further they got into it, the more excited the audience became, which people actually dancing in the aisles.
The entire concert left the audience on their feet shouting for more. They eventually left the auditorium, albeit reluctantly, with a charge of electricity that only the finest traditions of American music can produce.
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THE ENTIRE PROGRAM
Chester
William Billings
Dixie
Arr. Norman Luboff
Shenandoah
Arr. Robert Millett
Amazing Grace
Arr. Jack Schrader
Elijah Rock
Arr. Moses Hogan
Scene from the Ballad of Baby Doe
Douglas Moore
Route 66
Bobby Troupe
Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy
Don Raye and Hughie Prince
God Bless the Child
Arthur Herzog and Billie Holliday
What a Wonderful World
G. D. Weiss and B. Thiele
On a Clear Day
Jerome Kern
Clap Yo’ Hands
George Gershwin
God Bless America
Irving Berlin
Stomp Your Foot
Aaron Copeland
Choose Something Like a Star
Randall Thompson
Doo-Wop Medley
Arr. Robert Emerson
Crazy
Willie Nelson
Blowin’ in the Wind
Bob Dylan
Me and Bobby McGee
Kris Kristofferson
Lonesome Road
James Taylor
A Salute to TV
Arr. Terrance R.B. Shaw
Out of Sync
Anonymous
American Pie
Don McLean
Battle Hymn of the Republic
Arr. Peter J. Wilhousky
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