The Fairbanks Choral Society is a non-profit 501 C (3) educational
organization and has as its purposes the encouragement of choral music
in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, the annual sponsorship of
Fairbanks’ Sing-It-Yourself-Messiah, the presentation of music by women
composers, the creation and performance of new music by Alaskan and
other contemporary composers, and the research and publication of music
and articles related to Alaska’s musical history.
Handel’s Messiah in Fairbanks
The first Fairbanks Sing-It-Yourself-Messiah sponsored by the Fairbanks Choral Society took place on December 20, 1980, at the First Presbyterian Church. With the exception of 2003 when the church was under renovation, it has been held there each year since. Soloists for the first Sing-It-Yourself-Messiah were Yvonne Parks, Everna Worthen, Terry Atkins, Vivien Deiniger, Grady Paden, Harvey Fiskeaux, Frank Coder, and Tom Bascom. Since that time there have been more than 174 different soloists. It has been the intent of the Choral Society to present "new voices" to the community at this event. A number of soloists have been singing their first Messiah and/or their first solo. The 31st held in 2010 was no exception. View a PDF of the soloists.
North to the Future: Musical Reflections on Alaska's History
Our on-going web research project can be viewed at www.alaskamusic.net
A Pet is a Friend for Life
A
number of years ago the Fairbanks Choral Society had a logo designed
and a song written by Ann Kapp Andersen and Tamara Hann on the subject
"A Pet is a Friend for Life." As in previous years, Fairbanks Master
Gardeners and volunteers from the community will assist with the design
and upkeep of the flowers and young trees at the Fairbanks North Star
Borough Animal Shelter during the summer months.
© Tamara Hann, Text © Ann Kapp Andersen, Music
1.
I come home and hear a welcome bark. That says you're glad I'm here.
The most that you expect from me's a scratch behind the ear. I can read
the evening paper; I can catch the T.V. news; You never mind if I
decide to make a little snooze.
2.
I come home and see you curled in sleep; you look so peaceful there.
You blink one eye, then close it fast, pretending you don't care. As I
read the evening paper, you will jump into my lap. You softly purr to
welcome me, and then resume your nap. You're a friend when I'm lonely;
You can sooth an anxious heart. You are always glad to welcome me when
we have been apart. You're a faithful, true companion, and you comfort
me in strife. You're more than just an animal; you are my friend for
life.
3.
You must know a pet is more than just a dog or cat or bird; It is a
caring listener, when no one else has heard. Get a pet, and you'll
discover what we gladly recommend: Adopt a pet to tomorrow; it will be
a lifelong friend. You're so much more than an animal; you are my
friend for life.
acontrol@co.fairbanks.ak.us
Friends
The Tanana-Yukon Historical Society
P.O. Box 71336
Fairbanks, AK 99701-1336
Sponsors
City of Fairbanks Hotel and Motel Bed Tax
Donations by many private Fairbanksans who give graciously of their
time and money to make our activities possible.
Contact
Thank
you for your interest in the Fairbanks Choral Society. If you have any
additional questions or comments, we'd love to hear from you!
Dr. Suzanne Summerville, Executive Director
1815 Carr Avenue
Fairbanks, AK 99709-4208
ssummerville@gmail.com
TEL (907)
456-1144
Dr. Carol
Diehl,
President
Kathy Vaupel,
Secretary
Dr. Siri Tuttle, Academic Advisor 
